10 Best Things To Do in Rhode Island, USA [with Suggested Tours]

Are you planning to travel to Rhode Island soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in Rhode Island with suggested tours!

Rhode Island is a state in New England in the US. It is popular for its sandy beaches and seaside towns. Its capital Providence is home to some of the most popular attractions in the state such as the Brown University. Check out our list below to know more about the best things to do in Rhode Island.

List of Best Things to do in Rhode Island, USA

1. The Breakers

The building complex has several rooms. It is the biggest mansions built in Newport with its 70 parts! Having belonged to the Van Der Bilt family, this 1895 house offers an incredible visit. The house is very well preserved, all rooms are largely originally furnished and extend over two floors. The house is right by the sea and invites you to take a walk on the cliffs. If there is a villa to visit in Newport, this is it.

Suggested Tour: From Boston: Newport Mansions Small-Group Day Trip

2. Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art

A visit to the city should include the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art. The area of architecture is very interesting. Since the university in Providence is one of the most famous design universities, the museum should not be missed. This is a 3-story museum with an excellent collection of art from Egyptian, Indian, Contemporary, Impressionist, etc. It is worth knowing it and walking through the streets that surround it, in front of the museum there is an art supply store with a wide variety of articles.

3. Historic Federal Hill

This downtown neighborhood, one of its iconic landmarks, is known for its Italian-American community and the abundance of restaurants, bakeries, and imported stores, all worth seeing. With old Victorian houses, it is worth spending an afternoon in this historic place. It is a good combination of history and gastronomy!

4. Narragansett Beach

A very large beach characterized by the view of a castle structure. The water is cold, the gradient is gradual, the sand is strongly compacted and the wave is popular for surfing. You have to pay for parking and entry to the site. But nearby, free on-street parking is readily available if you arrive early.

5. Rhode Island State House

Providence State House, Rode Island is clearly inspired by the US Congressional building in Washington, DC. It is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by a beautiful park. The building itself is imposing, with beautiful architecture and exhibitions open to the public.

Suggested Tour: Providence, RI: Small-Group Tour with Local Guide

6. Cliff Walk

On the south coast of Newport is the 5 km long Cliff Walk. The walk always goes along the winding coast with wonderful views of the Atlantic. On the land side, you will pass well-known buildings/villas such as The Breakers, Regina University, Marble House, etc. The northern part of the trail is paved and very easy to walk on, good walking shoes are recommended for the southern part.

Suggested Tour: Day Trip around Rhode Island

7. Water Place Park

 

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One of the most beautiful corners of Providence, this small park offers a superb view of the downtown area and the skyscrapers. It is the quietest place in the city center, close to everything and the proximity to the water is relaxing, not to be missed when going to Providence. Certainly the most beautiful place in the city.

8. Providence Performing Arts Center

It’s a good opportunity to be able to watch any show presented in Providence Performing Arts Center. However, if you can’t go inside or see a show in this theater, just the exterior, and the sign deserve a photo in itself.

9. Ocean Drive

A must-do when visiting Newport. An unmissable car tour and headband to admire the landscapes and take photos. You can do it by car, motorbike or bicycle ride, to enjoy a magnificent view of the coast with its beautiful large properties, and the sea at your feet. There are also several rest areas to have a picnic and enjoy this beautiful part of the country.

10. Brown University

Brown University was founded in the mid-18th century so the campus buildings ‘ooze’ all their history and feel like an English rather than an American campus. Its location is on the hill on the east side of the Providence River on the residential hill of the city where the RISD or Rhode Island Institute of Design, the most prestigious University of Design in the USA, and the RISD Museum are also located. There is a nice and well-stocked university shop inside.

Where to stay in Rhode Island, USA

Budget Hotel

Woonsocket Motor Inn

Woonsocket Motor Inn features accommodation in Woonsocket. The air-conditioned rooms provide a city view and come with a wardrobe and free WiFi. At the hotel, rooms are equipped with a desk, a TV, and a private bathroom. All rooms will provide guests with a microwave. A continental breakfast is available each morning at Woonsocket Motor Inn.

Price: Starts at $75 per night for a Double Room with Two Double Beds – Non-Smoking, add $10 for taxes and charges, but it offers a free cancellation.

Luxury Hotel

Hotel Viking

Opened in 1926, this historic Newport hotel is 5 minutes walk to Thames Street and is less than 1.6 km from the Cliff Walk to the city’s historic mansions. Guests staying at the Viking Hotel can enjoy swimming in the indoor pool and exercising in the on-site fitness center. A flat-screen cable TV is provided in every room at the Hotel Viking. These air-conditioned rooms also have an in-room safe. On-site dining at the One Bellevue restaurant is also available.

Price: Starts at $499 per night for a Manor Room, add $98 for taxes and charges, but it offers a free cancellation.

Recommended Accommodation

Christopher Dodge House

Christopher Dodge House is a bed and breakfast. It’s a brick mansion built-in 1858. All rooms at the bed and breakfast have private bathrooms. The rooms are furnished with work desks and include free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Complimentary breakfast is served every morning at this bed and breakfast. Brown University is just over a kilometer from the property.

Price: Starts at $159 per night for a Manor Room, add $21 for taxes and charges, breakfast included, but it offers a free cancellation.

These are the possible things you can do in Rhode Island. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Rhode Island.

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.​​​​​​​