Best Places to Visit in Rhode Island- Beautiful places await
Rhode Island may be small, but it has some amazing historical sites and beautiful scenery.
Founded in1636 by Roger Williams, an American religious exile from Massachusetts, the state of Rhode Island was the first colony to renouncetheirallegiance to the British crown.
It was the last of the states to ratify the United States Constitution.
Rhode Island’ s name is “The Ocean State,” which is fitting because it has thousands of miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, every inch of which is filled with breathtaking beauty.
Newport is one of the most popular destinations in Rhode Island, but there are many other interesting places to see in the state.
And, guess what?
We’re going to help you enjoy a rocking trip by highlighting some of the best places to go in Rhode Island.
Best place to visit in Rhode island
Beavertail Lighthouse
For more than 150 years, the Beavertail Lighthouses stand ready at the mouth of Rhode Island Sound to guide ships and boats navigating through the sound.
The Lighthouses were first built in 1856, but they’ve had warning lights here for centuries. The local tribe used fire to warn ships away from the rocks.
Beavertail Point Ledge LIGHTHOUSLY is the third tallest point in Rhode Island and is one of its most famous landmarks. It has an automated foghorn that sounds every thirty seconds when there’ s foggy weather.
Marble House
We should all be lucky enough to have husbands who give us $11 million “cabins” on our 30th birthdays.
Yet that’d be what Kenneth Vanderbilt, grandson to Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, would do. He built his own mansion inspired by the Petit Trianons at Versailles.
It was built between 1888 and 1892 using 500,000 cubic feet (about 14,500 m³) of marble at a total construction price of $7 million.
The Marble House was the first step towards transforming Newport from a quiet town into a playground full of grandiose summer houses for the rich.
Soon after its construction, the mansion became a landmark in Newport social circles.
Narragansett Beaches
Narragansett is one of the most popular vacation spots in Rhode Island because it has four of the best beach locations in the state.
One of the most interesting beaches in the world is the Salty Brine beach, which was named after a local radio host.
During the Revolutionary War, British warships anchored off Cape Cod Bay. Today, people enjoy watching fishing vessels come and go from Scarborough State Park. It’s the best salt water shore in southern New England.
Roger Wheeler State Beach offers wheelchair accessible ramps, while Town Beach is centrally located.
It’s a chance to try scuba diving and for that you are going to need the best diving fins whether if you’re gonna swim in cold or warm water you can find the right one for you to enjoy your experience to the fullest.
Mohegan Bluffs
If you go to Mohegan Bluffs in Connecticut during the summertime, you’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and you’ll also get to view Montauk on Long island, New York.
There are 140 steps from the ocean to the top of the cliffs; enjoy each step as you go down them.
You don’t have to be afraid of falling off the cliffs if you use these methods. At least you won’t have to fear being thrown over them like the Mohegans did when they were attacked by another tribe in 1593.
Colt State Park
You’ll see some stunningly beautiful sights from Colt Park, which is one of the gems of the Rhode Island Department of Parks and Recreation. It faces Narragansett Bay so definitely take a walk along the shoreline.
You can either bike along the shoreline for 4 miles or ride through the park on four mile of bike trails where you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful scenery.
The park is near Bath, home to a spectacular 3rd of June firework show since 1785. Take a moment to think about life at the outdoor Chapel-by-the-Sea. The park is named for industrialist Samuel P. Colton and was originally the site of his country estate.
The Elms
The Elms was another one of those extravagant Newport mansions built by the Berwinds in 1898. However, it may not have been as lavish as some of the others because it only cost $1,400,000 to construct.
While the interiors remained lavish, the focus was on the Classical Revival gardens with statues, marble and bronze sculpture on terraces, marble and bronze pavilons, a sunken garden, and fountains.
The gardens were created seven year ago; construction began six year after the house was completed. Today, the Elms is open to visitors.
Providence
Rhode Island’ s capital and largest town, Providence, is one among the oldest towns in the United States. Founded in 1636 by religious exiles Roger Williams, it was originally called God’s mercy. Providence is a beautiful town located at the head of Narraguagus Bay.
The Providence River flows through town, so take some time to relax at Waterfront Park or Riverwalk, where you can enjoy coffee and doughnuts. Providence has the highest per capita number of coffee/doughnuts shops in the United States!
Go to the oldest Baptist church in the United States that was established by Roger Williams. It’s located in Providence, Rhode Island, which is also home to the Big Blue Bug, a giant insect made out of blue concrete.
Old Harbor
Located on the east coast of Block Island, Old Harbor is just a scenic ferry trip away from the rest of Rhode Island.
With its picturesque harbor, filled with yachts, boats, and sailboats, Old Harbor is one of the region’s premier sailing locations.
It’s an island, so there are plenty of things to see and do. You’ll find lots of restaurants, shops, and charming inns where you can stay while you visit.
New Shoreham is considered among the most beautiful towns in New England.
Newport Cliff Walk
Walking the Cliff Walk on the east coast of Newport offers both beautiful views of the ocean and the mansions of Newport Beach.
Cliff Walk is New Hampshire’s first national recreation trail. It runs for three to one mile along the shore.
The northern part of the trail is considered easier hiking, while the southern part is a rocky path, so you’re going to need to pay attention to your footing. Still, Cliff Walk at Newport Beach is one of the city’s major attractions.
The Breakers
The Breakers is yet another summer home built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, this time by his son William Henry Vanderbilt II. Unlike most Newport cottages, which are usually called “cottages,” this house is anything but. It consists of 70 rooms across five stories.
The Breakers is located on the oceanfront, surrounded by fences on the other three directions. It is consistently one among the most popular house museum in the U.S.
Because a previous building, built by Pierre Lorillard IV on the site, burnt down, he insisted that his new building be fireproof, so they used steel trusses for structural supports. When it was finished in 1895, it was considered the grandest building in Newport.
Bristol
Bristol has plenty to offer both on the ground and at sea. It’s a great place for foodies, with many wonderful restaurants and a lovely seafront.
If you enjoy windsurfing or kayaking in the sheltered harbor, you’ll also find beautiful historic buildings and a number of fine art museums, including the “crown jewels” of the historic downtown waterfront district.
Mount Hope Farm has the 1745 Governor Bradford house, a year-round farmer’s markets, and 127 acres of protected open space and hiking trail.
Bristol is also known for hosting the Bristol Oyster Festival and the British Motorcar Festival. It has an old and prestigious Fourth of July parade.
Westerly
A charming seaside town on the western coast of Massachusetts, Westerly is a picturesque coastal community surrounded by the Pawcatuck river and Connecticut.
It’ s one of the most popular destination spots in the region due to its sweeping, sandy beachfronts, scenic parklands, boating options, the chance to enjoy campgrounds, fishing, golfing,surfing, swimming and more.
During the summer, its population almost doubles, attracting thousands of tourists who come here to enjoy the warm weather. Westerley is also home to a bustling town centre full of restaurants, cafes, bars and more.
With Mystic, Connecticut just a few miles away, you can also visit the Mystic Aquarium to see sharks get feed, catch a live seal show, and get up close to New England’s only beluga whales.
Block Island
Just over 10 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island lies the island of Block Island, which has only one town, called New Shorougham. It’s certainly worth visiting!
Rent a bike or a jeep and take a trip through the town, including the beautiful beach in Ballard’s Beach, where you can enjoy frozen drinks delivered right to you.
Since the beach is arguably the most popular attraction, but since the entire city is free of chain stores, it’s ideal for local browsing with over 50 boutiques and specialty shops as well as numerous art galleries.
There are plenty of things to do aside from surfing, including hiking, biking, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, bird watching, horseback rides, and walking. You can hike all, or some, part of the 25-mile trails enjoying spectacular ocean vistas.
If you’re hungry you’ll find restaurants serving anything from great local cuisines to five star meals.
Jamestown
Located on Conanicut Island, this small town has plenty of shopping, eating, and recreational opportunities.
An amazing place to visit, you’ll find everything from scenic hiking paths to haunted military fortresses and an active lighthouse, plus an interesting historical past.
The first Europeans arrived in North America in the late 1400s. They settled in the region known today as New England. Over time, they became the sole inhabitants of the region until the mid-1600’s when English settlers began arriving from Europe.
During the Revolutionary War, Fort McHenry served as a strategic defensive position for Baltimore. Today, visitors come to enjoy boating, swimming, and kayaking at Fort McHenry.
Cumberland
The historic town of Cumberland is located in the far northeast corner of Providence County and was first settled in 1635. It has several distinct historic districts to explore, including one called the Historic District. You could begin your visit there by visiting the historic Metcalf House.
Franklin Farm, which has over 65 acres of land, is located near a town called Franklin. A century Greek revival farm house and an early nineteenth-century timber framed building.
A stroll or drive through some of the historic districts showcasing dozens of homes and buildings dating back to the early and mid 1800s.
Hiking lovers can visit the Blackstone Valley Rail Trail for hiking along the 12 mile Blackstone River Bike Path or they can hike 13 miles up the Warner Trail.
Johnston
The small Rhode Island community of Johnson is 11 miles west of Providence and could serve as a good base for travelers looking to explore the greater Providence region.
If you’re looking for some fun things to do near Johnson, there are plenty of options available, including Neutraconkanut Hill Conservancy, where you can hike and watch birds and animals, and Wolf Hill Preserve, where you can hike through woods and fields.
If you’re looking for some culture, Providence offers plenty of options. You can visit Roger Williams Park, where you’ll find the Roger Williams Park Zoo; the Museum of Natural History; the Planetarium; the Botanical Center; Carousel Village; and the Casino.
Frequently asked questions about Rhode Island
When is the Best Time to Visit Rhode Island?
To get the most out of visiting Rhode Island during the summer and autumn months, it’s probably best to visit when the weather isn’t too hot or cold.
What areas should I avoid in Providence, Rhode Island as a tourist?
There’s are not too many area to avoid, but you do want to stay where you may be comfortable and that I can tell you will be based on what type of food you like. If your someone who enjoys a little night life mixed in with food, you can head over to the jewelry district, or by waterplace park.Everyone will say to stay away from South Providence and that’s unfortunate because there is a large amount of culture and wonderful food people avoid based on a bad rap.
What is Rhode Island is famous for?
Rhode Island is famous for its silver ware and fine jewelry. The largest bug in New England is on the roof of the New England Pest Control Company in Providence.
Is it better to stay in Providence or Newport?
Newport has a much greater “wow” factor than Providence. It offers a lot of beautiful scenery, including cliffs, mansions, and the Rhode Island coastline. Providence offers some nice historic sites, a fun and compact downtown, and some excellent dining options. I would choose one place to stay and visit the other as day trips.
Why should I go to Rhode Island?
Take to the Open Rhody this fall and go to the Ocean State! The state of Rhode Island is 400 mile of New England coast, dripping with beaches and oceanfront towns. It’s also public art, swankier mansions, quaint villages, and flowing rivers. It’s local farmers, local beers, scenic hiking paths, and walkable cities; it’s everything New England without being too cold.
Is Rhode Island Expensive?
Rhode Island has a cost of livingscore of 117.2, which makes it the 9th most expensive state in the US. Housing prices are 21 percent higher than the national averages, with a typical single–familuy dwelling costing $372,819. The monthly rent for a 2-bed apartment in Rhode Island is approximately $1,043.
Is the Cliff Walk difficult?
It’s fairly easy to walk the Cliff Walk, but there are some sections where you may need to take care. There are a few steps and tunnels as well, so if you’re not steady on your legs, you might want to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Can you swim in Rhode Island beaches?
Rhode Island also has several freshwater lakes, one of which is called Watchaug Beach. It’s a popular spot for people who enjoy long-distances swimming. Another popular place is Peck Pond, which is a 13-acres fresh water swimming pool. And there’s another lake called Spring Lake, which is a large body of water that’s perfect for families looking for fun activities.
How long does it take to tour the Newport Mansions?
On average, visitors spend approximately 45 minutes touring each mansion. We recommend giving yourself at least an hour per mansion, so you can take your time exploring the grounds and visiting the stores.
