Things To Do
Beaches, events, outdoor activities, and attractions across Rhode Island.
58 articles
Best antique shops in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers exceptional antique shopping experiences, with top destinations including the historic Wickford village in North Kingstown (home to over a dozen antique shops within walking distance), Providence's Benefit Street and Wickenden Street districts, and Newport's Thames Street and Franklin Street corridors. The state's concentration of 18th and 19th-century estates and maritime history makes it a treasure trove for American furniture, nautical antiques, and colonial-era collectibles, with shops ranging from high-end dealers to affordable vintage finds.
Rhode Island ghost tours guide 2026
Rhode Island offers several ghost tours throughout 2026, with the most popular being Newport Ghost Tours, Providence Ghost Tours, and seasonal walking tours in historic areas like Benefit Street and Federal Hill. Tours typically run April through November, with peak Halloween season offerings, and cost between $20-$40 per person. The state's 400-year history provides plenty of haunted locations, from Colonial-era graveyards to notorious mansions and waterfront buildings.
Where to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Rhode Island: PVD Fan Zone, Sports Bars, and Getting to Gillette
Rhode Island's biggest free World Cup viewing spot is the PVD Fan Zone at Station Park in Providence, showing matches on a Jumbotron through the July 19 final. Seven tournament matches are being played at Gillette Stadium about 25 miles away, reachable by commuter rail, official express buses, or car. Providence sports bars around downtown and Federal Hill are showing every match.
RI250: How Rhode Island Is Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary in 2026
Rhode Island is marking America's 250th anniversary (the semiquincentennial) throughout 2026 with signature events: the Bristol 4th of July Parade's own 250th edition, a full WaterFire lighting with the RI Philharmonic on July 4th weekend, public display of the state's copies of the Declaration of Independence at the State House, and commemorations of RI's claim as the first colony to renounce allegiance to the King in May 1776.
Top dog-friendly beaches in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers several dog-friendly beaches where your canine companion can enjoy the sand and surf, though most have seasonal restrictions. The top options include Barrington Town Beach (dogs allowed year-round), East Beach in Charlestown (off-season only), and Roger Wheeler State Beach in Narragansett (off-season access). During summer months (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day), most Rhode Island beaches prohibit dogs entirely or restrict them to early morning and evening hours, so timing your visit is crucial for beach access with your pet.
Best swimming holes in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers several excellent swimming holes, with top options including Stepstone Falls in West Greenwich, Queen's River in Exeter, Tarbox Pond in Burrillville, and the Chipuxet River in South Kingstown. These natural swimming spots provide relief from summer heat and are typically free or low-cost alternatives to crowded beaches. Most swimming holes are best visited during June through September when water levels are ideal and temperatures are warmest.
Best paddleboarding spots in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers exceptional paddleboarding at Ninigret Pond in Charlestown (perfect for beginners with calm, protected waters), Narragansett Town Beach (for experienced paddlers seeking ocean waves), Potter Pond in South Kingstown (ideal for wildlife viewing), and the Providence River near India Point Park (for urban paddling with city views). The state's 400+ miles of coastline provide diverse options from tranquil salt ponds to open ocean experiences, with the best conditions typically from May through October when water temperatures range from 60-72°F.
New Year's Eve events in Providence RI 2026
Providence will ring in 2026 with multiple New Year's Eve celebrations including First Night Providence, an alcohol-free family festival with performances across downtown venues; upscale galas at the Providence Biltmore and Omni Providence Hotel; dinner parties at restaurants like Gracie's and Al Forno; and nightclub events on Federal Hill and downtown. Most events run from 6 PM to 1 AM with tickets ranging from free to $200+. INTRODUCTION:
Top golf courses in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island offers approximately 45 golf courses ranging from championship-level public courses to affordable municipal options. Top courses for 2026 include Newport National Golf Club in Middletown (consistently ranked among New England's best public courses), Triggs Memorial Golf Course in Providence (a Donald Ross design), and the private Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington. Green fees at public courses typically range from $30-$150 depending on the facility and time of day.
Best bike trails in Rhode Island 2026
Rhode Island offers over 400 miles of bike trails in 2026, with the East Bay Bike Path (14.5 miles from Providence to Bristol) and Blackstone River Bikeway (18 miles when complete) ranking as the state's most popular multi-use paths. The Washington Secondary Trail provides 19 miles of inland riding from Cranston to Coventry, while the William C. O'Neill Bike Path (South County Bike Path) spans 8 miles through South Kingstown. These paved, mostly flat trails accommodate cyclists of all skill levels and connect dozens of Rhode Island communities.
Rhode Island vineyard and winery guide 2026
Rhode Island has approximately 10-12 active vineyards and wineries scattered primarily across the southern coastal regions and Aquidneck Island, with most concentrated in Little Compton, Middletown, and Portsmouth. The state's maritime climate and diverse soil types create ideal conditions for cool-climate varietals, and most wineries offer tastings year-round with seasonal hours. Notable establishments include Greenvale Vineyards (est. 1982), Newport Vineyards, and Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard, which collectively produce thousands of cases annually and host events ranging from intimate tastings to large festivals.
Block Island Day Trip Complete Guide 2026
A Block Island day trip from the Rhode Island mainland takes about 55 minutes by high-speed ferry from Point Judith in Narragansett. Book your ferry in advance, rent a bike at the dock, visit Mohegan Bluffs and Crescent Beach, eat fresh seafood in Old Harbor, and catch an evening ferry home. Budget around $95–110 per person for the full day.