Rhode Island holidays
With its charming New England towns and artsy sensibility, the smallest state in the US packs a big punch for travellers. On your holiday to Rhode Island, explore the historic homes of Revolutionary War–era painters, industrial magnates and famous authors. Or hit the beach. With plenty of surfing and sailing to go around, Rhode Island earns its nickname of the ‘Ocean State’.
Top destinations in Rhode Island
Newport
With Gilded Age mansions, gorgeous beaches and a proud maritime heritage, this former playground of the rich and famous is now a crowd-pleasing coastal getaway.
Providence
One of the oldest cities in the US and the capital of its smallest state, Providence is big on history, culture and New England charm.
Rhode Island: fast facts
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
Providence - UTC−5 (EST) and UTC−4 (EDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – March
Rhode Island holiday highlights
Historic lighthouses
Delve deep into the history of over 20 magnificent lighthouses that dot the Rhode Island shore. For generations, their lights guided mariners along the treacherous coast. Though some have been turned into private residences or maritime museums, more than a dozen are still operational. At Rose Island Light in Narragansett Bay, you can even experience life as a lighthouse keeper.
Gilded Age mansions
The historic mansions of Newport are one of the most impressive things to see in Rhode Island. Built as summer cottages for the 19th-century elite, these grand homes have been portrayed in novels by Edith Wharton and in HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age’. Tour the inside of Marble House or The Breakers. Or combine architecture with sea views on the Cliff Walk.
Offbeat museums
The people and events that shaped Rhode Island are celebrated in historic houses and museums across the state, like the Old Slater Mill, the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. But other local museums have eclectic collections. Check out the Living Sharks Museum, the Edna Lawrence Nature Lab or Bristol’s hidden cabinet of curiosities, the Musée Pataméchanique.
Things to do in Rhode Island
Top attractions
Walk the gardens at Blithewold Mansion in Narragansett Bay, whose vast estate includes an arboretum. Take in the panoramic harbour views from Fort Adams State Park, home to the largest coastal fort in the US, as well as President Eisenhower’s summer residence. Or pay tribute to racket-wielding legends at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport.
Beaches
With over 640 kilometres of coastline, Rhode Island boasts a huge variety of beaches, from isolated coves to sandy expanses that are perfect for families. Rent pedalos at Misquamicut State Beach. Or ride the breakers at Narragansett Beach, the state’s most popular surfing destination. Goosewing Beach and Napatree Point Beach are ideal for a quiet picnic and birdwatching.
Nature
Rhode Island’s dunes, salt marshes and woodlands have plenty to attract nature lovers. The state is also a haven for migratory birds. In autumn, birdwatchers flock to the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, binoculars in hand. Take a ferry to Block Island, where nearly half the island has been conserved as a refuge for rare plants and wildlife.
Cuisine
Some of the best restaurants in Rhode Island are found in Providence, serving up everything from innovative, Asian-inspired dishes to Latin-American fusion. On Federal Hill, Providence’s own Little Italy, try classic red-sauce fare or pick up Italian imports at a gourmet market. Try local quahog clams raw or in a ‘stuffie’ — a stuffed clam with a Portuguese twist.
Culture and museums
Museums in Rhode Island celebrate the state’s history as a hub of American arts. The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum boasts a stunning collection of global art, while the National Museum of American Illustration showcases American talent. Horror author HP Lovecraft is remembered at sites around Providence, like the Athenaeum and John Hay Library.
Nightlife
From laid-back beach bars to stylish city venues, nightlife in Rhode Island offers plenty of variety. In Providence, you’ll find live music, craft cocktails, and a thriving theatre scene. Newport keeps things coastal with harborside pubs and jazz clubs, while summer brings outdoor concerts and lively festivals across the state.
Find the best time to visit Rhode Island
Weather in Rhode Island through the year
March – May: Early spring can be chilly with plenty of rain, although temperatures hover around 18°C by May. Make indoor backup plans for the unpredictable coastal weather.
June – August: Summer temperatures peak in July at around 28°C — a great time to explore South County’s beaches and catch a Matunuck sunset.
September – November: The lingering warmth in September keeps things pleasant for outdoor activities like bouldering in Lincoln Woods. In October, take in New England’s spectacular autumnal colours.
December – February: Rhode Island winters can be biting, with average temperatures of 6°C. Make the most of snow days at Yawgoo Valley, or go skating on The Providence Rink.
Events in Rhode Island
Saint Patrick’s Day (March): Providence and Newport have over two centuries of Irish heritage. Locals celebrate the patron saint with everything from music and dance to poetry events. Don’t miss the street parades, with pipes, drums and marching bands.
WaterFire Providence (May to November): Twice a month, an art installation sets the rivers of downtown Providence ablaze. The spectacle of dozens of bonfires lit on the water is accompanied by live performances.
Newport Jazz Festival (August): Since 1954, this three-day event has taken over the Fort Adams State Park with multiple stages and famous faces. Newport Folk Festival, which has run nearly as long, takes place just ahead of it in July.
Know before you go
Getting around Rhode Island
Public transport
Buses: RIPTA runs services across the region. The fares are excellent value, and there’s a hop-on, hop-off trolley in Newport. For remote areas, consider renting a bike, e-bike or scooter. There are 95 kilometres of paved biking and walking trails in Rhode Island.
Trains: Amtrak’s Northeast Regional route between Massachusetts and Connecticut stops in Providence, Kingston and Westerly. A weekday commuter service connects the airport with Wickford Junction and Providence.
Boats: To reach Block Island’s quiet uplands, head to Point Judith. The car ferry travels the 24 kilometres from the coast in just under an hour. A high-speed passenger catamaran does it in 30 minutes, and you can take your bike on board. There’s also an hour-long ferry operating from Newport in July and August.
Domestic flights
Most flights operate out of TF Green International Airport. Four more airports serve smaller aircraft — you can even hop on a scenic flight down to Block Island.
Driving and car hire
A car is the easiest way to reach the more out-of-the-way beaches. Traffic can be heavy, especially around town, so be patient. And never throw litter from your car, or you can receive a fine of up to $1,000.
FAQs about Rhode Island holidays
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