Few things compare to the glory of summertime in Rhode Island. This is no doubt the best time of year to come from the Ocean State, a place rich with beautiful beaches and dozens of options for warm weather activities. Here are 15 things you simply must do on nice days this summer in the nation’s smallest, but most wonderful state.
- Visit your favorite beach!
Flickr/Julian Colton
Flickr/Patrick Misquamicut, Second Beach, Scarborough, you name it! There are dozens of great options lining the coast and there is no better place to be on a hot summer day than a Rhode Island beach.
- WaterFire, Providence
Flickr/Johannus Make sure to check this year’s schedule for your chance to attend this amazing and unique event. Thousands flock to the Providence River to enjoy eclectic music and food, and the beauty of the water ablaze with gondola rides and street performers galore. This is a lovely way to spend the evening on a warm summer day.
- Newport Historical Society, Newport
Flickr/Lee Wright Curious to know what the original Rhode Island statehouse looks like? Want to explore a century-old colonial home? The Newport Historical Society has it all and much more, offering amazing walking tours of various historically rich properties.
- Roger Williams Park & Zoo, Providence
Flickr/ForHispanos
Flickr/konstantine1982 Roger Williams Park and Zoo boasts acres of lush greenery, walking paths, ponds, and more! Explore the exotic animals, rent a paddle boat, ride the carousel, and so much more on a hot summer day in the city of Providence.
- Cliff Walk, Newport
Flickr/new-york-city The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile walkway alongside the ocean with views that are simply out of this world. It is a National Recreation Trail that should definitely not be missed on a nice day.
- The Newport Mansions, Newport
Flickr/denisbin While we’re on the topic of the cliff walk, we should also discuss the mansions! Found along the cliff walk are amazing mansions operated by the Newport Preservation Society. Walking tours are offered through the society and stunning gardens are just waiting to be explored on a nice day.
- Green Animals Topiary Garden, Portsmouth
Flickr/Garret Voight Also operated by the Newport Preservation Society are the topiary gardens. Dozens of unique plant sculptures are spread across several acres of land, making this an ideal place to spend a summer day.
- Fort Adams, Newport
Flickr/Steve Freitag
Flickr/Todd Van Hoosear This old coastal fortification and state park is a perfect place to bring out your inner explorer. Several amazing festivals also happen on the grounds here during the summer so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.
- Wickford Village, North Kingstown
Flickr/Roger LeJeune Charming and historic Wickford Village is found in the small town of North Kingstown. Enjoy delicious local seafood at a variety of restaurants, shop at amazing small boutiques, and take a stroll through the harbor to enjoy stunning sites.
- Newport
Flickr/6SN7 Few places compare to downtown Newport. There’s a reason tourists come in the thousands to visit each summer. Find some of the best dining in the state, historical attractions, and much more.
- Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Charlestown
Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure on a beautiful summer day, Ninigret Refuge is one of the best places to go. The blend of upland and wetland, diverse wildlife, and stunning views make this a picturesque location.
- Block Island
Flickr/Daniel Piraino
Flickr/Timothy Burling Enjoy a pleasant ride on the ferry on a hot summer day on your way to the island. Tour two historic lighthouses, explore the Mohegan Bluffs, stroll through the wildlife refuge, and so much more on one of the state’s most beautiful islands.
- East Bay Bike Path
Flickr/Ken Zirkel
Flickr/zhelen The East Bay Bike Path boasts amazing scenic views and beautiful landscapes. The 14-mile stretch of bike path is a wonderful place to spend a hot summer day.
- McCoy Stadium, Pawtucket
Flickr/Matt Cloutier Many people that grew up in Rhode Island have fond memories of visiting McCoy Stadium. Taking in the excitement of the game and watching the beloved Pawtucket Red Sox is a truly enjoyable Little Rhody activity.
- Arcadia Management Area
Flickr/Jack McLane Arcadia Management Area accounts for the state’s largest recreational area. There are dozens of trail options and endless opportunities to experience Rhode Island’s wilderness.
What is your favorite Rhode Island thing to do on a hot summer day?
Flickr/Julian Colton
Flickr/Patrick
Misquamicut, Second Beach, Scarborough, you name it! There are dozens of great options lining the coast and there is no better place to be on a hot summer day than a Rhode Island beach.
Flickr/Johannus
Make sure to check this year’s schedule for your chance to attend this amazing and unique event. Thousands flock to the Providence River to enjoy eclectic music and food, and the beauty of the water ablaze with gondola rides and street performers galore. This is a lovely way to spend the evening on a warm summer day.
Flickr/Lee Wright
Curious to know what the original Rhode Island statehouse looks like? Want to explore a century-old colonial home? The Newport Historical Society has it all and much more, offering amazing walking tours of various historically rich properties.
Flickr/ForHispanos
Flickr/konstantine1982
Roger Williams Park and Zoo boasts acres of lush greenery, walking paths, ponds, and more! Explore the exotic animals, rent a paddle boat, ride the carousel, and so much more on a hot summer day in the city of Providence.
Flickr/new-york-city
The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile walkway alongside the ocean with views that are simply out of this world. It is a National Recreation Trail that should definitely not be missed on a nice day.
Flickr/denisbin
While we’re on the topic of the cliff walk, we should also discuss the mansions! Found along the cliff walk are amazing mansions operated by the Newport Preservation Society. Walking tours are offered through the society and stunning gardens are just waiting to be explored on a nice day.
Flickr/Garret Voight
Also operated by the Newport Preservation Society are the topiary gardens. Dozens of unique plant sculptures are spread across several acres of land, making this an ideal place to spend a summer day.
Flickr/Steve Freitag
Flickr/Todd Van Hoosear
This old coastal fortification and state park is a perfect place to bring out your inner explorer. Several amazing festivals also happen on the grounds here during the summer so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.
Flickr/Roger LeJeune
Charming and historic Wickford Village is found in the small town of North Kingstown. Enjoy delicious local seafood at a variety of restaurants, shop at amazing small boutiques, and take a stroll through the harbor to enjoy stunning sites.
Flickr/6SN7
Few places compare to downtown Newport. There’s a reason tourists come in the thousands to visit each summer. Find some of the best dining in the state, historical attractions, and much more.
Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure on a beautiful summer day, Ninigret Refuge is one of the best places to go. The blend of upland and wetland, diverse wildlife, and stunning views make this a picturesque location.
Flickr/Daniel Piraino
Flickr/Timothy Burling
Enjoy a pleasant ride on the ferry on a hot summer day on your way to the island. Tour two historic lighthouses, explore the Mohegan Bluffs, stroll through the wildlife refuge, and so much more on one of the state’s most beautiful islands.
Flickr/Ken Zirkel
Flickr/zhelen
The East Bay Bike Path boasts amazing scenic views and beautiful landscapes. The 14-mile stretch of bike path is a wonderful place to spend a hot summer day.
Flickr/Matt Cloutier
Many people that grew up in Rhode Island have fond memories of visiting McCoy Stadium. Taking in the excitement of the game and watching the beloved Pawtucket Red Sox is a truly enjoyable Little Rhody activity.
Flickr/Jack McLane
Arcadia Management Area accounts for the state’s largest recreational area. There are dozens of trail options and endless opportunities to experience Rhode Island’s wilderness.
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