Let’s face it… Rhode Island is pretty much a day trip in its entirety! It’s only roughly 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, after all. When you start to think about each individual attraction and factor in the amazing islands found in Narragansett Bay, though, things get a little more exciting. There are so many activities to keep you busy all summer. Here are a few of the best day trips in Rhode Island you can do ASAP:

1. Explore a beautiful park on the cliffside in Jamestown.
Flickr/Ryan Dlugash
Jamestown, RI, USA
Flickr/Charles W. Bash
Beavertail State Park is a gorgeous little park found at the end of Beavertail Road in Jamestown. This place is equipped with a few acres of gorgeous walking paths, secluded beaches, cliffs, and even a historic lighthouse. To learn more, check out our previous article about this amazing park in Rhode Island.
2. Visit tall cliffs and gorgeous beaches on Block Island.
Flickr/Rob Weir
New Shoreham, RI 02807, USA
Flickr/nissanman2009
Block Island might require a ferry ride, but it is so filled with wonder that it is worth the trip. Mohegan Bluffs are 150 foot cliff formations leading to a gorgeous beach and is just one of the many perfect places to visit on your day on the island. Learn more about this awesome beach in Rhode Island and everything that comes with it in our previous articles!
3. Spend the day checking out the historic city of Newport.
David Wilson/Flickr
Newport, RI, USA
Flickr/denisbin
The city of Newport is located on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay. As the state's first capital, it is filled with fantastic historic sites. Don't forget the cliff walk and mansion tours. Learn more about the historic town of Newport in this previous article.
4. Check out the state's capital and enjoy a relaxing gondola ride down the river.
Flickr/Doc Searls
Providence, RI, USA
Flickr/Jef Nickerson
Providence, Rhode Island is fast becoming a major tourism destination in the US. Not only does it offer gorgeous architecture, great food, and art displays all over, it also has a river running through the city creating a beautiful aesthetic. Tour the city via gondola for the most amazing day in town. Check out our previous articles to learn more about the capital of Rhode Island.
5. Take an unforgettable ride with Rail Explorers.
Rail Explorers
Aquidneck Island, Rhode Island, USA
Rail Explorers
Rail Explorers is a company offering a self-propelled rail trip on Aquidneck Island. What a unique way to explore the area! Learn more about these train rides in Rhode Island in our previous writings.

So there you have it: some of the best day trips in Rhode Island for this season. For more fun things to do outside in-state, check out these fun things to do outdoors in Rhode Island.

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More to Explore

Best Day Trips in Rhode Island

Tori Jane | March 30, 2022

What are some unique things to do around Rhode Island?  

Sure, you could go to Rhode Island and do the stuff everyone does, but what’s the fun in that? There are plenty of fun and unique things to do in Rhode Island that are off the beaten path; for example, pay a visit to author H.P. Lovecraft’s home (as well as his gravesite), in Providence, and while you’re there (and if it happens to be October), check out the famous Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival. Enjoy the Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth, or kill a whole day at the Wireless and Steam Museum in East Greenwich. There’s also an umbrella factory in Westerly that’s a lot more interesting than it sounds! As long as you know where to look, you’re sure to find all sorts of interesting – but less crowded – and unique things to do around Rhode Island.  

What are some amazing day trips in Rhode Island to take?  

If you’re a fan of day trips, you’ll love day trips in Rhode Island – and lucky for you, there are lots to be had! You can make a day trip out of most places across our little state, but some do tend to be more rewarding than others. For example, head out to Block Island and spend the day exploring stunning bluffs, beaches, and reserves – then hit one of the restaurants for a perfect ending! Wander downtown Newport and check out the different lighthouses all over the town’s coasts; as a side note, embarking upon the world-famous Cliff Walk in Newport is worth a day trip all on its own. Maybe make Newport a two-day trip! Wine lovers will love a day trip to Little Compton, which offers wine tours and tastings at Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards as well as all sorts of local eateries perfect for killing a day at. Check out the above-linked article for more about each of these ideas and then some!  

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