The Ocean State
Rhode Island is the smallest state of the United States, tucked between Massachusetts and Connecticut in the New England region. Statewide, winter is chilly and wet, with some snow. July and August are the warmest months. Like all New England states, Rhode Island offers incredible natural beauty, colonial history and an amazing cultural heritage. Favored attractions include the Newport "Gilded Age" mansion tours, all of Narragansett Bay and its boating and fishing activities, Block Island, coastal lighthouses and the stylish capital city of Providence. To travel around the state, you will need to rent a car or book a bus or train ticket. If you're only in Providence, you won't need a car and can walk almost everywhere. Use common sense when walking alone or at night, as you should in any city. For more information you visit: visitrhodeisland.com.
War Memorial Park, West Warwick, Rhode Island. Photo by Marcbela.
Fort Adams was established in 1799 and is now the largest coastal fort in the United States. Located along Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor in Fort Adams State Park, the fort is open for tours from mid-May to mid-October. The park is used throughout the year for events like the Newport Jazz Festival and for outdoor activities.
The Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket tells the story of the many immigrant groups that worked and lived in Rhode Island from the 1880s to the 1920s. The museum has exhibits, hands-on experiences, films and photographs.
Visit the Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum for a glimpse into the Victorian era in Providence. Guided tours are available at this National Historic Landmark and special events take place throughout the year, such as live music and exhibits.
The Newport Mansions are a group of 14 historic buildings that were once the summer mansions of wealthy families like the Vanderbilts. Visitors can tour 11 of the 14 buildings, gardens and parks and take tours, such as the Servant Life Tour at The Elms.
The Roger Williams Park Zoo is a popular tourist attraction in Rhode Island with over 100 species of animals, including many rare species. Special events and programs are also available throughout the year, including animal feedings, family nights and holiday events.
Blackstone River Tours
Block Island Tours
Culinary Walking Tours
Newport History Tours
Rhode Island Bay Cruises
Trolley Tours of Providence
Viking Tours of Newport
Visit Rhode Island
Go Newport
Go Providence Warwick
Rhode Island State House. Photo by Kumar Appaiah.
The United States offers a wide variety of cultural learning opportunities through the arts. Dance, music, theater, opera, art museums and festivals are just some of the options available to international visitors who wish to learn more about the U.S. and its culture.
From March to November, visitors can enjoy Bristol and Warren ART Nights on Thursday evenings. A free trolley travels between galleries and art studios in Bristol and Warren and many local restaurants and shops also have special sales and events.
Newport Art Museum showcases local and regional artists in their permanent collection, special exhibits and events, which include lunches with the artist, book groups, music concerts and lectures. Classes are also available to the public.
Browse a list ofart galleries in Rhode Island.
Other arts and cultural events and venues in Rhode Island include:
Courthouse Center for the Arts, West Kingston
Festival Ballet Providence
Fusionworks Dance Company, Lincoln
Gallery Night Providence
National Museum of American Illustration, Newport
Providence Performing Arts Center
RISD Museum of Art, Providence
Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School, Providence
Trinity Repertory Company, Providence
WaterFire, Providence
Sailboats in Newport, Rhode Island. Photo by chensiyuan.
College Sports Teams
Brown University Athletics
Bryant University Athletics
Providence College Athletics
University of Rhode Island Athletics
Minor League Sports Teams
Pawtucket Red Sox (baseball)
Newport Gulls (baseball)
Providence Bruins (hockey)
Sporting Events and Attractions
Newport International Polo Series is a public event with international and American teams competing in multiple polo matches from June to September in Portsmouth, RI.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum looks at the history of tennis and the important role Newport played in American tennis history. The hall of fame and museum also has exhibits, video and memorabilia from famous tennis players. Visitors can also rent a court and play tennis on the grounds of the hall of fame.
Misquamicut Beach, Rhode Island. Photo by Juliancolton.
Bike Rhode Island has information on the 100 miles of bike paths found throughout the state.
Brenton Point State Park in Newport overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. Visitors can go fishing, hiking or enjoy a picnic while looking over the view of the East Coast.
Though it's the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island has over 100 beaches along its shoreline. Enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing, boating and other water activities at one of the many beaches in the aptly named Ocean State.
Block Island is located 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island and it is a popular place to visit in the summer for biking, hiking, fishing, sailing and beach activities. Visitors can reach the island during summer months by ferries from Newport, Montauk in New York and New London in Connecticut. A ferry from Point Judith takes visitors to the island throughout the year. Flights are also available.
Camping in Rhode Island is a popular outdoor activity in areas like East Beach, Fishermen's Memorial State Park and Charlestown Breachway. Visit the Rhode Island State Parks website for information on campground amenities and locations.
Some visitors may also enjoy adventure sports like scuba diving, windsurfing or skydiving during their time in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island cuisine shares many similarities with other New England states, such as its use of seafood and shellfish, like crabs, clams and lobster. It also has some local favorites, like coffee milk, Del's lemonade, johnnycakes and the "New York System" hot dog.
Find farmers' markets and special food events at Farm Fresh Rhode Island.
Great Chowder Cook-off, June, Newport
Local Food Fest, August, Newport
Seafood Festival, August, Charlestown
Rhode Island Seafood Festival, September, Providence
Harvest Johnnycake Festival, October, West Kingston
Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival, October, Bowen's Wharf
Street scene prior to the Independence Day parade in Bristol. Photo by TwoSheds.
The Newport Folk Festival in July features folk artists as well as performances from other musical genres, like indie rock, blues, country and bluegrass.
Newport Jazz Festival is the "grandfather of all jazz festivals" and has hosted many legendary performances from artists like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. It is held each August and continues to attract leading musicians and performers.
The Greek Festival in Pawtucket is held each August and features Greek cuisine, traditional entertainment, an indoor/outdoor marketplace, games and fun events.
Rhode Island International Film Festival takes place in various locations in Rhode Island, including the screening of premiere works in Providence, the state capital. The festival runs for 6 days each August.
The Newport Winter Festival in February has over 150 events throughout Newport and Newport County, including music, food, historical tours and many other events.
Beach house at Misquamicut Beach, Rhode Island. Photo by Juliancolton.
Rhode Island Housing Resources
Some examples of housing and accommodation resources for Rhode Island participants include:
Craigslist - Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island. Photo by Swampyank.
Visit the American Public Transportation Association website for a complete list of public transportation options in your local community.
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) operates bus services across Rhode Island. RIPTA also runs tourist trolley buses in Newport and Providence.
Greyhound buses make several stops in Rhode Island, including Middletown, Newport, Providence, Portsmouth and TF Green Airport.
The Northeast Regional Amtrak line stops in Providence, Kingston and Westerly and connects to major cities like Boston, Washington, DC and New York.
The MBTA's Providence/Stoughton Line travels between Boston and Rhode Island, including Providence, TF Green Airport and Wickford Junction.
Participants in Rhode Island can use the following resources in case of an emergency or extreme weather event in their area:
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
Twitter updates @RhodeIslandEMA
Rhode Island FEMA updates on Twitter @femaregion1
Weather – Rhode Island
Habitat for Humanity of Rhode Island - Greater Providence helps build low-income housing for families in need. Volunteers do not need any particular experience to help.
Rhode Island Community Food Bank has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. The website also has links to related agency programs in need of volunteers.
Serve Rhode Island connects volunteers with organizations that need help for single events or ongoing opportunities. Volunteers can search for opportunities based on their location, skill level, interest and availability.
Southern Rhode Island Volunteers (SRIV) serves communities in the south of Rhode Island.