Top Things to do in Rhode Island
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Rhode Island, United States
With the perfect combination of great seaside views, colorful local culture, and endless family activities, Rhode Island is a big vacation destination in a small package. Whether you are into art and culture, beautiful seaside sights, or great family-friendly activities, there is sure to be something for you in Rhode Island. If you're staying in Newport, try a breathtaking tour of the harbor in the Schooner Madeleine, or enjoy a bit of history at Fort Adams State Park. The Newport mansions are one of the most popular attractions around, and the nearby Cliff Walk is a great place for a hike. Narragansett is home to the lovely Narragansett Town Beach and Point Judith Lighthouse, and if you hop on the Block Island Ferry you are only a short trip away from Block Island, where you can enjoy the sights of the Mohegan Bluffs or party it up at Capt. Nick's Rock and Roll Bar. Take a drive up to Providence for some great shopping at Providence Place Mall and to visit the unforgettable Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Restaurants in Rhode Island
1. Mohegan Bluffs
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 718 reviews
Two-hundred-foot cliffs with great views of the Atlantic.
Reviewed By stevendO6647JP
Beautiful! We got there at 10am only a few people there but right after that people kept constanlty coming (probably because the ferry arrives around this time which i believe is the first of the day). Honestly, even with more people its pretty big and its not crowded. Tip - keep walking right or even left to walk along shoreline and away from people. It is very rocky (small uneven rocks) so wear good shoes. As a billion other people said, there is alot of stairs but unless you have difficulty with normal stairs, this will be fine for you. Going up is of course more tiring but will only take a few minutes if you go at a slightly brisk pace. There are plenty of taxis from the ferry to take you there. I believe it was 16 or so around there bucks one way for 2 people and only takes like 5-10 minutes to get there. It is got friendly, the taxis are dog friendly and the ferry is dog friendly. **If you have a drone and want to fly it here such as a DJI drone you have to do special authorization before flying. I did not and could not fly it here due to airport nearby. Only place i could fly my drone was the northern part of the island where the other lighthouse is (there is southeast lighthouse by Mohegan bluffs) and they have a nice quiet beach area up this way too. Have fun!!
2. Hodge Family Wildlife Preserve
3. Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Free refuge which has trails over fields and around salt marshes.
Reviewed By SusanD678 - Narragansett, United States
National wildlife refuge in coastal RI will not disappoint if you enjoy serenity and beauty. Lookout platforms available for close up views of wildlife. So nice seeing a deer enjoying his habitat. Sunset on Moonstone Beach indescribable ..
4. Napatree Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 144 reviews
Watch Hill bird sanctuary.
Reviewed By Davidcarmytraveler - Coventry, United States
We came for Memorial Day and got there about 10:30. Thankfully it wasn’t very crowded. You pass the watch hill yacht club and walk over the dunes and drop down on to this beautiful beach. It goes way out into the water and has beach on both sides. There are great views of the watch hill light house and all the boats. It’s the only place we have been that you can play on the dunes. There isn’t much public parking so go early. 2 hours free on the street and 2 hours free in the shopping parking lot; or spend 20-30 dollars for all day in the paid lot. This is a must visit beach in RI, off season or now during covid is probably the best time to go.
5. Washington Secondary Bike Path
6. Colt State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 454 reviews
Reviewed By SugaKows - Rhodes, Greece
This is an excellent spot for a family reunion, or just soaking up the sun and breeze. Right by the water, so no matter how hot it gets, you always get an ocean breeze, blowing off the water. Prices are really reasonable, and the spots are spacious and open. You also have Bristol Town Beach right next store. The park is a walkable park, and you have access to the East Bay Bike path.
7. Cliff Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,342 reviews
A scenic 3.5 mile walkway that borders the back lawn of The Breakers and many other Newport mansions.
Reviewed By Kirkpatd - Whitehead, United Kingdom
We parked at Easton beach (free) so you also get the benefit of the beach before you start the walk At this point the walk is pathed so very easy and on one side you get great views of the Atlantic Ocean and views back over the town. On the other side you get a view of the mansions and stately homes of the rich and famous About a mile into the walk the path becomes a little more challenging as you have to manoeuvre across rocks and uneven ground but this is not majorly difficult and you can pass with care. Make sure you have good soled shoes or trainers to give a bit more support The walk itself is about 3.5 miles and you end up at a small beach and from there you can get a trolley bus back into town if you don’t want to do the return leg Bring water, sun cream and a camera you won’t be disappointed
8. Fort Adams State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,102 reviews
Managed by the Fort Adams Trust, a 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization, in partnership with the RI Department of Environmental Management, this National Historic Landmark is now open to the public. The Fort Adams Trust provides public and private guided tours and youth group overnights. Additionally the Trust hosts weddings, lobster bakes, private site rentals and a variety of special events throughout the year. Most notably Historic Fort Adams is the home of the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals each summer.
Reviewed By gladysbarros66 - Connecticut, United States
Vacationing near home this year or should I say Daycationing. We took an hour and a half drive from CT to Newport the Saturday after Labor Day. Our first stop was Fort Adams. There was plenty of parking, clean restrooms. Even with masks and social distancing it was a very relaxed setting. Families were walking, picnicing, kids playing, and other families fishing. You could walk around the outside of the Fort and it's a big Fort. There is a walking path along the water which is breath taking. You can watch the boats of all sizes sail by or you can just take in the beauty of the rocks and water. So if you don't like the hustle and bustle of downtown this is the place to be, even if only for a few hours.
9. Sachuest Beach (Second Beach)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
One of Newport's most popular beaches.
Reviewed By NorthStar696719
Love this beach. The sand is soft and clean and the beach is usually not as crowded as some of the other beaches in the area. The rest rooms are clean. The parking price is reasonable and you can usually get a spot even if you get there after lunch.
10. Roger Williams Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,155 reviews
Located amid 40 acres of beautiful woodlands, the Roger Williams Park Zoo provides visitors the opportunity to see animals from all over the globe – some more than a million years old. Naturalistic surroundings are home to more than 100 species of animals including a Komodo dragon, as well as zebras, red pandas, African elephants, Masai giraffes, snow leopards, bears, flamingoes, sloths, and more! Kids from two to 102 have the opportunity to feed giraffes and harbor seals, as well as an array of farmyard animals. For something slightly out of the ordinary, visit our new Explore and Soar area offering an exhilarating zip ride, a train excursion through the woodlands, and ice cream station. The Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is home to many endangered species. As a result, the Zoo participates in cooperative conservation and breeding programs to help ensure the future survival of many endangered species.
Reviewed By fedemarisa
This is our second year visiting Roger Williams Zoo for their annual Jack-o-lantern Spectacular. Takes about 1hour to walk through. Amazing display of pumpkins. Great seasonal activity.
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