Top 10 Attractions in Rhode Island

From legendary beaches to legendary universities, and even the world’s oldest shopping mall, here are the Top 10 Rhode Island attractions.

1. Block Island
   Block Island’s rolling green hills and dramatic bluffs add to its reputation as “One of the Last Twelve Great Places in the Western Hemisphere,” while its accurate restorations of Victorian hotels and inns do not hinder the statement’s validity. Take a trip to Block Island and experience times past, when the land that would come to be known as America was slightly less modified by human civilization. Sprawl out on the island’s beautiful beaches and bask in the tranquility besides one of its 365 freshwater ponds.
   
   
2. JVC Jazz Festival
   Newport, RI  
   

   The legendary Newport Jazz Festival, now called The JVC Jazz Festival-Newport, is a spectacular 3-day outdoor event that features the best in classic and contemporary jazz. Recent line-ups have included Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Harry Connick, Jr., Wynton Marsalis and many more. (401)847-3700 International Tennis Hall of Fame & Fort Adams State Park (2146)

3. Bristol 4th of July Parade
   The Annual Fourth of July Celebration, established in 1785, is the oldest continuous celebration of its kind in the United States. In keeping with that long standing tradition of honoring our nation’s independence, the Bristol Fourth of July Committee establishes its mission a means by which we can carry out mandate to have a patriotic observance in Bristol, Rhode Island that can best exemplify our National Heritage.
   
   
4. Brown University
   45 Prospect Street
   Providence, RI   02912
   401-863-1000
   

   This internationally-acclaimed university is an academically rich location you’ll find in Rhode Island’s own city of Providence. But Brown has a few other tricks up its sleeve for skeptical tourists. Brown is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, a member of the Ivy League and one of the nine pre-revolutionary colleges established before America was truly America. Come to this center of learning to do a little learning yourself - it’s hard not to, given the history.

5. University of Rhode Island
   South Kingstown, RI   02881
   401-874-1000
   

   Founded in 1892, the University of Rhode Island is situated on 1,200 acres in the quaint Rhode Island village of Kingston. URI has garnered a national reputation for excellence, research, and service to the state, and now you can see up-close for yourself the lives of the 15,000 students and professors who study and teach within its walls.

6. Roger Williams National Memorial
   282 North Main Street
   Providence, RI   02903
   401-521-7266
   

   Who was Roger Williams? Clearly, this is a question you’ll want answered should you decide to visit the Roger Williams National Memorial, and we pledge and answer. Roger Williams was the original founder of Rhode Island, and, perhaps more importantly, he stands for the ideal of religious freedom. Without this influential thinker, America’s fate might have been drastically altered from the one which we see unfolding today. Revive the memory of one of America’s great men.

7. Diamond Hill Vineyards
   3145 Diamond Hill Road
   Cumberland, RI   02864
   401-333-2751
   

   When most people think of wine, they think of the rusticity of France or the Mediterranean climatic heaven that is Napa Valley. Now Rhode Island is giving itself a chance to compete for the list, and they’re inviting you to check it out. Diamond Hill has been cultivating Pinot Noir since 1976, and their vineyards have grown to ten acres wide. Since then, they’ve been experimenting with various fermentation methods, and their efforts have been decidedly fruitful - guests can taste wine fermented from cranberries, apples, blueberries, and other fructose-inspired delights.

8. MV Providence Piers
   Providence, Rhode Island
   401-274-0900
   

   Get up close and personal with the sea at MV Providence Piers, where guests can take in the historic panorama that lies before them. Providence Harbor has existed since days of pre-lore, serving the Eastern Seaboard’s seafaring scuttlers. Now it is available to you. Revel in the presence of two-ton Charter boats or simply inhale the salty air. Be sure to chuckle at a seagull and consume some clams before you call it a day at MV Providence Piers.

9. Rhode Island’s Peculiar Dining
   Have you ever wondered what the difference between a hot dog and a wiener is, or if there was one at all? Unless you’re fasting, you’re bound to find out pretty quickly in Rhode Island. Other glaring gastronomical peculiarities? Hot dogs “New York system,” frozen lemonade, and canned coffee. Learn the meaning of a “grinder” and indulge like Popeye would in a Spinach pie, which we promise is better than it sounds on paper.
   
   
10. Rhode Island Beaches
    Rhode Island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and now you can see them for yourself. Stretch out in the sand as you bask in the meek Rhode Island sun, or dip your feet into the water as the tides entice you. Whatever your purpose for visiting Rhode Island’s many beautiful miles of coastline, you won’t regret it, aside from the sandy seat your car might suffer post-trip.
    
    
11. Charlestown Annual Seafood Festival
    A gastronomic extravaganza of Rhode Island's best seafood, lobster; Steamers; chowder; fish & chips; clam cakes; corn on the cob and a raw bar, as well as an array of all types of foods for every taste. Also available is a wide variety of arts and crafts on display, amusement rides, rock wall climbing, children's shows, bungee jumping, boat, kayak, lobster raffle, continuous entertainment and events. The festival was voted one of the top 100 events in North America by the American Tour Bus Association.
    
    
12. THE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL HOTLINE
    Charlestown Chamber of Commerce
    PO Box 633
    Charlestown, RI   02813
    401-364-4031
    

    401-364-3878 phone - 401-364-8794 fax

13. Feinstein IMAX Theatre
    9 Providence Place
    Suite R2
    Providence, RI   02903
    401-453-4446
    

    Fax: (401) 453-4449 -

14. Newport Grand
    150 Admiral Kalbfus Road
    Newport, RI   02840
    800-451-2500
    

    Phone: (401) 849-5000 - Fax: (401) 846-0290

15. Twin River
    100 Twin River Road
    Lincoln, RI   02865
    401-723-3200
    

    Toll-Free: (401) 723-3200 - Fax: (401) 727-4770

[Back to Top]