Rhode Island vacations

With Gilded Age mansions, gorgeous beaches and a proud maritime heritage, this former playground of the rich and famous is now a crowd-pleasing coastal getaway.

One of the oldest cities in the US and the capital of its smallest state, Providence is big on history, culture and New England charm.

Delve deep into the history of over 20 magnificent lighthouses that dot the Rhode Island shore. For generations, their lights guided mariners along the treacherous coast. Though some have been turned into private residences or maritime museums, more than a dozen are still operational. At Rose Island Light in Narragansett Bay, you can even experience life as a lighthouse keeper.

The historic mansions of Newport are one of the most impressive things to see in Rhode Island. Built as summer cottages for the 19th-century elite, these grand homes have been portrayed in novels by Edith Wharton and in HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age.’ Tour the inside of Marble House or The Breakers. Or combine architecture with ocean views on the Cliff Walk.

The people and events that shaped Rhode Island are celebrated in historic houses and museums across the state, like the Old Slater Mill, the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. But other local museums have eclectic collections. Check out the Living Sharks Museum, the Edna Lawrence Nature Lab or Bristol’s hidden cabinet of curiosities, the Musée Pataméchanique.

With over 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island boasts a huge variety of beaches, from isolated coves to sandy expanses that are perfect for families. Rent paddle boats at Misquamicut State Beach. Or ride the breakers at Narragansett Beach, the state’s most popular surfing destination. Goosewing Beach and Napatree Point Beach are ideal for a quiet picnic and bird-watching.

Rhode Island’s dunes, salt marshes and woodlands have plenty to attract nature lovers. The state is also a haven for migratory birds. In fall, bird-watchers flock to the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, binoculars in hand. Take a ferry to Block Island, where nearly half the island has been conserved as a refuge for rare plants and wildlife.

Some of the best restaurants in Rhode Island are found in Providence, serving up everything from innovative, Asian-inspired dishes to Latin-American fusion. On Federal Hill, Providence’s own Little Italy, try classic red-sauce fare or pick up Italian imports at a gourmet market. Try local quahog clams raw or in a ‘stuffie’ — a stuffed clam with a Portuguese twist.

Museums in Rhode Island celebrate the state’s history as a hub of American arts. The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum boasts a stunning collection of global art, while the National Museum of American Illustration showcases American talent. Horror author HP Lovecraft is remembered at sites around Providence, like the Athenaeum and John Hay Library.

While summer can draw crowds and higher prices, the lure of Rhode Island’s beaches and events like the Newport Folk Festival make it difficult to resist. But fall is another great time to visit Rhode Island, with big events like WaterFire Providence and popular activities such as apple picking and bird-watching.

Posh summer crowds in towns like Newport can push up prices. But you can definitely enjoy a cheap vacation to Rhode Island by taking advantage of offseason deals and the state’s nature reserves, beaches and public transportation. An inexpensive meal will set you back about 25 US dollars ($). Expect a short taxi ride to cost less than $15.