While it may be the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island delivers an incredible mix of coastal scenery, historic landmarks, charming towns, gorgeous cities, and over 400 miles of shoreline to explore. From iconic coastal destinations to lesser-known gems, there’s far more to see here than most people expect.
I’ve been exploring Rhode Island for more than 20 years, and it all started with a getaway to Block Island to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and I’ve been coming back to visit the rest of the state, in every season, ever since. In this post, I’m sharing my top recommendations on the best places to visit in Rhode Island to help you decide exactly where to go based on your travel style. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, want to explore an off-the-beaten-path destination, visit an island, or experience one of the lively cities, I’ve got it covered here.
Ready to start planning your trip to Rhode Island? Let’s get started!
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Best Places To Visit In Rhode Island
In no particular order, these are the top places I recommend seeing in Rhode Island.
1. Block Island
I will always have a special place in my heart for Block Island, as it was the first place in the Ocean State that I visited – and it’s where my love for Rhode Island began.
Sitting just 13 miles off the coast, this special little island isn’t very big at only 10 square miles, but it’s home to stunning beaches, towering coastal bluffs, a quaint downtown, nature trails, and gorgeous scenery. I always describe it as feeling miles away, even though it’s not, and you can definitely feel time slowing down once you arrive.
A unique feature of the island, too, is that all the beaches are free to visit and park at, which is rare in New England. So once you arrive, you won’t have to worry about factoring beach parking or admission into your budget.
Top Things To Do On Block Island:
→ Mohegan Bluffs overlook and beach
→ North Light and Southeast Lighthouse
→ Old Harbor, the island’s main town area
→ Clay Head Preserve
→ The many beaches, with the Crescent Beach stretch and Mansion Beach being my favorites
Best Places to Stay On Block Island:
✓ The 1661 Resort: My overall best pick
✓ The Atlantic: Cozy New England vibes
✓ Old Town Inn: Best budget option
Psst! I have a detailed guide on taking a Block Island day trip, if you need help with your itinerary 😉
2. Newport
Undoubtedly the most popular destination in Rhode Island is Newport, and there are plenty of reasons for that. Some may say it’s overhyped, but I truly love it. Between the opulent Gilded Age mansions, beautiful waterfront downtown, historic houses, incredible restaurant scene, and lovely beaches just a short drive away, it offers so much to its visitors.
Newport is also a very walkable destination, and often feels more like a small coastal town than a city. For this reason, it makes for a wonderful day trip, and an awesome weekend getaway – both equally as worthwhile.
One stand-out about the city, too, is its dining scene. There are some truly incredible places to eat in Newport, including the White Horse Tavern, which is the oldest tavern in the U.S.
Newport also has its own beaches, but just short drive to Middletown offers you beautiful, classic New England beaches with long stretches of sandy shoreline to explore. Top it off with the Cliff Walk for a memorable coastal trail along the ocean, and you’ll probably find yourself falling in love with Newport as much as I have.
Best Things To Do In Newport
→ The Cliff Walk, which is my favorite thing to do when visiting. I do it every time I’m there.
→ Tour the mansions, and if you have to pick one, see The Breakers.
→ Explore the downtown area, near Bowen’s Wharf, Banniser’s Wharf, and Thames Street.
→ Tour the harbor on a sailboat.
→ See Newport’s two lighthouses: Goat Island & Castle Hill.
→ End your day with drinks and nibbles on the Lawn at Castle Hill Inn.
Best Places To Stay In Newport
✓ Castle Hill Inn: Most luxury experience
✓ Chart House Inn: Best cozy, historic inn with a boutique feel
✓ Serenity Inn: Best budget option
Psst! I have more guides you may find helpful, including my Newport, RI day trip itinerary, and things to do in Newport, RI in the winter.
3. Bristol
One of my absolute favorite gems in Rhode Island is Bristol, and so many people overlook it when visiting. Located just 35 minutes north of Newport, this charming, historic town sits right on the water, and has so many fun and varied things to do – everything from historic estates and a cute downtown, to a scenic bike path and lovely parks.
Stroll along Hope Street, lined with colorful historic homes and unique shops, explore the waterfront at Colt State Park, and experience the small-town atmosphere that feels relaxed and welcoming. If you visit in early July, you’ll also find the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the country, a tradition that gives Bristol its especially patriotic spirit.
For those looking for a smaller and less crowded version of Newport, that’s exactly how I’d describe Bristol. It’s simply lovely, and I make a point to visit whenever I’m nearby.
Best Things To Do In Bristol
→ Colt State Park for walking and biking paths along the water.
→ Blithewold Manor’s Gardens & Arboretum for a perfect mix of history and stunning grounds.
→ The East Bay Bike Path, which is the southern starting point of this 14-mile path that goes all the way to Providence.
→ Visit the cute shops downtown.
→ Grab lunch or a coffee at the Beehive, which has a nice upper deck with seating.
→ Explore the Coggeshall Farm Museum.
Best Places To Stay In Bristol
✓ William’s Grant Inn: Best overall pick
✓ Mount Hope Farm: Best option for a unique farm stay
4. Tiverton & Little Compton
Tiverton is one of those places in Rhode Island that you visit once, and then you can’t stop coming back. I may say that about every place in the state, though, but it’s especially true for Tiverton.
Located about 30 minutes from Newport, this small rural seacoast town is loaded with picturesque charm. Mostly known for its Four Corners, which is a historic shopping destination with independent retailers, local artisans, and eateries, it’s also home to some nature reserves, an adorable flower stand, and beaches.
Driving through Tiverton, you’ll be surrounded by rolling hills, local farms, and you’re never too far from the ocean when exploring.
I’ve also included Little Compton in this section because it’s just minutes from Tiverton, and also such a beautiful place to visit. While in Tiverton, I highly recommend popping over to Little Compton to check out the beaches and scenery. In fact, there are no hotels in Tiverton, so the closest hotel option is in Little Compton. Staying at the hotel here will allow you to walk to the harbor and beach, giving you access to these areas you can’t really see as a regular tourist driving through.
Best Things To Do In Tiverton
→ Shop and dine at the Four Corners, being sure not to skip the gorgeous Groundswell Café and shops.
→ Grab a coffee overlooking the water at Coastal Roasterss.
→ Explore the nature trails at the Audubon Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge.
→ Pick up a fresh flower bouquet from Little State Flower Co.
→ Drive to Goosewing Beach Preserve in Little Compton
Psst! I have a detail post on the best things to do in Tiverton, RI, if you need more tips and ideas 😉
Best Place To Stay Near Tiverton
✓ Stone House Inn: The best place to stay near Tiverton, located in Little Compton
5. Westerly
One of my favorite beach getaway spots in Rhode Island is Westerly. Between the lovely downtown area, stunning beaches, and the quaint and picturesque village of Watch Hill, it’s really hard to beat.
Westerly is home to about 7 miles of sandy beaches to enjoy, making it an ideal destination to visit in the summer during swimming season, and a top coastal destination in New England. One of the most popular beaches in town is Misquamicut State Park, which is also one of my favorites in the entire state. Along the stretch of coastline here, you’ll also find some really fun beach bars, which are awesome spots to visit for lunch or dinner overlooking the water.
The stunning village of Watch Hill is a part of Westerly, and is such a beautiful spot to experience. It’s home to a Main Street lined with cute boutiques, bakeries, and eateries, stunning coastline near Napatree Point Conservation Area, Watch Hill Lighthouse, a vintage carousel, and the iconic Ocean House resort.
In general, Westerly offers a great mix of beaches and downtown vibes that make it such a worthy and exciting destination to visit.
Best Things To Do In Westerly
→ Visit the beaches, with Misquamicut and Napatree Point being my favorites.
→ Visit a beach bar during your beach day, or to simply dine with ocean views.
→ Stroll downtown Westerly.
→ Visit the very cool Grey Sail Brewing to sip local beer.
→ Head over to Watch Hill to enjoy the village, and get lunch at the Ocean House Resort.
Best Places To Stay In Westerly
✓ Hotel Maria: Best overall option, and it’s right on the beach
✓ The Ocean House: Best luxury resort right on the beach in Watch Hill
Psst! I have a guide on the best things to do in Westerly, RI, if you want more ideas 😉
6. Providence
Providence is easily one of the best places to visit in Rhode Island thanks to its arts scene, nationally-recognized dining, and creative energy packed into a very walkable downtown – making it so easy to soak up city vibes while not feeling overwhelmed.
Providence’s underrated theater scene is a big reason to visit, and is anchored by the Providence Performing Arts Center, which hosts Broadway tours and major performances. Additionally, one of the city’s most iconic experiences is WaterFire, where dozens of bonfires are lit along the river in downtown, creating a very cool atmosphere with music, perfect for evening strolls and entertainment along the water.
For a quick break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Roger Williams Park is one of the best places to see during your visit, offering a very fun zoo, gardens, swan boats, and so much more. You can also hop on the East Bay Bike Path that I mentioned earlier in the Bristol section, and ride it all the way there and back.
Lastly, there’s no denying that Providence is a culinary powerhouse, long-known for its independent restaurant scene and chef-driven concepts. Landmark restaurants like Al Forno helped put the city on the national food map, and Federal Hill remains a go-to for classic Italian dining. Award-winning chefs, innovative farm-to-table spots, and standout bakeries give it an energy that feels far bigger than its size – and it’s so perfect if you’re looking for a foodie getaway.
Best Things To Do In Providence
→ Attend one of the famous WaterFire events.
→ Plan an afternoon at Roger Williams Park.
→ Book a table at one of the memorable and notable restaurants.
→ Get theater tickets for a show.
→ Visit the city’s shops, with Westminster Street and The Arcade being stand-outs.
→ Pick up the East Bay Bike Path from India Point Park, and ride it to Bristol.
Best Places To Stay In Providence
✓ The Beatrice: Best upscale option
✓ Graduate By Hilton Providence: Best boutique feel, despite it being a Hilton (check it out to see for yourself 😉). I love the Graduate properties.
✓ Christopher Dodge House: Best budget option with a cozy New England vibe.
7. Narragansett
Definitely one of the best beach towns in Rhode Island, Narragansett is known for having multiple beaches to explore, a cute downtown area, and a laid-back coastal vibe. It’s also a bit more affordable than Westerly, making is a great option for so many people looking to plan an easy beach vacation in the summer months.
Narragansett has at least five beaches that are open to the public, and is also home to Point Judith Lighthouse and harbor, fun nature walks, great restaurants, and is also a fantastic destination for surfers. Town Beach, located in the heart of Narragansett’s town center, is a popular surf spot and scenic coastal area. Anchored by the iconic Towers building and ocean scenery, it’s easy to soak up the vibes right from downtown.
Heading further into Point Judith, a village in the town of Narragansett, you’ll find the ferries to Block Island here, as well as cool beachside bars and such, plus the beautiful Point Judith Lighthouse.
Ticking a lot of boxes for both family vacations and couple getaways, it’s just a destination that appeals to so many while remaining a classic New England beach town.
Best Things To Do In Narragansett
→ Explore the many beaches, with Scarborough State Beach being my favorite in town.
→ Enjoy a coastal walk on the Black Point trail.
→ Stroll through downtown, which is home to a few cute shops and restaurants, and The Towers.
→ Get an incredible lobster roll at Monahan’s or Iggy’s (get the clam cakes at Iggy’s too 😉).
→ Drive out to Point Judith Lighthouse.
→ Grab lunch or drinks at one of the Point Judith beach bars.
→ Watch the surfers at Town Beach, and then enjoy the walk along Ocean Road.
Best Places To Stay In Narragansett
✓ The Break Hotel: Best overall pick
✓ The Anchor Motel: Best budget option on the beach
Honorable Mentions
It was hard to narrow down just 7 places in Rhode Island that you should visit, so some very worthy additions would be:
→ Wickford
→ Charlestown for beaches
→ Jamestown
→ Portsmouth
→ Matunuck (Oyster bar, farm, and restaurant, plus the beach)
Best Time To Visit Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a fantastic state to visit year-round, and has really exciting and noteworthy things to do in all four seasons. That said, June-September is the best, and most popular time to visit, if you want to primarily visit the beaches.
For sightseeing, I actually really love April and May, with reasons being that spring flowers in April sprinkle the state in such lovely and cheerful colors, and May offering nice weather without the intense summer crowds.
That said, fall is also a beautiful time to visit Rhode Island, general because there are fewer crowds with some fall foliage. And winter is a really great off-season getaway for the cheapest rates, cool seasonal events, and cozy getaways. It just really depends on what you’re looking to do, and what kind of trip you want to have.
More posts you may enjoy:
- The Best Beaches In Rhode Island
- Best Coastal New England Towns
- Best Beach Towns To Visit In New England
That’s A Wrap On The Best Places To Visit In Rhode Island
And there you have it – my top picks for the best places to visit in Rhode Island after my many years of traveling. Whether you’re looking for lively city life in Providence, a relaxing coastal getaway in Narragansett, or an escape to Block Island – it really has it all. And the best part? Since it’s so small, you can easily cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. Happy planning!
