Experiences|Tours

Published Oct 9, 2018

This Rhode Island Boat Tour Is The Creepiest Thing You Can Do This Halloween Season

Experience a spine-tingling Halloween boat tour through the waterways of Providence with ghost stories and eerie encounters.

Published Oct 9, 2018

Written by

Experiences|Tours

Published May 25, 2024

It’s An Epic Adventure Cruising The Bay In Rhode Island

Published May 25, 2024

Written by

Beth Price-Williams

A few hours on the water is always time well spent, whether we're floating in a tube or paddling along in a kayak. However, very little can compare to a scenic boat tour when we're craving a low-key adventure on the water. We can sit back, breathe in the fresh bay air, and admire the quintessential New England shoreline on this bay cruise in Rhode Island.

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Rediscover the beauty of the Rhode Island coast aboard a scenic boat tour with Coastal Queen Cruises in Newport. Tours sail between the beginning of May and early November annually.

alt — Facebook/Coastal Queen Cruises

If you're having out-of-town or out-of-state visitors, you won't find a more charming way to introduce them to Rhode Island.

The scenic bay cruise, one of several offered by Coastal Queen Cruises, boards at 5 Bowen's Landing on Bowen's Wharf, making it an idyllic stop if you're spending the day in Newport.

alt — Facebook/Coastal Queen Cruises

Settle into one of the cozy seats that offers a front-row view of the water. The main deck is wheelchair accessible.

alt — Google/Coastal Queen Cruises

If you're using a wheelchair, call 401-423-9900 before your cruise for assistance in boarding the boat. Coastal Queen Cruises also offers boat tours that leave from the East Ferry Wharf in Jamestown; that location has an ADA-accessible boat ramp.

As you watch the shoreline pass by as the boat sails from Newport Harbor to Jamestown, a seasoned tour guide will provide a lively narrative about the history of the area.

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alt — Facebook/Coastal Queen Cruises

You may want to bring a jacket on chilly days; however, the boat also has heat to help warm you up.

Grab a drink from the bar (there are bathrooms onboard).

alt — Google/Allison Olivadoti

Keep an eye out for seals frolicking in the water or sunbathing on rocks as the boat meanders along the bay.

Arrive between 20 minutes and half an hour before the cruise's departure. Cruises leave on time and do not accommodate late arrivals.

alt — Facebook/Coastal Queen Cruises

Coastal Queen Cruises also hosts a variety of other cruises, including a lighthouse and mimosa tour, an evening cocktail cruise, and a seal and harbor tour.

alt — Facebook/Coastal Queen Cruises

See a full list of cruises on the official website of Coastal Queen Cruises. Or, stop by the Facebook page of this boat tour agency in Newport, Rhode Island.

Have you been on this bay cruise in Rhode Island? Did you opt for the scenic cruise or another one? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! After your cruise, stroll around Brick Market Place in Newport, where you can grab a bite to eat or explore the shops.

If you're visiting from out-of-town or feel like a staycation, turn that day trip into an overnight getaway by booking a charming Vrbo.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/rhode-island/year-round-day-trip-destination-ri/

Experiences|Tours

Updated Nov 17, 2023

The Rhode Island Christmas Display That’s Been Named Among The Most Beautiful In The World

Newport Mansions in Rhode Island offer a spectacular Christmas lights display, featuring lavish decorations and guided tours.

Updated Nov 17, 2023

Written by

It's beginning to look a lot like the holiday season here in Rhode Island. There are plenty of magical traditions we love to indulge in during this time of year, most notably the Christmastime tours of our elegant Newport Mansions. The seasonal decor is more dazzling than ever, and for that, we are thankful. Read on to learn more about the best Christmas lights display in Rhode Island!

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Every November, we watch as three of the most magnificent Newport mansions – The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House – are decorated from the inside out. It’s Christmas at The Breakers!

alt — Preservation Society of Newport County / Facebook

We love seeing The Marble House, The Breakers, and The Elms shine bright during the cold winter season.

The mansions are decorated lavishly with hundreds of poinsettias, numerous ornamented evergreens, wreaths, fresh flowers, table settings, mantle decor, and more. The Newport Mansions at Christmas are absolutely stunning.

alt — Preservation Society of Newport County / Facebook

The 15-foot-tall poinsettia tree is a local favorite, and it's back this year.

A color-coordinated theme is chosen for each room, and the results are spectacular.

alt — Preservation Society of Newport County / Facebook

Of course, no expense is spared when it comes to decking these halls.

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Over the years, Christmas at the Newport Mansions has received plenty of national attention.

alt — Preservation Society of Newport County / Facebook

People come from all over New England to take guided tours during the holiday season.

Did you know that this is considered to be one of the best Christmas displays in the world? RI Christmas displays are becoming more popular, and this one truly shines!

alt — Preservation Society of Newport County / Facebook

In fact, they might win a prestigious award this year. Only 18 historic sites around the country were selected to vie for USA Today’s Best Holiday Historic Home Tour, and The Breakers and The Elms are in the running. Good news -- the public can vote!

Holidays at the Newport Mansions will be spectacular.

alt — Preservation Society of Newport County / Facebook

For the first time, the exterior of The Breakers and its landscape have been decked out in thousands of festive colored lights. The outdoor event kicked off on November 18th, and you'll have until January 1st to see it.

Christmas at the Newport Mansions is the most wonderful time of the year.

alt — Preservation Society of Newport County / Facebook

Reservations aren't required, but buying tickets online is always a good idea. That way you are guaranteed to see one of the best Christmas lights displays in Rhode Island!

Will you be exploring the Newport Mansions this season to see the best Christmas lights display in Rhode Island? Get your tickets on the Newport Mansions’ website. You can also view the mansions virtually.

Bundle up this year with your favorite gear from North Face.

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