8 Ideal Rhode Island Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025
A three-day weekend is enough time for a memorable vacation, especially in a state like Rhode Island, which is famous for being the smallest in the US by area. While it is impossible to explore the state in such a limited time fully, a weekend is enough time to enjoy a great deal of what this New England gem has to offer, from beautiful beaches to centuries-old structures and pristine natural areas. This can be attained with a visit to the destinations listed below, many of which combine oceanfront charms with historic allure. From Newport with its Gilded Age to Block Island and its numerous beaches, here are eight destinations in Rhode Island to visit for an unforgettable three-day weekend in 2025.
Newport
Newport is the ideal destination to visit on a three-day weekend for those who love history and the coastal charms of New England. Located in Narragansett Bay, this town is famous for its historic landmarks, including the White Horse Tavern. This tavern is considered the oldest in the United States. It was built in 1673 and offers delicious seafood and extensive wine pairings. Meanwhile, Newport is home to some of the grandest Gilded Age mansions, including The Breakers, built in 1893, and Marble House, built between 1888 and 1892. In addition to their impressive architecture, these mansions serve as museums, offering a step back to the Gilded Age, a period of rapid industrialization, wealth accumulation, and political corruption in the US.
In addition to its history, Newport has outdoor attractions like the Cliffwalk, a 3.5-mile walk with gorgeous coastal scenery, beaches, and sights of other Gilded Age mansions, such as the impressive Rough Point, which was completed in 1892. All the aforementioned attractions and more will be better enjoyed with a stay at the Brenton Hotel. Located at Newport Marina, this hotel is near the area’s top attractions. It features 57 rooms and suites, a rooftop bar with impressive views, bike rentals, car service, and a boat for charter.
Smithfield
Smithfield is a charming town ideal for a three-day weekend of nature-centric and farm-based activities. Here, Jaswell’s Farm is available to delight with various fresh products, baked goods such as cider donuts, and pick-your-own activities. Similarly, Pleasant View Orchards offers many products, including donuts, flowers, pumpkins, pies, and Christmas trees. Elsewhere, the Mowry Conservation Area awaits to gratify hikers with well-marked trails winding through a beautiful forest featuring rocks and a stream. At the Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, over two miles of trails are also available to offer relaxing hikes through pine forests and open fields, with opportunities to observe native plants and wildlife.
Smithfield also has a few historic attractions to complement its natural appeals, and the Smith-Appleby House Museum is at the top. This house museum dates back to 1696 and contains landmark documents, photos, and other memorabilia highlighting the town’s history. As for accommodation, Smithfield has several world-class hotels, and the Hampton Inn & Suites Providence/Smithfield is just one of them. This hotel is a great place to spend the weekend with free parking, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary hot breakfast.
Westerly
Westerly is full of things to do that a three-day weekend might not be enough. However, that limited time is enough to explore some of the town’s top features, starting with Misquamicut State Beach, Rhode Island’s most popular beach. This beach is a paradise for seaside recreation, stretching around two miles, and featuring a playground, outdoor showers, and shade gazebos. Napatree Point Conservation Area is another top attraction in Westerly, where weekend travelers can easily explore. This conservation area offers relaxing walks on a beautiful beach with sights of birds such as ospreys and piping plovers. Away from the beaches, Wilcox Park is a gorgeous spot in downtown Westerly where you can enjoy picnics or stroll. This park is beautifully designed with fountains, lush trees, plant and flower gardens, large grass fields, and ponds, and is easy and free to explore.
Furthermore, a three-day weekend is enough time to catch a performance at the Granite Theatre or step back at the Babcock Smith House, a Georgian mansion built around 1734, containing exhibits on local history. A recommended accommodation for comfort and accessibility while on a weekend vacation in Westerly is the Hotel Maria. This hotel offers stunning ocean views, access to a private beach, spa services, and complimentary high-speed wifi, while being close to the shores of Misquamicut State Beach, the theatre, and other top attractions in town.
Warren
This waterfront town on the Warren River will delight weekend travelers with history, nature, and art. Starting with its historic allure, this town is one of the oldest settlements in the US, first settled in 1653. Today, structures like the Maxwell House prove the town’s long history. This house is the oldest brick dwelling in the area, built between 1752 and 1756, and is now a museum offering a peek into life in colonial Rhode Island. On the side of nature, Warren is home to the Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, a charming spot on the Kickemuit River ideal for hikes through hardwood forests and open fields, with frequent bird sightings. Elsewhere, Haile Farm Preserve also has trails that wind through marshland, shrublands, and woodlands, with opportunities to see wildlife like bald eagles and deer.
For art enthusiasts, several galleries are in Warren, but the Imago Foundation for the Arts is a must-visit. In addition to displaying artworks from local artists, this gallery hosts occasional events, such as music concerts and workshops. The William’s Grant Inn is a recommended place to stay on a weekend vacation to Warren. This adorable hotel is less than five miles from the town center and offers various amenities, including a garden for relaxation and rooms with a fireplace.
Cumberland
Cumberland is one of Rhode Island’s most exciting towns in 2025. Although one of the larger towns on the list, it is laid-back and has exciting activities to fill up a three-day weekend. For starters, Diamond Hill Park has fun facilities in this town, including a bike course, athletic fields, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a pond. Phantom Farms is also in Cumberland, featuring a farm stand with various fruits, a gift shop, and breathtaking scenery. A visit to this farm will spice up any weekend vacation, as visitors will enjoy delicious baked goods and coffee, pick-your-own-fruit activities, and hayrides in the Fall. For wine lovers, the town hosts the Diamond Hill Vineyards, which has delightful grape and fruit wines, beautiful gardens, and cheese.
Meanwhile, the Blackstone River Bikeway passes through Cumberland, offering an exciting adventure along the Blackstone River to the village of Woonsocket, which also hosts the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Providence-Woonsocket, one of the best places to stay. Regarding accommodations, Courtyard Providence Lincoln is a strongly recommended option when visiting Cumberland, as it provides comfort and accessibility from its location on the highway. Some notable amenities in this hotel include spa services, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a whirlpool.
Middletown
Middletown is an adorable town on Aquidneck Island, where weekend travelers will wish time could move more slowly. This is because it hosts many amazing attractions, including Second and Third beaches, within walking distance of downtown Newport. Both beaches have great sand, and while Third Beach is more relaxing and less crowded, Second Beach has good surf conditions. Besides the beaches, Middletown is where the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is located, one of the best places to enjoy saltwater fishing and hiking in Rhode Island. This 242-acre refuge has over 2.5 miles of trails offering access to a beautiful coastline, salt marsh, shrublands, and overlooks with impressive scenery. Notably, this refuge is an important stopover and wintering area for migratory birds, which translates to year-round bird watching opportunities.
Newport Vineyards, the most popular vineyard in Rhode Island, is also in Middletown and invites visitors to enjoy award-winning wines, alongside farm-to-table dining, live music, and vineyard tours. For farm enthusiasts, the town hosts the Sweet Berry Farm, where fresh fruits, flowers, vegetables, and a cafe await to provide maximum satisfaction. Additionally, Newport Beach Hotel & Suites is in town to offer a memorable waterfront experience with top-notch amenities, such as an indoor pool, hot tubs, fitness area, and spa services.
Narragansett
Narragansett is a great place to visit for a weekend full of beach fun. This town is home to many beaches, with Narragansett Town Beach being the most popular and a fantastic place for surfing. The Roger W. Wheeler State Beach is also famous, particularly among families and young children, as it has fine white sand, a playground, and calm waters, ideal for swimming. Besides the beaches, history and culture enthusiasts have The Towers to enjoy on a weekend vacation in Narragansett. Built in 1883, this historic structure is the remaining part of a famous casino in the area and now hosts public events, including dance and music. Besides, the structure is an impressive sight to admire and capture with a camera. Furthermore, Point Judith Lighthouse is in town to delight weekend travelers with remarkable views of the Atlantic Ocean, although the lighthouse is closed to the public. From Narragansett, one can also take the Block Island Ferry to Block Island, another fantastic place to spend a three-day weekend.
That said, a stay at The Shore House will make the weekend in Narragansett worthwhile. As its name suggests, this hotel is on the beachfront, offering stunning views of the ocean, accessibility, and amenities such as free parking, bike rentals, and an outdoor dining area.
Block Island
Block Island, also known as New Shoreham, is one of the most unique spots for a three-day weekend in the Ocean State in 2025. Located around nine miles from mainland Rhode Island, this island town promises a relaxing experience, primarily as it hosts secluded beaches, one of which is Mansion Beach. This beach is a great place to unwind while enjoying soft sands and big waves. Charlestown Beach is equally peaceful and is a fantastic place to fish and watch sunsets. Elsewhere on the island’s north end, the Clay Head Preserve offers more serenity, with a short trail leading to breathtaking views of the ocean and bluffs, alongside sights of migratory birds.
In the meantime, Mohegan Bluffs, one of Rhode Island’s top natural gems, is in this town, and a weekend is more than enough time to enjoy them. Located on the island’s southern shores, these bluffs rise 150 feet above sea level and are gorgeous to behold from the top or from the beach below, which can be reached via over 140 stairs. Travelers will also find some historic attractions in Block Island to spice up the weekend, like the Southeast Lighthouse, built in 1875 and sitting atop the Mohegan Bluffs. For nature and animal lovers, the town’s 1661 Farm & Gardens is home to kangaroos, lemurs, camels, and a garden with beautiful flowers. Plus, the establishment has farm suites for those who would love a night on a working farm with stunning ocean scenery.
Notably, the Block Island Beach House is one of the best hotels in town, worth spending the weekend. This boutique hotel is on the oceanfront, with easy access to the town center and the area’s top attractions, including Southeast Lighthouse and Mohegan Bluffs. The hotel’s top amenities include an oceanfront restaurant offering delicious seafood and an outdoor pool.
Regardless of how limited it may seem, a three-day weekend is enough time to have fun, especially in a state like Rhode Island, where exciting attractions are never too far away. While each of these towns has too much to explore in a limited time, the preferred or most popular attractions should be prioritized for judicious use of time. Meanwhile, these towns in Rhode Island are never too far from each other, meaning travelers can easily explore multiple cities in one weekend for satisfaction. Pick a weekend and plan to visit these destinations in Rhode Island today for a memorable experience on the Atlantic Ocean.
