26 Essential Rhode Island Experiences to Plan for 2026

I’ve never been one to make resolutions at the dawn of a New Year, usually because I find it difficult to keep the momentum going, especially when life is so busy. However, my enthusiasm rarely dims when it comes to exploring.

Because of this, I've decided to create a list of things to do in Rhode Island in 2026, to fill the year with epic adventures. Whether it's hiking trails, winter festivals, or trips to the zoo, here are some amazing Rhode Island activities I hope to try this year—and I hope you do, too.

1. Ben Utter Trail – Exeter

Rhode Island might not have as many waterfalls as some states, but the ones we do have are simply majestic. That’s why a stroll along the easy 2.7-mile Ben Utter Trail, leading straight to Stepstone Falls, sits at the top of my must-do list in 2026. It seems especially beautiful in the summer or fall.

2. Lincoln Woods Trail – Lincoln

I truly believe a walk in the woods, with leaves crunching below my feet and fresh air in my lungs, will help release built-up stress. This year, I hope to meander through Lincoln Woods State Park, the short, sweet, and easy Lincoln Woods Trail that promises fairy-tale-like adventure. Strolling past views of Olney Pond and chiseled rock formations, I know I'll reconnect with nature.

3. Colt State Park – Bristol

Considered Rhode Island's state park gem, Colt State Park has breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay and historic stone walls, and promises plenty to do, including walking trails and picnicking. I like the idea of flying a kite by the water on a windy spring day. Watching the leaves fall in autumn sounds peaceful, too.

4.  Providence Ghost Tour – Providence

Only one thing comes close to chasing waterfalls (at least for me), and that’s ghost hunting, so it’s only natural to add the Providence Ghost Tour to my itinerary in 2026. The tour meets in Prospect Terrace Park and leads groups through the streets near Brown University and downtown Providence. Fingers crossed I'll get to it during spooky season!

5. City Center Rink – Providence

A chilly winter day in Providence is meant for bundling up, lacing up ice skates, and gliding around City Center Rink, one of my favorite winter activities in Rhode Island. But before relaxing as I circle the ice, I’m going for an epic adrenaline rush with a ride on the ice bumper cars.

6. Yawgoo Valley Ski Area & Water Park – Exeter

I usually prefer staying inside, curled up under the blankets, and sipping a hot chocolate, rather than spending a cold winter day outdoors. But after a fresh snowfall, there’s no place I’d rather be than snow tubing at Yawgoo Valley Ski Area.

7. Newport Winter Festival – Newport

Wintertime can get a little gloomy post-December, so I try to do fun things in Rhode Island to beat the blues. The Newport Winter Festival—from February 13 to 22, 2026—is one of those things. The entire event is full of live entertainment, tasty food, and a hot drink contest where Irish coffees and hot chocolate abound.

8. Wicked Tulips Flower Farm – Johnston

I love the snowy scenery of winter in Rhode Island, but I always count down to spring and the return of warmer temperatures and the pop of color the flowers bring. This year, I’ll celebrate by tiptoeing past the tulips, picking my favorites, and snapping photos at Wicked Tulips Flower Farm, which opens in late April.

9. Cumberland Monastery Trail – Cumberland

Spring brings vibrant wildflowers to the easy Cumberland Monastery Trail, which spans just over three miles and promises a relaxed adventure. You might even see some local wildlife through the brush, like rabbits or deer. As for the rest of the year, it remains a wonderful trail for scenic views and a quiet nature escape.

10. Misquamicut Spring Festival – Westerly

Old-fashioned rides, games of chance, fair foods, and live entertainment at the Misquamicut Spring Festival… a taste of summer in May? Count me in. While the 2026 festival dates have yet to be announced, it's an annual Westerly, Rhode Island, tradition to transform Misquamicut State Beach into a fun fair.

11. Watch Hill Beach – Westerly

Strolling along a sandy beach and dipping my feet in cool water for the first time means summer has officially arrived. Those first steps on the sand belong to Watch Hill Beach, one of the best beaches in Rhode Island, in 2026. Consider it a quieter (and more affordable) Nantucket.

12. Bristol Fourth of July – Bristol

Can you think of a better place to spend Independence Day than Bristol, the home of the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in America? Between the parade and fireworks, there is plenty of time to enjoy an old-fashioned picnic at nearby Colt State Park.

13. Charlestown Seafood Festival – Charlestown

A vegetarian at a seafood festival? Sure, the Charlestown Seafood Festival in August celebrates seafood, but have you seen the other delicious goodies on the menu? Corn on the cob, fried dough, fried pickles, sundaes, fresh-cut fries, and frozen lemonade…so much deliciousness, so little time. Stay tuned for the 2026 dates.

14. Adams Farm – Cumberland

Between the pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hot apple cider, and leaf-peeping, autumn is my favorite time of the year. Adams Farm offers all this and more: pumpkin-picking, hayrides, four-legged residents including goats and cows, and a corn maze. I can’t wait to try the apple cider donuts.

15. Roger Williams Park Zoo – Providence

Don’t you love a crisp fall evening, when the moon plays peek-a-boo from behind the clouds, and there’s a bit of a spooky feel when the wind howls? Add thousands of carved, glowing pumpkins at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo, and what do we get? The most magical evening of the spooky season in Rhode Island. Fall 2026 dates are to be announced.

16. Confreda’s Fall Festival – North Scituate

Summer and autumn collide at Confreda’s Fall Fest. Carnival and train rides give the annual favorite summer vibes, while the pumpkin patch, corn maze, and hayrides are all fall. This can't-miss festival is one of the most family-friendly fall events in Rhode Island! Opening day is typically September 27.

17. Seal Watch Tour – Newport

Anytime I have the opportunity to get closer to animals, I take it, and in 2026, I can’t wait to see how many seals I count on the Seal Watch Tour with Save the Bay. One of the best things about the tour is that it runs from December through April, bringing a bit of excitement to the traditional off-season.

18. Frances Fleet Whale and Dolphin Excursions – Narragansett

Only one thing can make 2026 better than floating by seals in the bay, and that’s also seeing dolphins and whales. Frances Fleet Whale and Dolphin Excursions hosts a 4.5-hour tour from late June through September, where you can witness finback whales, humpback whales, loggerhead turtles, and more.

19. Camille's – Providence

Authentic Italian food makes my mouth water, and Camille's on historic Federal Hill has been a classic. It's been one of the best restaurants in Rhode Island for over a century, making it the oldest Italian eatery in the state. I can’t wait for that first taste of ricotta cheese that oozes out of the lasagna and a juicy filet mignon steak.

20. Stanley’s Famous Hamburgers – Central Falls

Every sandwich comes with fries and pickles at Stanley’s Famous Hamburgers, an institution in Central Falls for more than 90 years. Deciding to eat here in 2026 is easy; choosing between the veggie burger and the grilled cheese, well, that’s a lot harder.

21. Top City to Visit in Rhode Island in 2026 – New Shoreham

A ferry ride to New Shoreham on Block Island is just the start of what promises to be an epic adventure that includes a stroll to Mohegan Bluffs, a stop at Abrams Animal Farm, walking along the water at Vaill Beach, and shopping and dining out on Water Street before checking into one of the best hotels in Rhode Island.

22. Zeppelin Airstream – Portsmouth

Something about traveling the country in an RV sounds so romantic, but could I live in such a small space for an extended time? Well, there’s no better way to find out than by checking into the Zeppelin Airstream, a stationary Airbnb in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, with a ton of natural light indoors and a private fire pit and chairs outdoors.

23. South Shore Serenity – Little Compton

Sometimes I want to get away from it all, and South Shore Serenity, an Airbnb nestled at the end of a tree-lined driveway and surrounded by wildflowers, sounds like a tiny piece of heaven. It may be the perfect getaway destination in Rhode Island, and a much-needed one at that.

24. The Chanler at Cliff Walk – Newport

Falling into a deep sleep, lulled by the gentle ocean waves, and then drinking a cold drink on the patio to start the day is what draws me to the Ocean Villas at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, steps from both the Atlantic Ocean and the scenic walk.

25. Bristol Harbor Inn – Bristol

More magnificent water views await at the Bristol Harbor Inn, tucked in downtown Bristol, and boasting nautical-themed rooms, including some that have fireplaces and overlook the harbor. This seems like the ideal waterfront getaway in Rhode Island to me!

26. Private Spirits Tasting - Pawtucket

Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is home to the beloved Rhode Island Spirits Distillery, where delicious house-made liquor is developed. If you're into craft cocktails, you can book a private tasting at Rhodium Room Bar for only $15 per person every Wednesday through Sunday. Choose from five spirits and get expert-recommended cocktail recipes and food pairings.

Which of these attractions are you adding to your 2026 Rhode Island bucket list? Start planning your trips now using Only In Your State's itinerary planner for personalized lodging, dining, and sightseeing suggestions.