Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the US, but it has plenty for travelers to do. This is a destination where land and sea are intertwined, promising 400 miles of coastal adventures, a passion for local produce and sustainable seafood and a captivating blend of history and innovation.
On a trip to Rhode Island, you can hit the beaches, explore arts, academia and foodie culture in Providence, admire ocean views and Gilded Age sparkle in Newport, or go seal-watching and kayaking between the islets in Narragansett Bay. Rhode Island sure knows how to keep travelers busy!
There is a strong sense of place here, perhaps because you’re never far from the inspiring beauty and power of the sea. You can road trip from any corner of Rhode Island to the far side of the state in under an hour, but give yourself plenty of time – these 1034 sq miles are densely packed with sights and activities.
Whether you’re day-tripping from Boston or New York City, or visiting from across the country, here are the top things to do in Rhode Island to experience the best of the Ocean State.
Providence is the only major US city whose entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, but the city definitely isn’t living in the past. Instead, the “Creative Capital” buzzes with modern, progressive energy.
The city tourism department has created a series of self-guided walking tours to help visitors get a feel for the Rhode Island capital. Start by exploring the historic buildings and cultural landmarks of Downtown, including the Trinity Rep and Providence Performing Arts Center theaters, and Johnson & Wales University, with its quirky culinary museum.
Planning tip: If you’re willing to put in some mileage on foot, you won’t need a car to explore. But if you do bring one, street parking is plentiful in most neighborhoods – and not prohibitively expensive downtown.
You’ll likely spend time alongside the Providence River while exploring downtown Providence, but slipping onto the water’s surface gives you a whole new view of the city. Providence Kayak Co offers 45- and 75-minute rentals of single and tandem kayaks, the perfect amount of time to paddle up and down the main stretch of the river.
When you’ve finished kayaking under bridges and admiring the stunning architecture, head back to Providence Kayak Co. It’s located inside The Landing Cafe, where you’ll find coffee and ice cream – a great way to refuel after some time on the water.
Planning tip: Rentals sell out quickly in the summer months, so make a reservation ahead of time.
All three rivers running through downtown Providence flicker gold during the city’s famous WaterFire nights, when more than 100 bonfires are lit on the surface of the
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If Miami and Palm Beach had a love child, it would be Fort Lauderdale. Quickly shedding its image as just a spring break destination, the city is redefining itself as a place that lacks the formality of its neighbor to the north (Palm Beach), but has all the trappings of the vibrant metropolis to the south (Miami). And while Fort Lauderdale is quickly catching up on the five-star luxury-resort front, the real-estate (and therefore hotel) prices have not yet approached the levels of Palm Beach's on Worth Avenue. Fort Lauderdale lacks pomp and doesn’t take itself too seriously: It’s a place that still feels accessible thanks to an abundance of public beaches, a lack of gated communities, and a culinary scene that won’t break the bank.
The best time to visit Alaska will hardly be a surprise—it’s when you can get good weather and a lot of sunlight to see and explore everything that the largest state in the United States has to offer. Alaska is one of the Best Places to Go in 2025, as many of the area's signature sites and events like the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the 1000-mile-long Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race celebrate their 100th birthdays this year. But beyond these milestones, Alaska is still an exciting destination in any year. It’s the matter of what time of year to visit that can help turn your trip from a good one into a fabulous one.
There's a common misconception that you need to book a flight to experience honeymoon-worthy romance. Often, when couples envision a dreamy getaway (think: overwater bungalows, waterfront dinners and unforgettable views), they assume such wow factors can only be found overseas.