bigtravelbuzzRhode Island is a small state in the northeastern region of the United States. It is known for its colonial history, picturesque coastal towns, and beautiful beaches. Some of the top places to visit in Rhode Island include:
Newport: This coastal city is known for its historic mansions, beautiful beaches, and lively harbor. You can take a tour of the opulent Newport mansions or stroll along the Cliff Walk, a scenic path that hugs the coastline.
Providence: As the state capital, Providence is a bustling city with a thriving arts and culture scene. You can visit the Rhode Island School of Design Museum or take a stroll through the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center.
Block Island: This small island off the coast of Rhode Island is a popular summer destination. You can relax on the beach, hike through the island’s nature preserves, or explore the island’s historic lighthouses.
Narragansett: This coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches, including Narragansett Town Beach and Scarborough State Beach. You can also visit the Point Judith Lighthouse or take a charter fishing excursion.
Watch Hill: This affluent coastal village is home to some of the state’s most luxurious beach homes. You can visit the Watch Hill Lighthouse or take a stroll through the charming downtown area.
The best time to visit Rhode Island is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the beaches are at their best. Rhode Island is a small state, so it’s easy to get around by car. There are also public transportation options available in larger cities like Providence. Rhode Island is known for its seafood, so be sure to try some of the local seafood dishes while you’re there.
Best Time To Visit Rhode Island
The best time to visit Rhode Island is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the beaches are at their best. The temperatures during this time range from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 18-30 degrees Celsius), making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the state’s many attractions.
However, Rhode Island also has a beautiful fall season from September to November, when the foliage is at its peak and the weather is cool and pleasant. The winter months from December to February can be cold and snowy, but it’s also a great time to experience the holiday season in New England. Spring, from March to May, can be chilly, but it’s also a good time to avoid the crowds and explore the state’s indoor attractions.
Overall, the best time to visit Rhode Island really depends on your preferences and what you plan to do while you’re there. If you’re planning to spend most of your time outdoors, then the summer months are the most ideal. If you prefer milder weather and want to avoid the crowds, then spring and fall can be great times to visit as well.
Things to Do in Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be small, but it has plenty to offer in terms of activities and attractions. Here are some of the top things to do in Rhode Island:
Visit the beaches: Rhode Island is known for its beautiful beaches, including Narragansett Beach, Scarborough State Beach, and East Beach. Spend a day lounging on the sand, swimming in the ocean, or trying your hand at surfing.
Explore Newport: This charming coastal town is home to stunning mansions, including the Vanderbilt’s Marble House and the Breakers. You can also stroll along the Cliff Walk, a scenic pathway that offers great views of the ocean and the mansions.
Take a walk in Providence: Rhode Island’s capital city is home to many historic buildings, parks, and museums. Check out the Rhode Island State House, the Roger Williams Park Zoo, or the Providence Athenaeum, a historic library.
Visit Block Island: This beautiful island off the coast of Rhode Island is known for its scenic views, hiking trails, and beaches. Take a ferry from Point Judith or Newport to explore the island for a day or more.
Visit the RISD Museum: The Rhode Island School of Design Museum in Providence houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts, including works by Monet, Degas, and Picasso.
Explore the Blackstone River Valley: This region in the northern part of the state offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Slater Mill Historic Site, which was the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.
Enjoy the food: Rhode Island is famous for its seafood, particularly clam chowder and lobster rolls. Make sure to try them at one of the many seafood restaurants across the state.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Rhode Island. With its rich history, beautiful scenery, and welcoming atmosphere, Rhode Island is a great place to visit for anyone looking for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
How to get around in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a small state, and it’s easy to get around by car or public transportation. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus services throughout the state, and there is also an Amtrak station in Providence. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.
If you’re planning on exploring the state’s coastal areas or islands, ferry services are available to destinations such as Block Island and Newport. Biking is also a popular way to get around, and many areas have bike lanes or bike paths.
If you’re staying in one of the state’s larger cities, such as Providence or Newport, walking is a great option for getting around and exploring the local neighborhoods.
Where to eat in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is known for its diverse culinary scene, featuring everything from fresh seafood to classic Italian dishes. Here are some suggestions for places to eat in Rhode Island:
Al Forno – located in Providence, this award-winning restaurant is known for its wood-fired dishes and handmade pastas.
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar – located in Newport, this restaurant offers fresh seafood and stunning waterfront views.
Los Andes – located in Providence, this restaurant serves traditional Peruvian cuisine in a colorful and lively atmosphere.
The Red Fez – located in Providence, this restaurant offers Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Pane e Vino – located in Providence, this Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and homemade pasta dishes.
Nick’s on Broadway – located in Providence, this farm-to-table restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with an emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients.
Matunuck Oyster Bar – located in South Kingstown, this restaurant serves fresh seafood, including their own locally-grown oysters.
Cook and Brown Public House – located in Providence, this restaurant offers a contemporary take on classic American dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Julian’s – located in Providence, this restaurant offers creative, eclectic cuisine with a focus on vegetarian and vegan options.
Tallulah’s Taqueria – located in Providence, this casual eatery serves authentic Mexican street food with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
These are just a few of the many great restaurants to try in Rhode Island, so don’t hesitate to explore and discover your own favorites!
Famous street stalls in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a vibrant food scene that extends beyond its restaurants, with plenty of street stalls and food trucks offering delicious snacks and meals. Here are some famous street stalls in Rhode Island:
Haven Brothers Diner – located in Providence, Haven Brothers Diner is a classic 1950s-style diner on wheels that has been serving hot dogs, burgers, and other American classics since 1893.
Poco Loco Tacos – located in Providence, this food truck serves up delicious and affordable Mexican street food, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
Like No Udder – located in Providence, this food truck serves vegan ice cream and other vegan treats, including donuts and cupcakes.
Ocean State Sandwich Company – located in Providence, this food truck offers a variety of gourmet sandwiches made with fresh, local ingredients.
Rocket Fine Street Food – located in Providence, this food truck serves creative, globally-inspired dishes such as Korean-style tacos and Thai peanut noodles.
Tallulah’s Taqueria – located in Providence, this food truck serves authentic Mexican street food, including tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
Friskie Fries – located in Providence, this food truck serves up a variety of fries topped with everything from cheese and bacon to truffle oil and parmesan.
Lotus Pepper – located in Providence, this food truck serves Thai street food, including pad thai, curry, and fried rice dishes.
These are just a few of the many great street stalls and food trucks to try in Rhode Island, so don’t hesitate to explore and discover your own favorites!
Where to stay in Rhode Island
Luxury accommodation
Rhode Island offers a variety of luxury accommodations, ranging from elegant hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. Here are some suggestions for where to stay in Rhode Island for a luxurious experience:
Ocean House – located in Watch Hill, this iconic resort offers luxurious rooms and suites, as well as a private beach, spa, and multiple dining options.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk – located in Newport, this boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with stunning ocean views, as well as a fine dining restaurant and spa.
Castle Hill Inn – located in Newport, this historic inn offers luxurious rooms and suites with ocean views, as well as a private beach, spa, and fine dining restaurant.
The Vanderbilt – located in Newport, this boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with elegant furnishings and modern amenities, as well as a fine dining restaurant and rooftop bar.
The Dean Hotel – located in Providence, this boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with unique design touches, as well as a rooftop bar and multiple dining options.
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina – located in Newport, this waterfront resort offers luxurious rooms and suites, as well as a private beach, spa, and multiple dining options.
The Break Hotel – located in Narragansett, this boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with ocean views, as well as a rooftop bar and fine dining restaurant.
The Hotel Viking – located in Newport, this historic hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities, as well as a spa and multiple dining options.
These are just a few of the many luxurious accommodations to choose from in Rhode Island, so be sure to explore and discover your own favorites!
Where to stay in Rhode Island
Budget accommodation
Rhode Island offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels, motels, and budget hotels. Here are some suggestions for where to stay in Rhode Island for a budget-friendly experience:
Newport International Hostel – located in Newport, this hostel offers affordable dorm-style rooms and private rooms, as well as a common kitchen and lounge area.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Middletown Newport Area – located in Middletown, this budget hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price, as well as an outdoor pool and free breakfast.
Knights Inn Seekonk – located just outside of Providence in Seekonk, MA, this budget motel offers basic accommodations at an affordable price, including free breakfast and a pool.
Motel 6 Warwick RI – Providence Airport – located in Warwick, this budget motel offers simple and clean accommodations at an affordable price, as well as free parking and an outdoor pool.
Rodeway Inn Middletown – Newport – located in Middletown, this budget hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price, as well as free breakfast and an outdoor pool.
Best Western West Greenwich Inn – located in West Greenwich, this budget hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price, as well as free breakfast and an indoor pool.
Travelodge by Wyndham West Warwick – located in West Warwick, this budget hotel offers simple and clean accommodations at an affordable price, as well as free breakfast and a fitness center.
These are just a few of the many budget-friendly accommodations to choose from in Rhode Island, so be sure to explore and discover your own favorites!
Travel Tips Rhode Island
Here are some travel tips for visiting Rhode Island:
Explore the coast – Rhode Island is known for its beautiful coastline, so be sure to explore some of the state’s beaches, lighthouses, and coastal towns. Newport, Block Island, and Narragansett are all great places to start.
Visit historical sites – Rhode Island has a rich history, with many historical sites and landmarks to visit, such as the Newport Mansions, the Roger Williams National Memorial, and the historic district of Providence.
Try the seafood – Rhode Island is famous for its seafood, particularly its clam chowder, stuffies (stuffed clams), and lobster rolls. Be sure to try some of the local seafood during your visit.
Take a scenic drive – Rhode Island is a small state, which makes it easy to explore by car. Take a scenic drive along Ocean Drive in Newport or through the picturesque countryside of South County.
Attend a festival – Rhode Island hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, and the WaterFire Providence festival. Check the calendar of events to see what’s happening during your visit.
Pack for the weather – Rhode Island’s weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for a range of conditions. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy. Be prepared for rain throughout the year.
Use public transportation – Rhode Island has a good public transportation system, including buses and trains, which can be a convenient and affordable way to get around.
Be respectful of the locals – Rhode Island is a small state with a strong sense of community, so be sure to be respectful of the locals and their traditions. Try to learn some of the local lingo and customs, and be mindful of the environment and local wildlife.
With these travel tips, you’ll be ready to explore all that Rhode Island has to offer.