8 Best Attractions To Visit In Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a popular New England destination in the U.S. that always capitalizes on natural beauty and history in plenty of ways to arouse curious minds. With many small towns that emphasize the importance of cultural heritage, historical preservation, and coastal elegance, there is nothing to hold people back from enjoying the "Ocean State" in depth. These pivotal landmarks in Rhode Island are some of the best ones to consider for one's next itinerary!

Cliff Walk, Newport

The Newport Cliff Walk is a renowned attraction in the state that is bound to raise eyebrows. With 3.5 miles of public walkways and shoreline beauty that encompass the heart and essence of New England, tourists will find this stop to be truly worthwhile. Featuring rugged paths and coastal settings, there is always something to enjoy here!

The west end of Easton Beach and the eastern portion of Bailey's Beach are both visible through Cliff Walk, making it a very accessible spot to enjoy the scenic coastal vistas. Furthermore, visitors can discover hidden wildflower beds that offer a unique experience of the backside of Narragansett Bay, which many often overlook due to the rocky shoreline. Panoramic ocean views and Gilded Age mansion photography await anyone who wishes to undertake this attraction.

Roger Williams Park & Zoo, Providence

A natural getaway awaits those in Providence! Roger Williams Park is a highlight in the region due to its rich historical and natural elements, which many visitors return to year after year. It is an immersive landmark, named after the founder of the state of Rhode Island, and is renowned for housing over 100 different animal species within its 40-acre zoo, making this attraction even more beloved and cherished by audiences. The park as a whole consists of a planetarium and garden structures, making it an attraction for diverse tastes and interests. Whether one is a romantic vacationer or even a laidback casual visitor, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the park, even for animal lovers who are drawn to botanical life and exotic species of giraffes, armadillos, and Komodo dragons!

Touro Synagogue, Newport

Touro Synagogue is a historic site built in the 1760s, another well-known attraction in Newport. Originally designed as a congregational meeting point for early settlers in the 1650s, it later evolved into a religious and commercial hub for guests to experience a genuine Jewish house of worship. Tour guides here love to impart colonial narratives and share the legacy of early Jewish communities that once thrived.

Today, the synagogue is considered one of the oldest standing in the entire country and has remained a cultural attraction to all who are interested in learning about New England colonization and the Jewish community's influence in Newport. Boasting Georgian architecture and guided walkthroughs of ornate furnishings, this stop is a top contender for itineraries requiring waterfront splendors!

Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, Block Island

Located on Block Island, the 133-acre Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is a crucial part of any trip that focuses on wildlife and islandic views. The 1970s landmark is composed of beach sands and rolling dunes, catering to trekkers and backpackers seeking a vital escape from home. As a wildlife refuge, it makes for a pleasant bird-watching site, as people can witness the migration seasons of many species. Those who love birds may encounter a variety of songbirds and peregrine falcons around the refuge. There are lots of opportunities to experience a nice sunrise or sunset on Block Island, especially at this attraction. While some may enjoy birdwatching, others can find comfort in its marshes and woodlands, adding to the refuge's natural wonders. Seacoast travels can feel more complete with this option on the list!

Beavertail Lighthouse & Museum, Jamestown

Situated in Jamestown, the Beavertail Lighthouse & Museum is a nature-oriented getaway option that has attracted people from the 17th century to the present day and showcases the unparalleled Narragansett Bay scenery. Standing 64 feet tall, the foundation has been a staple of tourism, thanks to its navigational beacon photography and its role as a famed Narragansett heritage icon.

The lighthouse and museum are essentially connected as showrooms displaying the evolution of how lighting technology was used to help maritime workers, as well as its importance as one of the oldest known lighthouses in the U.S.! Those who visit Jamestown will be able to spot this lighthouse and explore World War II colonial grounds, not to mention tide pools and marine habitats on the outskirts. For anyone needing a quiet retreat with historical attributes, this one is definitely worth it!

The Breakers, Newport

Those who wander around Newport for opulence may want to check out The Breakers, a Gilded Age summer estate that is sure to make memories last. The ornate site is home to a legacy that has been passed down through the Vanderbilt family. It is a cottage spectacle that features 70 rooms of palazzo inspiration and classy Great Hall tapestries that people are unlikely to forget on their journey back home. The mansion is not only an alluring architectural sight, but it is also a famed spot for tourists to witness ocean vibrancy right from its terraces. As a relic of the 1890s that knows no bounds in terms of touristic beauty, this is one spot for visitors and residents alike to marvel at.

Marble House, Newport

Yet another Newport feature that will astound visitors, the Marble House is a Gilded Age structure that served as a summer home for the Vanderbilt family members. While initially constructed in the 1890s, the estate remained a significant tourism feature due to its political and cultural influence on the town, encompassing activities related to the suffrage movement, local activism, and modern cottage meetings and tours.

As a marble-centric landmark, the house is socially and ornamentally recognizable with 500,000 cubic feet of marble. It has Beaux-Arts architecture and about 50 formal rooms filled with Chinese Tea House ambiance and luxuriant Versailles themes that may not be found at other estates, including The Breakers. This tourist attraction, along with others in the city, consistently showcases the best of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Providence

The Rhode Island School of Design Museum (RISD) in Providence creates an inviting atmosphere with its artistic creations and lavish fine art designs. Visitors to the museum can experience 18th-century European Impressionist art and Japanese Buddhist meditation moments that are not commonly found elsewhere. Several works by notable artists, including Monet, Picasso, Rodin, and Warhol, are visible throughout the showrooms, alongside those of other artists. While the RISD Museum is an artistic landmark, tourists will come to appreciate its family-friendly workshops and welcoming research opportunities to help outsiders feel like esteemed guests. Those who visit RISD for its masterworks will always be awe-struck in even the simplest of world-class designs!

Each of these entries in Rhode Island captures the heart and spirit of islandic beauty, inside and out. With each commercial, historical, or natural landmark creating a wholesome experience bursting with cultural stories to tell, no two attractions will ever feel the same. These coastal splendors in the "Ocean State" blend history, nature, and artistry in a way that is uniquely special to the region. This list will help any newcomer feel right at home while enjoying new places!