Day Trips in Rhode Island: Beaches, History, Food & Hidden Gems for All Ages
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it’s packed with great day trip destinations! Here are some fun options:
Newport – Mansions & Ocean Views
- The Breakers – Tour this lavish Vanderbilt mansion.
- Cliff Walk – A scenic 3.5-mile coastal walk with ocean views and mansion backdrops.
- Ocean Drive – A stunning 10-mile drive along the coast.
- Bowen’s Wharf – Charming shops, seafood restaurants, and harbor views.
Providence – Art, History & Food
- WaterFire (Seasonal) – A unique outdoor art installation with bonfires on the river.
- RISD Museum – Art collections from ancient to modern.
- Federal Hill – The city’s “Little Italy” for amazing Italian food.
- Roger Williams Park & Zoo – A great spot for families with a botanical garden and zoo.
Block Island – Beaches & Biking
- Ferry from Point Judith or Newport – A quick trip to this charming island.
- Mohegan Bluffs – Stunning cliffs with a beach below.
- Southeast Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse with breathtaking views.
- Rent a bike – The best way to explore the island!
Narragansett – Beach Day & Seafood
- Narragansett Town Beach – One of the best in RI.
- Point Judith Lighthouse – A scenic spot with coastal views.
- Matunuck Oyster Bar – Famous for fresh oysters and seafood.
Bristol – Historic Charm & Coastal Views
- Colt State Park – Beautiful waterfront park for picnicking and biking.
- Blithewold Mansion & Gardens – A gorgeous historic estate with gardens.
- America’s Oldest Fourth of July Parade – If visiting in July!
Wickford Village – Quaint & Relaxing
- Historic Downtown – Cute shops, galleries, and waterfront views.
- Kayaking in the Harbor – Peaceful paddling with scenic surroundings.
Tiverton & Little Compton – Countryside Escape
- Sakonnet Vineyards – Wine tastings in a beautiful rural setting.
- Goosewing Beach Preserve – A quiet and pristine beach.
- Four Corners – Art galleries, cafés, and historic charm.
Day Trips by Region in Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be small, but each region has its own charm! Here are five great day trips for each part of the state:
South County (Beaches & Nature)
🌊 Perfect for outdoor lovers, beachgoers, and seafood enthusiasts
- Narragansett Beach & Towers – Spend the day at one of RI’s best beaches, then dine at a seaside restaurant.
- Block Island – Take the ferry from Point Judith, rent a bike, and explore the island’s stunning cliffs and beaches.
- Charlestown Breachway & Ninigret Park – A quiet beach, kayaking, and birdwatching spot.
- Westerly & Watch Hill – Visit the Ocean House, take a carousel ride, and walk the beach.
- Fishermen’s Memorial State Park & Point Judith Lighthouse – A scenic lighthouse and seafood shacks nearby.
East Bay (Coastal Views & Historic Charm)
🏡 Great for history buffs, wine lovers, and scenic drives
- Bristol & Colt State Park – Walk or bike along Narragansett Bay and explore historic downtown.
- Blithewold Mansion & Gardens – A Gilded Age estate with beautiful gardens and waterfront views.
- Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton – A relaxing day of wine tasting in the countryside.
- Warren Waterfront & Arts District – Browse quirky shops, galleries, and enjoy waterfront dining.
- Mount Hope Farm & Coggeshall Farm Museum – A scenic historic farm with walking trails.
Newport County (Mansions & Sailing)
⛵ For luxury lovers, architecture fans, and ocean views
- Cliff Walk & The Breakers Mansion – Tour the grand Vanderbilt estate and take a breathtaking coastal walk.
- Ocean Drive & Fort Adams State Park – A scenic 10-mile drive with stops for fort tours and coastal picnics.
- Thames Street & Bowen’s Wharf – Boutique shopping, fresh seafood, and harbor views.
- Sailing Tour or Harbor Cruise – Experience Newport’s sailing history from the water.
- Norman Bird Sanctuary & Sachuest Point – Peaceful hiking trails with ocean views and wildlife spotting.
Providence (Art, Culture & Food)
🎭 Ideal for foodies, museum-goers, and city explorers
- WaterFire (Seasonal) – An enchanting evening event with bonfires along the river.
- Federal Hill & Italian Dining – Eat your way through RI’s famous Little Italy.
- RISD Museum & Downtown Walking Tour – A must for art and design lovers.
- Roger Williams Park & Zoo – A perfect family-friendly day with gardens, a zoo, and a carousel.
- The Arcade & Westminster Street – Explore America’s oldest shopping mall and trendy boutiques.
Northern Rhode Island (Countryside & Adventure)
🌲 Great for nature lovers, hikers, and small-town charm
- Lincoln Woods State Park – A peaceful spot for hiking, kayaking, and picnicking.
- Blackstone Valley Bikeway – Scenic biking along the Blackstone River.
- Woonsocket & Museum of Work & Culture – Learn about Rhode Island’s industrial past.
- Pulaski State Park & George Washington State Forest – Great hiking and lake views.
- Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery – Fresh milk, homemade pastries, and a working farm experience.
Here are budget-friendly day trips for each part of Rhode Island! These options focus on free or low-cost activities while still providing great experiences.
South County (Beaches & Nature – Budget-Friendly)
💰 Best for beach lovers, outdoor explorers, and seafood fans on a budget
- Narragansett Beach (Off-Peak) – Free after 5 PM or in the off-season; enjoy the sunset and walk along the shore.
- Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge – Free hiking trails with beautiful marshland and birdwatching.
- Fishermen’s Memorial State Park – Scenic coastal views and a great place for a picnic.
- Charlestown Breachway – Low-cost parking for beach access with great fishing spots.
- Ninigret Park – Free entry to a beautiful park with walking trails, a playground, and a freshwater pond for kayaking.
East Bay (Scenic Views & History – Budget-Friendly)
💰 Great for history buffs, walkers, and scenic coastal views without the high price tag
- Colt State Park – Free parking, stunning bay views, picnic areas, and bike trails.
- Blithewold Mansion Gardens (Free Days) – Occasionally offers free or discounted garden access.
- East Bay Bike Path – A free, scenic 14.5-mile path stretching from Providence to Bristol along the water.
- Warren Waterfront & Burr’s Hill Park – A peaceful coastal park with a beach and picnic spots.
- Mount Hope Bridge Walk & Overlook – Free scenic views of the bay and historic area.
Newport County (Mansions & Ocean Views – Budget-Friendly)
💰 Ideal for architecture lovers and coastal explorers who want to save money
- Cliff Walk – Completely free and offers some of the best views in Rhode Island.
- Fort Adams State Park – Free access to the grounds, plus great views of Newport Harbor.
- Ocean Drive – A free, scenic 10-mile drive with places to stop and enjoy the coastline.
- Second Beach (Sachuest Beach) – Late Afternoon Visit – Free after 5 PM, with beautiful waves and soft sand.
- St. Mary’s Church – Visit the historic church where JFK got married, free to enter.
Providence (City Culture & Food – Budget-Friendly)
💰 Perfect for urban explorers, museum-goers, and foodies on a budget
- WaterFire (Seasonal) – Free to attend; watch the stunning bonfires on the river.
- RISD Museum (Free Sundays & Thursdays Evenings) – Amazing art collections, no cost during specific times.
- Roger Williams Park (Free Entry) – Explore the gardens, walking trails, and historic buildings.
- The Arcade Providence – America’s oldest shopping mall, free to explore with unique shops.
- Federal Hill Italian District Walk – Stroll through “Little Italy,” window shop, and grab a low-cost pastry.
Northern Rhode Island (Countryside & Nature – Budget-Friendly)
💰 Great for outdoor adventurers, small-town charm, and peaceful retreats
- Lincoln Woods State Park – Free hiking, lake views, and picnic areas.
- Blackstone River Bikeway – Free paved trail with scenic views of the river and mills.
- Pulaski State Park – Free hiking trails with quiet forests and a pond for wading.
- Wright’s Dairy Farm (Window Shopping) – Watch cows being milked and grab an inexpensive treat.
- Rhode Island Historical Cemeteries & Smith-Appleby House (Free Days) – Explore local history on a budget.
Here are budget-friendly and lesser-known day trips for each part of Rhode Island! These options are off the beaten path but still offer plenty of charm and adventure without breaking the bank.
South County (Hidden Gems & Nature – Budget-Friendly)
💰 Best for outdoor lovers, quiet beachgoers, and hidden scenic spots
- Rome Point Trail (North Kingstown) – A peaceful 2.4-mile trail with ocean views and seasonal seal watching.
- Carter Preserve (Charlestown) – A quiet hiking area with meadows, forests, and wildflowers.
- Blue Shutters Beach (Charlestown) – A smaller, quieter alternative to the big beaches; free after 5 PM.
- Grassy Point Trail (South Kingstown) – A short and easy scenic trail with beautiful coastal views.
- Queen’s River Kayaking (Exeter) – A free, lesser-known paddling route through a peaceful river.
East Bay (Quaint Villages & Scenic Spots – Budget-Friendly)
💰 Ideal for slow-paced travelers, history lovers, and nature seekers
- Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge (Warren) – A quiet nature area with scenic salt marsh trails.
- Haines Memorial State Park (Barrington) – A small, overlooked park with picnic spots and bike path access.
- Walker’s Island (Tiverton) – A hidden spot perfect for a peaceful waterfront walk.
- Pardon Gray Preserve (Tiverton) – A lesser-known hiking trail with rolling fields and wooded areas.
- Seapowet Marsh & Beach (Tiverton) – A secluded, free coastal area with calm waters and birdwatching.
Newport County (Quiet Coastal Spots & History – Budget-Friendly)
💰 Perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds while still enjoying coastal charm
- Brenton Point Overlook – A hidden picnic area off Ocean Drive with amazing sunset views.
- Hazard Road Cliff Walk Extension – A quieter, lesser-known part of Newport’s Cliff Walk with stunning views.
- Green Animals Topiary Garden (Free on Select Days) – A quirky, less-visited garden in Portsmouth.
- Butler Point (Jamestown) – A small, secret rocky beach with tide pools and gorgeous views.
- Fort Wetherill Hidden Trails (Jamestown) – Beyond the main fort, there are secret trails leading to stunning cliffs.
Providence (Hidden Cultural & Outdoor Gems – Budget-Friendly)
💰 Great for those who love unique art, local history, and urban nature
- Neutaconkanut Hill Park – A hidden hiking area in Providence with city skyline views.
- The Steel Yard – A lesser-known industrial arts space with cool sculptures and free events.
- Big Nazo Lab Window Tour – Peek through the windows of this quirky puppet workshop in downtown.
- Monroe Dairy’s “Milk Store” (Pawtucket) – A nostalgic and cheap place for fresh dairy products and quirky decor.
- India Point Park (Hidden Trails) – A scenic but under-the-radar waterfront park with a peaceful vibe.
Northern Rhode Island (Quiet Countryside & Outdoor Adventures – Budget-Friendly)
💰 Best for those looking for peaceful escapes, small-town charm, and nature walks
- Sprague Farm Town Forest (Glocester) – A quiet hiking trail with old stone walls and deep woods.
- Cumberland Monastery Trails – A historic, lesser-known area with peaceful paths and a waterfall.
- Pulaski Park’s Hidden Lake (Chepachet) – A secret lake trail in a remote part of the state.
- The Black Hut Management Area (Burrillville) – A secluded hiking spot with small ponds and quiet forest views.
- Brigido’s Market (Slatersville) – A tiny, old-fashioned Rhode Island grocery with homemade baked goods.