8 National & State Parks In Rhode Island You Have To Visit

Just 1,214 square miles in size, Rhode Island may be the smallest US state, but its parks are as vast as they are extraordinary. Rich in history, coastal charms, and remarkable landmarks, the Ocean State is the perfect place to embrace adventure in any form. Whether climbing a 19th-century lighthouse, hiking a cliff above the sea, or attending an exciting New England festival, these are 8 of the best national and state parks in Rhode Island you have to visit at least once in your life.

Colt State Park

A “Gem of the State Park System” and Bristol’s crown jewel, Colt State Park blends stunning ocean scenes with a fascinating past. Although it encompasses 464 acres, the park is anchored by its western edge, which borders Narragansett Bay. The shoreline’s sights, scents, and soothing sounds can be enjoyed on 4 miles of paved walkways, as well as a boat ramp, kayak launch, accessible fishing pier, and countless picnic sites.

Throughout the park, visitors can also discover Colt’s captivating past, visible in its historic stone walls, stone cow barn, and grand bull statues. Guarding its main entrance on Hope Street, the 2 bronze bulls are symbolic remnants of the former showcase farm, owned by business magnate Samuel P. Colt. Before becoming an official state park in 1968, the proud industrialist welcomed locals to picnic and stroll his prized grounds. His engraved message at the entrance remains to this day: "Colt Farm. Private Property, Public Welcome."

Brenton Point State Park

Around 22 miles south of Colt, overlooking the Atlantic and Narragansett Bay, Brenton Point State Park is another sightseeing haven with a colorful past. A blissful addition to any Newport visit, the Aquidneck Island park spans 89 scenic acres, boasting East Coast vistas and pockets of history. Before it became a state park in 1974, Brenton Point changed hands countless times. It was used as a defense battery during the American Revolution, then a grand private estate, and a defense battery once again in WWII.

Today, no longer a home or battery, Brenton Point is an enchanting place to cast a fishing line, take a waterfront stroll, or unpack a picnic. Every year, the park also hosts the Newport Kite Festival, a world-renowned event celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. As for Brenton Point’s history, remnants of its dramatic past can also be explored. While its historic mansion is long torn down, the former servants' quarters now serve as the park’s visitor center. A stone observation tower from that era also remains, allowing guests to climb to the top for a bird’s-eye view of the ocean.

Lincoln Woods State Park

Famous for its bewitching pond and glacial boulders, Lincoln Woods State Park exhibits beauty beyond Rhode Island’s coast. Established in 1909 on the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Woods is Little Rhody’s very first state park. Its main showpiece is Onley Pond, whose freshwater beach and tree-studded shoreline are breathtaking in every season. In the warmer months, guests can swim, paddle, boat, and trout fish, while winter is a fun time to snowmobile or lace up your ice skates.

Spring through fall are also popular seasons for hiking and bouldering, especially for city folk in nearby Providence. For hikers seeking a wide range of terrains, the Lincoln Woods Trail loop is a gorgeous route, passing the pond and glacial boulders through a dense forest. This is also a popular path in the fall, when the leaves transform with shades of orange, red, and yellow. As for bouldering hobbyists, the park boasts a great range of glacial granite fit for all skill levels, with unique names like the Risky Raccoon and Divine Providence. But even if you choose to admire the boulders from the forest floor, they are a striking piece of this Rhode Island park.

Beavertail State Park

Back on the coast, Beavertail State Park is the star attraction of Conanicut Island, spanning 153 acres on its scenic southern edge. The park embodies everything adored about coastal New England, from its historic Beavertail Lighthouse to its rugged, rocky shore. Open seasonally, the 1856 lighthouse and museum are iconic fixtures of Jamestown. The museum features artifacts and exhibits detailing the beacon’s history, and visitors can also climb the lighthouse tower for panoramic views of Narragansett Bay.

Beyond its lighthouse views, Beavertail State Park boasts 4 spectacular overlooks that can be enjoyed right from your car. However, hikes along the Beavertail Lighthouse Loop are mesmerizing and well worth the trek. The salty air and rocky shore are show stealers, although you will also pass through charming wooded areas. While beavers unfortunately don’t inhabit the park, birdwatching is a popular pastime for animal lovers, spotlighting everything from gulls to mockingbirds.

Fort Wetherill State Park

Jamestown is also home to Fort Wetherill, a spellbinding coastal park with dramatic clifftop views. Long before the State of Rhode Island purchased its land in 1972, the area served as a military site as far back as the American Revolution. Hugging the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, Fort Wetherill's 100-foot cliffs also helped defend the bay’s entrance from 1901 through World War II. Today, this elevation is more pretty than practical, offering jaw-dropping overlooks and panoramic views.

Much of the fort’s buildings, while largely covered in graffiti, can still be explored today. Its 61.5 acres can also be hiked, mountain biked, and strolled, ranging from short-and-sweet clifftop trails to the more moderate Fort Wetherill State Park Trail. To explore the park at sea level and below, Fort Wetherill is also a fun place for saltwater fishing and scuba diving. Its clear waters make it a popular diving spot, with 3 main sites: the beginner-friendly West Cover, the Intermediate East Cove, and the Advanced Bull Point site.

Fort Adams State Park

Across the water from Fort Wetherill, Fort Adams State Park is another spectacular attraction for history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Perched at the entrance of Newport’s harbor, Fort Adams served the US Army for over a century before eventually being deeded to the state in 1965. Today, historical battle reenactments and seasonal fort tours showcase its storied and powerful past. On the other hand, contemporary fun comes in the form of community-centered events, like the park’s annual Newport Folk Festival.

Like Fort Wetherill, Fort Adams State Park is also loved for its natural side. In summer, Fort Adams State Beach is a refreshing place to cool off, or you can take advantage of the fishing pier, kayak launch, and walking trails. The Fort Adams Bay Walk is its most popular path, wrapping around the park. The 2.5-mile loop offers sensational views of the bay, bobbing sailboats, and Rhode Island’s rugged coastline.

Rocky Point State Park

Although Rocky Point is Rhode Island’s newest coastal state park, its history stretches back much further. Set in the city of Warwick, the coastal property has been a Rhode Island staple since the mid-1800s. After housing the Rocky Point Amusement Park from the 1840s to 1995, the area remained somewhat in limbo. Thankfully, it became an official state park in 2014, bringing life back to its picture-perfect shores. In place of rollercoasters and carousels, Rocky Point State Park became a relaxed place for people to unwind in nature.

The park features a nice mix of natural and manmade charms, including quirky landmarks like the Arch, a structure from the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. As for Rocky Point’s natural side, its 1.6-mile walking path is a picturesque route to walk, jog, or rollerblade with ocean views leading the way. Sightseeing and recreation can also be enjoyed from the park’s picnic tables, sand beach, and accessible fishing pier.

Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park

Stretching from Worcester, Massachusetts, to Providence, Rhode Island, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park is a treasure trove of history and storybook landmarks. Often dubbed the “Birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution,” the Blackstone River jump-started America’s shift from farm to factory by powering its mills. Today, the park helps preserve a range of landmarks, including the Old Slater Mill in Pawtucket. Originally built in 1793, tours of the remarkable structure are generally offered from April through December, while its beautiful riverfront grounds can be explored year-round.

Blackstone River State Park offers its own unique sites and charms, although it is still considered part of the national historic park. Located in the town of Lincoln, the park sits between the Blackstone River and the Blackstone Canal, with beautiful scenes from every angle. Both waterways can be paddled from a kayak launch, although its most popular attraction is the Blackstone River Bike Path. Along the canal, visitors can also discover the seasonal Captain Wilbur Kelly House, a charming little museum exploring the history of transportation in the surrounding mill villages.

Discover Rhode Island’s Best Parks

Despite the state’s cozy size, Rhode Island’s parks prove that sometimes, the best things come in the smallest packages. Packed with authenticity, history, and breathtaking natural landscapes, these national and state parks offer an eclectic array of sights and experiences. Whether climbing Beavertail’s historic tower, watching a battle reenactment in Fort Adams, or strolling Rocky Point’s stunning stretch of New England coast, these 8 Rhode Island parks will steal your heart every step of the way.