Have you ever searched for day trips near me in Rhode Island? If you’re from the Ocean State you know that the entire state is one big day trip in and of itself. Yes, it’s that small! While you might be able to drive across the whole state in under an hour, there are still some towns and islands that are worth taking your time to explore. Here are five must-visit places in Rhode Island that are ideal for a day trip.
- South County
Flickr/Andrew Aliferis
Flickr/dee & tula monstah Soak up the sun on one of the beautiful beaches, go antiquing down the coast, and take a drive down Scenic Route 1A. After all this fun in the sun, enjoy an amazing seafood meal at Iggy’s in Narragansett. Read our previous article on Narragansett and South County here.
- Newport and Aquidneck Island
Flickr/6SN7
Flickr/Eric Savage Newport, Rhode Island is a historic New England city that is heavily sought out by tourists for a reason. The amazing museums, restaurants, bars, and other attractions are so worth seeing. You’ll also experience a wonderful local music scene and lovely beaches here. The cliff walk also offers some of the most breathtaking scenic views you’ll ever see interspersed with gorgeous gilded age mansions available for tours. Find Newport on Aquidneck Island. Catch our previous writeup of Newport here.
- Block Island
Flickr/Michael Levine-Clark
Flickr/Mark From beachside bluffs, nature reserves, wonderful restaurants and more, the diversity of attractions on Block Island is unlike anywhere else in the state. It’s definitely one of the best beach towns in Rhode Island. The ferry ride onto the island is also lovely and you’ll be glad you visited this magical place. You can take the ferry from 304 Great Island Road in Narragansett. Catch our full piece on Block Island here.
- Conanicut Island
Flickr/renagrisa
Flickr/Anne Ruthmann One of the most charming must-visit places in Rhode Island is Jamestown located on the small, but beautiful island known as Conanicut Island. Beavertail State Park is an acclaimed natural paradise found here and offers a historic lighthouse museum, small aquarium, trails, and beaches. In the town center you’ll find delicious seafood restaurants and small boutiques. It is not uncommon to find live music and other entertainment offered in the summer months. Read more about Conanicut Island’s Jamestown here.
- Providence
Flickr/gr1fter
Flickr/Doug Kerr Providence is nicknamed the “Creative Capital” for a reason. It’s filled with amazing art galleries, public murals, music venues, and so much more! The restaurant scene is internationally acclaimed as well, and there are dozens of options for exciting night life. You’ll definitely want to visit the RISD Museum by day, and watch the sunset over the river in the evening. Discover more about the city of Providence here.
The Ocean State may be small, but it definitely packs in a lot of fantastic places! So, if you’ve been searching for day trips near me in Rhode Island, this list should help. From Providence to Newport, Rhode Island and so many other incredible spots around the state, we would love to know what day trips you’ll be taking this year. Please let your fellow readers know in the comment section.
Flickr/Andrew Aliferis
Flickr/dee & tula monstah
Soak up the sun on one of the beautiful beaches, go antiquing down the coast, and take a drive down Scenic Route 1A. After all this fun in the sun, enjoy an amazing seafood meal at Iggy’s in Narragansett. Read our previous article on Narragansett and South County here.
Flickr/6SN7
Flickr/Eric Savage
Newport, Rhode Island is a historic New England city that is heavily sought out by tourists for a reason. The amazing museums, restaurants, bars, and other attractions are so worth seeing. You’ll also experience a wonderful local music scene and lovely beaches here. The cliff walk also offers some of the most breathtaking scenic views you’ll ever see interspersed with gorgeous gilded age mansions available for tours. Find Newport on Aquidneck Island. Catch our previous writeup of Newport here.
Flickr/Michael Levine-Clark
Flickr/Mark
From beachside bluffs, nature reserves, wonderful restaurants and more, the diversity of attractions on Block Island is unlike anywhere else in the state. It’s definitely one of the best beach towns in Rhode Island. The ferry ride onto the island is also lovely and you’ll be glad you visited this magical place. You can take the ferry from 304 Great Island Road in Narragansett. Catch our full piece on Block Island here.
Flickr/renagrisa
Flickr/Anne Ruthmann
One of the most charming must-visit places in Rhode Island is Jamestown located on the small, but beautiful island known as Conanicut Island. Beavertail State Park is an acclaimed natural paradise found here and offers a historic lighthouse museum, small aquarium, trails, and beaches. In the town center you’ll find delicious seafood restaurants and small boutiques. It is not uncommon to find live music and other entertainment offered in the summer months. Read more about Conanicut Island’s Jamestown here.
Flickr/gr1fter
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Providence is nicknamed the “Creative Capital” for a reason. It’s filled with amazing art galleries, public murals, music venues, and so much more! The restaurant scene is internationally acclaimed as well, and there are dozens of options for exciting night life. You’ll definitely want to visit the RISD Museum by day, and watch the sunset over the river in the evening. Discover more about the city of Providence here.
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Address: Rhode Island, USAAddress: Newport, RI, USAAddress: Aquidneck Island, Rhode Island, USAAddress: New Shoreham, RI 02807, USAAddress: Conanicut Island, Jamestown, RI 02835, USAAddress: Providence, RI, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Day Trips Near Me In Rhode Island June 30, 2021 Melissa M. What are the best beaches in Rhode Island? Located within the town of Westerly, the village of Watch Hill has incredible stretches of sandy beaches. Napatree Point Conservation Area is home to a barrier island with a gorgeous 1.5-mile beach and no houses or commercial buildings to spoil the views, making it one of the best beaches in the state. East Beach in Charlestown is a three-mile-long barrier beach and one of the least-developed in Rhode Island. There is limited parking here, however, so plan on purchasing a parking pass ahead of time and getting here early in the morning. Salty Brine State Beach in Narragansett, named after beloved local radio host Salty Brine, may be small but it’s protected by a seawall. It’s the perfect beach for families with small children. What are some must-visit places in Rhode Island? Some must-visit places in Rhode Island are also the state’s hidden gems. In our round-up list of 9 Hidden Gems in Rhode Island Only Locals Know About, you can read about the 88-acre Neutaconkanut Park. This gem is tucked away in the middle of Providence and has plenty of gorgeous areas to explore. Prudence Island is a remote island off the coast and can only be accessed by boat or ferry which may be why it doesn’t get too many visitors. But if you are able to visit, you will be treated to gorgeous views, plenty of hiking, and you can visit the lighthouse. Where can I stay overnight in Newport, Rhode Island? Newport Rhode Island is one of those cities where people love spending as much time as possible. To maximize your time on the island, you may want to book a bed & breakfast or hotel. Luckily, Newport has many wonderful places to stay like the Gilded Hotel or the Viking Hotel, which are both close to the action. If you’re looking for more of a quiet stay, the historic Castle Hill Inn sits on the water with both bay and bridge views. This luxury property offers the peace and quiet you may be looking for and it’s just a short drive away from downtown Newport.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Day Trips Near Me In Rhode Island
June 30, 2021
Melissa M.
What are the best beaches in Rhode Island? Located within the town of Westerly, the village of Watch Hill has incredible stretches of sandy beaches. Napatree Point Conservation Area is home to a barrier island with a gorgeous 1.5-mile beach and no houses or commercial buildings to spoil the views, making it one of the best beaches in the state. East Beach in Charlestown is a three-mile-long barrier beach and one of the least-developed in Rhode Island. There is limited parking here, however, so plan on purchasing a parking pass ahead of time and getting here early in the morning. Salty Brine State Beach in Narragansett, named after beloved local radio host Salty Brine, may be small but it’s protected by a seawall. It’s the perfect beach for families with small children. What are some must-visit places in Rhode Island? Some must-visit places in Rhode Island are also the state’s hidden gems. In our round-up list of 9 Hidden Gems in Rhode Island Only Locals Know About, you can read about the 88-acre Neutaconkanut Park. This gem is tucked away in the middle of Providence and has plenty of gorgeous areas to explore. Prudence Island is a remote island off the coast and can only be accessed by boat or ferry which may be why it doesn’t get too many visitors. But if you are able to visit, you will be treated to gorgeous views, plenty of hiking, and you can visit the lighthouse. Where can I stay overnight in Newport, Rhode Island? Newport Rhode Island is one of those cities where people love spending as much time as possible. To maximize your time on the island, you may want to book a bed & breakfast or hotel. Luckily, Newport has many wonderful places to stay like the Gilded Hotel or the Viking Hotel, which are both close to the action. If you’re looking for more of a quiet stay, the historic Castle Hill Inn sits on the water with both bay and bridge views. This luxury property offers the peace and quiet you may be looking for and it’s just a short drive away from downtown Newport.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Located within the town of Westerly, the village of Watch Hill has incredible stretches of sandy beaches. Napatree Point Conservation Area is home to a barrier island with a gorgeous 1.5-mile beach and no houses or commercial buildings to spoil the views, making it one of the best beaches in the state. East Beach in Charlestown is a three-mile-long barrier beach and one of the least-developed in Rhode Island. There is limited parking here, however, so plan on purchasing a parking pass ahead of time and getting here early in the morning. Salty Brine State Beach in Narragansett, named after beloved local radio host Salty Brine, may be small but it’s protected by a seawall. It’s the perfect beach for families with small children.
What are some must-visit places in Rhode Island?
Some must-visit places in Rhode Island are also the state’s hidden gems. In our round-up list of 9 Hidden Gems in Rhode Island Only Locals Know About, you can read about the 88-acre Neutaconkanut Park. This gem is tucked away in the middle of Providence and has plenty of gorgeous areas to explore. Prudence Island is a remote island off the coast and can only be accessed by boat or ferry which may be why it doesn’t get too many visitors. But if you are able to visit, you will be treated to gorgeous views, plenty of hiking, and you can visit the lighthouse.
Where can I stay overnight in Newport, Rhode Island?
Newport Rhode Island is one of those cities where people love spending as much time as possible. To maximize your time on the island, you may want to book a bed & breakfast or hotel. Luckily, Newport has many wonderful places to stay like the Gilded Hotel or the Viking Hotel, which are both close to the action. If you’re looking for more of a quiet stay, the historic Castle Hill Inn sits on the water with both bay and bridge views. This luxury property offers the peace and quiet you may be looking for and it’s just a short drive away from downtown Newport.
