The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Rhode Island, United States

November 7, 2021 Timmy Ribble

With the perfect combination of great seaside views, colorful local culture, and endless family activities, Rhode Island is a big vacation destination in a small package. Whether you are into art and culture, beautiful seaside sights, or great family-friendly activities, there is sure to be something for you in Rhode Island. If you're staying in Newport, try a breathtaking tour of the harbor in the Schooner Madeleine, or enjoy a bit of history at Fort Adams State Park. The Newport mansions are one of the most popular attractions around, and the nearby Cliff Walk is a great place for a hike. Narragansett is home to the lovely Narragansett Town Beach and Point Judith Lighthouse, and if you hop on the Block Island Ferry you are only a short trip away from Block Island, where you can enjoy the sights of the Mohegan Bluffs or party it up at Capt. Nick's Rock and Roll Bar. Take a drive up to Providence for some great shopping at Providence Place Mall and to visit the unforgettable Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Restaurants in Rhode Island

1. Mohegan Bluffs

Mohegan Trail, New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807 +1 800-383-2474 http://www.blockislandinfo.com/island-events/mohegan-bluffs
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 718 reviews

Mohegan Bluffs

Two-hundred-foot cliffs with great views of the Atlantic.

Reviewed By stevendO6647JP

Beautiful! We got there at 10am only a few people there but right after that people kept constanlty coming (probably because the ferry arrives around this time which i believe is the first of the day). Honestly, even with more people its pretty big and its not crowded. Tip - keep walking right or even left to walk along shoreline and away from people. It is very rocky (small uneven rocks) so wear good shoes. As a billion other people said, there is alot of stairs but unless you have difficulty with normal stairs, this will be fine for you. Going up is of course more tiring but will only take a few minutes if you go at a slightly brisk pace. There are plenty of taxis from the ferry to take you there. I believe it was 16 or so around there bucks one way for 2 people and only takes like 5-10 minutes to get there. It is got friendly, the taxis are dog friendly and the ferry is dog friendly. **If you have a drone and want to fly it here such as a DJI drone you have to do special authorization before flying. I did not and could not fly it here due to airport nearby. Only place i could fly my drone was the northern part of the island where the other lighthouse is (there is southeast lighthouse by Mohegan bluffs) and they have a nice quiet beach area up this way too. Have fun!!

2. Goosewing Beach Preserve

South Shore Road, Little Compton, RI 02837
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 20 reviews

Goosewing Beach Preserve

3. Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve

734 Corn Neck Rd New Shoreham, Block Island, RI 02807-7768
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve

4. Win Dodge Preserve

Cooneymus Road, Block Island, RI 02807
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Win Dodge Preserve

5. Washington Secondary Bike Path

RI +1 401-222-4203
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Washington Secondary Bike Path

A 10-mile bike path from Cranston to Coventry.

6. Dundery Brook Trail

Meetinghouse Lane Veteran's Field, Little Compton, RI 02837 http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/rhodeisland/placesweprotect/dundery-brook-trail.xml#directions
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Dundery Brook Trail

7. Cliff Walk

Newport, RI 02840-3659 401 849-8048 https://www.discovernewport.org/things-to-do/cliff-walk/
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,342 reviews

Cliff Walk

A scenic 3.5 mile walkway that borders the back lawn of The Breakers and many other Newport mansions.

Reviewed By Kirkpatd - Whitehead, United Kingdom

We parked at Easton beach (free) so you also get the benefit of the beach before you start the walk At this point the walk is pathed so very easy and on one side you get great views of the Atlantic Ocean and views back over the town. On the other side you get a view of the mansions and stately homes of the rich and famous About a mile into the walk the path becomes a little more challenging as you have to manoeuvre across rocks and uneven ground but this is not majorly difficult and you can pass with care. Make sure you have good soled shoes or trainers to give a bit more support The walk itself is about 3.5 miles and you end up at a small beach and from there you can get a trolley bus back into town if you don’t want to do the return leg Bring water, sun cream and a camera you won’t be disappointed

8. Ocean Drive

Newport, RI http://www.oceandrivenewport.com
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,924 reviews

Ocean Drive

The marked scenic route along the dramatic Atlantic shoreline that circles Newport.

Reviewed By 1973romabella - New York City, United States

It’s just a wonderful drive or you can stop and sun bathe , or just have a picnic , you can also fly a kite , lots of fun for the whole family

9. Sachuest Beach (Second Beach)

474 Sachuset Point Road, Middletown, RI 02842 +1 401-847-1993 http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/listing/sachuest-beach-(second-beach)/1057
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 356 reviews

Sachuest Beach (Second Beach)

One of Newport's most popular beaches.

Reviewed By NorthStar696719

Love this beach. The sand is soft and clean and the beach is usually not as crowded as some of the other beaches in the area. The rest rooms are clean. The parking price is reasonable and you can usually get a spot even if you get there after lunch.

10. Third Beach

Third Beach Road, Middletown, RI 02842
Excellent
56%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Third Beach

Calm waters and a wide sandy area make this a favorite spot for families with children.

Reviewed By Louetta - Georgetown, United States

I went on a week day in September and was practically alone, which is what I wanted. No trouble social distancing. Water is calm and a tad coolish but nice. I was able to take my top off which is always a plus. Saw no facilities except portable toilets. Make sure you bring your fluids and food if you want it.

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