Create Your Ultimate Rhode Island Travel Guide With Google Maps

Introduction

Rhode Island, the smallest state in the US, is a hidden gem with plenty to offer for all kinds of travelers. From its picturesque beaches to its rich history and culture, Rhode Island has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll guide you through the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that you can explore in Rhode Island. And the best part? We’ll show you how to use Google Maps to navigate your way around this beautiful state.

Top Attractions

Rhode Island is home to many top attractions that you won’t want to miss. Some of the most popular places to visit include:

• The Breakers Mansion in Newport
• The Rhode Island State House in Providence
• The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence
• The Newport Cliff Walk
• The International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport

The Breakers Mansion in Newport

The Breakers Mansion is a stunning 70-room mansion built by the Vanderbilt family in the late 1800s. It’s a National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular attractions in Rhode Island. You can take a tour of the mansion and learn about the history of the Vanderbilt family and their extravagant lifestyle.

The Rhode Island State House in Providence

The Rhode Island State House is a beautiful building located in the heart of Providence. It’s the home of the Rhode Island General Assembly and the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor. You can take a guided tour of the building to learn about its history and see the impressive rotunda and marble floors.

The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence

The Roger Williams Park Zoo is a great place to visit for families and animal lovers. It’s home to over 160 species of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and zebras. You can also take a ride on the zoo’s carousel or train.

The Newport Cliff Walk

The Newport Cliff Walk is a scenic 3.5-mile walk along the coast of Newport. You’ll get to see stunning views of the ocean and some of Newport’s most beautiful mansions along the way.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport

The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a must-visit for tennis fans. It’s located in the Newport Casino, which was built in 1880, and features exhibits on the history of tennis and its greatest players. You can even play a game of tennis on the grass courts outside.

Hidden Gems

Rhode Island is full of hidden gems that many travelers overlook. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Beavertail State Park in Jamestown
• The Providence Athenaeum
• The Samuel E. Perry Grist Mill in Kingston
• The John Brown House Museum in Providence
• The Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth

Beavertail State Park in Jamestown

Beavertail State Park is a beautiful park located on the southern tip of Jamestown. It offers stunning views of the ocean and the Beavertail Lighthouse, which was built in 1749. You can go for a hike, have a picnic, or just take in the scenery.

The Providence Athenaeum

The Providence Athenaeum is a beautiful library located in the heart of Providence. It was founded in 1836 and features a collection of over 200,000 volumes. You can take a guided tour of the library and see its impressive architecture and artwork.

The Samuel E. Perry Grist Mill in Kingston

The Samuel E. Perry Grist Mill is a historic mill located in Kingston. It was built in 1790 and is one of the few remaining mills of its kind in Rhode Island. You can take a tour of the mill and see how it was used to grind corn and wheat.

The John Brown House Museum in Providence

The John Brown House Museum is a historic house located in Providence. It was built in 1786 and was the home of John Brown, a prominent businessman and abolitionist. You can take a guided tour of the house and learn about its history and the history of the Brown family.

The Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth

The Green Animals Topiary Garden is a unique garden located in Portsmouth. It features over 80 topiaries in the shapes of animals and other objects. You can take a self-guided tour of the garden and see the impressive topiaries up close.

Food Scene

Rhode Island is known for its seafood and has a thriving food scene. Here are a few of our favorite places to eat:

• The Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown
• The Red Stripe in Providence
• Olneyville New York System in Providence
• The White Horse Tavern in Newport
• Wright’s Farm Restaurant in Harrisville

The Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown

The Matunuck Oyster Bar is a must-visit for seafood lovers. It’s located on Potter Pond and offers stunning views of the water. You can enjoy fresh oysters, clams, and other seafood dishes while taking in the scenery.

The Red Stripe in Providence

The Red Stripe is a popular restaurant in Providence that serves French and American cuisine. It’s known for its delicious burgers and extensive beer selection.

Olneyville New York System in Providence

Olneyville New York System is a local institution that serves up some of the best hot dogs in Rhode Island. The hot dogs are served in a steamed bun with a special meat sauce, mustard, and onions.

The White Horse Tavern in Newport

The White Horse Tavern is the oldest operating tavern in the US, dating back to 1673. It’s located in a historic building in the heart of Newport and serves up delicious New England cuisine.

Wright’s Farm Restaurant in Harrisville

Wright’s Farm Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant that’s been in business since 1972. It’s known for its family-style chicken dinners, which come with all-you-can-eat salad, pasta, and chicken.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Rhode Island can be an expensive destination, but there are plenty of ways to save money while still having a great time. Here are a few budget-friendly tips:

• Visit the state parks
• Take advantage of free admission days at museums and attractions
• Explore the cities on foot or by bike
• Try some of the local food trucks for cheap eats
• Stay in a hostel or Airbnb instead of a hotel

Outdoor Adventures

Rhode Island is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are a few of the best outdoor adventures to try:

• Hiking in the Arcadia Management Area
• Kayaking on the Blackstone River
• Biking the East Bay Bike Path
• Surfing at Narragansett Beach
• Fishing in the Sakonnet River

Historical Landmarks

Rhode Island has a rich history and is home to many important historical landmarks. Here are a few to check out:

• The Newport Mansions
• The Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence
• The Slater Mill Historic Site in Pawtucket
• The Touro Synagogue in Newport
• The Lippitt House Museum in Providence

Family-Friendly Activities

Rhode Island is a great destination for families. Here are a few family-friendly activities to try:

• The Providence Children’s Museum
• The Waterfire Providence event
• The Bristol Fourth of July Parade
• The Biomes Marine Biology Center in North Kingstown
• The Newport Creamery

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little different, here are a few off-the-beaten-path experiences to try in Rhode Island:

• The Newport Vineyards
• The Providence Ghost Tour