Rhode Island is known throughout the United States for being the country’s smallest state, and despite the name, most of it is not actually an island. Rhode Islanders call it the Ocean State, which makes sense considering how much of the state is surrounded by bays, inlets, and coastline. I’ve made two trips here, and they couldn’t have felt more different. My first visit was during a miserable winter and didn’t leave much of an impression on me. When I returned during the summer for a more dedicated trip, Rhode Island felt like a completely different place. Between Providence, Newport, Block Island, beaches, sailing, and historic coastal towns, I finally understood why so many people come here during the warmer months.
Explore Providence
Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams after he left the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Providence is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It’s also the capital and largest city in Rhode Island, combining historic neighborhoods with universities, museums, restaurants, nightlife, and a surprisingly lively downtown. Providence has deep connections to early American religious history, including the First Baptist Church in America, while institutions such as Brown University add another layer to the city’s character. For such a small state, Providence offers much more than I expected from its capital.
Explore Block Island
Block Island was probably the highlight of Rhode Island for me. Located offshore in the Atlantic, the island offers beaches, cliffs, cycling, sailing, and a much quieter atmosphere than the mainland. Its small size makes it especially easy to explore by bicycle, with roads connecting beaches, lighthouses, nature preserves, and small communities across the island. Block Island has a long colonial history as well, but for most visitors the real attraction is simply being outside and enjoying one of the most scenic parts of Rhode Island.
Explore Newport
Newport is a historic seaside city on Aquidneck Island and one of Rhode Island’s best-known summer destinations. The city has long been connected to sailing and the U.S. Navy, with the Naval War College and other military facilities located nearby. Newport is probably even more famous, however, for the enormous mansions built by some of America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age. Many of these estates are now open to visitors, while the city’s waterfront, beaches, historic streets, and coastal scenery make Newport an easy place to spend a full day or longer.
