Rhode Island

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

$19.99

Shop Book

Getty Images

Overview

Rhode Island, the smallest of the US states, isn't actually an island. Although it only takes about an hour to traverse, this little wonder packs in more than 400 miles of coastline with wonderful, white-sand swimming beaches and some of the country's finest historic architecture, galleries and museums. What's more, Rhode Islanders are about as friendly as folks come.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Rough Point
Newport
While the peerless position and splendor of the grounds alone are worth the price of admission, this faux-English manor house also contains heiress and…
The Breakers
Newport
A 70-room Italian Renaissance megapalace inspired by 16th-century Genoese palazzi, the Breakers is the most magnificent of Newport's grandiose mansions…
The Elms
Newport
Designed by Horace Trumbauer in 1901, the Elms is a replica of Château d'Asnières, built near Paris in 1750. Here you can take a 'behind-the-scenes' tour…
Rhode Island State House
Providence
Designed by McKim, Mead and White in 1904, the Rhode Island State House rises above the Providence skyline, easily visible from miles around. Modeled in…
Fort Adams State Park
Newport
Fort Adams is America's largest coastal fortification and the centerpiece of this gorgeous state park, which juts out into Narragansett Bay. It's the…
Providence Athenaeum
Providence
One of the most prominent buildings on Benefit St, the Greek Revival Providence Athenaeum was designed by William Strickland and completed in 1838. This…
Watch Hill
Rhode Island
A 5-mile drive southwest of Westerly town center, you'll come to the cloistered community known as Watch Hill, where New York's rich and/or famous have…
St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center
Rhode Island
It's a real surprise to find something of this rarity and beauty in sleepy Woonsocket. Now home to a busy arts and cultural center, the former Church of…

View more attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Discover the best things to do in Rhode Island with this definitive tour of the towns, foods, sights and activities that the Ocean State is known for.

Read article