Explore Rhode Island
Rhode Island, while renowned for its stunning oceanfront, also boasts a hidden gem in its collection of lakes: Echo Lake. Located in Glocester, Echo Lake, also known as Pascoag Reservoir, stands out as the best lake in the state for many. This freshwater lake, encompassing over 300 acres, is a haven for relaxation and recreation. It’s particularly favored by those who love fishing, as it’s well-stocked with various fish including largemouth bass and northern pike. The lake’s calm waters are ideal for boating, kayaking, and canoeing, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
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Best time to visit
Best places to visit
Top Three Facts about Rhode Island
01
Unique State Name
Rhode Island’s official name is “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.” It is the longest official name of any state in the U.S.
02
Historic Newport Mansions
Newport is renowned for its extravagant Gilded Age mansions, including The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff. These opulent estates belonged to some of America’s wealthiest families.
03
Ocean State
Rhode Island is often called the “Ocean State” due to its extensive coastline, picturesque bays, and harbors. Despite its small size, it has a disproportionately large maritime influence.
Must See Attractions
The Breakers
Speciality Museum
The Breakers, a majestic mansion in Newport, stands as an opulent testament to the Gilded Age, with its grand Italian Renaissance architecture and sprawling grounds overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Lincoln Woods State Park
Nature & Parks
This park offers a peaceful retreat with its tranquil lake, extensive trails, and ample opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and outdoor recreation amidst forested landscapes.
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Zoological park
This zoo captivates visitors with its diverse wildlife, exhibits, and conservation efforts, providing an immersive and educational experience for all ages.
Where to Sleep
What’s Nearby
1. Scituate Reservoir
The largest freshwater body in Rhode Island, this reservoir is the primary water source for the state and also offers serene views and recreational activities.
2. Pascoag Reservoir (Echo Lake)
Also known as Echo Lake, Pascoag Reservoir in Glocester is a popular spot for fishing and boating, known for its tranquility and scenic views.
3. Johnson’s Pond
Located in Coventry, Johnson’s Pond is a recreational haven with good boat access, plenty of fishing spots, and beautiful waterfront properties.
4. Carbuncle Pond
Tucked away in Coventry, Carbuncle Pond offers a tranquil setting for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the natural beauty of Rhode Island’s countryside.
5. Quidnick Reservoir
Quidnick Reservoir in Coventry is a serene pond surrounded by woodlands, providing a peaceful environment for fishing and nature appreciation.
6. Indian Lake
Indian Lake in South Kingstown is a peaceful spot surrounded by nature, offering opportunities for fishing and quiet recreational activities.
7. Worden Pond
In South Kingstown, Worden Pond is the largest natural pond in Rhode Island, offering boating, fishing, and a serene escape from urban life.
8. Watchaug Pond
Watchaug Pond in Charlestown provides a scenic setting for kayaking, fishing, and picnicking against dense woodlands.
Annual Events and Festivals
Spring 2025
WaterFire Providence
WaterFire Providence is a mesmerizing and enchanting art installation that has transformed the rivers of downtown Providence into a captivating spectacle since its inception in 1994. Created by artist Barnaby Evans, WaterFire consists of over eighty bonfires lit in braziers set atop the water, creating a luminous and ethereal experience. The fires are accompanied by enchanting music that echoes through the riverbanks, contributing to the magical atmosphere. This award-winning public art installation has become a signature event for the city, drawing locals and visitors alike to gather along the waterfront and immerse themselves in the ambient glow of the flickering flames.
September 12 – 15, 2024
Newport International Boat Show
The show is a maritime extravaganza held annually in the historic city of Newport and is a premier event that draws boating enthusiasts worldwide. Established in 1970, this show has earned a reputation as one of the largest and most prestigious boat shows in the United States. Taking place in September, it transforms the picturesque Newport Harbor into a nautical paradise, showcasing a dazzling array of sailboats, powerboats, luxury yachts, and marine equipment. Boating enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious onlookers gather to explore the latest maritime innovations, from cutting-edge vessel designs to state-of-the-art navigation technology.
TBA 2025
Charlestown Seafood Festival
The Charlestown Seafood Festival is a gastronomic celebration that honors the rich seafood heritage of the Ocean State. Taking place over a weekend in August at Ninigret Park, this festival attracts seafood aficionados from all over with its impressive spread of ocean fare. Visitors can indulge in fresh, local seafood, including lobsters, clams, scallops, and the famous Rhode Island clam cakes. Beyond these events, the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, Newport Oktoberfest at Fort Adams, and dozens more fall festivals in Rhode Island are worth exploring.
Top Hiking Trails
Cliff Walk
Newport, Rhode Island
The Cliff Walk is a renowned public access walkway that borders the shoreline with a unique combination of natural beauty and architectural history. This 3.5-mile trail, designated as a National Recreation Trail, runs along the eastern shore of Newport, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the opulent Gilded Age mansions on the other. As walkers traverse the path, they are treated to a stunning juxtaposition of rugged coastline and landscaped gardens and close-up views of architectural marvels like The Breakers and Marble House.
Long Pond Woods Trail
Audubon Long Pond Woods Wildlife Refuge – Secondary/RIDEM Trailhead, Canonchet Rd, Hopkinton, Rhode Island
This 2.3-mile loop trail winds through a pristine forest, offering hikers a tranquil journey surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The trail is well-maintained and features gentle terrain that makes it accessible to a variety of skill levels. As you meander through the woods, you’ll encounter picturesque views of Long Pond and may even spot local wildlife. The serene atmosphere and the scent of pine in the air make Long Pond Woods Trail an ideal destination for a stroll, birdwatching, or a quiet, contemplative hike.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge Trail
Middletown, Rhode Island
Encompassing over 240 acres, this wildlife refuge is a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers. The trail system, totaling about 2.7 miles, provides an easy and accessible way to explore the diverse habitats, including salt marshes, rocky shorelines, and sandy beaches. Visitors traverse the well-marked trails; they are often treated to panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the chance to observe a wide array of wildlife, notably the over 200 bird species that visit or inhabit the area.
Best Golf Courses
Newport National Golf Club
324 Mitchells Ln Middletown, Rhode Island
Newport National Golf Club, situated in the picturesque coastal town of Middletown, Rhode Island, is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. Renowned for its challenging layout and stunning panoramic views, this 18-hole championship course stretches across 200 acres of beautiful landscape, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings of the Narragansett Bay and the Sakonnet River. Designed by Arthur Hills and Drew Rogers, the course is often likened to the classic links courses of Ireland and Scotland, offering wide fairways, undulating greens, and strategic bunkering.
Montaup Country Club
500 Anthony Rd Portsmouth, Rhode Island
Established in 1923, this semi-private golf club offers an 18-hole course that challenges experienced golfers and provides an enjoyable experience for intermediate golfers. One of the most striking features of Montaup Country Club is its stunning views of the Sakonnet River and the picturesque Narragansett Bay, particularly visible from the back nine, where the water comes into play and adds to the course’s scenic beauty.
Exeter Country Club
320 Ten Rod Rd Exeter, Rhode island
Exeter Country Club, located in the tranquil town of Exeter, Rhode Island, is a charming and historic golf destination offering an exceptional golfing experience since its establishment in 1969. This 18-hole championship course is set amidst the picturesque rolling hills of southern Rhode Island, providing a serene backdrop for a round of golf. Known for its meticulously maintained greens and fairways, the course presents a balanced challenge for golfers of all skill levels, with strategic bunkering and water hazards that add to its complexity and appeal.
Water Sports
Olney Pond Fishing
fishing
Although small, Rhode Island boasts an array of freshwater lakes and ponds teeming with various fish species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, pike, and panfish. Each lake has its unique charm and fishing prospects. The tranquil waters of Worden Pond and the scenic surroundings of Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods State Park provide ideal settings for relaxation and sport fishing. The well-stocked lakes, such as those in Arcadia Management Area, are particularly popular during the trout fishing season, drawing anglers eager to catch rainbow, brook, or brown trout.
Kayaking in Rhode Island
kayaking
Kayaking in Rhode Island presents an unparalleled opportunity to explore the state’s unique coastal and inland waterways. With its extensive shoreline and numerous rivers, ponds, and estuaries, Rhode Island is a kayaker’s paradise, offering a variety of experiences from tranquil paddles in calm waters to more adventurous sea kayaking along the Atlantic coast. The Ocean State’s diverse ecosystems allow paddlers to navigate through scenic marshlands, like those in the Great Salt Pond on Block Island, or to explore the serene and wildlife-rich waters of the Narrow River.
Exploring Waterways
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding in Rhode Island offers an exceptional way to experience the state’s beautiful coastal and inland water landscapes. With its extensive shoreline and myriad rivers, lakes, and bays, Rhode Island is an ideal destination for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). This sport, suitable for all skill levels, is a fantastic way to explore the tranquil waters of Narragansett Bay, where paddlers can glide past historic lighthouses and quaint coastal villages.
Rhode Island Resorts
OceanCliff Hotel
Oceanside
65 Ridge Rd, Newport, Rhode Island 02840
Newport Beach Hotel & Suites
Luxury, Spa
1 Wave Ave, Middletown, Rhode Island 02842
Newport Harbor Island Resort
Oceanside
1 Goat Island Rd, Newport, Rhode Island 02840
Tips on Vacationing in Rhode Island
Explore Beyond the Coast
While the coastal regions are popular, don’t miss the opportunity to explore inland areas like the lakes and mountains, which offer a different perspective of Rhode Island’s natural beauty.
Try Local Cuisine
Indulge in Rhode Island’s culinary delights, especially seafood. Don’t miss the chance to savor a traditional lobster roll, clam chowder, and blueberry-themed dishes.
Plan for Coastal Drives
RI’s coastal drives offer stunning views. Plan for leisurely drives and stops in charming coastal towns along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhode Island
There are several websites to find short-term rentals, including Lake, Rent By Owner™, Vrbo, Airbnb, and HomeToGo. These websites allow you to easily compare prices, see property listings, and book a vacation rental in Rhode Island.
There are plenty of beach house rentals available in the Narragansett area. From oceanfront properties to private villas to cozy cottages, you can find various rental options that fit your needs and preferences. Websites like Lake and Vrbo offer listings for beach house rentals in this area.
Yes, Rhode Island has many charming and cozy cottage rentals from which you can choose. You may find these options on websites like Lake or Vrbo, which offer many cottages tailored to your vacation needs.
Websites like Lake, Airbnb, and Vrbo can be great resources for a last-minute getaway to Rhode Island. These platforms allow you to search for available properties during your desired travel dates and provide detailed listings to help you find the perfect rental for your spontaneous trip.