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Fishers Island Sound, Rhode Island by Rusty Watson on Unsplash.

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Rhode Island Travel Notes

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Rhode Island Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes

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From historic landmarks to picturesque coastal towns, explore the best of Rhode Island and plan a perfect getaway with our insider Rhode Island travel tips.

About Rhode Island

Also known as the Plantation State, Rhode Island uses the term 'Ocean State' to promote tourism.

From its New England coastline to historic landmarks and cultural offerings, there's plenty to explore in this charming state.

States neighbouring Rhode Island: Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Travel Map Mapping Rhode Island

Map of Rhode Island

Map of Rhode Island

 Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States in terms of land area.

Despite its small size, Rhode Island is densely populated.

The state capital of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations is the city of Providence, located in the north-eastern part of the state.

Rhode Island Overview

Rhode Island is a state in the New England region of the United States, bordered by Massachusetts to the north and east, and Connecticut to the west.

Rhode Island also has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the south.

Aquidneck Island

Besides Newport, Aquidneck Island is home to other towns such as Middletown and Portsmouth.

The island is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational activities.

Culinary Scene

Rhode Island is known for its unique culinary offerings.

Some local specialties include clam chowder, clam cakes, and 'stuffies' (stuffed quahogs).

The state also claims to be the birthplace of the 'Diner'.

Economy

Traditionally, Rhode Island's economy has been centred around manufacturing, especially textiles and jewellry.

In recent years, the economy has diversified, with a growing focus on services, education, and healthcare.

Education

Rhode Island is home to several institutions of higher education, including Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Providence.

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is also well-known for its programs in art and design.

Historical Significance

Rhode Island has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1636 by Roger Williams; a religious exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

It was one of the original thirteen colonies and played a crucial role in the American Revolution.

Ocean State

Rhode Island is often referred to as the 'Ocean State' because of its extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.

The state has numerous bays, inlets, and islands.

Tourism

Rhode Island attracts visitors with its historic sites, coastal attractions, and cultural events.

Newport, a city on Aquidneck Island, is famous for its historic mansions, including The Breakers, a Vanderbilt mansion.

Waterfront Activities

Rhode Island offers a variety of water-based activities, including sailing, fishing, and beachgoing.

Narragansett Bay is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts.

Visiting Rhode Island

While small in size, Rhode Island's rich history, cultural attractions, and coastal beauty make it a distinctive and interesting part of the United States.

Rhode Island Highlights

Beach Time

Rhode Island has several beautiful beaches, including Misquamicut State Beach, Narragansett Town Beach, and East Matunuck State Beach.

Relax by the ocean, swim, or engage in water sports.

Brown University and RISD

If you're interested in education and culture, take a walk around the campuses of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Providence.

Explore Narragansett Bay

Consider taking a boat tour or ferry ride to explore Narragansett Bay, which is dotted with islands and offers scenic views of the coastline.

Discover Newport

Visit the historic city of Newport and explore the opulent Gilded Age mansions, such as The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff.

Take a stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk for beautiful views of the ocean.

Roger Williams Park

Located in Providence, Roger Williams Park is a large public park featuring a zoo, botanical centre, and a museum.

It's a great place for outdoor activities, picnics, and family-friendly outings.

Providence Waterfront

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Providence's waterfront.

Walk along Waterplace Park, take a gondola ride on the river, and explore the many restaurants and shops in the area.

Rhode Island State House

Take a tour of the Rhode Island State House in Providence, a neo-classical building with impressive architecture.

Learn about the state's history and government.

Visit Federal Hill

Known as Providence's 'Little Italy', Federal Hill offers a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

It's a great place to experience delicious Italian cuisine.

WaterFire Providence

If you happen to visit during the summer or fall, check the schedule for WaterFire events in Providence.

This unique installation features bonfires on the rivers of downtown Providence, accompanied by music and art.

Rhode Island - New England

New England

Rhode Island and Providence Plantations is one of the six states that form the region known as New England.

The others are: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the Union of America and is often overlooked by visitors to New England.

Rhode Island offers much diversity in a small space, from the fine museums and restaurants of Providence and the sophisticated shops and mansions of Newport, to the quiet pastures and woods of South County and the tranquil beauty of Block Island.

With 36 islands and a mainland sliced nearly in two by Narragansett Bay, the Ocean State has over 400 miles of sandy beaches and rocky headlands along its varied coastline.

Rhode Island Travel Tips

In Rhode Island, go to any Point Judith area restaurant and order the Clam Bake: it's a feast of lobster, clams, mussels, potatoes, corn, and fish; served right off the fishing boats.

Newport

The 'New Port' community was founded by religious refugees from Massachusetts Bay Colony, in 1639, and soon became a haven for Quakers and Sephardic Jews.

It helps to have money in Newport, and there's certainly a lot of it swimming about here. Just take a look at some of the yachts in the marina.

If anyone ever invites you to their summer home in Newport, you've probably got good connections.

Go Newport

As America's First Resort, Newport takes pride in ensuring that everyone finds something that appeals to them. Tours abound in Newport. Consider a sunset harbour cruise, a winery tour, or a trek down breathtaking Ocean Drive or the renowned Cliff Walk.

The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce is one of Rhode Island's largest business advocacy organizations formed to enhance the business, civic and economic vitality of the city of Newport and the surrounding towns of Middletown, Portsmouth, Bristol, Warren, Little Compton, Barrington, Tiverton, Jamestown and beyond.

Hotels in Newport, Rhode Island.

Newport Mansions

Just how many bathrooms do a loving couple need? When visiting the Gilded Age of Newport Mansions your jaw will surely drop. If these were late 19th century summer houses, then where did these people live in the winter?

Tennis Hall of Fame

The Tennis Hall of Fame at the Newport Casino, site of the first U.S. National Championships in 1881, was founded by tennis innovator James Van Alen in 1954 as 'a shrine to the ideals of the game'.

Providence

Roger Williams was forced out of Plymouth Colony on account of his religious beliefs and, after securing some land from the Narragansett tribe, laid the foundations for the first Baptist Church of America.

Map of Providence, Rhode Island

Map of Providence, Rhode Island

Providence sits pretty on its seven hills with an array of colonial buildings and cobbled pavements for walkers to admire.

The seat of the Rhode Island state government is also full of studious arty types from Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design.

Most of the interesting historical finds are around the 350 year-old district of College Hill. Walking tours of Brown University are highly recommended.

Hotels in Providence.

Block Island

Newport's beaches attract the crowds, and if you want to slip anchor you'd be wise to head for Block Island.

Getting to Block Island

The most frequent departures are from Galilee State Pier in Point Judith, Rhode Island. It is also the shortest route, and the cheapest.

In season there are also daily ferries from Newport, Rhode Island; New London, Connecticut; and Montauk, New York.

In the Atlantic, ten miles south-east of Newport, the Wildlife Refuge makes an interesting day-trip from suburbia. You can hire a bike once you get off the ferry.

Bristol, Rhode Island

Bristol, Rhode Island is indeed the quintessential New England waterfront town and plays host to the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the nation.

Where to Stay in Bristol, Rhode Island

Bradford-Dimond-Norris House

The stately Bradford-Dimond-Norris House house sits in the heart of downtown Bristol, just a stone's throw away from America's oldest Fourth of July parade route.

Bristol Harbor Inn

Bristol Harbor Inn

Bristol Harbor Inn: 259 Thames Street, Bristol, Rhode Island.

An elegant boutique-style, 40-room hotel located on the water at Thames Street Landing; in the heart of Historic Bristol, Rhode Island.

The waterfront setting of Bristol Harbor Inn offers guests spectacular views of Bristol Harbour and Narragansett Bay.

Hotels in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Features

Rhode Island Roads

Rhode Island Roads is an online magazine of travel, life, dining, and entertainment for people who love Rhode Island.

Rhode Island Travel Guides

Moon Rhode Island (Moon Handbooks) Scenic Driving Connecticut and Rhode Island: Exploring the States' Most Spectacular Byways and Back Roads

Rhode Island Travel Guides.

About Rhode Island - Rhode Island Weather:
Find out more about Rhode Island before you travel there.

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