Top Things to do in Rhode Island
What to do and see in Rhode Island, United States: The Best Ferries
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. Rhode Island Bay Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 790 reviews
Rhode Island Lighthouses & Newport Harbor Tours Take a narrated cruise past 10 Rhode Island Lighthouses in Narragansett Bay along with a complete Newport Harbor Tour. This 30 mile cruise also takes you past 10 beautiful islands, under the breathtaking Jamestown & Newport Bridges, past mansions, historic Fort Adams and many other famous Rhode Island sights. Whether you live in Rhode Island or are here on vacation, Rhode Island Bay Cruises will provide you and your guests with the best way to see Narragansett Bay! There is no other sightseeing cruise like it in New England!
2. Block Island Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
The Block Island Ferry is your fastest link to Block Island, Rhode Island. Interstate Navigation Company, Inc. operates the Block Island Ferry, and is the only year-round ferry service to Block Island. Based in Point Judith, (Narragansett), Rhode Island, the Block island Ferry offers Traditional ferry service, (55 minute voyage) as well as the fastest ferry trip from the mainland on the High speed ferry service, (30 minute cruise)from Pt. Judith,. RI. Block Island Ferry also offers seasonal service from Fall River, Ma (2 hour cruise) & Newport, RI (1 hour cruise) to Block Island.If your trip to Block Island is for business, a family vacation, or an island weekend getaway, the Block Island Ferry will get you to Block Island quickly and easily. The Block Island Ferry is the only vehicle ferry service to Block Island. We transport passenger vehicles, commercial trucks as well as shipping freight. The Block Island Ferry is your full service ferry company. We have the most departures and convenient ferry schedule from the mainland which allows you greater flexibility when traveling to and from Block Island on our traditional or high speed ferry!
Reviewed By Leesandro - Riverside, United States
Hi! It’s well worth a visit anytime. Stay at the 1669. There is a ferry from Newport, New London and another from Galilee in the summer and the one in Galilee runs all year. Took forever before they had their first case of COVID 19 and it’s basically non-existent there. It’s just under an hour by ferry. Definitely rent a bike or bring your own. From where the ferry lets you off you can pedal round the rolling hills either on the eastern side past the Southeast light or up the western side to the North lighthouse. Lots of great hikes. If you just want to relax and see the major scenic points of interest there are cheap tours by local characters in beat up limos who will also fill you in on the smuggling and houses of ill repute that flourished there during Prohibition. They should know since their families have been there forever if you check out the your tour guides names on some old gravestones in the only cemetery on the Island that overlooks both Old and New Harbor. Have fun!!
3. Martha's Vineyard Fast Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,371 reviews
We operate the newest most luxurious fast ferry to Martha's Vineyard. The "Ava Pearl" offers all Business Class seating with interior luggage areas and the most advanced Ride Control System in the world offering the smoothest ride possible. Depart from Quonset Point, Rhode Island and avoid all the Cape Cod traffic - we will save you 3-4 hours in travel time each way! Closest daily ferry to Connecticut, New York & New Jersey. Dockside parking $10/day. Seasonal ferry service operating May through October.
Reviewed By Snowbird607 - New Jersey, United States
Once on board the Julia Leigh fast ferry to Martha's Vineyard, an announcement came on informing us this was the very first sailing of this new boat. We looked at each other with trepidation, as "maiden voyage" immediately brings to mind the Titanic, lol. But, no worries, the ride was smooth as silk, the weather and seas were calm (no icebergs to be seen anywhere) and everything on the boat was shiny and clean. On the way back home, we ran into quite a bit of fog, but we felt very safe and secure. The crew was friendly and helpful, and we were pleased with our decision to use this ferry for our day trip to the island.
4. Newport Harbor Shuttle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By patk960
The shuttle takes you all around the harbor and makes several stops. If you want to, you can stay on it for the full ride or get off and on at the various stops. Great way to get a feel for Newport harbor and all of the beautiful sailing ships and luxury craft.
5. Prudence Island Ferry
6. Seastreak Ferry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Experience the majesty of Narragansett Bay on your way to the charming New England enclaves of Newport, and Bristol, R.I. Whether traveling from Providence, Boston, or points north or south, skip the traffic and parking on your way to explore the distinctive shops, renowned restaurants, diverse accommodations, world-class events, and miles of unspoiled beaches and scenic trails. Our ferry features plush seating with spacious legroom, a climate controlled cabin and an open-air top deck, and a full-service cash bar with cocktails, beer, wine, sodas, tea, coffee, and snacks. Hands-down, the ferry from Providence really is the best way to get there.
Reviewed By 934MichaelK934 - New York City, United States
1 hour trip, that was simple and easy to use. The ride was smooth, staff efficient. Had pre-booked tickets, and one of the legs I needed to change the time of departure, which the staff were more than accommodating.
