Rhode Island knocked my socks off, and I’m not even exaggerating. The moment I walked the Cliff Walk in Newport, with waves crashing below those insane Gilded Age mansions (seriously, who needs 70 rooms?), I knew this tiny state was something else. If you think Block Island’s bluffs and lighthouses are just pretty photos on Instagram, wait until you see them in real life. These are honestly some of the most beautiful places in Rhode Island that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.
Look, you could zoom across the state in under an hour, but don’t. After exploring every bit of coastline I could find, I’ve picked out the spots that’ll show you why Rhode Island is way more than just America’s smallest state.
Prettiest Places in Rhode Island to Visit
Looking to explore Rhode Island’s most beautiful places? From the stunning cliffs of the Cliff Walk to the sandy shores of Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll the historic streets of Newport, sail through the waters of Block Island, or explore the opulent mansions of the Gilded Age. Discover the charming beauty of Providence, the coastal allure of Watch Hill, or the serene landscapes of Colt State Park. Whether you’re into beaches, history, or coastal towns, here are 12 of Rhode Island’s most breathtaking spots!
1. The Newport Bridge
- 📍 Location: Newport, Rhode Island, spanning Narragansett Bay between Newport and Jamestown
- 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📸, coastal enthusiasts 🌊, architecture admirers 🏗️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving across the spectacular suspension bridge, capturing sunrise/sunset views, visiting nearby Fort Adams
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for clear views, fall for colorful foliage reflections on the water 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa – Waterfront accommodations with bridge views from select rooms
Need a break from your desk job? The Newport Bridge offers the engineering marvel your workday doesn’t. Rising 400 feet above the water, it’s New England’s longest suspension bridge and Rhode Island’s most stunning modern landmark. The views alone justify the trip.
You can see all of Newport Harbor, the Atlantic Ocean, and the historic cityscape from this elevated perch. I never get tired of timing my drive for sunset when the bridge’s elegant cables create perfect silhouettes. For killer photos, head to Fort Adams State Park or Jamestown’s East Ferry.
Visit during the annual Newport Bridge Run to experience the span on foot with no vehicle traffic. The event provides a rare chance to appreciate the bridge’s scale and engineering up close without worrying about passing cars.
2. The Breakers Mansion
- 📍 Location: Newport, Rhode Island, along the famous Cliff Walk overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
- 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🏛️, architecture enthusiasts 🏗️, luxury lifestyle admirers ✨
- 📸 Top Experiences: Taking the audio-guided house tour, exploring the maintained gardens, admiring ocean views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round (indoor attraction), spring and summer for garden blooms 🌸
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Vanderbilt Hotel – Boutique luxury accommodation capturing Newport’s Gilded Age elegance
Want to see how the 1% lived before Instagram? The Breakers stands as Newport’s ultimate mansion flex. This 70-room Italian Renaissance palazzo will make your jaw drop instantly. Built as Cornelius Vanderbilt II’s summer “cottage” in 1893, it showcases America’s Gilded Age excess at its finest.
Inside await rooms adorned with platinum wall panels and rare marbles. Fixtures drip with gold leaf throughout. The Great Hall rises four stories with intricate ceiling paintings rivaling European palaces. The Morning Room dazzles with platinum details, while the loggia offers Atlantic views.
The self-guided audio tour reveals fascinating insights into both construction and lifestyle. Allow two hours to fully appreciate the estate. Consider a multi-house pass if visiting other Newport mansions like The Elms or Marble House.
3. Colt State Park
- 📍 Location: Bristol, Rhode Island, along Narragansett Bay’s eastern shore
- 🏆 Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts 🌳, cyclists 🚴♀️, picnickers 🧺
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cycling the scenic paths, picnicking along the bay, exploring historic structures
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for outdoor activities 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Bristol Harbor Inn – Charming accommodations in nearby historic Bristol
Desperate for outdoor space after living in your urban apartment? Colt State Park has 464 acres of freedom along Narragansett Bay. Once industrialist Samuel P. Colt’s private estate, this landscape combines manicured lawns with rugged coastline. The park feels like Rhode Island’s natural beauty distilled to its essence.
A four-mile loop road welcomes cyclists and joggers. It winds past historic stone walls and colorful gardens. The open fields feature a grove of twisted grape vines creating perfect sunset frames. Ten large picnic groves offer over 400 tables for gatherings.
The Coggeshall Farm Museum within the park demonstrates 18th-century agricultural techniques. Anglers can try their luck at the dedicated fishing pier. History buffs should explore the remnants of old Bristol Farm with its fascinating stone structures.
4. Narragansett Beach
- 📍 Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island, about 30 minutes south of Providence
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, surfers 🏄♂️, seafood enthusiasts 🦞
- 📸 Top Experiences: Surfing the consistent breaks, walking the seawall, visiting the historic towers
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for swimming and sunbathing, shoulder seasons for surfing 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Shore House – Boutique hotel just steps from the beach with ocean views
Remember those carefree beach days before deadlines and meetings? Narragansett Beach brings them rushing back. This mile of pristine shoreline framed by the iconic Narragansett Towers has pure New England beach vibes. Consistent waves have made it Rhode Island’s surfing headquarters.
Clean sand and excellent facilities make it perfect for families. The beach’s northern end features the historic Coast Guard House restaurant, built in 1888. It serves spectacular ocean views alongside fresh seafood. Take a stroll along the seawall stretching the length of the beach.
You’ll get elevated views of surfers catching waves and fishing boats on the horizon. The Narragansett Towers provide a dramatic photo backdrop. They offer glimpses into the area’s storied past as remnants of the grand Narragansett Pier Casino.
5. Charlestown
- 📍 Location: Southern Rhode Island, about 40 minutes southwest of Newport
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🦅, beachgoers 🏖️, tranquility seekers 🧘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Bird watching at Ninigret Wildlife Refuge, exploring local beaches, attending Rhythm & Roots Festival
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for beaches, fall for festivals, winter for peaceful bird watching 🐦
- 🏨 Where to Stay: General Stanton Inn – Historic B&B dating back to 1740 with authentic New England charm
Tired of vacation spots overrun with influencers and their selfie sticks? Charlestown offers an authentic slice of Rhode Island without the crowds. This peaceful coastal town combines pristine beaches with expansive wildlife refuges. Native American heritage adds cultural depth in a setting that feels worlds away from urban life.
The jewel is Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. It covers 900 acres where over 250 bird species have been spotted. Well-maintained trails wind through salt ponds and maritime shrublands. East Beach stretches for three undeveloped miles. It provides a more secluded experience than its famous counterparts.
The annual Rhythm & Roots Festival transforms the town each Labor Day weekend. The Narragansett Indian Tribe maintains their reservation here. They host occasional cultural events providing insight into the region’s original inhabitants.
6. WaterFire Providence
- 📍 Location: Downtown Providence, Rhode Island, along the three rivers
- 🏆 Best For: Art enthusiasts 🎭, romantic evenings 💕, urban explorers 🏙️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the lighting ceremony, strolling along illuminated riverwalk, enjoying street performers
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May through November on select evenings (check schedule) 🔥
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel – Modern lodging in a historic setting near the WaterFire basin
Looking for a date night that’ll blow dinner-and-a-movie out of the water? WaterFire Providence transforms downtown into a magical dreamscape of flickering flames and haunting music. This award-winning installation features nearly 100 bonfires blazing just above the three rivers downtown.
Created by artist Barnaby Evans, this living sculpture comes alive on select evenings between May and November. Volunteers in black boats silently tend the fires until midnight. The firelight reflecting on dark water creates a mesmerizing effect. Carefully selected music echoes through urban canyons.
Arrive before sunset to watch the lighting ceremony. Then explore the mile-long installation at your pace. Street performers and pop-up exhibitions add to the festival atmosphere. Gondola rides offer unique perspectives from the water. Book these well in advance. This free event draws thousands of visitors.
7. Westerly
- 📍 Location: Southwestern Rhode Island, about 45 minutes from Providence and 1.5 hours from Boston
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, history enthusiasts 🏛️, relaxation seekers 🧘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Enjoying Misquamicut State Beach, exploring historic downtown, visiting Watch Hill Lighthouse
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer months for beach activities, fall for fewer crowds and beautiful foliage 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Ocean House – Historic luxury oceanfront resort with panoramic Atlantic views
Need a sophisticated beach escape without the Hamptons crowds? Westerly has that perfect mix of upscale coastal charm and laid-back vibes that reminds me why New England beaches beat all others. The expansive shores of Misquamicut State Beach offer pristine swimming areas ideal for catching rays or sunset strolls.
Beyond beaches, Watch Hill neighborhood captivates with its classic lighthouse and America’s oldest flying horse carousel. The walkable downtown features impressive Victorian architecture housing craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants serving the freshest local seafood.
Nature enthusiasts should explore Napatree Point Conservation Area, a serene peninsula with wildlife viewing opportunities. For weekend visitors, the vibrant farmers market showcases regional specialties, making Westerly the perfect blend of relaxation and authentic coastal culture.
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8. Block Island
- 📍 Location: 12 miles off Rhode Island’s southern coast, accessible by ferry from Point Judith or Newport
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, cyclists 🚲, beachgoers 🏖️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Biking around the island, visiting Mohegan Bluffs, exploring the historic lighthouses
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall, with September offering perfect weather and fewer crowds 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The 1661 Inn – Charming accommodation with water views and gourmet breakfast
Your Vineyard and Nantucket friends won’t tell you about Block Island, and that’s exactly why you should go. This unspoiled 7-mile paradise has preserved over 43% of its land, creating an eco-friendly escape just a quick ferry ride from the mainland.
The dramatic Mohegan Bluffs rise 200 feet above the ocean, offering breathtaking views that I’ve never seen matched anywhere else on the East Coast. Rent a bike to discover 17 miles of beaches ranging from lively Fred Benson Town Beach to secluded coves perfect for contemplation.
Two historic lighthouses anchor the island: the majestic Southeast Lighthouse perched atop the bluffs and the charming North Lighthouse guarding the northern tip. The island’s car-free lifestyle, hiking trails, and fresh seafood create the perfect digital detox for overworked professionals seeking authentic reconnection.
9. Providence
- 📍 Location: Northern Rhode Island, 50 minutes from Boston and 3 hours from New York City
- 🏆 Best For: Foodies 🍽️, art lovers 🎨, history buffs 🏛️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring WaterFire events, touring historic College Hill, sampling culinary delights
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for outdoor events, particularly during WaterFire installations 🔥
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Dean Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel in a renovated historic building downtown
Forget Portland and Austin—Providence is the under-the-radar creative hub smart travelers are choosing for weekend getaways. The city pulses with creative energy, most spectacularly during WaterFire, where nearly 100 bonfires illuminate downtown rivers alongside music and performance art.
The RISD Museum houses impressive collections from ancient to contemporary art. Nearby, College Hill invites exploration with cobblestone streets lined with perfectly preserved colonial architecture. I’ve spent entire afternoons wandering this neighborhood, discovering hidden gardens behind historic homes.
Food enthusiasts flock here for acclaimed restaurants by Johnson & Wales-trained chefs and authentic Italian cuisine in Federal Hill. For outdoor enjoyment, stroll through Roger Williams Park with its zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum. This walkable city offers big-city culture with small-city convenience.
10. Wickford Village
- 📍 Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island, about 20 minutes south of Providence
- 🏆 Best For: Shoppers 🛍️, history enthusiasts 🏛️, maritime lovers ⛵
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling the historic harbor, shopping at local boutiques, attending the Wickford Art Festival
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for harbor activities, December for the magical holiday festivities 🎄
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Wickford Village Inn – Charming bed and breakfast in a historic building near the harbor
Step into a Hallmark movie set that actually exists in Wickford Village, where Instagram-worthy colonial architecture meets pristine harbor views. This charming coastal community boasts one of the Northeast’s largest collections of 18th-century houses along its tree-lined streets.
The waterfront setting creates a picturesque backdrop for boutique shopping. You’ll find everything from maritime antiques to locally crafted jewelry in shops housed within historic buildings. I’ve never left empty-handed from the Wickford Art Festival, held each July, featuring works from over 200 artists.
Wickford Harbor showcases Rhode Island’s maritime heritage with fishing boats bobbing alongside historic docks. History buffs should visit Smith’s Castle just outside the village to tour one of Rhode Island’s oldest houses. December transforms the village with an enchanting Festival of Lights, capturing traditional New England Christmas magic.
11. The Marble House
- 📍 Location: Newport, Rhode Island, about 45 minutes from Providence
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏰, history buffs 🏛️, luxury seekers ✨
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the opulent interiors, exploring the Chinese Tea House, walking the Cliff Walk
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds 🌷
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Chanler at Cliff Walk – Luxurious accommodations in a historic mansion near the Newport mansions
Luxury travel influencers have nothing on the original influencers of The Marble House, where Gilded Age excess meets architectural brilliance. This palatial “summer cottage” built for William K. Vanderbilt used 500,000 cubic feet of marble, costing the equivalent of over $300 million today.
The interior showcases opulence at its finest. Rooms feature various historical styles from Gothic to Renaissance. The gold-encrusted ballroom will make your jaw drop. I found the Chinese Tea House particularly fascinating, as it later became a site for women’s suffrage rallies.
Experience this National Historic Landmark through guided tours revealing both architectural details and fascinating social history. Combine your visit with Cliff Walk, which passes behind several Newport mansions with spectacular ocean views. For the full Newport experience, visit nearby The Breakers and Rosecliff estates.
12. Prospect Terrace Park
- 📍 Location: College Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island
- 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📸, history enthusiasts 🏛️, sunset watchers 🌅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Enjoying panoramic city views, visiting Roger Williams’ memorial, catching a spectacular sunset
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Any season during golden hour for photography, fall for vibrant foliage views 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Christopher Dodge House – Historic B&B within walking distance of the park
Want the perfect Instagram backdrop that hasn’t been overrun? Prospect Terrace Park offers the most spectacular Providence skyline views from its perch atop College Hill. This small but mighty park has been a favorite lookout point since 1867.
The park houses an imposing statue of Roger Williams, Rhode Island’s founder, with his arm outstretched toward the city he established. His remains rest beneath the monument, making this both a scenic spot and an important historical site.
I’ve never seen sunsets as stunning as those that bathe this cityscape in golden light. The terraced layout provides plenty of seating areas to relax and take in the views. During clear nights, the city lights twinkle below, creating a romantic setting. Its central location makes it easy to incorporate into any Providence itinerary.
