The Travelers’ Field Guide toRhode Island
Discover Rhode Island’s Hidden Gems and Unique Attractions
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it lives large in character. Seaside towns hum with salty air and clam shacks, city streets buzz with art and history, and quiet backroads lead to coves and countryside you don’t expect. From sunrises over the Atlantic to winding walks through colonial neighborhoods, the Ocean State proves that size has nothing to do with how much there is to see.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025
Things to Do In Rhode Island
For a small state, Rhode Island is packed with contrasts. You can stroll cobblestone streets in the morning, sail out of a bustling harbor by afternoon, and watch the tide roll in from a quiet beach by evening. History shows up in centuries-old buildings, creativity spills out of galleries and festivals, and the outdoors is never far away—whether it’s the coast, the bay, or wooded trails inland.
Arts & Culture
From ornate theaters and seaside galleries to small studios in historic mills, Rhode Island’s creative streak runs wide and deep.
Shopping
Antique shops along country roads, boutiques in walkable downtowns, and waterfront markets that carry a little of everything.
Events
Parades, food festivals, art walks, and summer fairs—community celebrations that fill the calendar and spill into the streets.
Outdoor Adventure
Miles of shoreline for sailing, kayaking, and beach walks, plus inland trails and bike paths that keep the state connected to the outdoors.