The Best Vacation Spots in Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the US, but it packs a punch when it comes to attractions. With its rich history, lush forests, miles of oceanfront and more, the Ocean State is an ideal destination for your next vacation. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly adventure or just a weekend away, Rhode Island has something for everyone. Here are the top 12 spots to visit in Rhode Island.

1. Block Island

Block Island is a small island off the coast of Rhode Island and is a popular vacation destination. With its 17 miles of pristine beaches, rolling hills, and charming village, Block Island is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway or family vacation. There are many activities to enjoy, from kayaking and sailing to biking and hiking. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops to explore.

If you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back, Block Island also offers some of the best whale watching and birdwatching opportunities in the area. The island is also home to a number of historic sites, including the remnants of the Block Island State Airport, which was one of the first airports in the country.

Overall, Block Island is a great spot for a relaxing vacation, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy.

2. Newport

Newport is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rhode Island. With its picturesque harbor, historic mansions, and stunning beaches, Newport is a perfect spot for a romantic getaway or family vacation.

Newport is home to some of the oldest and most iconic mansions in the country, including The Breakers, Chateau-sur-Mer, and Rosecliff. These mansions are open to the public and offer guided tours, as well as various events throughout the year.

In addition to its many attractions, Newport is also home to some of the best shopping and dining in the area. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, local artisan goods, or just a place to relax, Newport has something for everyone.

3. Providence

Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and home to some of the state’s most iconic attractions. From its world-class museums and art galleries, to its vibrant music and culinary scenes, Providence has something for everyone.

The city is home to a number of renowned attractions, including the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, the Roger Williams Park Zoo, and the WaterFire art installation. Providence also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with a number of theaters, galleries, and performance venues.

When it comes to dining, Providence is home to an array of international cuisines, from Italian to Indian to Mexican. There are also plenty of excellent bars, pubs, and clubs to explore.

4. Narragansett

Narragansett is a small town located on the south coast of Rhode Island. With its stunning beaches and charming downtown, Narragansett is a great spot for a relaxing vacation.

When it comes to attractions, Narragansett has plenty to offer. During the summer months, the town’s main beach, Narragansett Town Beach, is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing. The town also has a number of historical sites, such as the Narragansett Indian Monument, a tribute to the Narragansett tribe.

In addition to its attractions, Narragansett is also home to a thriving culinary scene. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars to explore, as well as a number of shops and markets.

5. Jamestown

Jamestown is a small island located in Narragansett Bay. The island is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Rhode Island, as well as a number of attractions.

Jamestown is home to two popular attractions: the historic Fort Wetherill State Park and the Jamestown Windmill. The Fort Wetherill State Park is a popular spot for camping, fishing, and swimming, while the Jamestown Windmill is a historic landmark that offers an incredible view of Narragansett Bay.

When it comes to dining, Jamestown is home to some of the best seafood restaurants in the area. There are also plenty of shops and galleries to explore.

6. Watch Hill

Watch Hill is a small village located on the Rhode Island coast. The village is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the area, as well as a number of attractions.

Watch Hill is home to the popular East Beach, a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The village is also home to the historic Watch Hill Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

When it comes to dining, Watch Hill has plenty of excellent seafood restaurants, as well as several pubs, bars, and cafes. The village also has a number of shops and galleries to explore.

7. Westerly

Westerly is a small town located on the Rhode Island coast. The town is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the state, as well as a number of attractions.

Westerly is home to the popular Misquamicut Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The town is also home to the historic Watch Hill Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

When it comes to dining, Westerly has plenty of excellent seafood restaurants, as well as several pubs, bars, and cafes. The town also has a number of shops and galleries to explore.

8. Point Judith

Point Judith is a small village located on the Rhode Island coast. The village is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the area, as well as a number of attractions.

Point Judith is home to the popular Galilee Beach, a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The village is also home to the historic Point Judith Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

When it comes to dining, Point Judith has plenty of excellent seafood restaurants, as well as several pubs, bars, and cafes. The village also has a number of shops and galleries to explore.

9. Bristol

Bristol is a small town located on the Rhode Island coast. The town is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the area, as well as a number of attractions.

Bristol is home to the popular Colt State Park, which is a popular spot for camping, fishing, and swimming. The town is also home to the historic Bristol Harbor Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the bay.

When it comes to dining, Bristol has plenty of excellent seafood restaurants, as well as several pubs, bars, and cafes. The town also has a number of shops and galleries to explore.

10. South Kingstown

South Kingstown is a small town located on the Rhode Island coast. The town is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the area, as well as a number of attractions.

South Kingstown is home to the popular East Matunuck State Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The town is also home to the historic South Kingstown Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

When it comes to dining, South Kingstown has plenty of excellent seafood restaurants, as well as several pubs, bars, and cafes. The town also has a number of shops and galleries to explore.

11. Tiverton

Tiverton is a small town located on the Rhode Island coast. The town is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the area, as well as a number of attractions.

Tiverton is home to the popular Fogland Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The town is also home to the historic Tiverton Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

When it comes to dining, Tiverton has plenty of excellent seafood restaurants, as well as several pubs, bars, and cafes. The town also has a number of shops and galleries to explore.

12. Little Compton

Little Compton is a small town located on the Rhode Island coast. The town is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the area, as well as a number of attractions.

Little Compton is home to the popular South Shore Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The town is also home to the historic Little Compton Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

When it comes to dining, Little Compton has plenty of excellent seafood restaurants, as well as several pubs, bars, and cafes. The town also has a number of shops and galleries to explore.

Rhode Island has something for everyone, and these 12 spots are some of the best places to visit. From the historic mansions of Newport to the stunning beaches of Block Island, Rhode Island is the perfect destination for your next vacation.

Conclusion

Rhode Island is a beautiful state with plenty to offer, from its stunning beaches to its vibrant cities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly adventure, or just a weekend away, Rhode Island has something for everyone. The 12 spots listed above are some of the best places to visit in the state, and are sure to make your next trip to Rhode Island an unforgettable one.