Small state, huge personality—that’s Rhode Island in a nutshell. When I first walked through The Breakers mansion in Newport, my jaw literally dropped. Like, who actually lived this fancy? Between these wild Gilded Age mansions and the prettiest beaches I’ve seen on the East Coast, this tiny state kept surprising me.
The things to do in Rhode Island hit differently, whether you’re cruising Newport’s Ocean Drive (pretending you own one of those mansions) or stuffing your face with lobster rolls at Matunuck Oyster Bar. Don’t let its size fool you—this little state knows how to show you a good time. Let me share why America’s smallest state left such a big impression.
- 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this trolley tour to Gilded Age Mansions in Newport. They bring you to 150 points of interest along Ocean Drive, Bellevue Avenue, and the Cliff Walk. The experience also includes a guided tour inside the Breakers mansion, my favorite in all of Newport! This tour is an absolute must-do on a Rhode Island itinerary in my opinion.
Best Places to Visit in Rhode Island
Looking for the best things to do in Rhode Island? Step into Gilded Age luxury at The Breakers, Newport, get up close to wildlife at Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence, and take a scenic stroll along the Bristol Cliff Walk, Newport. Explore the elegance of The Elms, discover the state’s rich history, and enjoy stunning coastal views. Whether you’re drawn to grand mansions, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, these top attractions make Rhode Island a must-visit destination.
1. The Breakers, Newport
Walking through The Breakers feels like stepping into a scene from a Gilded Age drama. This stunning 70-room mansion, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II in the 1890s, is the most extravagant of Newport’s summer “cottages.” Inspired by Renaissance palaces, its marble-clad interiors, gilded ceilings, and oceanfront views showcase an era of excess and luxury. I remember standing in the grand dining room, imagining the lavish parties once held here—just pure opulence. Whether you’re a history buff or just love jaw-dropping architecture, this mansion is a must-see.
Beyond the interiors, The Breakers’ Cliffside setting is breathtaking. Stroll through its landscaped gardens before heading to the famous Cliff Walk for panoramic ocean views. The self-guided audio tour adds fascinating details about the Vanderbilt family and their over-the-top lifestyle. If you only visit one mansion in Newport, make it The Breakers—it’s a glimpse into a bygone world of wealth and grandeur.
2. Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence
Roger Williams Park Zoo is a must-visit in Providence, especially if you love animals. Opened in 1872, it’s one of the oldest zoos in the U.S. but feels anything but outdated. The zoo is home to over 100 species, including giraffes, red pandas, snow leopards, and elephants. One of my favorite spots was the Faces of the Rainforest exhibit, where vibrant birds and playful monkeys swing just overhead. Unlike typical zoos, this one focuses on cage-free enclosures, making the experience feel more immersive and natural.
Beyond the animals, the zoo offers interactive experiences like camel rides and the Explore & Soar area, featuring a zipline and a train ride for kids. Nestled within Roger Williams Park, the zoo is part of a 427-acre park that also houses a botanical center, planetarium, and museum of natural history. It’s the perfect spot for a fun and educational day in Providence.
3. Bristol
Tucked along Narragansett Bay, Bristol is a charming coastal town known for its historic sites, scenic harbor, and vibrant events. Whether you’re into sailing, biking, or seafood, this town has it all. I spent a morning cycling the East Bay Bike Path, a 14.5-mile scenic route that winds along the waterfront with incredible bay views. If you’re more of a history buff, check out Linden Place, a stunning 1810 mansion that once hosted famous guests like Ulysses S. Grant and the Vanderbilts.
Bristol is also home to the oldest Fourth of July parade in the U.S., a tradition dating back to 1785. If you visit in summer, the town buzzes with patriotic spirit. For food lovers, Bristol Oyster Bar serves up fresh, local seafood with a perfect harbor view. Whether exploring its historic streets or kayaking along the bay, Bristol delivers classic New England charm.
4. Cliff Walk, Newport
If you want Newport’s best ocean views without a boat, the Cliff Walk is the way to go. This 3.5-mile coastal trail hugs the shoreline, offering panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and a front-row seat to Newport’s Gilded Age mansions. Walking along the rocky cliffs with the ocean breeze in my face, I couldn’t help but admire the contrast—crashing waves on one side, opulent estates like The Breakers and Marble House on the other.
The trail starts easy near Easton’s Beach, but sections further south become more rugged, requiring good footwear and some scrambling over rocks. Along the way, you’ll spot wildflowers, seabirds, and even hidden tunnels. For the best experience, go early in the morning or around sunset to avoid crowds. Whether you’re a photographer, history lover, or just someone who enjoys a scenic walk, the Cliff Walk is a Rhode Island highlight.
5. The Elms
Newport’s Gilded Age mansions are legendary, and The Elms stands out with its elegant charm. Built in 1898 as a summer retreat for the Berwind family, this French-inspired mansion is known for its stunning Classical Revival gardens, which took seven years to design. Unlike some of the flashier estates in town, The Elms feels more graceful than ostentatious, with elegant rooms, marble pavilions, and sculpted terraces. I took the self-guided tour, and the highlight for me was the underground servant tunnels, which reveal the behind-the-scenes work that kept this estate running.
Outside, the gardens are just as impressive as the mansion itself. Walking through the tree-lined paths, past fountains and statues, felt like stepping into a European palace. If you want a taste of Newport’s grandeur without the overwhelming crowds of The Breakers, The Elms is a must-visit.
6. Block Island
For a perfect Rhode Island getaway, Block Island is hard to beat. Just a ferry ride from the mainland, this tiny island offers stunning beaches, dramatic bluffs, and a laid-back vibe. I rented a bike and spent the day exploring hidden trails, stopping at Mohegan Bluffs, where the 140-foot cliffs drop dramatically into the ocean. The hike down to the secluded beach was a workout, but totally worth it for the views.
Beyond the scenery, Block Island is packed with charm. The Southeast Lighthouse, perched on the cliffs, is one of the most iconic in New England. The island also has great local spots, like Persephone’s Kitchen, which serves up amazing breakfast bowls and fresh coffee. Whether you’re kayaking, hiking, or just relaxing by the beach, Block Island feels like a world away from the mainland.
7. RISD Museum of Art, Providence
Art lovers can’t skip the RISD Museum of Art, home to one of the most impressive collections in New England. Located in downtown Providence, this museum is part of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), one of the top art schools in the country. The museum houses 100,000+ works, ranging from ancient Greek sculptures to contemporary installations. I was drawn to the European galleries, but I also loved the rotating exhibits that showcase cutting-edge modern art from RISD students.
What makes this museum stand out is its variety—you can see Egyptian mummies, Impressionist paintings, and avant-garde fashion all under one roof. If you’re visiting Providence, take an hour or two to wander through its galleries. Whether you’re an art expert or just appreciate beautiful things, RISD Museum is one of Rhode Island’s cultural gems.
8. The Beaches of Narragansett Bay
Rhode Island may be small, but it boasts over 400 miles of coastline, making it a dream for beach lovers. Narragansett Bay is home to some of the best beaches in the state, from Salty Brine Beach, where you can watch fishing boats come and go, to the popular Scarborough State Beach, known for its soft sand and scenic boardwalk. On a warm summer day, I spent hours lounging by the water, grabbing clam cakes from a nearby shack, and watching surfers catch waves.
Beyond sunbathing, Narragansett Bay offers great opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding. If you’re up for an adventure, take a boat tour to explore the bay’s 30+ islands or visit Beavertail State Park, where rocky cliffs make for epic sunset views. Whether you want relaxation or adventure, Narragansett Bay is a must-visit coastal escape.
9. Marble House
Walking into Marble House feels like stepping into a European palace. Built in the 1890s by William K. Vanderbilt, this extravagant Newport mansion was a gift to his wife, Alva, for her 30th birthday. The house cost $11 million to build—the equivalent of over $330 million today—and nearly every surface inside is covered in imported marble. The grand ballroom, with its gold accents and pink marble walls, was the highlight for me—it’s so lavish it almost feels unreal.
Beyond the opulent interiors, Marble House has one of the most unique features of any Newport mansion: a Chinese Tea House in the back garden. Alva, a women’s rights activist, used it to host suffrage movement gatherings. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want to see how the ultra-rich lived, Marble House is a jaw-dropping stop in Rhode Island.
10. Beavertail Lighthouse
Perched on the rocky shores of Conanicut Island, Beavertail Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the U.S. Dating back to 1749, it has helped sailors navigate Narragansett Bay’s treacherous waters for centuries. Standing 64 feet tall, the lighthouse still operates today, but the real attraction is the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum, where you can learn about Rhode Island’s maritime history. The cliffside views here are some of the best in the state, especially at sunset.
I visited on a breezy afternoon, and watching the waves crash against the rocks was mesmerizing. There’s also a walking trail along the shoreline and plenty of spots for a picnic with an ocean view. Whether you’re into history, photography, or just love the sea, Beavertail Lighthouse is a must-visit for a classic Rhode Island experience.
11. Westerly
If you’re looking for a classic New England beach town, Westerly is one of Rhode Island’s hidden gems. Nestled along the southwestern shoreline, this town is home to some of the state’s best beaches, including Misquamicut State Beach and Watch Hill Beach, where you’ll find the historic Flying Horse Carousel. During the summer, the town comes alive with outdoor concerts, seafood festivals, and vibrant boardwalks.
Beyond the beaches, Westerly has a great small-town feel with local breweries, boutique shops, and historic inns. I stopped by Grey Sail Brewing for a craft beer tasting and wandered through Wilcox Park, a beautifully landscaped green space in the heart of downtown. Whether you want to relax by the water, explore charming streets, or sip on local brews, Westerly offers a little bit of everything.
12. WaterFire Providence
WaterFire Providence is unlike anything I’ve ever seen—a mix of art, music, and fire set along three rivers in downtown Providence. On select nights from May to November, nearly 100 bonfires are lit in metal braziers floating on the water, filling the city with the scent of burning wood and ambient music. Performers in black robes move through the flames on boats, adding to the mystical atmosphere.
The best way to experience WaterFire is to walk along the riverwalk and take in the live music, art installations, and food vendors along the way. I grabbed a Del’s Frozen Lemonade and found a spot to watch the firelight dance across the water—it was mesmerizing. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime Rhode Islander, WaterFire is a can’t-miss event that brings the city to life.
New England is a Vacation Hotspot Unlike Anyplace Else
The beautiful, exciting, interesting, and unique Rhode Island tourist attractions listed above are only a small taste of the myriad pleasures the New England region has to offer. There are countless adventures waiting for you, not only in the Ocean State, but also in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, and more.
Check out more of my favorite travel destinations in the blog posts below!
– 18 Unique Airbnbs in Rhode Island: Beach Houses + Vacation Rentals
– The Ultimate Guide to Newport, Rhode Island in a Weekend
– The Ultimate New England Road Trip Itinerary in 2025
– Fall in New England: 15 Best Towns, Farms, Foliage + Festivals
– 9 Best Weekend Getaways in New England to Visit in 2025
– 37 Unique Airbnbs in New England: Cabins + Treehouse Vacation Rentals
– Best Times to Visit New England in 2025
– 13 Best Hidden Gems in New England to Visit in 2025
– 23 Best Hidden Vacation Spots in the US You Should Visit in 2025
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