I loved growing up in Rhode Island, especially during the summers. We would go to Rocky Point (when it was an amusement park), spend time at one of the many beaches, take a ferry to Block Island, explore the state's small towns, grab ice cream from Wright's Dairy Farm, purchase strawberries and other fresh fruit from Jaswell's Farm, and, of course, spend time in Newport. Another favorite summertime activity of mine was WaterFire Providence, a free event featuring bonfires in the middle of the Providence River. There's so much to do here during the season! Here are some of the best things to do in Rhode Island in summer:
Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a wonderful state to spend time during the summer months. Known for its beaches, sailing, and Gilded Age mansions in Newport, it's a dream for many to come here. Here are some of the best destinations offering some wonderful Rhode Island summer activities:
1. Newport
Location: Newport, RI
Popularity: This is one of the most popular summer destinations in the state.
Need to know: Parking can be hard to find during the high season. There are thousands of tourists who flock here during the summer so it's quite busy.
Nothing says summer in Rhode Island like a trip to Newport! It's almost a requirement to come here at least once during the summer months if you live in the state. Head to Bowen's Wharf for its restaurants, shops, and galleries. Take a stroll down Thames Street, head to the Cliff Walk for the views, and, of course, take a tour of one of the Gilded Age mansions. Visiting Newport is one of the most fun things to do in Rhode Island in summer!
2. Narragansett
Location: Narragansett, RI
Popularity: Popular during the summer months, especially July and August.
Need to know: This town is home to the most popular beaches in the state.
If you love being by the beach, there's no better place to be than Narragansett. This beach town doubles in population during the summer as it's a popular vacation destination. Its most famous beach is Scarborough but there are a few others people like to visit such as Narragansett Town Beach and Salty Brine State Beach at Point Judith. Summertime sure is fun and relaxing at the beach!
3. Block Island
Location: Block Island
Popularity: Very popular during the summer.
Need to know: You must take a ferry to the island. The ferries allow cars and bikes. However, you do not need a car to explore the island. You can always explore on foot, by bike, or rent a moped.
"Sail away on the Block Island Ferry, take a trip back to carefree times..." Okay, now that I got that ferry jingle stuck in your head (you're welcome!), it's time to plan your trip to this gorgeous island. To get to the island, you must take a ferry either from Point Judith in Narragansett or Newport. Block Island is known for the red clay Mohegan Bluffs, Southeast Lighthouse (c. 1800s), and birdwatching. I have fond memories of biking around the island with my dad on a day trip. It's incredibly picturesque with views at every turn. Remember, "Block Island awaits you!"
Best Beaches To Visit In Rhode Island This Summer
I'm not just saying this because I grew up here, but Rhode Island has some gorgeous beaches! Heading to the beach is one of the best family things to do in Rhode Island in summer.
4. East Matunuck State Beach — South Kingston
Location: South Kingston, RI
Popularity: Very popular, especially on weekends.
Need to know: The earlier you get to the beach in the summer, the better. The parking lot can fill up the later it gets. Seasonal parking fee for a resident is $30.
East Matunuck State Beach is among the most popular beaches in Rhode Island. It's a sprawling 144 acres with a wide beach along the Block Island Sound offers plenty of space to lay out for the day. Swimming, surfing, and picnicking are popular here and accessible beach wheelchairs are available if you need one. If you have an electric vehicle, there's EV charging available.
5. Misquamicut State Beach — Westerly
Location: Westerly, RI
Popularity: This is another very popular beach in RI.
Need to know: Seasonal parking passes can be purchased for $30 for residents.
Misquamicut State Beach is quite a popular beach not just for Rhode Islanders but for beach-goers from all over New England. The beach is a half-mile long and offers amenities like EV charging, a shaded pavilion, indoor and outdoor showers, restroom facilities, a kayak launch, and a playground. Come and see for yourself why spending time here is one of the best family things to do in Rhode Island in summer.
6. East Beach — Watch Hill
Location: Watch Hill, RI
Popularity: A hidden gem beach in Westerly's Watch Hill neighborhood.
Need to know: There is limited parking for this beach and can fill up quickly in the summer. A season parking pass for residents must be purchased for $30.
If you like to relax on a quiet beach, there's no better stretch of sand than East Beach. A 3-mile-long barrier beach, East Beach separates Ninigret Pond from the Atlantic. To truly enjoy the experience, you can reserve a campsite and spend the night right on the sand.
Parks To Visit In Rhode Island This Summer
Between the state parks and, of course, Roger Williams Park Zoo, we could spend all day every day outside during the summer months. Offering hiking, biking, camping, and just places to relax for a bit and read a book or have a picnic, here are some of the best parks to visit in Rhode Island this summer:
7. Beavertail State Park — Jamestown
Location: Jamestown. RI
Popularity: Popular among locals and tourists alike yet feels like a hidden gem.
Need to know: You don't have to get out of your car to enjoy the views here. Admission to the park and its lighthouse are free.
Located on Conanicut Island (Jamestown) in Narragansett Bay, Beavertail State Park is free to visit and a great representation of the state's beauty. Its rocky coastline is beguiling, to say the least. Drive around on a short scenic drive if you don't feel like exiting your vehicle, go for a hike, or explore the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum. When I would come here with my aunt as a child, we would hike and then sit down and have a picnic overlooking the water. Simply spectacular!
8. Colt State Park — Bristol
Location: Bristol, RI
Popularity: This is among the most visited RI state parks.
Need to know: There is no fee to visit.
Located in Bristol, the 464-acre Colt State Park happens to be my favorite park in the state. When I worked I Bristol, I would often come here on my lunch breaks, find a bench to sit on, and look out on the water as a sense of peace washed over me. Aside from relaxing by Narragansett Bay, there are hiking and biking trails and opportunities to go fishing, paddling, picnicking, and birding. This park has it all!
9. Roger Williams Park — Providence
Location: Providence, RI
Popularity: This is one of the most popular attractions in the state.
Need to know: Not only is there a zoo but endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
Did you know that you don't even have to pay to visit the zoo to enjoy Roger Williams Park? While the zoo is incredible and I have been there more times than I can count, the surrounding park is stunning and waiting for you to explore it this summer! You can spend an entire day enjoying the park's grounds. Close to the zoo, you will find Carousel Village and its iconic carousel, hiking trails, a the Roger Williams Park Conservancy, the Temple to Music, the Museum of Natural History, picnic areas, and more. The park also hosts a number of events throughout the season so you can keep coming back all summer long!
Best Free Summer Activities In Rhode Island
Who says summer activities have to cost you a penny? Here in the Ocean State, there are several ways to enjoy the summer sun that are free. Here are some of the best free things to do in Rhode Island in summer:
10. Newport Cliff Walk — Newport
Location: Newport, RI
Popularity: One of the most popular attractions in Newport.
Need to know: You will have to find metered street parking close to one of the entrances to the Cliff Walk. It's one of the best cheap things to do in Rhode Island in summer.
Newport Cliff Walk is a designated National Recreation Trail that meanders along the rocky coastline in Newport for 3.5 miles. On one side, the dramatic cliff overlooks the water while on the other side, you'll be able to see the backyards of Newport's finest Gilded Age mansions. I've always loved this walk and its spectacular views!
11. East Bay Bike Path
Location: Providence, East Providence, Barrington, Warren, and Bristol, RI
Popularity: This is a popular bike path in the summer.
Need to know: Free to ride, this bike path starts in Providence and ends in Bristol.
If you love scenery and exercise, why not take a ride along the East Bay Bike Path? If you want to bike the entire 14.5 miles, you can pick it up at Providence's India Point Park or Independence Park in Bristol on the other end. This multi-use path was once the route of the former Providence and Bristol Railroad. I absolutely love how it's been repurposed into a path that all can enjoy for free. I've biked the entire length and I must say that there is so much scenery along the way.
12. WaterFire — Providence
Location: Providence, RI
Popularity: One of the most popular events in the summer.
Need to know: Parking can be a bit tricky in downtown Providence. You will be able to find pay lots to park and walk from or you can do what I used to do and park at Providence Place Mall.
WaterFire Providence has become a summer tradition since it began nearly 30 years ago. I was a kid when it started and no matter how many times I've been, I still find it awe-inspiring. WaterFire is an award-winning art installment by Barnaby Evans consisting of over 80 bonfires along the rivers in downtown Providence. Not only will you be enchanted by the bonfires but there are gondola rides you can take, food and craft vendors along the waterfront, live music, and more. One thing you may want to do is book a reservation at one of the restaurants overlooking the rivers on a WaterFire night. I've done that before and it made the experience all the more magical!
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Rhode Island
Don't you just love a good festival? And Rhode Island has plenty of those to go around throughout the year. Among the most anticipated summer festivals and events are the following:
13. Bristol 4th of July Parade
Location: Bristol, RI
Popularity: One of the most popular summer events in RI drawing thousands to the town of Bristol.
Need to know: Free to attend. It starts at 10:30 a.m. on July 4. However, it's best to get there much earlier to find parking and get a spot along the parade route. Parking bans in certain areas will go into effect the night before.
The Bristol 4th of July Parade is the oldest Independence Day parade in the country. The parade route begins at 10:30 along Route 114 at the corner of Hope Street and Chestnut Street and ends at High Street. You'll get to see a variety of bands and floats in the parade. This is the best way to celebrate the holiday in the state.
14. Newport Folk Festival — Newport
Location: Newport, RI
Popularity: This wildly popular music festival sells out quickly.
Need to know: Tickets must be purchased well in advance.
Held at Fort Adams State Park, the Newport Folk Festival has been going strong for over 60 years and draws thousands of music lovers from around the country. This 3-day festival has a killer line-up each year. Within the venue are beer and wine gardens and you are free to bring your own chairs, soft-sided coolers, and shade tents for a full day of listening to music.
15. Newport Jazz Festival — Newport
Location: Newport, RI
Popularity: This is another popular music summer festival in Newport.
Need to know: It's best to purchase tickets well in advance.
Also held at Fort Adams State Park is another wildly popular festival — the Newport Jazz Festival. This festival has been going strong even longer than the Newport Folk Festival at over 70 years! Held over the course of three days in August, you'll be able to see some of the most talented musicians around.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Rhode Island in summer? If you plan on heading to the beach this summer, take a look at our Beach Vacation Must-Haves to see what you need!
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