Full of pastoral farmlands, lighthouses, quaint towns and fresh air, Rhode Island is a charming and richly historical place. Tucked between Massachusetts and Connecticut, the smallest state in the union packs a host of getaway spots! One of the nation's most popular summer getaways (and revered in the fall as well for its famous New England autumn foliage), it offers hundreds of appealing visitor attractions, from hiking, beachcombing and wildlife watching to revered historical sites and stunning architecture. At one of many Rhode Island vacation rentals, you can set up a comfortable home base unparalleled by any hotel or motel and explore all this state has to offer!
What To See and Do In Rhode Island
Block Island is the Ocean State's most popular summer destination and was named a Last Great Place by The Nature Conservancy. It's a short ferry ride from Galilee and full of natural attractions and nature trails. Check out Mohegan Bluffs and pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches, take a boating tour, view the sights from the heights of Southeast Lighthouse, or try surfing or parasailing! Rodman's Hollow, a 230-acre glacial basin, offers several miles of walking trails and spectacular ocean views. Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is a key migratory bird stopover point on the Atlantic Coast, and home to 15 rare or endangered species.
Providence, the capital and New England's third largest city, is sure to be fun and educational for the whole family. For those interested in period architecture, Providence is a marvel. One of the first cities in the country, Providence contains many historic buildings, from pre-revolutionary houses to the First Baptist Church in America, Rhode Island School of Design Museum, and Providence Athenĉum, the fourth oldest library in the country (where Edgar Allen Poe was a regular!)
In fact, the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places; a downtown walking tour by the Blackstone Valley National Heritage Corridor takes visitors along streets that date to the founding of Providence. Gaze at churches and libraries created three centuries ago.
If it's nature and not architecture you crave, Providence is home to a 1,200-acre park system and Roger Williams Botanical Center.
Newport is an 18th century seaport brimming with history and unique architecture. Cliff Walk is a four-mile paved shoreline trail with staggering ocean vistas and wildlife sightings. Fort Adams is the biggest confederate fort in the U.S., offering stunning bay views and many seasonal events.
Families visiting Rhode Island won't want to miss Tiverton's Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, which boasts a stunning display of fall foliage and numerous trails. Tiverton is also known for antiquing and interesting shops.
The mighty Blackstone River (once known as America's hardest working river) curves through downtown Woonsocket on its way from Worcester to Narragansett Bay. On the Blackstone River Bikeway, cyclists can enjoy a 10-mile stretch of scenic, car-free heaven, from Central Falls to Cumberland. Once the power source for mills during the industrial revolution, it has become miles of peaceful wooded river bike path that will someday connect Providence, RI and Worcester, MA as a commuter trail.
A town of ferries, bridges and lighthouses, Jamestown features Beavertail State Park, with still more jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic, rocky bluffs and walking paths. The Beavertail Lighthouse, built in 1856, and a historical museum are also park highlights. Free year-round, this park is a beautiful and educational stop.
Make Rhode Island Your Next Vacation Destination
Take in historical and cultural significance, New England charm, breathtaking views and exhilarating nature experiences from your comfortable home base in a Rhode Island vacation rental. Family-friendly and perfect for a range of styles and budgets, you'll appreciate the ability these rentals afford to be truly connected to the communities you visit, while maintaining both convenience and privacy. Find the Rhode Island vacation rental that suits you and immerse yourself in all of Rhode Island's quaint old charm.
Interested in More Rhode Island ?
Check out nearby Charlestown , Narragansett , Newport .
