Top Things to do in Rhode Island
What to do and see in Rhode Island, United States: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 718 reviews
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. St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
Landmark which was once the center of the Sentintellist movement with frescoes modeled after the Sistine Chapel.
Reviewed By maryjoh158
Even though Woonsocket may be a bit off your radar screen, this amazing former church is well worth a special trip. It is covered with beautiful frescoes, glorious stained glass windows from Chartres, France ( think Chartres Cathedral ) and magnificent Carrera marble everywhere. The pulpit in particular is incredible. Additionally, our wonderful tour guide brought St. Anne's alive through not only a wealth of information about the art and its creators but also regaled us with stories of the neighborhood, the parishioners who became models for some of the artwork and how this treasure of a building is being saved. It is so important to support the wonderful people trying so hard to save these often rather hidden away slices of our nation's history with very limited budgets to do so.
3. Crescent Park Looff Carousel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
An 1895 carousel featuring 66 hand-carved figures.
Reviewed By 755vickiv
What a great ride. Took us back to our childhood days...senior discounts and the attendants were most helpful to ensure that everyone had a great ride. The carousel horses were sturdy and most beautiful. Outside riders had the chance to snag a brass (plastic) ring.
4. Colt State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 454 reviews
Reviewed By SugaKows - Rhodes, Greece
This is an excellent spot for a family reunion, or just soaking up the sun and breeze. Right by the water, so no matter how hot it gets, you always get an ocean breeze, blowing off the water. Prices are really reasonable, and the spots are spacious and open. You also have Bristol Town Beach right next store. The park is a walkable park, and you have access to the East Bay Bike path.
5. Newport Helicopter Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 224 reviews
The only way to experience Newport, Rhode Island. Private helicopter tours since 2000. Open year round. Great for all ages. See all of the Newport Mansions from above and more. Visit our website for all our exciting tour options. This is one of the best things to do in Rhode Island. IMPORTANT - Our FLIGHT LOCATION is at 211 Airport Access Road, Middletown, Rhode island. It's 10 minutes away from Downtown Newport .
6. La Gondola
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 473 reviews
Experience Providence from a new perspective! Benvenuto! We invite you to revel in the sights of the City from a unique vantage point that captures the heart of Providence. Enjoy an excursion along the Woonasquatucket and Providence Rivers and witness the revitalization of the City, river walks, and waterfront parks. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or birthday, looking to propose to that special someone, or just on a vacation to the city, a gondola trip is a great way to make your visit to Providence memorable and unique. La Gondola operates three authentic Venetian gondolas along the Providence Riverwalk, accommodating up to six passengers at a time on each gondola. Reservations are highly recommended and are always exclusive to your party. We are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Our season is from 1 May to 31 October, and of course trips are always subject to availability and the weather. La Gondola Providence: For Lovers, For Families, For Everyone.
7. Tomaquag Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Tomaquag Museum is the region's only native-operated facility dedicated to the sharing of indigenous culture, arts and history. Tomaquag boasts 14 unique rotating exhibits that showcase Southern New England tribal community stories, over 20,000 artifacts in collections, and over 100,000 research materials in the archive. Come take a tour with our knowledgeable and native museum staff for an enriching educational experience.
Reviewed By rich_karen_10 - Oklahoma City, United States
We had an educational and inspirational visit to the Tomaquag Museum today. We had a friend visiting from Germany and she is very interested in Native American culture and history. We heard about this museum and decided to make the drive to see it. The drive was beautiful (another story) and we were greeted by staff that were indigenous people. Our guide, Lindsey, was articulate, enthusiastic and informative. She led us from one exhibit to another explaining them with a focus on civil rights and justice. We learned many things about indigenous people and her tribe. The museum is small and loaded with interesting exhibits. The best part was the commitment and excitement of the staff. I highly recommend the visit.
8. Verde Vineyards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Jerry-Scannell - North Providence, United States
Jim has a tremendous wealth of information about everything wine-related. The enthusiasm he showed while teaching us about wine Carrie's over to the quality of his product. I love ted wine and his St. Croix (2013) was a splendid wine. As good as any I gave had from Napa which is really something to say about this area of the country. I highly recommend you to call for a tour and tasting. You will end up buying a bottle (or more) of his fine wine.
9. Cardines Field
10. Rail Explorers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,451 reviews
Rail Explorers: Rhode Island Division. Take a tour with Rail Explorers and experience the magic of the railroad like never before! Ride the rails on our pedal powered 'rail explorers' - a unique activity suitable for everyone. Family activity - fun, mild exercise and time outdoors. Great views, train lovers and everyone else will enjoy this ride on the rails.
