Whether you live in Rhode Island or you are planning a future visit, these are some of the quintessential Rhode Island experiences for every season. The question is, which do you want to do first?
It takes quite a few years of living here to make it through the whole list, so if you are just visiting, here are my top picks:
Quintessential: Waterfire, gondola ride, Newport Mansions and sailing
For history buffs: Newport Mansions
For music fans: Newport Jazz Festival or Newport Folk Festival
For arts & culture connoisseurs: PVD Fest, RISD Museum
For foodies: Rhode Island Red Food Tour, Newport Wine & Food
For outdoor enthusiasts: Biking the East Bay Bike Path, bird watching at Sachuest
For families: Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence Children’s Museum, Beavertail State Park
For couples: see our date ideas in Rhode Island
You can also see our favorite things to do in Rhode Island in:
Things to do in Rhode Island in summer
Things to do in Rhode Island in fall
Things to do in Rhode Island in winter
Things to do in Rhode Island for Christmas
Best things to do in Providence
Best Things to do in Rhode Island
Even though Rhode Island is a small state and nothing is more than an hour’s drive away, I’ve still tried to mix these up with a variety of recommendations for the different regions throughout the state.
Tour the Newport Mansions
Picture the height of the Gilded Age with a tour of the Newport Mansions . Once used as summer homes or “cottages” by the New York elite, these stunning mansions are the U.S. answer to castles and palaces. Start with the Breakers and then continue with Rosecliff, Marble House, or The Elms.
Experience WaterFire
WaterFire lights up over eighty braziers from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street Park in Providence on scheduled evenings throughout the season. The music, entertainment, and ambience make this a must-attend event at least once a year. You will find street entertainers, live music, local makers, food trucks, and side events along the neighboring streets.
Stroll on the Newport Cliff Walk
Take a stroll along the 3.5 mile scenic path overlooking the ocean and backing up against the stunning Newport Mansions. Just go early to avoid the crowds and walk along Bellevue Avenue on your return.
Watch the Waves at Beavertail State Park
Spending a day at Beavertail State Park in Jamestown is one of our favorite things to do in Rhode Island in the summer . You can visit the lighthouse museum, check out the tiny local aquarium, climb over the rocks and examine the tide pools, or enjoy a picnic. It is also a great spot to fly a kite.
Check Out Providence’s Street Art
There are a number of large-scale murals across Providence to discover as you walk through the streets of downtown. Take a self-guided tour and learn more about the art and the artists who created them. See how many you can find!
Take a Gondola Ride
Enjoy an authentic Venetian gondola ride through the heart of a Renaissance city, great for a special occasion or romantic night out. Just make your reservation with La Gondola far in advance if you hope to go during Waterfire.
Sail Around Newport
Newport is the sailing capital of the world and there are plenty of ways to see the City by the Sea from the water from historic schooner sails to private charters.
Take a Scenic Drive on Ocean Avenue
There are many scenic drives in Rhode Island , but the best is along Ocean Avenue in Newport, past Brenton Point State Park and then along Bellevue Avenue past the Newport Mansions.
Visit the RISD Museum
We don’t have the same scale of museums as larger states, but the RISD Museum (Rhode Island School of Design) offers a small but world class art museum. You can explore galleries with Asian, Ancient Egyptian, and Ancient Greek and Roman art, or focus on modern and contemporary galleries and temporary exhibits.
Play at the International Tennis Hall of Fame
Visit the Tennis Hall of Fame and explore the museum, or watch a match on the historic grass courts. You can play too — the Hall of Fame is open daily for public play, lessons and clinics. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is located at 194 Bellevue Ave in Newport.
Go Wine Tasting
Family owned and operated, Newport Vineyards offers tours and tastings daily of its estate-grown white, red, and rosé wines. Not a wine lover, Taproot Brewing is a seven-barrel brewhouse on site, featuring unfiltered hop-forward beers. Check the website for current events or to make a reservation at the restaurant. You can also book tastings at Shepherd’s Run in South Kingstown or Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth.
Fly a Kite at Brenton Point State Park
Brenton Point State Park is located on a former grand estate in Newport with a 180 degree view of the ocean. The winds make it a perfect spot for flying a kite, having a picnic, or climbing over the rocks to watch the sunset. Bring a sweatshirt, even during the summer. That wind is no joke.
Tour the State House
The Rhode Island State House features one of the largest self-supporting marble domes in this world. Tours are typically offered Monday – Friday at 10am or 1pm, or you can take a self-guided tour (Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm).
Take a Boat Tour Through Providence
Providence River Boat Company offers narrated tours that highlight historical, nautical and architectural points of interest along the the Providence River, Riverwalk, Waterplace Park, the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier and the Providence Industrial Harbor.
Sip a Local Brew
From Woonsocket to Westerly, there are nearly 40 craft breweries to investigate, many offering tasting rooms and special events. Whether you join a beer tour or pick a few to try, see which ones you like best. A few of our favorites are Whaler’s in South County, Grey Sail, the revitalized Narragansett just off Gano Street, and the venerable Trinity Brewhouse.
Visit the Roger Williams National Memorial
Located at the foot of College Hill in downtown Providence, the park is tribute to Roger Williams , the founder of Providence, for his “outstanding contributions to the development of the principles of freedom in this country” through his advocacy for the separation of church and state so that each individual can make their choices based on their own conscience.
Get Spooked on a Providence Ghost Tour
Providence Ghost Tours explores the spooky side of Providence on a lantern-lit history tour that uncovers the stories of Providence’s longest-lingering residents while walking in the footsteps of local literary giants and humble servants alike. You will explore the campuses at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design and admire the beautiful architecture while learning the area’s chilling history.
Ride the Rails with Rail Explorers
Hop onto the pedal-driven Rail Explorers , which operates along the Old Colony Railroad, built in 1862. The rails meander alongside spectacular Narragansett Bay offering riders views that include Jamestown, the Mount Hope Bridge, Hog Island Lighthouse, and coastal woodlands.
Get Artsy at PVD Fest
Every year artists from around the globe gather in Providence and live music, dance, food, and visual art installations transform the city in a four-day, multi-arts take-over of public spaces, parks and outdoor stages around downtown.
Attend the Oldest July 4th Parade
America’s oldest July 4th celebration takes place in Bristol, RI . Locals and visitors line up hours in advance in all their patriotic gear to enjoy this fun time.
Have Afternoon Tea at Blithewold
Blithewold is a historic 45-room mansion and 33-acre estate with grand views of Narragansett Bay and a series of lovely gardens. A great time to explore the mansion and its grounds is during Daffodil Days in the spring or Christmastime. Or, spend the afternoon with a lovely winter tea service featuring a three-tiered tray filled with sweet and savory treats such as freshly baked scones with sweet cream.
Hop on the Ferry to Block Island
Sail away on the Ferry for a Block Island day trip or a weekend getaway. Rent bicycles or scooters to explore the island or stay close to town and enjoy Bloody Marys on the beach at Ballard’s Beach Resort.
Get a Lobster Roll at Champlin’s
When you hop off the ferry back from Block Island, take a walk over to Champlin’s. Champlin’s Seafood Deck is located at the entrance to Galilee Harbor, home of Rhode Island’s largest fishing fleet. Enjoy one of the best lobster rolls in Rhode Island on their spacious deck and watch local fishermen unload their daily catch or pick up a lobster to go.
Watch the Animals at Roger Williams Park Zoo
Located on 40 acres, Roger Williams Park Zoo is home to 160 species of animals including a Komodo dragon, zebras, red pandas, African elephants, Masai giraffes, snow leopards, bears, anteaters, flamingoes, sloths, and more. There are opportunities to feed giraffes and farmyard animals, as well a ride a zip line or train through the woodlands.
Bike the Blackstone River Bikeway
Bike along the 14-mile path Blackstone River Bikeway that runs from Cumberland to Woonsocket in Northern Rhode Island. You will bike over dams, past wildlife-filled canals, and alongside railroad tracks. It relatively flat and makes for a nice, relaxing ride. There’s nowhere to stop for food or drinks along the way, so remember to fill your water bottles before you head out. And remember, it’s 14-miles long which means if you want to come back to where you started, it’s also 14 miles back.
See a Movie at the Rustic Drive In
Watching a movie at the Rustic Drive In is a summertime tradition in Rhode Island. Load up the car and bring the whole family for a double feature. The Rustic Drive In is located at 1195 Eddie Dowling Highway Route 146 South in North Smithfield, Rhode Island. It’s open late-April through October.
Eat Family-style Chicken at Wright’s Farm
Winner, winner chicken dinner. Wright’s Farm offers no-frills, chicken dinners served family style. Every party is served up platters of baked chicken and steak, rolls, salad and pasta. Wright’s Farm is located at 84 Inman Rd, in Harrisville, RI. If you’re in a hurry, they also offer take-out and support online ordering.
Go Berry Picking
Rhode Island has plenty of farms that offer pick-your-own blueberries and strawberries in the summer, such as Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown and Salisbury Farm in Johnston. Check hours before you go.
Drink Fresh Milk from Wright’s Dairy Farm
A visit to a working dairy is such fun for the kids. Watch the cows and pick up some fresh milk, locally-made ice cream, or a delicious cake from their bakery. Wright’s Dairy Farm (not to be confused with the chicken place) is located at 200 Woonsocket Hill Rd, in North Smithfield, RI.
Tiptoe Through the Tulips at Wicked Tulips Flower Farm
Can’t make it to Amsterdam? You can pick up some fresh tulips at the Wicked Tulips Flower Farm in Exeter, New England’s largest tulip farm, instead. When the tulips are in bloom it’s the perfect way to welcome spring, walking the grounds and picking tulips to bring back home. But you can’t just show up — tickets must be purchased ahead of time for a specific time and date for any of their specific locations. If it rains, wear your boots and bring an umbrella because tickets are rain or shine.
Visit the Oldest Synagogue in the U.S.
Fittingly the Jewish community in Rhode Island is one of the oldest in the U.S., as Roger Williams’ fundamental belief in religious freedom shaped the state that he founded. While the community pre-dated the building by about 100 years, Touro Synagogue was built in 1763 and is the only synagogue from the Colonial era and the oldest standing synagogue in all of the United States. Visit the synagogue and the visitor center, but also consider the Colonial Jewish Walking Tour to get a more well rounded history of the Jews of Newport.
Enjoy a Scoop at the Ice Cream Machine
The Ice Cream Machine in Cumberland has arguably some of the best homemade ice cream in the state. Just be prepared to queue up to order, which will give you time to decide between all the flavors, and bring your appetite because the servings are huge!
Sip Cocktails on a Rooftop with a View
The Vanderbilt Hotel in Newport offers a seasonal roof deck with views of town and the harbor, a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail. You can also enjoy seasonal rooftop drinks at The Viking in Newport or head to Providence for sunset sips at the Rooftop at Providence G or Mare Rooftop.
Walk Across the Providence Pedestrian Bridge
Providence’s pedestrian bridge connects the East Side to Downcity and the Innovation District. Stop for a drink (in season) at The Guild beer garden, sample offerings from the various food trucks that hang out there, and explore the vegan specialties at Plant City, a plant-based food hall. The beer garden is open Wednesday-Sunday weather permitting from May through October.
Attend Newport Folk or Jazz Festival
Each summer Newport’s Fort Adams plays host to two major music festivals — the Newport Jazz Festiva l and Newport Folk Festival . Whether you enjoy the show from the park grounds or the water, these are a highlight of the summer season, just be sure to purchase your tickets (and your hotel reservations) far in advance.
Watch the Sunset from the Lawn at Castle Hill Inn
Castle Hill Inn is a luxury hotel located on a 40-acre estate in Newport overlooking the ocean. Even if you can’t afford a room to stay overnight, you can enjoy drinks and dining on The Lawn with beautiful sunset views over the water.
Enjoy Drinks with a View at the Coast Guard House
The perfect way to end a beach day in Narragansett is with sunset drinks at the upstairs deck bar of The Coast Guard House . The Coast Guard House and its iconic stone towers is located at 40 Ocean Rd in Narragansett.
Take in a Polo Match
Wear your fancy hats and channel your inner Thurston Howell III and make your way down to Newport Polo . Matches are about two hours and the season typically runs from May – September. Tickets are required and there are a mix of Pavillion, lawn and tailgate sections. You can bring your own food or drinks or take advantage of the bar and food trucks. It’s a fun time, especially with friends!
Take a Hike at Sachuest Wildlife Refuge
If you are looking for hiking in Rhode Island , you won’t find any mountains but Sachuest National Wildlife Refuge ‘s many trails offer bird watching and beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding beaches.
Go Kayaking in Wickford
The Kayak Centre in Wickford offers tours, rentals and sales of kayaking and stand up paddle boards. From their location, you can explore the local salt ponds or the bay. After your paddle you can enjoy the shops and restaurants of downtown Wickford.
See a Show at Theater by the Sea
Theater by the Sea in South Kingstown offers Broadway-quality productions and programming for kids in a historic theater and playhouse from May to September. Subscriptions for the entire season and individual tickets are available.
Eat Oysters at Matunuck Oyster Bar
Matunuck Oyster Bar and retail shop offers indoor and outdoor deck seating overlooking Potter Pond with some of the sweetest, smallest, tastiest oysters around, along with pond and farm-to-table cuisine. If raw oysters aren’t your thing, the Oyster Trio (grilled, Rockefeller and Bourbon-chipotle) are delish. And don’t miss out on their Bloody Mary’s.
Look for Trolls at Ninigret Park
Ninigret Park in Charlestown is the latest spot to find the great wooden trolls of Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Erik Rock is located near Ninigret Park and you can follow the clues to find Greta Granite.
Go Bird Watching at Norman Bird Sanctuary
The Norman Bird Sanctuary offers a number of fun public programs, as well as access to seven miles of hiking trails and bird watching. Trail passes are free for members, but are available for a modest fee to the general public and can be purchased online.
Search for Driftwood in Charlestown
East Beach in Charlestown is one of the least developed of the Rhode Island state beaches, taking up three miles of prime beach shoreline. You will often see driftwood washed up on the beach. Parking is limited so get there early during high season.
Stargaze at the Frosty Drew Observatory
Up for something different on a Friday night? Head down to the Frost Drew Observatory in Charleston for a night of stargazing and discovery. Admission is free, but passes are required to visit the main observatory telescope. Frosty Drew Observatory is located inside Ninigret Park at 61-62 Park Lane in Charlestown.
Sip Champagne in the Gondola Village at Ocean House
This beachfront, luxury historic hotel offers a French Alp-inspired fondue menu in its Gondola Village during the winter. What a perfect way to embrace the winter temps!
Drive Down to the Newport Car Museum
From classic cars to sports cars, the Newport Car Museum satisfies your need for speed with almost 100 cars in their collection. Relive America’s muscle-car era or look at the “fin cars” of the 1950s. The museum, located just a few minutes from downtown Newport at 1947 West Main Road in Portsmouth is open daily from 10am – 5pm. True car enthusiasts should also visit the Audrain Automobile Museum in Newport.
Attend the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Newport’s sister city is Kinsale, Ireland and Newport has a long history of ties with the Irish, with even a Museum of Newport Irish History. Each year, the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day is the annual Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade .
Get Doughboys at Iggy’s
You’re not a true Rhode Islander until you have lined up for doughboys and clam cakes at Iggy’s Doughboys and Chowder House in Narragansett or Warwick. When in Narragansett, you can then pop over to Aunt Carrie’s to see whose clam cakes you like better.
Ride the Carousel in Watch Hill
Take a spin on the historic Flying Horses carousel , delighting families since 1883. Maybe you will get lucky and grab the brass ring!
Order a Donut Cake from Allie’s Donuts
Life changing. You haven’t had the best of the Rhode Island foods without tasting a donut cake from Allie’s Donuts. Allie’s Donuts is located at 3661 Quaker Lane in North Kingstown.
Run the Blessing of the Fleet Race
If you just ate that donut, you may need some exercise. The Blessing of the Fleet is a 10-mile road race in and around Narragansett that’s been held for more than 50 years. It’s a great event and the finish line leads you right to the Blessing of the Fleet Festival which has live music, carnival games and rides, food and drink, including the famous beer tent (which also has wine). If you don’t want to run, meet your friends who do at the Festival to congratulate them!
Take a Seal Watching Tour
Bundle up because November through April is the best time to see the “dogs of the sea” on a seal watching and lighthouse cruise with Save the Bay.
Catch the Rush Hour Rhode Island Philharmonic Concerts
If you are new to classical music, the Friday night Rhode Island Philharmonic Rush Hour concerts at The Vets in Providence is a great introduction. Shorter than the Saturday night concerts, they also include a discussion about the music with the conductor before and after the show. So much fun.
Hop on the Trolley for Gallery Night in Providence
On the third Thursday of every month, from March through November, eighteen of the city’s “art spots” open their doors for Gallery Night Providence . You can take a free guided Art Trolley tour or choose your own itinerary, visiting the galleries of your choice.
Satisfy Your Late Night Cravings at Haven Bros.
The 1930s-era Haven Bros. trailer is the original Providence food truck. Ubiquitous in downtown Providence for decades, they serve up the tastiest, crispiest fries, along with other comfort foods.
Munch Away at a Providence Food Truck Event
Like any good foodie city, Providence is home to a wide variety of food trucks from all types of cuisines. Find a food truck event and bring your appetite and some friends to taste test your way through.
Go Duck Pin Bowling
Well this is something I never heard of until we moved to Rhode Island. It’s like bowling had a baby with skeeball in a lot of ways. The duckpin bowling balls are slightly larger than a softball and the pins are smaller and lighter. It’s fun for the whole family and there are leagues for all ages. Give it a try at places like Dudek Lanes in Warren or Meadowbrook Lanes in Warwick.
See the Big Nazo Puppets
I’m not sure anything like Big Nazo exists outside of Rhode Island. Big Nazo is an international performance group of visual artists, puppet performers, and masked musicians who unite to create bizarre and hilarious larger-than-life sized characters, environments, and spectacles. These creatures are far from the cuddly faces on Sesame Street, but they enthrall all ages none-the-less. You can often find them at special events in Providence.
Eat Stuffed French Toast at the Modern Diner
The Modern Diner in Pawtucket is the first diner in the USA to be accepted on the National Register for Historic Places. Located in a 1930s-era Sterling Streamliner, they continue to innovate with some of the tastiest breakfast options around from marscapone-stuffed French toast to a dizzying array of eggs Benedicts.
Attend a Providence Bruins Game
Major league sporting events are a lot of fun, but also terribly expensive. So it’s great when there’s a minor league option. The PawSox may have left, but we still have the Baby Bruins. Head over to ‘The Dunk’ and enjoy local hockey with the Providence Bruins or the Brown University Brown Bear games. Not a hockey fan? How about cheering for the Providence Friars or Rhode Island Rams basketball teams instead? If soccer is your support, we now have the Rhode Island FC.
Eat Clam Cakes from Dune Brothers Seafood
There are many great seafood restaurants and clam shacks around the state but for a long time, Providence was missing a tasty, but casual, seafood joint until Dune Brothers Seafood came to town. This permanent (but seasonal) food truck and patio in the Innovation District features traceable local seafood from New England. And their clam cakes are the best — the secret is the beef fat (yes, I said beef fat) they use for frying. It may sound crazy, but it’s just crazy delicious.
Buy Local at Farm Fresh RI
There are many farmers markets in Rhode Island on varying days and locations throughout the state or you can shop on Saturdays year round at Farm Fresh RI. Check one out for fresh produce, fish, meat, juices, cheeses, and other locally-made goods.
Wander Through the Stacks at Providence Athenaeum
The Providence Athenaeum was founded in 1836 as an independent, member-supported library. Today, the Athenaeum seeks to enrich the literary, cultural, and intellectual pursuits of its members and surrounding community with many special events. Plus it is a great place to explore for booklovers!
See a Show at PPAC
The Providence Performing Arts Center welcomes traveling Broadway shows, programming for kids, and musical performances. This world-class venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a perfect alternative going to NYC to see a show. Individual tickets and season passes are available. For more original programs, check out Trinity Rep or the Gamm Theater instead.
Take a Stroll Through DePasquale Square
Enjoy an espresso, pasta, or a glass of wine on the patio at Venda or just stroll through this Federal Hill square on a weekend evening to listen to the music, watch the people dancing along, or throw a coin in the fountain (it’s just a wee bit smaller than the Trevi Fountain in Rome). This is the center of Providence’s “Little Italy” on Atwells Avenue.
Indulge in a Red Velvet Cupcake from LaSalle Bakery
If you are a fan of red velvet cake, you need to try one of the ginormous red velvet cupcakes from La Salle Bakery. It is one of the best desserts in Rhode Island.
Get Thrifty at the Providence Flea
Providence Flea was launched in 2013 as a juried vintage and artisan maker market. Held outside along South Water Street during the summer, the market has hosted over 500 vendors. The rest of the year, the Flea moves indoors at the Farm Fresh RI Market Hall on Sims Avenue.
Check Out The Arcade
Located in downtown Providence, The Arcade is the first enclosed shopping mall in the United States. Built in 1828, this Greek Revival building has just a handful of stores today (for a bigger shopping spree, head over to Providence Place), but you can enjoy great grub at Rogue Island.
Lions Giraffes, and Bears, Oh My!
Looking for something different to do on a lovely spring or summer day? Take a drive down to Portsmouth to visit the Green Animals Topiary Garden . Home to more than 80 “animals”, it’s the oldest topiary garden in the nation and is recognized by the American Daffodil Society as one of just 28 official Daffodil Display Gardens in the United States. Bring a picnic basket and make a day of it!
Learn Revolutionary History at Gaspee Days
Gaspee Days commemorates the burning of the British schooner, HMS Gaspee, by Rhode Island patriots in 1772. This has become recognized as the first bloodshed of the American Revolution. Since 1965, the village of Pawtuxet, RI has marked this moment in history with its annual Gaspee Days Celebration. This typically includes a parade, arts and crafts festival, a road race, and the symbolic “Burning of the Gaspee.”
Bike the East Bay Bike Path
The East Bay Bike Path is a 13.8-mile paved rail trail starting in Providence in India Point Park, and crossing the Seekonk River and continuing southeast to Bristol along the shoreline of Narragansett Bay. This crosses the hiking trail at the Audubon Society in Bristol and ends in Colt State Park. (Pro Tip: hop off the path in Warren and check out Blount Clam Shack – see below).
Gobble up a Giant Lobster Roll at Blount Clam Shack
Blount Clam Shack on the Waterfront is a required pilgrimage at least once a summer if not more. Hands down the best and maybe biggest lobster rolls (a full half-pound of lobster meat) which you can get traditional style or my favorite, Connecticut-style (luxuriously bathed in clarified butter) on a perfectly butter-toasted sandwich bun. I’m salivating just typing this. And if you have any appetite left, The Wright Scoop ice cream trailer (from Wright’s Creamery) is right next door. This is why biking to and from Blount is necessary to burn off all those delicious calories.
Picnic at Colt State Park
Colt State Park occupies 464 acres on Poppasquash Neck in Bristol. With four miles of paved pathways, hiking trails, historic stone walls, and one of the state’s most spectacular shorelines, Colt State Park is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. It is a perfect spot for a picnic, fishing from the pier, or a walk along the water.
Have a Del’s
Is there anything more Rhode Island than Del’s Frozen Lemonade? Whether you choose lemon, mango, or watermelon, it just tastes like summer.
Drool over the Chocolate Cake from Gregg’s
You can’t beat the six-layer, Death by Chocolate Cake from Gregg’s . I dare you to find a better slice of chocolate cake. Bring your appetite or a buddy because one slice is huge! And if you’re not into chocolate (horrors!), their carrot cake is pretty great too. Oh and FYI, they do take out!
Drink an Awful Awful
Newport Creamery dates back to 1928 and in 1940, they opened a “milk bar” serving ice cream. Since then, generations of Rhode Islanders have been enjoying their signature drink, the Awful Awful, their version of the milkshake that comes in 11 flavors.
Shop the Scituate Arts Festival
The Scituate Arts Festival takes place over Columbus Day weekend in October on the charming Village Green in Scituate. You will find juried vendors of art, crafts, and antiques, along with food stands and entertainment, making it fun for the whole family. The Wickford Art Festival in July is also a fun time.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
