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Visit Rhode Island

Attractions

Rhode Island never comes up short for attractions. The largest assortment of historic places and landmarks in the country is here, as are nationally celebrated restaurants, seaside towns and resorts. In 2014, Providence was named the #1 City in the U.S. in Travel + Leisure’s Favorite Cities poll for its hotels, food and culture. Discover spectacular beaches, farms and vineyards, nature preserves, and beautiful gardens. Take a riverboat tour on the very river – the Blackstone -- that spun the first mill into operation in the U.S., and stop in at the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in Newport, RI.

13 places to visit

  • Narragansett, RI

    Block Island Ferry

    Sail away to an island adventure!

    Sail away to an island adventure aboard the Block Island Ferry. Ferries leave from Newport or Narragansett, RI, and sail to Old Harbor on Block Island. Whether you’re going for the day or an extended vacation, you’ll find a full slate of fun things to do, from parasailing, kayaking, surfing, and paddle boarding to visiting an exotic-animal farm, hiking nature trails, going horseback riding and biking. Explore lighthouses, or just relax on a beautiful beach at sunset after a classic New England dinner. Ferries have full bars and beverage and food concessions, and leashed pets are allowed on open decks. Passengers may bring bikes and surfboards with a reservation, and discounts are available for seniors and for children. 
    304 Great Island Road 401-783-7996
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  • Providence, RI

    Go Providence

    Providence - The Creative Capital

    Providence, RI is known for its vibrant culinary, and arts and culture scenes. The RISD Museum is home to nearly 100,000 works of art ranging from the ancient to the avant-garde. Theater lovers will want to see a show at the beautifully gilded Providence Performing Arts Center or at the Tony Award-winning Trinity Rep. One of the city's most popular events, WaterFire, is a multisensory art installation highlighted by a series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence. You can even glide along the rivers in an authentic Venetian gondola. Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village has delighted generations of visitors, and The BankNewport City Center boasts ice skating in the heart of downtown. For more things to do in Providence, RI, visit GoProvidence.com.
    1 Sabin Street 401-751-1177
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  • Middletown, RI

    Discover Newport RI

    Newport County is steeped in history and beauty. The City on the Sea, in addition to the famous mansions, has the distinction of having more authentic colonial era structures than any other American city. The region, which also includes Jamestown, Portsmouth and Middletown, features beaches, vineyards, scores of great and interesting shops, an array of restaurants, luxury hotels and quaint inns and B&Bs. Beautiful parks and dramatic vistas are found along Ocean Drive. Also not to be missed are the Tennis Hall of Fame, Fort Adams, and Newport’s world famous folk, jazz, and classical music festivals. The Newport County Chamber of Commerce can provide you complete information and help in planning your visit.
    35 Valley Road 401-847-1600
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  • Providence/Newport, RI

    Rhode Island Red Food Tours

    Rhode Island Red Food Tours is one of the state’s most flavorful attractions. We offer visitors a chance to taste Rhode Island’s food culture while exploring its history and neighborhoods.

    Our guided walking tours highlight the culinary icons that define the Ocean State, from fresh seafood and local farms to unique drinks and regional specialties. Along the way, guests discover fascinating architecture, hidden alleys, and cultural landmarks. Whether exploring Providence’s creative capital vibe or Newport’s coastal charm, Rhode Island Red Food Tours combines sightseeing and eating into one unforgettable attraction that captures the heart of Rhode Island. Not to be missed!
    Tours offered in Providence & Newport 401-684-1110
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  • Bristol, RI

    Audubon Society of Rhode Island - Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium

    Discover WILD THINGS at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium!

    Immerse yourself in nature! Visitors of all ages can buzz through the blooming pollinator garden, walk the trails to Narragansett Bay, and search for birds, frogs, and turtles along the boardwalk. Then head indoors and marvel at seahorses, fish, sharks and other cool marine life in the aquarium.

    Birding walks, family nature programs, evening hikes, outdoor explorations and workshops are offered year-round. Check the calendar for close-up animal encounters with turtles, snakes, owls and hawks!

    Outside with a Guide: Small-group Private Tours Offered in Summer
    Plan a nature exploration with your own Audubon naturalist. Options for adult-only or groups with children ages 5+. Maximum 10 people.
    1401 Hope Street, 401-949-5454
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  • New London, CT

    Block Island Express

    The fun starts before you even arrive

    Your Block Island adventure starts the moment you board the Block Island Express. The high-speed ferry departs from New London, CT or Orient Point, NY, whisking you to beautiful Block Island, RI in about 90 minutes. Settle into comfortable indoor seating or head to the open decks for panoramic views of sailboats, lighthouses and the Long Island Sound. The Cross Sound Deli serves sandwiches, snacks, craft beers and specialty cocktails for the ride. On the island, explore famous beaches, bike scenic trails, go kayaking or enjoy al fresco dining and nightlife. Thursdays, catch the half-price Dinner Run from New London. 
    2 Ferry Street
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  • Warren, RI

    Charles W. Greene Museum

    This museum houses the Charles R. Carr collection of pre-Columbian, Peruvian, and North American Indian artifacts including wampum and glass beads. Colonial fishing and farm also are featured. Open Wednesday from 2 pm to 4 pm and by appointment.
    Main Street 401-245-7686

  • Bristol, RI

    Coggeshall Farm Museum

    This is a 35-acre colonial farm, established in 1750. This Rhode Island museum features rare breeds of livestock, a barn, cooling house, blacksmith, and springhouse, making it a great thing to do with kids for a family activity on vacation.
    Hours: Year-round, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Cost: Adults, $5; children, $3.
    Information: www.coggeshallfarm.org.
    Off Route 114 401-253-9062

  • Warren, RI

    Fire Museum

    This former fire barn on Baker Street once housed the Narragansett Steam Fire Co. Station #3 in the 1800s. Faithfully restored, it now houses the volunteer fire department’s museum and The Little Hero, the first fire engine purchased by the town in 1802. Open by appointment. Call the fire chief.
    Baker Street 401-245-7600

  • Bristol, RI

    Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame

    The museum and hall of fame present the story of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and the America's Cup competition. From 1863 to 1945, the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company produced the world's finest yachts on the cutting edge of design and engineering. This Rhode Island museum's collection includes 60 original Herreshoff boats, steam engines, artifacts, and photographs from the Golden Age of Yachting.
    Hours: April 26-November 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; other times of year by appointment.
    Admission: Adults, $10; seniors over age 65, $8; military, $8, youth over age 10, $5.
    Information: www.herreshoff.org/
    1 Burnside Street 401-253-5000

  • Pawtucket, RI

    Slater Memorial Park Carousel

    The stately grounds of this park include an early carousel by Danish immigrant Charles I. D. Looff. The carousel boasts 42 horses, three dogs, and a lion, camel, and giraffe; they are some of the earliest examples of Looffs work.
    Hours: The carousel is temporarily closed. Please call for updated information.
    Newport Avenue (Route 1A) 401-728-0500

  • Central Falls, RI

    Blackstone Valley Explorer Riverboat Tours

    The Blackstone Valley Explorer is a 40-passenger riverboat, the only one of its kind on the Blackstone River. Since 1993, when the boat cruises began, more than 25,000 passengers annually have come from local, national and global destinations to take 45 minute narrated tours along sections of the Blackstone River. Explore the river that was once called "America’s Hardest Working River" and discover the river’s ecosystem as you learn about the river’s industrialized past, the river’s restoration, and what we are doing to help the river live again. Public tours held on Sunday afternoons from early May to mid-October. Private charters also available by advance appointment.
    Departs from Central Fall landing, 45 Madeira Avenue 401-724-2200
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  • Riverside, RI

    Crescent Park Carousel

    The Crescent Park Carousel, one of the finest surviving examples of hand-carved carousels in the country, was built just prior to 1900 by Charles I. D. Looff as a display model. Open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 7 pm. Easter weekend and Memorial Day weekend and from June through Labor Day. After Labor Day through Columbus Day, open Saturday and Sunday, noon to 8 pm. Wheelchair accessible.
    Crescent Park, 700 Bullocks Point Avenue 401-435-7518