Best Things to Do in Rhode Island

10 Best Things to Do in Rhode Island

Discover a World of Fun and Excitement in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is steeped in New England charm, from the intriguing historic architecture to the rocky beaches and clear, blue Atlantic waters. You can explore stately 19th-century mansions and attractions on walkable streets and public parks for a traditional yet exciting getaway. Discover a world of engaging fun and luxurious elegance as you travel the historic districts, seashore waterways, and stunning mansions throughout Rhode Island on your family vacation, couples getaway, or even solo backpacking trip across the American North. Find out about the 10 best things to do in Rhode Island on your trip.

1. The Breakers

Visit the Vanderbilts

The Breakers

Categoría: Historia


You’ll definitely want to check out the Breakers if classic and breathtaking architecture is your thing. Now a registered National Historic Landmark and part of the Bellevue Avenue Historic District, this Vanderbilt mansion was constructed in the late 19th century. The Breakers sits on the grounds of Salve Regina University and offers tours of the mansion, which is still decorated with lavish furnishings and detailing in the Italian Renaissance villa style. It’s possibly the grandest summer cottage in the city of Newport and a must-visit for historians and architectural aficionados.


Ubicación: 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Horario: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm

Teléfono: +1 401-847-1000

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The Breakers

44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

2. Cliff Walk

Take the scenic walk along the coastal cliffs of Newport

Cliff Walk

Categoría: Aventura


The scenic Newport Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile-long walkway that gives access to a scenic stroll right along the shore, is one of the most popular attractions in the entire state. It’s listed as a National Recreation Trail and was the first such trail to be designated in New England. The trail includes a combination of unpaved, rocky walkways and paved paths, so it presents a variety of challenges for hiking enthusiasts. Make sure you pack good walking shoes and prepare for some areas that are challenging walks! As you go, you’ll see gorgeous mansions, sandy beaches, and many other scenic locations.


Horario: 24/7

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Cliff Walk

3. Roger Williams Park Zoo

See one of the oldest zoos in the country

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Categoría: Familias


For an engaging family outing on your Rhode Island vacation, head for the Roger Williams Park Zoo, which opened in 1872 and is among the oldest zoos in the entire nation. Here, you can see over 150 animals from all over the world in natural habitats. This zoo was the first in New England to become accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. You can visit giraffes, elephants, flamingos, bald eagles, camels, zebras, and many other animal species, all within classic and traditional enclosures designed to mimic their home terrain.


Ubicación: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, USA

Horario: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm

Teléfono: +1 401-785-3510

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Roger Williams Park Zoo

1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, USA

4. WaterFire Providence

See fire on the water

WaterFire Providence

Categoría: Familias, Vida nocturna


WaterFire in Providence is a Barnaby Evans sculpture that was created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Rhode Island’s First Night celebrations. Since then, it has become one of the most popular attractions and points of interest for visitors and residents alike. The sculpture is award-winning and makes use of fire to light up the skies above the water upon which it sits. Live performances are often held with celebrations, and the scent of burning wood fills the air over the riverfront on summer nights. It’s certainly a sight to behold for the entire family.


Ubicación: 4 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Horario: Monday­–Friday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed Saturday–Sunday)

Teléfono: +1 401-273-1155

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WaterFire Providence

4 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

5. The Elms

Marvel at French architecture

The Elms

Categoría: Parejas, Historia, Lujo


The Elms is a striking and regal mansion on rolling green space located in Newport. Horace Trumbauer designed the property for Edward Julius Berwind, a coal baron, and it first opened in 1901. It was inspired by the Château d’Asnières in Asnières-sur-Seine, France, which was built in the 1700s. Today, the mansion stands as a museum and historic landmark that is open for tours. It holds celebrations and events throughout the year, like the annual Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival where you can sample local delicacies paired with local vintages in luxurious surroundings.


Ubicación: 367 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Horario: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm

Teléfono: +1 401-847-1000

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The Elms

367 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

6. RISD Museum of Art

Attend an artistic event

RISD Museum of Art

Categoría: Familias, Historia


The Rhode Island School of Design’s Museum of Art is both an educational facility and a museum dedicated to historic, classic, and contemporary art in all styles. This vast museum is among the largest in the country and first opened in 1877. Since then, it’s become a premier exhibition space for everything from painting to sculpture and beyond. You can even view a display of decorative arts. The collection consists of both permanent and rotating, traveling exhibits. The museum also hosts events throughout the year, such as live music, poetry, readings, speakers, and workshops.


Ubicación: 20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Teléfono: +1 401-454-6500

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RISD Museum of Art

20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

7. Ocean Drive

Relive 18th-century history

Ocean Drive

Categoría: Familias, Historia


Ocean Drive is a road in Rhode Island and the name of the Newport Historic District along the southern coast of the state. Not only can you get panoramic views of the clear, blue waters of the bay and rocky shores, but you can also visit a range of historic landmarks along this 10-mile stretch of roadway. Here, you can find mansions dating back to the 18th century, plantations with rolling green lawns, museums full of artifacts and exhibits tracing the past, and, of course, plenty of independent shops and eateries in historic buildings.


Horario: 24/7

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Ocean Drive

8. Bellevue Avenue mansions

Get lost in stately elegance with these historic mansions

Bellevue Avenue Mansions

Categoría: Historia, Lujo


The Bellevue Avenue mansions in Newport include many historic mansions that date from the 19th century through the early 20th century. These mansions exhibit a wide range of architectural styles and features and were the product of an unprecedented race to top the social strata of the New England region in that time period. These efforts resulted in some of the most incredible buildings in the nation, and thousands of people journey here every year just to tour these stately structures.

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Bellevue Avenue mansions

9. Narragansett Bay beaches

Go surfing on fun beaches

Narragansett Bay Beaches

Categoría: Familias


The Narragansett Bay beaches make for a great New England vacation, offering miles of soft sands, rocky coastlines, great waves for surfing, and striking buildings along the bay. The most popular of these is Narragansett Town Beach, which offers cool Atlantic waters, velvety sands, and waves that are loved by surfers. You’ll also find plenty of recreation space among the Narragansett Bay beaches, as well as quaint and classic towns with walkable lanes and avenues filled with small shops and eateries.


Ubicación: 39 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA

Horario: Daily from 8.30 am to 8 pm

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Narragansett Bay beaches

39 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA

10. Colt State Park

Get away from it all in this secluded park

Colt State Park

Categoría: Familias, Aventura


Colt State Park in Bristol is the place to visit if you’re looking for outdoor adventures or just space to disconnect, clear your mind, and replenish your soul. This open space covers 464 acres of rolling green lawns, curving drives and walking paths, lovely stone walls, and even beaches. It’s known as the gem of the Rhode Island state parks system, and it’s popular with backpackers, hikers, bicyclists, and anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle for a little while.


Ubicación: Route 114, Bristol, RI 02809, USA

Horario: Daily from 5 am to 8 pm

Teléfono: +1 401-253-7482

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Colt State Park

Route 114, Bristol, RI 02809, USA

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