11 Things to do in Rhode Island

  1. Block Island Ferry—Rhode Island’s famous Block Island is no longer an exclusive playground because of the Block Island Ferry. Take the short ferry trip to the city of Old Harbor and enjoy the sandy beaches, seaside shops and open air restaurants. Cap off the day with a tour of a lighthouse and a chance to see a spectacular bird at a nature preserve. (Newport)
  2. Slater Mill Historic Site—This mill-turned-museum takes visitors on a journey back to a time when industry ruled the area and textiles were the way to achieve success. Tour the mill, gift shop and period houses and learn about the stories and lore of the site from costumed interpreters. (Pawtucket)
  3. Rhode Island School of Design—Become uplifted after viewing more than 80,000 pieces of art, from paintings to sculptures at this multi-genre, multi-era museum. Special traveling exhibitions and lectures also make appearances at this center of art education. (Providence)
  4. Coggeshall Farm Museum—This museum seeks to preserve the working farm family way of life. Set up as a coastal farm in the 1780s, this living history museum hosts events such as fall harvest and spring sheep shearing. (Bristol)
  5. North Light—Just one of two lighthouses on Block Island, this spectacularly preserved lighthouse and keeper’s quarters houses a museum that is open to the public. The tower is 61 feet tall and located near a rocky beach. (Block Island)
  6. Blitheworld Mansions, Garden and Arboretum—It’s a lovely home and gardens overlooking the water, and is a major convention space for interested garden enthusiasts. See millions of blooms at the gardens or tour the lovely home furnished with antiques. (Bristol)
  7. Audubon Environmental Education Center—Sea-lovers of all ages will delight in this interactive center dedicated to fostering a love for the ocean and all its creatures. See life-sized whale models, a living tide pool tank and much more at this entertaining venue. Nearby is the McIntosh Wildlife Refuge. (Bristol)
  8. Greenvale Vineyards—On the banks of the Sakonnet River, the Greenvale Vineyard grows grapes that are award-winning and used to create almost 4,000 cases of wine each year. Tour the vineyard and enjoy wine tasting, live music and food and refreshments. Its an elegant way to spend a day. (Portsmouth)
  9. Providence Children’s Museum—Kids of all ages will delight in this educational and interactive museum designed to stimulate imagination and creative play. At this museum, kids have the chance to get lost in a wonderland, travel through time and study the stars. Science and education really can be fun. (Providence)
  10. Blackstone River Bikeway State Park—Grab that mountain bike and head to this park, complete with trails along the Blackstone River and nearby hiking trails, fishing areas and canoeing and motor boating. See Rhode Island from an entirely different view. (Lincoln)
  11. Beaches of Rhode Island—The ocean can be seen in many ways in Rhode Island—from quiet inlets and gently lapping beaches to rocky crags and pounding surf. South County in Rhode Island is especially attractive to tourists seeking to swim, surf, dine, boat and fully embrace the maritime activities of which Rhode Island residents are so proud.