Rhode Island – A Journey through the Little Ocean State
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the USA, but it's one of the most fascinating and touristic among the New England states. Providence, the capital, is a captivating historic city. Its center is divided into the vibrant Downtown area, which is now a fantastic urban attraction, and the historic city center where significant sites are located near the prestigious Brown University campus. Beyond the charming Providence, Rhode Island boasts a plethora of important and attractive tourist sites, with the most notable being the quaint city of Newport. Newport is a legendary summer tourist city known for the mansions (gigantic palaces) of the wealthiest families from New England and New York who come to spend their summers here. Rhode Island was one of the 13 founding colonies of the USA and has always held significant importance in American history.
How many days are needed for a trip to Rhode Island?
For a trip to Rhode Island, you should dedicate at least three days. One day for Providence, one for Newport, and another for a scenic road trip around the tiny state (short drive times but lots to see????)
Finding accommodation in Rhode Island is highly recommended, whether in Providence, Newport, or the coastal towns.
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10 Must-See and Do Things in Rhode Island
- Urban experience in downtown Providence
- The historic mile on Benefit Street on the east side of the Providence River
- The sites and mansions of the historic Bellevue Avenue district in Newport
- The Breakers Mansion, opulent estates, and ocean views on the Cliff Walk in Newport
- The history of the Industrial Revolution in America at Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket
- The Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth
- The view of the Newport Bridge from East Ferry Memorial Square Park in Jamestown
- The pastoral center of Wickford Village
- The two former casino towers in Narragansett
- The salt lagoons of South County's beaches and the charming center of Watch Hill
What is Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island holds one of the most prestigious titles among the 50 states of the USA – it's the smallest state in the union
- Similar to its neighbors Massachusetts and Connecticut, Rhode Island is considered a cradle of European settlement in America. With the founding of the United States in 1776, it was among the 13 founding states
- Rhode Island's nickname is The Ocean State
- It lies along Narragansett Bay at the mouth of the Providence River, which forms more than half of its borders.
- The state is named after the Greek island Rhodes, due to the resemblance of its shape to that of Aquidneck Island (on which Newport and Portsmouth sit) to the isle of roses in the Mediterranean. The island was discovered and named by Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, who sailed along the Long Island Sound in 1524.
- The state's capital and main city is Providence. Providence was the settlement base for the entire state. The city was founded in 1638 by the British Puritan minister Roger Williams.
- Rhode Island borders Connecticut to the west, and Massachusetts to the east and north.
- The state is home to about one million and one hundred thousand residents, the vast majority of whom live in Providence and its metropolitan area (more than half a million of the city's metro population actually live in Massachusetts)
- The character of the small state, which covers just 3.1 thousand square kilometers, is very urban and it is the most urban among the 6 New England states
Click here for a guided foodies and seafood lovers tour in the heart of Newport…
How to get to Rhode Island?
How to reach Rhode Island by plane?
Logan International Airport in Boston (Code BOS) is the main gateway to New England and the closest major airport to Rhode Island. There are numerous direct flights throughout the year from Ben Gurion Airport to Boston, operated by both El Al and Delta. The airport has about four terminals, with Terminal E serving international flights. The drive from Logan in Boston to downtown Providence is just over an hour, and even less to the northern part of the state. There is a direct train connecting the centers of the two cities, from Boston’s South Station to Providence’s main station, not far from Waterplace Park just north of downtown.
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Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (Code: PVD) – The main airport of the state is located just south of downtown Providence, about a fifteen-minute drive. Rhode Island's airport isn't very large but is well connected with major airports across the eastern part of the USA and the Midwest (mainly flights to Chicago O'Hare). This airport is an excellent choice for those heading specifically to the city. Bus line 66 travels from the airport to Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence.
How to get to Rhode Island by car?
- Downtown Providence is the transportation hub of all Rhode Island (in any case, the city's metropolis covers more than a third of the tiny state) with an airport, a rail junction, and a network of highways.
- The I-95 highway crosses the state from New Haven Connecticut, about an hour's drive away. The road passes through the center of Providence and continues directly to Boston, Massachusetts, about an hour and a half drive
- The I-95 has two branching highways, the 295 encircles the Providence metropolitan area from the west and the 195 continues from downtown east along the coast, toward Cape Cod
- The urban highway number 1 more or less follows the route overlapping the I-95 in the west of the state and from Providence eastward overlaps the path of the 195, only closer to the Atlantic coast
Click here for a guided day trip from Boston to Newport…
Map of Sites, Cities, and Attractions in Rhode Island
When to visit Rhode Island?
Just like all of New England, the question of when to visit Rhode Island depends on the weather conditions. Basically, summers are warm and pleasant, while winters are freezing. However, each season has its own unique and attractive character.
- The best time to visit Rhode Island and Providence is in early summer. During this period, Rhode Island is warm and pleasant but not yet filled with tourists stopping by on their way east to Cape Cod.
- Spring and summer in the city are very pleasant for traveling and are part of the great vacation area stretching from New Haven in the west to the Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket islands south of Cape Cod.
- Most of Rhode Island is part of the Providence metropolitan area, and the city itself is attractive all year round.
- In the fall, around the Halloween and Thanksgiving season, the cities of Rhode Island, especially Providence, have a unique and enjoyable atmosphere. Beyond the spooky vibe, the New England foliage adds a beautiful touch to the state's scenery.
- Even during the Christmas season, at the end of December, the atmosphere in Providence is wonderful.
How to Plan a Travel Itinerary in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is conveniently located midway between the New York City metropolis and the attractions of southeastern Massachusetts. Typically, the trip to Rhode Island is part of a travel itinerary that starts in New York, follows the coast of Connecticut, and continues toward Cape Cod. The drive from Providence to Cape Cod is just around an hour, making the city a great base for exploring Cape Cod, including finding a place to stay.
Rhode Island is also close to all the attractions along Connecticut's coastline, including New Haven and Yale University's campus, and even not far from Hartford, the neighboring state's capital. A trip route from New York to Boston can also include Rhode Island. Touring the state itself is pretty straightforward, as almost everything to see and do is along or right on Route 1 or the I-95 highway.
For trip itinerary planning in Rhode Island and professional consultation, click here…
Click here for a cruise from Newport to select lighthouses along the coastline…
Were to sleep in Rhode Island?
Where to find a place to stay in Rhode Island?
- The majority of accommodations in Rhode Island are in the capital, Providence
- There are clusters of hotels in Newport, which itself is a very attractive tourist city.
- In the tourist towns of South Beach County like Narragansett, Charlestown, and Watch Beach, there are also a series of beach hotels that primarily serve as accommodations for vacationers.
- Across the tiny state, along the highways and Route 1, there are plenty of motels from the top major chains.
- In the town centers, there are mostly private accommodations, aiming to preserve the unique character of New England.
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Click here to check availability and prices at hotels in Newport, Rhode Island…
Everything You Need to Know About Lodging and Hotels in Providence
Accommodation in Providence is roughly divided into two types: staying in downtown hotels or in motels near the city.
- Staying in Downtown Providence – Downtown Providence is now an attractive place to stay, with a range of good hotels opening up at the three and four-star level. North of Washington Street in the northern part of downtown and south of Waterplace Park, there's a plethora of hotels offering stays right in the heart of the city, close to all the major sites and attractions.
- Lodging in Motels on the City's Outskirts – The motels near Providence are an excellent accommodation option, especially for those arriving by car. There are several main clusters of motels, very close to the city center, along the main routes of the highways – 95 and 195, branching towards Cape Cod. In the suburb of Seekonk to the east, near 195, you'll find a large cluster of motels including major chains like Super 8, Motel 6, Quality Inn, Best Western, and more. South of downtown, next to the airport, there's a myriad of hotels that are also airport motels and classic airport hotels. You'll find brand names of major chains like Marriott or Crowne Plaza by IHG. Staying in motels is very convenient, typically offering two queen beds, making it ideal for families.
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Providence: The Historic Capital of Rhode Island
Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, is the second largest metropolis in New England, only surpassed by the larger Boston to the north. Providence is an important historical city, founded about 18 years after the Puritan migration to New England began, in 1638, and it is considered one of the oldest cities in the USA.
Over the years, the city has experienced several transformations. After significant industrialization in the 19th century, the city suffered from decline in the early and mid-20th century. During this time, the suburbs grew and are still considered among the wealthiest in the US, but downtown suffered from neglect. In the 1980s, the city underwent a stunning renewal that restored its spirit.
Today, the city center, both on the west bank of the Providence River and in the historic mile on the east bank near the Brown University campus, is one of the most beautiful and interesting of all the cities in the northeastern United States.
Click here for a boat tour on the Providence River with a guide on the city's skyline…
What is Providence?
Providence is the largest city and capital of the state of Rhode Island. Despite the state's very small size, Providence is the third largest city in New England after Boston and Worcester in Massachusetts, with just under two hundred thousand residents. In the Providence metropolitan area, often referred to as the city's metropolis, over one and a half million people reside (including Attleboro and other cities in Massachusetts). It is the second-largest urban area in New England after the gigantic Boston metropolis.
Providence was established in 1636 by the Puritan English clergyman John Williams Roger Williams. Initially, the town was the commercial hub of the vast agricultural area called Providence Plantations, which later became the colony of Rhode Island. Rhode Island was one of the 13 founding colonies of the USA, and with American independence, the city of Providence became an important industrial center, primarily for manufacturing and textiles.
Today, Providence is a wealthy and proud city, the administrative center of the tiny state, and a pleasant city to visit. In popular culture, it is associated with the fictional city of Quahog, Rhode Island, the setting of the quirky animated TV show “Family Guy.”
Click here for all the information on exploring the beautiful sites of Providence…
Newport – The Mansion City of Rhode Island
Newport, located in the southern part of Rhode Island island (distinct from the entire state's former name), is currently a bustling resort city. Despite its small size, Newport is one of the most significant cities in all of New England, both historically and touristically.
The prestigious US Open tennis tournament was founded in the city, and it now hosts the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Along with the world of elite tennis came the snobby crowd of New England, turning the beautiful city into one of the most attractive resort spots for the wealthy of Massachusetts and New York. Among the mansions of the rich, there lies a charming city with an appealing harbor area that draws a massive number of tourists every afternoon during the summer. Nearby, you’ll find important historical sites such as the Naval War College and the giant Fort Adams.
What is Newport?
The small town or city of Newport is located in the southern part of Aquidneck Island, about a forty-minute drive south of Providence, the capital of Rhode Island. Newport is the second most important city in the tiny state, with a rich history and one of the attractive destinations for traveling in New England.
Newport is home to about 25 thousand people only, but in the summer the city doubles in size and becomes a huge tourist site. Much like New England's tourism empires such as Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard, Newport is also considered a very favored vacation spot among the rich of New York and Boston, with giant private estates lining its streets. The city was founded in 1639 and served as the capital of Rhode Island until 1790.
Click here for all the info on touring beautiful Newport…
Everything to see and do in Rhode Island
Pawtucket
The suburb Pawtucket is located a ten-minute drive north of Downtown Providence. In fact, Pawtucket was once one of the important cities in American industry, long before it was absorbed by the Providence metropolis. It is situated on the bank of the Seekonk River in its elevated part. The river continues southward and flows into the Providence River, but in its city section, it is full of rapids and has a strong flow.
On an artificial waterfall, engineer Slater set up his factory in 1793, which was built on the hydraulic power of the canal that feeds the cotton gin. The gin, the unique machine for separating cotton from its seeds, was invented by Eli Whitney in Hartford that same year. This use of the hydraulic machine is considered one of the most important seeds of the industrial revolution throughout the USA.
At the historic Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark, you can see the reconstruction of the cotton mill used by Slater. Close to the river and the site is the main street of the historic town, Main Street.
Bristol
About a half-hour drive east from downtown Providence is the port city of Bristol. The city is famous for its shipyards where high-quality yachts are made. In the past, it was a very central port city and one of the important departure points for the famous whaling ships of New England. The city is located on a long peninsula, about 500 meters from Aquidneck Island, the largest island in the bay. Right on the bridge connecting the city with the neighboring island, is the neat campus of Roger Williams University.
The center of Bristol stretches along three streets running up the harbor line. On Thames Street, Hope Street, and High Street, you'll find an abundance of 18th and 19th-century mansions, beautiful churches, and all the fun of New England, including excellent lobster and seafood restaurants. Some of these historic mansions have been converted into open museums, preserving the homes and their belongings. One of these is the impressive Linden Place, built in 1810.
Near Linden Place is the Bristol Art Museum, featuring primarily a collection of local artists. A bit further south, along the harbor line, lies the Herreshoff Marine Museum, where you can learn about the city's yacht-building history. On a peninsula opposite downtown is the Coggeshall Farm Museum, a museum that recreates a late 18th-century agricultural farm. Slightly south of the historic city center, in the direction of the university campus, you'll find Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, an early 20th-century mansion surrounded by a stunning botanical garden.
Portsmouth
The town of Portsmouth is now a large suburban area that spans the entire northern part of Aquidneck Island, or as it's more European name – Rhodes or Rhode Island. The town's main importance lies in its historical role, both as the second settlement established in Rhode Island in 1638, two years after the founding of Providence, and because of the Battle of Rhode Island that took place in the town in 1778.
The town's houses today stretch over a vast area along Main Road, the main artery that crosses the town from north to south. The Green Animals Topiary Garden is the main attraction in the town. The garden is a masterpiece of gardening, including life-size animal bush sculptures. It stands in the heart of a charming estate and is a wonderful place to spend time with the kids.
Middletown
Middletown is the middle town on Aquidneck Island (Rhode Island), positioned between the urban essence of Newport and the rural charm of Portsmouth. The entire island is divided among three towns, largely populated but also featuring delightful natural spots, particularly within Middletown's bounds. The city's heart lies on Main Road, split into East and West. At the crossroads of these paths, you'll find a sort of urban center with restaurants and bars.
At the eastern edge of the town's area are two famous beaches. Third Beach is a very popular swimming beach in summer, with a particularly wide and thick sandy layer and excellent surfing conditions. Behind it is Second Beach, which also offers great surfing conditions and is packed with people during the summer. Just north of the beaches is the Norman Bird Sanctuary, with a wealth of nesting birds and observation trails.
Jamestown
The town of Jamestown is just a ten-minute drive west of Newport via the Claiborne Pell/Newport Bridge. The bridge, one of the most spectacular and largest in New England, connects Rhode Island or its current name Aquidneck Island to Conanicut Island over the waters of Narragansett Bay. Jamestown is the largest settlement on this small island, dominating its southern part.
Jamestown was once an important settlement but was severely damaged when the British set it on fire during the War of Independence. Since then, some of the town’s houses have been restored, but its center remains a classic, peaceful, and high-quality New England town. The heart of Jamestown is the quaint Narragansett Avenue, where a collection of charming restaurants overlooks the harbor.
In East Ferry Memorial Square park by the bay shore, you'll find a stunning view of Newport and the splendid bridge connecting the two towns. During the summer, tens to hundreds of yachts and sailing boats gather in and near the harbor, making the coastal view simply breathtaking.
A five-minute drive south from the harbor, you'll find Fort Wetherill State Park at the southeastern tip of the island. The park is built around abandoned batteries of the American army.
The Lighthouse at Beavertail State Park
On the western part of Conanicut Island, there's a stunning connection with a neighboring island formed by sediment. Today, the two islands are united in what's called Mackeral Cove Beach. This beach is a unique and spectacular tombolo (an island connected to the mainland by sediment) that's twenty meters wide. The state park and Beavertail lighthouse are just a ten-minute drive from downtown Jamestown. The lighthouse is one of the most famous in Rhode Island, although its appearance isn't as impressive as the lighthouses of Maine or Massachusetts. The park behind it is a lovely natural getaway, with a magnificent forest offering hiking trails.
Wickford Village
The charming village of Wickford is located just a twenty-minute drive from Newport and fifteen minutes from Jamestown. It's a popular spot for day trips from Providence, about a half-hour drive to the north. The village center is built on a lovely peninsular area known as Wickford Cove, home to the harbor and small marina.
Above the waters, you'll find picturesque streets lined with restaurants, churches, local shops, and loads of authentic New England atmosphere. Just north of the village center is Smith's Castle, a countryside estate that has now become a period museum. The house was built in 1678 and was owned by the ancestors of the author John Updike and his family.
Narragansett
The town of Narragansett is the eastern tip of what is known as the South County Beaches. The stunning, natural coastline is a popular tourist area stretching to Rhode Island's border with Connecticut along Route 1. The shoreline is dotted with nature reserves preserving lagoon-like areas that turn into salt ponds at low tide. The larger town of Charlestown, just to the west, serves as a base for exploring the nature reserves and salt ponds.
Narragansett itself is a popular beach town that, during the summer, is bustling with vacationers and especially surfers. South of the town's main beach, Narragansett Town Beach, there is a row of hotels. From the beach, you get an unusual view of what remains of the town's historic casino that burned down in 1900. All that's left are two towers, known as The Towers, with a road passing between them. The massive Romanesque-style fortress towers are one of Rhode Island's landmarks. South of the town center is the charming Point Judith Lighthouse.
Watch Hill
The small town of Watch Hill sits at the tip of a peninsula formed by the estuary of the Pawcatuck River, the border between Rhode Island and Connecticut. It's located on a long sandy coastline known as East Beach. The town itself is a popular resort destination, and many New Englanders own vacation homes there. The heart of the town is the charming Bay Street, with several restaurants and many manor-style hotels overlooking the ocean. West of the street is the Napatree Point Conservation Area, a sandy spit extending into the river's estuary.
