Rhode Island Travel Guide

Rhode Island, the smallest state in the U.S., is easily accessible from New York by Amtrak train. The ride takes 3–4 hours to reach Providence, and from there, you can transfer to the No. 60 bus (which takes about an hour) or take a taxi directly. (Pro tip: The No. 60 bus only runs once an hour—miss it, and you’ll be waiting forever! ⏳) While the transportation isn’t the most convenient, it’s perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway to unwind. 🌊 Cliff Walk Newport’s coastal trail is an absolute must-go! Part of the path is paved, while other sections are “wild” routes made of natural boulders. It takes roughly 3 hours to hike the entire trail—we recommend walking from north to south. The farther you go, the wilder and more challenging the path gets, but the views also become more breathtaking: crashing waves pound against the rocks, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring scene 🌊. Once you reach the end, you can take the free No. 67 bus back to the town center. 🏛️ Mansion Trolley Tour + The Breakers The Trolley Tour, which includes a ticket to The Breakers, costs $46 in total—an amazing value, considering The Breakers alone costs $32 for entry. The trolley circles the island; while you ride, the driver shares stories about the mansions, and you can enjoy the scenic views along the way. After the tour, you’ll get 1.5 hours to explore The Breakers, a palace-like vacation home once owned by wealthy elites—its grandeur is truly unforgettable. 🌅 Sunset at Storer Park This was the most beautiful moment of our trip! In the evening, sit at Storer Park and watch the sunset: red and orange hues of the sky glow through the distant bridge and reflect on the sea, while scattered sailboats float nearby. The wind is gentle, the waves are calm, and the whole scene looks like a painted masterpiece 🎨. It’s totally worth the visit just for this! 🦃 Amazing Ecology Along the way, we spotted all kinds of wildlife: various bird species, bunnies hopping around, and even wild turkeys—such a nice surprise to see nature thriving here! 🚲 Other Recommended Activities Rail Explorers: Pedal-powered rail bikes that let you enjoy ocean views as you ride along old railway tracks 🚲. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge: An ultra-quiet nature reserve and a paradise for birdwatchers—ideal for a peaceful stroll. 📍 Providence Highlights RISD Museum (Rhode Island School of Design Museum): A museum focused on design and art. It’s free to enter on Sundays, and it’s perfect for a casual visit. There are free lockers at the entrance to store your bags. Brown University: One of the smallest Ivy League schools—compact yet elegant. You’ll often see bunnies hopping on the lawns, making it a lovely spot for a leisurely walk 🏫. ⏰ Suggested Itinerary If you’re driving, 2 days are enough to explore. But if you want a more relaxed trip (factoring in transit and transfers), 3 days is better. Rhode Island might not be the “most exciting” destination, but as a place to escape the city for a weekend—breathe in sea breezes and listen to fun anecdotes about the wealthy—it’s absolutely perfect. #WeekendGetaway #RhodeIslandTravel #NewportRI #EastCoastTravel #WeekendWandering #USSmallStateAdventure