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Rhode Island may be tiny, but it’s absolutely packed with beautiful places to visit.
Sandy beaches, cute villages, Gilded Age mansions, lighthouses… there is a lot to do here!
I didn’t have many expectations from Rhode Island. I knew it was the smallest state in the US and that’s pretty much it but I absolutely loved it.
It’s very relaxed and it really feels like the perfect place for a vacation.
In this article, you’ll find 12 of the most beautiful places to visit in Rhode Island and why. Make sure to add them to your itinerary as they are truly worth it!
🚗 Good to know: Although small, Rhode Island is still best explored by car so if you don’t have one, make sure to hire one. I recommend using Discover Cars to find the best deals.
⚓ 1. Wickford Village
Wickford Village is one of my favorite villages in New England.
It’s a historic harbor village with a walkable center, full of independent shops, pottery studios, delis and coffee shops.
The best way to explore is on foot, you can follow the Wickford Walk (there is a sign in the center, but you can also save the image below).
This will take you to all the highlights. I would also recommend just taking your time and browsing the shops. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, that’s a great place.
🏛️ 2. Newport
Newport is Rhode Island’s crown jewel and one of the most beautiful places in all of New England.
It’s famous for its opulent Gilded Age mansions, like The Breakers and Marble House, built by America’s wealthiest families. You can go on a trolley tour and see several of them which is very cool.
Make sure you also do the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk. It’s one of the best ways to see the mansions and enjoy the sea views.
You can also drive the scenic Ocean Drive and explore the harbor.
Finally, if you love the water as much as I do, then Newport is an excellent place to go on a sailing cruise.
🧌 3. Charlestown, Ninigret Park and the Giant Trolls
Charlestown is a laid-back coastal town with a fun surprise: giant trolls!
The first thing To do when you arrive in Charlestown is to grab a coffee at Dave’s coffee. This roadside coffee shop is one of the best in New England.
Then drive a few minutes to Ninigret Park. You can park near Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center.
From there, follow the footprints painted on the ground to the first giant troll. You can then complete the loop around the lake to find the other one.
The park even hosts stargazing nights in summer if that’s something you’re interested in.
After that, head to Charlestown Beach for a relaxing beach day.
🏄 4. Narragansett
Narragansett is a beautiful seaside town famous for its beaches and surf.
The main beach is fantastic, and it’s a lovely place to swim, surf or simply relax. You can easily spend the day here in winter.
Beyond the beach, I would also recommend having a walk around the town. Head to The Towers, a historic stone landmark by the water that looks like it belongs in Europe.
You can then stroll the promenade, go to Veterans Memorial Square (you can take nice photos of the Towers from there), and enjoy the fresh sea air.
It’s coastal Rhode Island at its finest.
🔥 5. Providence
Providence is the capital of Rhode Island.
It’s home to the prestigious Brown University and RISD, whose museum houses works by Monet, Picasso and Warhol.
Make sure to head to Federal Hill which is basically Rhode Island’s Little Italy. The food here is incredible! It’s also an excellent place to go on a food tour.
And if you time it right, catch WaterFire, an art installation where bonfires are lit along the rivers after dark.
🚢 6. Block Island
For a proper island escape, hop on the ferry from Point Judith (near Narragansett) over to Block Island.
It only takes 30 minutes with the high speed ferry or 55 minutes on the slow ferry.
This peaceful island feels a world away, with its beautiful hills and beaches.
The highlight is the Mohegan Bluffs, towering clay cliffs with a lighthouse perched on top and a stairway down to the beach.
This is an excellent place to rent a bike and explore. Crescent Beach is also a great place to visit.
🎆 7. Bristol
Bristol is a gorgeous historic harbor town, best known for hosting the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the United States (since 1785). But it’s lovely any time of year.
Explore the charming waterfront downtown, and walk or cycle the beautiful shoreline at Colt State Park.
Don’t miss the stunning Blithewold Mansion and Gardens overlooking the bay.
🍦 8. Tiverton
Tiverton is a charming, artsy coastal town centered on the historic intersection of Tiverton Four Corners.
It’s a lovely spot with art galleries, boutiques and farm stands.
If you love ice creams, make sure to go to the famous Gray’s Ice Cream. It has been around since the 1920s, making it a true institution in the area.
🎠 9. Westerly
Down in the southwestern corner, at the border with Connecticut, Westerly is a beautiful coastal town with some of the state’s best beaches.
The first place to visit is Watch HIll which is an elegant small village within the town.
Here you will find the historic Flying Horse Carousel (the oldest of its kind in the country, dating to 1883), gorgeous beaches, and grand mansions.
Also, for the Swifties out there, Taylor Swift bought a mansion here back in 2013.
In terms of beaches, East Beach, Misquamicut Beach and Dune’s Park Beach are well worth a visit.
Finally, Napatree Point is a conservation area that you should also add to your list. The views are beautiful!
🕯️ 10. Beavertail State Park
This one is a bit more remote as it’s located at the southern tip of Jamestown’s Conanicut Island.
But it’s well worth the trip as Beavertail State Park is home to some of the best views in New England.
You’ll love the ocean views and the rocky cliffs. Make sure to also visit the Beavertail Lighthouse and Beavertail Aquarium.
🏚️ 11. Chepachet Village
For a change from the coast, head inland to historic Chepachet Village in Glocester.
It’s a delight for antique lovers, with wonderful shops housed in centuries-old buildings, including the Town Trader in a 1690s trading post.
Charming, historic and refreshingly quiet, it’s well worth the detour.
🌾 12. Little Compton
Little Compton is the ideal place to visit if you like peaceful and unspoiled places.
It’s a great mix between coastal and rural.
With its classic New England common, rolling farmland and gorgeous coastline, it feels wonderfully remote.
Make sure to head to Sakonnet Point which has a beautifully preserved beach and Sakonnet Vineyard for a wine tasting.
🗺️ Map of the best places to visit in Rhode Island
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