10 Top Things to Do in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is an unforgettable New England destination that has a bold and vivacious personality, making it a premier travel spot. The Ocean State combines an innovative arts scene, distinctive cuisine, trendy shopping, a thriving nightlife, miles of stunning beaches and an endless list of things to do: all within a short drive! With direct flights from Dublin, Cork and Shannon to TF Green Airport in Providence with Norwegian Airlines, it’s never been easier to get to Rhode Island. Check out our 10 top things to do in Rhode Island!
1. The Newport Mansions
See the famous Newport Mansions that were built in the late 19th century ‘Gilded Age’ by entrepreneurs as their summer homes. Take the cliff walk that runs past them for magnificent ocean views and explore their sumptuous interiors on a tour.
2. The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum
Tour the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport. It’s where the first U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championship was played in 1881. The Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open takes place here each July. A national institution since 1976, it remains the only professional tournament played on grass in North America and it happens directly after Wimbledon.
3. Block Island
Take a ferry trip to Block Island. In 1991, The Nature Conservancy named Block Island as one of ‘12 Last Great Places’ in the western hemisphere to visit. Block Island’s pristine beaches and greenway trails are a joy to explore. Enjoy Block Island as the sun sets over the ocean and then explore the island’s inner ponds by moonlight.
3. La Gondola
Enjoy a sunset cruise on an authentic Venetian gondola in Providence. La Gondola provides laid-back tours of the city’s crisscrossing waterways.
5.The Providence Food Scene
Providence has a thriving, multi-ethnic culinary scene and routinely features as one of the best US cities for food in Travel + Leisure and Zagat. There’s a great array of restaurants, ranging from exquisite fine-dining to wholesome and affordable diners.
Providence is also famous for its amazing food trucks, many of which have featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show. Located throughout the city, these mobile gastronomic marvels serve everything from high-quality BBQ, to Korean cuisine, to amazing New England lobster rolls.
Click here to see our article on Things to Do in Providence.
6. Ocean House
Stay or dine at Ocean House. Perched high on the bluffs of Watch Hill, Ocean House is an iconic New England seaside resort that dates back to the 1870’s, and the first and only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel in the state. Ocean House’s OH! Spa and Coast restaurant are also Forbes Five-Star rated, making Ocean House a triple Five-Star resort, one of only thirteen resorts in the world with this honour.
7. Mantunuck Oyster Bar & Farm
Enjoy an intriguing tour of the oyster farm and then sample the exquisite produce in the Mantunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown.
8. Paddle Boarding in Washington County
With large sheltered estuaries and ponds in Narragansett and Weekapaug, Washington County is ideal for a spot of leisurely paddle boarding.
9. Surf Narragansett Beach
Narragansett Beach is regarded as having the best surfing in New England!
10. Take a Sailing Trip from Newport
Take a sailing trip out of Newport. The town is considered one of the sailing capitals of the world. Among its many claims to that title is the fact that it is home to the largest fleet of America’s Cup 12 Meters in the world! Visitors can learn to sail or take a sailing trip.
Getting There
With direct flights from Dublin, Cork and Shannon to TF Green Airport Providence with Norwegian Airlines, it’s never been easier to get to Rhode Island. Fares start from €129 (one way) and the flight time is approx. 7hrs.
- Dublin to Providence 5 times a week – increasing to daily next year
- Shannon 2 flights a week – increasing to 4 next year
- Cork 3 times a week
- Short transatlantic flight – 5hrs time difference – doable for a weekend break