27 Best Things To Do In Rhode Island For First-Time Visitors

Hello fellow adventurers! It’s Nasiba.

So, one of the most interesting things happened to me when I visited Rhode Island. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations owing to its history, art, colonial coastal town vibes, and overall beauty. This means you can find people from all over the country and world at any given time.

Now, they say if a child says you are ugly, then you, my friend, are ugly. Because kids are innocent and speak the truth. The opposite is true. If a kid says you are a beauty, you never need anybody else’s validation again.

During my visit to Rough Point, Newport, I encountered a group of little school girls who were also visiting. One of them said hello and said I was beautiful. She then requested to take a photo with me. I agreed and her teacher took the photo.

Boy, tell me how this turned into a photo shoot with 20 more little girls! And it wasn’t a group photo, it was with each girl individually. Talk of the price of beauty. Ahem!

Anyway, I enjoyed every second of it.

Rhode Island was amazing and I hope you enjoy the activities below.

Rhode Island or The Ocean State and Little Rhody, United States state in New England, is packed with New England’s most popular tourist attractions. The state is known for its sandy shores and Colonial seaside towns.

There is something for everyone from beaches to history, art, dining, hiking, biking, mansions, shopping, and more. Rhode Island has all the luxury, fun, culture, and artistic ethos of a big city mixed with a lively coastal vibe and a bit of historical, old New England charm. 

It’s home to several large cities, Newport, the state’s primary draw, with its fabled Gilded Age mansions on the historic Bellevue Avenue, such as The Breakers built to rival (and imitate) the grand palaces of European royalty.

But Providence, known as the Renaissance City, Rhode Island’s capital, too, is filled with history and is home to Brown University. 

If you’re planning a trip to Rhode Island, we’ve got you covered. We’ve prepared a list of 27 things to do in Rhode Island.

With miles of beautiful beaches, rich industrial history, and an idyllic island, you’ll get why Rhode Island should be on any New England tour and definitely on your bucket list.

Things to do in Rhode Island:

1. The Breakers, Newport

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport.

The entry fees: $26 for adults and $8 for youth (6-17).

The Breakers is a National Historic Landmark, considered Newport’s most famous Gilded Age mansion; the mansion was built in 1895 by Cornelius Vanderbilt and reflected the unimaginable wealth of the Vanderbilt family. 

• Why you should go:

The Italian Renaissance mansion, originally a premier summer cottage, has 70 rooms, an Italian Renaissance-style palazzo, a stable, a carriage house, a grand three-story dining room, and was built using imported French and Italian marble and alabaster.

Ceiling paintings, marble columns, mosaics, fine wood paneling, and carved stucco decorate its rooms lavishly and extravagantly. The Breakers Mansion is surely one of the best things to do in Rhode Island if you are fascinated with beautiful architecture.

• Things to do:

The Breakers have been open to the public since 1948; guests can tour the impressive grounds and see one-of-a-kind sculptures and new architecture. The Breakers tours are available, where guests learn of the Vanderbilts’ rich history brought to railroads and steamships.

2. The Elms, Newport

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 367 Bellevue Ave, Newport.

The entry fees: $20 for adults and $8 for youth (6-17).

The Elms was the summer residence of Philadelphia’s coal magnate Edward J. Berwind.

The architecture of The Elms provides a perfect combination of fantasy and function, recreating the romantic atmosphere of the mid-18th century French Château d’Asnière, near Paris, at the same time, giving the Berwind family every modern convenience.

• Why you should go:

In 1996, the Elms became a National Historic Landmark. Once used as a summer home, Mr. Berwind commissioned American architect Horace Trumbauer to construct it, drawing inspiration from Chateau d’Asnieres.

• Things to do:

Guests can see this lovely home, and artifact collections and tours reveal details about the staff responsible for maintaining the mansion and about the building’s technical systems. Make sure to visit the restored Classical Revival gardens, which feature sunken gardens, fountains, and marble pavilions.

3. Rosecliff Mansion, Newport

Rating: 4.6 ★ 

Location: 548 Bellevue Ave, Newport.

The entry fees: $20 for adults and $8 for youth (6-17).

The Rosecliff Mansion belonged to one of Newport’s most legendary hostesses, Theresa Fair Oelrichs, a Nevada silver heiress in 1899 and was designed after the Grand Trianon at Versailles. 

The mansion was gifted afterward to the Preservation Society by subsequent owners Mr. and Mrs. J. Edgar Monroe and completed with furnishings and an endowment in 1971. 

• Why you should go:

Mrs. Oelrichs hosted lavish parties throughout the years, including her famed fairytale dinner with a one in a kind guest magician, Harry Houdini.

The mansion’s grand ballroom, Newport’s most enormous, was the setting for The Great Gatsby and True Lies, making it one of the finest things to do in Rhode Island.

• Things to do:

The Rosecliff Mansion has beautiful architecture, great history and was the spot to party during the Gilded Age. The mansion is currently open to the public for tours and private events and also features annual exhibits. 

4. Marble House, Newport

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 596 Bellevue Ave, Newport.

The entry fees: $20 for adults and $8 for youth (6-17).

Marble House, built-in 1892, was designed by the same architect as The Breakers. Modeled after the French Petit Trianon at Versailles, the house was a gift to Alva Vanderbilt from her husband. Years later, Alva had a seaside tea house built on the property where she held women’s rights rallies. 

• Why you should go:

The Marble House was identified as a National Historic Landmark in 2006 after going to the Preservation Society in 1963. 

The house has a luxurious gold-encrusted ballroom inspired by the hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Marble House’s enormous entrance was inspired by the façade of the Louvre, one of the exceptional monuments of French classical architecture.

• Things to do:

Take a tour around the Marble House to appreciate its remarkable architecture and history; audio tours are also available.

5. Rough Point, Newport

Rating: 4.6 ★ 

Location: 680 Bellevue Ave, Newport.

The entry fees: $20 for adults, $10 for students, and free for children (12 and under).

Rough Point is a museum within a mansion with an intensive collection of decorative and exceptional arts and a historic landscape with panoramic perspectives of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Why you should go:

Frederick Vanderbilt built the oceanfront estate of heiress Doris Duke in 1887. It was then the most significant summer house in Newport.

• Things to do:

The house is embellished with French furniture, European art, Chinese porcelains, and Flemish tapestries. Self-guided and guided tours are open to the public.

6. National Museum of American Illustration, Newport

Rating: 4.6 ★ 

Location: 492 Bellevue Ave, Newport.

The entry fees: $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $14 for students, and $10 for children (5-12).

The National Museum of American Illustration is considered one of the most spectacular mansions of its kind in the United States. Occupying one block on Newport’s historic Bellevue Avenue, Vernon Court was compared with the White House, The Biltmore, and The Breakers.

• Why you should go:

The National Museum of American Illustration is situated on 3 acres of land in Vernon Court, an 18th century inspired French chateau. The museum was founded in 1998 through Laurence and Judy Cutler for their primarily Golden Age American Illustration artwork collection.

• Things to do:

The collection features an array of illustration artwork from all talents, periods, and styles. The NMAI is devoted to researching, restoring, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting authentic artwork, including numerous notable pieces from famous illustrators/artists. 

7. Cliff Walk, Newport

Rating: 4.8 ★ 

Location: 117 Memorial Blvd, Newport.

The entry fees: Free.

This world-famous 3.5 miles pathway along the rocky eastern shore of Newport is how you should experience the seaside city’s grand architecture and natural beauty. The Cliff Walk provides walkers with views of the Breakers on the rocks below, as well as the Newport mansions’ gardens and sea-facing facades, and is one of the most popular and free things to do in Rhode Island.

• Why you should go:

In 1975, the Cliff Walk was designated a National Recreation Trail, the first in New England. This unique walk combines the stunning natural beauty of the Newport shoreline with its premier architectural history in the National Historic District.

Despite past efforts of mansion owners on Bellevue Avenue to close off access, Newport’s Cliff Walk had remained a public walking path since the days when the grand palaces were at their prime.

• Things to do:

Guests will be overjoyed by the geology, wildflowers, and birds while strolling from smooth paved pathways to rugged and challenging terrain alongside the shore. The lovely views coupled with the mixture of history and nature make this a top attraction in Newport.

8. The International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport

Rating: 4.6 ★ 

Location: 194 Bellevue Ave, Newport.

The entry fees: $16 for adults and $13 for seniors and students. 

The International Tennis Hall of Fame is dedicated to celebrating the sport’s greats and preserving the game of tennis, as reflected in the museum and historical grounds. ITHF resides in the Newport Casino; a National Historic Landmark opened in 1880 for Newport’s summer elite.

• Why you should go:

If you are a Tennis fan, and even if you are not, this is a must-visit and one of our favorite things to do in Rhode Island. The International Tennis Hall of Fame houses an extensive collection of rackets, balls, and a display that shows the evolution of tennis style throughout the years.

• Things to do:

Its museum shows 2,000 artifacts of the ITHF’s stunning collection of over 25,000 objects, publications, videos, and photographs. Museum visitors will be captivated through interactive experiences with exhibits and learn about the records and evolution of tennis over the years with comprehensive narratives.

9. Ocean Drive Historic District, Newport

Rating: 4.8 ★ 

Location: Newport.

Ocean Drive is a marked scenic route along the dramatic Atlantic shoreline that circles Newport. Ten miles of commanding coastline meets one winding road on Newport’s iconic Ocean Drive. 

• Why you should go:

Start your journey off historic Bellevue Avenue and continue along for an undeniably tranquil trip with heart-stopping scenery. You’ll pass by famous Gilded Age mansions, Hammersmith Farm, Jackie Kennedy grew up, Presidentennedy’s wedding reception in 1953, Brenton Point State Park, Fort Adams State Park, and Gooseberry Beach, a favorite summertime spot. 

• Things to do:

Ocean Drive is surely one of the best free things to do in Rhode Island. The real magic happens at dawn when a sunrise palette paints the sky, and you’ve got the road all to yourself. Make sure to roll the windows down to catch the soothing sound of the waves meeting the shoreline and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Although you could spend a whole day just enjoying the incredible views, there are many other things to do out there. Ocean Drive is one of the best spots in Newport for bike riding, running, kite-flying, picnicking, fishing, and scuba diving.

10. Fort Adams State Park, Newport

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 80 Fort Adams Dr, Newport.

The entry fees: Guided tours ( $15 for adults, $8 for youth (6-17), and free for children under 5), Self-Guided tours ( $7 for adults, $4 for youth (6-17), and free for children under 5)

Fort Adams served as a US Navy base for over a century before turning into Rhode Island State in 1965. Nowadays, the park is an outstanding location for fishing, sailing, or a tranquil picnic.

• Why you should go:

Fort Adams State Park is the most extensive and most detailed complex coastal fortification in the nation; it is located at the Newport harbor and offers incredible views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. This fortress was active during World War II; it could mount over 400 cannons and house just under 2,500 troops.

• .Things to do:

Guests are welcome to tour the grand facility on self-guided tours or hour-long guided tours from the top of its vast walls to the depths of its underground tunnels. Visitors also can enjoy a sunset stroll across the perimeter of the state park that gives exemplary views.

11. The Swiss Village, Newport

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 152 Harrison Ave, Newport.

The entry fees: Free.

In the early 20th century, railroad mogul Arthur Curtiss James commissioned architects to create a replica of a small Swiss village at the grounds of his summer estate. The Surprise Valley Farm (recognized as “the Swiss Village”) had poultry, cattle, goats, sheep, and vegetable gardens and more than 100 employees. 

• Why you should go:

The Swiss Village is a unique attraction to visit in Rhode Island, however is only open for one day of the year. Established on 35 acres of Arthur Curtis James’ former estate, the village comprises 15 buildings, an infirmary, a large conference room, and a workshop.

• Things to do:

Once a year, on visitor’s day, the only chance you will get is to visit the property. When planning your journey to Rhode Island, make sure to check if you are fortunate enough to be visiting while the Swiss Village is hosting its open day.

12. Bowen’s Wharf, Newport

Rating: 4.6 ★ 

Location: Bowen’s Wharf, Bowens Wharf, Newport.

Bowen’s Wharf is one of the top natural harbors in New England, a bustling year-round destination that has a little something for everyone.

• Why you should go:

You will experience as though you have been transported to an unprecedented era with the granite docks, brick walkways, and 18th-century industrial buildings from the thriving seaport’s beginnings, businesses at the wharf trade with countries from all around the globe offering terrific shopping and eating opportunities.

• Things to do:

Guests to the pier can engage in harbor cruises, sunset sails, and parasailing to boutique shopping, wine tasting, and gallery hopping.

13. Towers of Narragansett

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 35 Ocean Rd, Narragansett. 

About 16 miles away from downtown Newport, the Towers of Narragansett hold a lot of history and are one of the most iconic landmarks in the area. 

• Why you should go:

After several fires and bad weather in the past, the Towers are the only original part of the Narragansett Pier Casino that remains intact. In 1969, Towers of Narragansett were added to the National Register of Historic Places.

• Things to do:

The Towers have beautiful architecture and are an attractive location for a wedding and are often booked for various social events and being close to the local town beach, which is ideal! 

14. Narragansett Bay Beaches

Rating: 4.5 ★ 

The Narragansett beaches are awe-inspiring. With a mixture of beautiful waterside vista and rocky paths, those seashores represent the ideal perfection of the northeastern coastline.

• Why you should go:

If long stretches of pleasant white sand beckon you, head for the towns of Narragansett, South of Providence, to discover a string of public beaches on the protected waters of Narragansett Bay.

• Things to do:

The Narragansett Town Beach all have parking, changing facilities, and restrooms. When you get to the Narragansett Pier, you will find both accommodations and restaurants.

15. Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art (RISD), Providence

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 20 N Main St, Providence.

The entry fees: $17 for adults, $12 for students, $8 for college students, and free for youth (18 and under).

Providence is home to one of the most reputable art schools in the United States. The Museum of Art inside the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is remarkable for its astonishing collections. Still, its scope spans from sculptures and paintings to photography and various media produced by different artists. 

• Why you should go:

The Rhode Island School of Design Museum (RISD) is housed in five buildings on the historic East Side of Providence. They’ve created a space where culturally diverse artwork and designs are interpreted, maintained, and exhibited from ancient times to the present.

The museum houses nearly 100,000 art pieces covering seven different departments that include ancient art (complete with a mummy and coffin), contemporary art (which provides for pioneering video arts), Asian art, painting and sculptures, costume and textiles, photography, prints, and drawings, and design and decorative arts. 

The historical and contemporary textiles and collection alone totals more than 26,000 pieces, from Elizabethan needlework to ancient Egyptian clothing fragments, Japanese Noh theater robes, and 20th-century American designers.

• Things to do:

Making a stop at RISD is definitely worth it, this museum is one of the top things to do in Rhode Island. Guests can explore the galleries using their cell phones to tune in to the museum channel and pay attention to artists, designers, scholars, and college students talking about exhibits and objects within the museum.

The museum’s gift shop is usually an excellent source of unusual gifts and household items and mirrors the contemporary design.

16. Roger Williams Park Zoo, Providence

Rating: 4.6 ★ 

Location: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence.

The entry fees: $17.95 for adults, $15.95 for seniors, and $12.95 for children (2-12).

Despite its records as one of the United States’ oldest zoos, Roger Williams Park Zoo is a fantastic example of contemporary-day zoo design and ethics. This zoo gives a place for animals to live in environments as close as possible to their natural habitat. Visitors can see and interact with the animals with a minimum of seen barriers.

• Why you should go:

The zoo is spread across a stunning 40-acre park, drawing more than 500,000 visitors every year; the Roger Williams Park Zoo is one of Providence’s most popular tourist attractions.

The zoo can easily keep you and your family entertained for a full day, with more than 100 species from around the world. The Roger Williams Park Zoo is also home to a Botanical Center with New England’s most extensive public indoor garden, the Museum of Natural History, a carousel, and a planetarium. 

• Things to do:

Because of its kid-friendly environment and the number of things to do here, Rogers Williams Park Zoo is undoubtedly considered one of the most famous things to do in Rhode Island for families. 

Visitors have a chance to observe and interact with numerous animals from all around the world, like zebras, alligators, giraffes, kangaroos, elephants, snow leopards, red pandas, wildebeest, and more exotic and native creatures. The North American exhibit features majestic bald eagles, swimming harbor seals, and grazing bison.

17. The Providence Performing Arts Centre

Rating: 4.8 ★ 

Location: 220 Weybosset St, Providence.

The entry fees: Varies by the show.

The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is a multi-use theater that first opened in 1928 and is a famous world-class venue in the heart of Providence for locals and tourists to enjoy theater, musicals, concerts, and free local events. The canter earns praise for its events as well as its history.

• Why you should go:

Listed as one of the National Register of Historic Places and voted one of the world’s top venues by Pollstar, it is the second-largest theatre of its kind in New England, boasting a complete roster of contemporary and theatrical performances annually.

• Things to do:

The best way to experience this incredible historic venue is by attending Providence Performing Arts Centre; you will love the many world-renowned productions throughout the year. You might also want to explore the neighborhood, which is home to several top-notch restaurants and cafes.

18. WaterFire, Providence

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location:  4 N Main St, Providence. A 1-min walk from the RISD Museum.

WaterFire is a sculpture by Barnaby Evans situated on the Woonasquatucket River of downtown Providence. Several instances throughout the spring, summer, and fall, the city celebrates this river, which was covered through roadways until late in the 20th century.

• Why you should go:

Named one of the “top 20 events in North America” through National Geographic Magazine, the Providence WaterFire is a modern artwork set up in downtown Providence during May and October. This unique multi-sensory attraction includes volunteer fire tenders cruising down the river and lighting more than 80 floating bonfires alongside their way. The waterborne show is accompanied by new-age music to perplex the gathering crowds further.

• Things to do:

More than 100 bonfires are lit in huge iron pans withinside the river’s center and kept blazing all through the evening as locals and tourists walk alongside the brick riverside walkways and footbridges. Street performers, vendors, and international tunes spotlight these family-friendly celebrations.

19. La Gondola Providence, Inc.

Rating: 4.9 ★ 

Location: 1 Citizens Plz, Providence.

The entry fees: Starting from $89 for two passengers (+$25 per additional passenger, six-person max).

Want to experience what it feels like to be in Venice? La Gandola is a classic Venetian experience in the heart of Providence, the Renaissance City.

• Why you should go:

Whether you are looking for a fun excursion with friends or family, a romantic night out, an engaging tour of Providence, or even your wedding day, La Gandola offers a truly memorable experience in the heart of Providence, and one of our favorite things to do in Rhode Island.

• Things to do:

Experience Providence from a new perspective. Revel in the sights of Providence from a unique vantage point. Enjoy a tour alongside the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers and witness its river walks, revitalization, and waterfront parks.

20. Rhode Island State House, Providence

Rating: 4.5 ★ 

Location: 82 Smith St, Providence.

The entry fees: Free and open to the public.

One of the biggest state houses in the U.S. for the country’s smallest state.

• Why you should go:

Home to the governing of Rhode Island, visitors can discover the stunning paintings, architecture, and history of the Rhode Island State House. The Rhode Island State House is built of Georgian marble and has one of the world’s fourth-largest structural-stone, self-supported marble domes.

• Things to do:

For those of you looking to explore the history of the island, the State House should be on top of your list of things to do in Rhode Island; take a self-guided tour of this elegant building and explore it at your own pace.

21. Historic Federal Hill, Providence

Rating: 4.5 ★ 

Location: 536 Atwells Ave. Federal Hill neighborhood.

Federal Hill is a neighborhood in Providence with a remarkable reputation due to its central location within the city. This part of Providence is best known for its Italian American community and lush Italian restaurants.

• Why you should go:

Primarily settled by Italian-American immigrants in the early 1900s, Federal Hill effuses a sense of warmth and community that embraces visitors and locals alike. While the neighborhood has evolved, the influence of the Italian people and culture is ever-present.

• Things to do:

Sip a strong coffee at an outdoor cafe, grab a quick slice of pizza for lunch or dine in one of the gourmet Italian restaurants on this historic section of the city, additionally known as Little Italy. You’ll know you have arrived by the massive arched gateway with a bronzed pinecone, which marks the entrance to the neighborhood.

22. The Providence Athenaeum, Providence

Rating: 4.8 ★ 

Locations: 251 Benefit St, Providence.

The Providence Athenaeum has been a staple of Providence in one form or another since the mid-1700s and a book lover’s paradise. The Providence Athenaeum is an independent, member-supported library in Providence, Rhode Island. The library is open to the public, but only members can check out items from the collection.

• Why you should go:

Satisfy the bookworm in you as you discover this unique library and cultural center that embraces Rhode Island history and community. Providence Athenaeum offers you the most unforgettable visitor experience that you could ever ask for.

• Things to do:

The Athenæum is full of books in every corner. There are also paintings, busts, sculptures, prints, an Egyptian cabinet, and much more to be seen as you make your way through the library. 

Spend hours going through books, wandering around the main library, children’s library, and downstairs reading room, joining the library’s informative programs for both kids and adults, participating in story-telling activities, and a lot more.

23. John Brown House Museum, Providence

Rating: 4.6 ★ 

Locations: 52 Power St, Providence. Brown University.

The entry fees: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $6 for children (7-17).

The John Brown House is the first mansion built in Providence; it borders the campus of Brown University. 

• Why you should go:
  

The John Brown House Museum permits visitors to take a step back in time to the 18th century. The house was initially constructed in 1788 and named after the slave trader and wealthy businessman John Brown. John Brown was one of the most influential men withinside the state and loved tremendous wealth and political clout.

• Things to do:

Visitors will learn about Rhode Island’s role in the United States’ history through a number of the nation’s most controversial subjects of the times, the American Revolution, and exchange with China.

24. St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center, Woonsocket

Rating: 4.8 ★ 

Location: 84 Cumberland St, Woonsocket. (15 miles from Providence)

The entry fees: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and free for children (4 and under).

The St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center houses North America’s most extensive collection of fresco paintings.

• Why you should go:

Described as the “Sistine Chapel of America,” the St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center features loads of fabulous frescoes painted on the walls, vaults, and ceilings. Created through Italian painter Guido Nincheri, the 475 faces depicted withinside the frescoes had been all modeled through community members, making this relevant to artists and local history lovers.

• Things to do:

Once you walk into St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center, you will be in awe. This beautiful and mesmerizing church in the middle of Woonsocket is one of Rhode Island’s hidden gems! 

You will appreciate the stained glass windows, the architecture, and the frescos; the guides do a great job of bringing the history and the people involved with this structure to life.

25. Herreshoff Marine Museum, Bristol

Rating: 4.8 ★ 

Locations: 1 Burnside St, Bristol.

The entry fees: $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students (10+), and free for children (10 and under).

The Herreshoff Marine Museum, located in Bristol, a 40 minutes drive from Providence, is a maritime museum devoted to the history of yachting, the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, and America’s Cup. 

• Why you should go:

Make a stop at The Herreshoff Marine Museum if you are interested in sailing, and most particularly America’s Cup race, which is deeply ingrained into Rhode Island’s culture and history. 

America’s Cup Hall of Fame is a section of the Herreshoff Marine Museum, featuring more than 60 sailing and power yachts and displays and videos on boat building and sailing.

• Things to do:

Visit this museum to see models and restored boats, including a boat considered the most beautiful hull form ever created.

26. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, Bristol

Rating: 4.7 ★ 

Location: 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol.

The entry fees: $11 per person.

The Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum sits on 33 acres of land with majestic views of Narragansett Bay. This nationally extensive estate is tremendous to American history because it features one of the most effective authentic, matured examples of the Country Place Era.

• Why you should go:

Blithewold includes 45 preserved rooms with family heirlooms, a greenhouse, and an array of stunning gardens surrounding the property. Each lawn has a particular personality, mysterious, poetic, practical, or exotic. Inside the property, visitors will observe numerous collections and exhibits that show late 19th and early 20th-century New England culture.

• Things to do:

Your self-guided visit includes unlimited strolling through the Gardens and Grounds. Interpretive panels throughout the property tell the story of the Van Wickle family and the estate they loved.

27. Block Island and Mohegan Bluffs

Rating: 4.9 ★ 

Location: Southern shore of Block Island.

Mohegan Bluffs is a three-mile stretch of coastal cliffs with a 200-foot drop to the ocean. At the foot of those is stunning seashores.

• Why you should go:

Miles of trails intersect the island and are famous with birders who identify the more than 150 species stopping there withinside the fall. A weekend on Block Island with its far away feeling is one of the most romantic things to do in Rhode Island.

• Things to do:

Explore 17 miles of this stunning seashore in which you may take a dip withinside the clear blue waters, the kids can play through the shore, or you can go shopping withinside the island’s exceptional stores and boutiques. Adventure seekers also can go biking, horseback riding, hiking, snorkeling, fishing, and parasailing. Dine with your family at some of the island’s five-star restaurants for a remarkable Rhode Island experience.

Until next time, stay adventurous!