10 Best Things to Do in Rhode Island

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.