Welcome to Rhode Island

An hour is all it takes to get from one end of Rhode Island to the other — but it would be a shame if you whizzed through America’s smallest state without stopping. Relax your pedal foot and take a side road to uncover romantic Colonial towns, idyllic vineyards and white-sand beaches dotting 400 miles of coastline.

State Bird: Rhode Island Red Hen. Getty Images

Renowned New England Cities

Hugging the Atlantic coast, Newport is famed for the Gilded Age mansions. These lavish estates were once the homes of wealthy families like the Vanderbilts, and many are open for you to explore. Step inside The Breakers, a 70-room Italian Renaissance-styled “summer cottage” and stroll the Cliff Walk for phenomenal views of the ocean and sprawling rocky coast. When day turns to night, motor to Providence in the heart of the state to see the WaterFire, an art installation in the river that lights up the downtown core with nearly 100 raging bonfires.

Block Island Escapes

Situated 12 miles off the south coast, Block Island will excite the outdoor adventurer in you with its rolling hills, dramatic cliffs and rare wildlife. Take the ferry over to trek 28 miles of hiking trails and observe migratory songbirds at the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. Make sure to climb to the top of Mohegan Bluffs before you go to admire panoramic views of New England and the Atlantic Ocean.

See Why It’s Called the Ocean State

Boating thrills and relaxing beach days never end in Narragansett Bay. The bay is home to over 30 islands and its protected harbors and inlets provide a wealth of exciting activities such as kayaking, seal-watching tours and narrated boat cruises. There are deep-sea charters available too if you want to wrestle with monster fish like bluefin tuna, sea bass, cod and striped bass. Scuba diving and snorkeling can also be enjoyed near Scarborough State Beach.

Haizhan Zheng