Rhode Island may be small, but it's filled with attractions that draw visitors from all over. Newport, once a playground for the super-rich, is famous for its opulent mansions, while Providence boasts a rich history tied to commerce and the slave trade. With stunning beaches, a fascinating industrial past, and scenic islands, Rhode Island is a must-see on any New England travel list.
Discover the best places to visit with our guide to the top tourist attractions in Rhode Island.
1. The Breakers, Newport
The Breakers is Newport's most extravagant mansion, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1895. This 70-room Italian Renaissance "summer cottage" showcases the Vanderbilt family's wealth with its luxurious design and imported materials. The mansion is adorned with ceiling paintings, mosaics, and fine wood paneling.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Newport
2. Cliff Walk, Newport
Newport's Cliff Walk is a public path offering stunning views of the ocean and the grand mansions' gardens. This free attraction runs for 3.5 miles along the rocky shore, passing by landmarks like The Breakers and Rough Point.
3. Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence
Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of the oldest in the country, yet it's a modern, cage-free environment where animals live in naturalistic settings. The 40-acre zoo is home to a variety of species and is a family favorite. The park also features a Botanical Center, Museum of Natural History, planetarium, and carousel.
Address: 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island
Official site: http://www.rwpzoo.org/
4. WaterFire Providence
WaterFire Providence is a unique event that takes place several times a year, featuring over 100 bonfires along the Woonasquatucket River. Visitors can enjoy the fires, street performers, and music along the riverside walkways.
5. The Elms, Newport
The Elms, modeled after a French château, was completed in 1901 and is known for its lavish interiors and Classical Revival gardens.
6. RISD Museum of Art, Providence
The RISD Museum of Art boasts extensive collections, including textiles, decorative arts, Asian art, and works by famous artists like Monet and Picasso.
7. Marble House, Newport
Marble House, predating The Breakers, is another Vanderbilt mansion known for its opulence and a Chinese teahouse on its grounds.
Address: 596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island
8. Rosecliff, Newport
Rosecliff, designed by Stanford White, is known for its grand ballroom and beautiful rose gardens.
Address: 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island
9. Ocean Drive, Newport
Ocean Drive offers scenic views of Newport's coastline and mansions, with stops like Brenton Point State Park and Fort Adams State Park.
10. Walking Tour of Bellevue Avenue Mansions, Newport
A walking tour of Bellevue Avenue reveals the grandeur of Newport's historic mansions, such as Kingscote and The Elms.
11. Narragansett Bay Beaches
Narragansett Bay is home to beautiful public beaches like Matunuck Beach State Park and Narragansett Town Beach.
12. Colt State Park, Bristol
Colt State Park offers stunning bay views, bike paths, and picnic areas on the former estate of Samuel Colt.
13. Block Island and Mohegan Bluffs
Block Island, accessible by ferry, features beaches, lighthouses, and the impressive Mohegan Bluffs.
14. Providence Performing Arts Center
The Providence Performing Arts Center is a historic theater offering Broadway tours and performances.
15. Blithewold, Bristol
Blithewold is a 45-room mansion with extensive gardens and a collection of fine arts and antiques.
16. Benefit Street and John Brown House, Providence
Benefit Street, known as "The Mile of History," features historic homes and the John Brown House, filled with colonial furnishings.
17. Herreshoff Marine Museum, Bristol
The Herreshoff Marine Museum celebrates the legacy of the Herreshoff brothers and their America's Cup yachts.
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Explore more destinations from Rhode Island, including the attractions of Boston and Cambridge, the beaches of Cape Cod, and the top hotels in Boston. To the west, discover Hartford, New Haven, Connecticut's beaches, and the top beach hotels and things to do in Mystic.
