A state that captivates first-time visitors with its majestic coastline and old-world charm of yesteryear. There are tons of landmarks in Rhode Island you can visit and enjoy. Rhode Island may be compact, but there’s much to see. Officially known as the State Of Rhode Island. The smallest US state forms part of the greater New England area. Consisting of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Thanks to its flat terrain and compact size, the state is a dream to visit. With all the towns and attractions easily accessible by car from virtually anywhere. A drive through the entire state takes less than an hour.
Natural Landmarks in Rhode Island
Animals Topiary Garden
Famous for being the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States, Green Animals Topiary Garden is home to more than 80 animal-shaped topiaries.
Located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, the garden also has a wide array of colorful flowering bulbs, perennials, annuals, and shrubs that are best observed when they bloom during the spring, summer and fall months.
The garden is also home to the Brayton House Museum, an 1859 Victorian-style building, which displays a small collection of old children’s toys as well as the original house’s furniture.
The gift shop’s walls are lined with ribbons for prize-winning dahlias and vegetables, looked after by the Preservation Society of Newport County.
Brendon Point State Park
With some of the most commanding and strikingly beautiful views anywhere on the American East Coast, Brenton Point is an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting Rhode Island.
The park is located right where the Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic, around the halfway point of the state’s famous Ocean Drive.
An excellent place to go hiking, fishing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the fresh ocean breeze and breathtakingly views, free-to-visit Brenton Point has activities for the entire family.
A popular destination in summer, the park can get a bit crowded during July, when the family-friendly Newport Kite Festival takes place at Brenton Point State Park.
The colorful show of kites dancing on the brisk Brenton Point breezes invites kite-flying aficionados from all across the state to join in this thrilling yearly event.
Block Island
Situated about 10 miles (16 km) off the coast from Galilee in the South-Eastern part of the state is Block Island, a 283 km2 (176 mi2) island accessible via ferry from Point Judith.
Visitors to Block Island are spoiled for choice, from the relaxed town of New Harbor with its great dining and lodging options to the Victorian-style Southeast Lighthouse.
At the southern end of the island sits Mohegan Bluffs, a 3 mile (4.8 km) long stretch of cliffs dropping over 200 feet (61 m) into the Atlantic Ocean below.
It’s a fantastic spot to watch the sunset and the waves crashing down below, including a very picturesque beach that’s a 151-stair climb to the bottom of the cliffs.
Mohegan Bluffs remains a popular destination to those not fazed by getting a little exercise traversing up and down the stairs.
Cliff Walk
No doubt one of the best walking spots anywhere on the East Coast, the Cliff Walk in Newport is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys relaxed strolls alongside the ocean.
With many grand mansions lining the walk, strollers get to view some of the most impressive homes in the country despite many failed attempts by their owners to block the path to the public.
Hence, its location and the fact that there’s no charge to enter it remains one of the most popular spots in Newport.
The Cliff Walk starts well before The Breakers, former home of Cornelius Vanderbilt and the first home the walk passes by, ending at Rough Point 3.5 miles (5.6 km) later.
Fort Adams State Park
Rhode Island is known for its beautiful and leafy outdoor parks and attractions, and no visit to the Ocean State is complete without visiting Fort Adams State Park.
This decommissioned military fort is a very cool place to visit, even if you’re not a history buff.
A fabulous place to catch the sun setting over the walls of the fort, it gives off an aura of serenity and provides visitors with a place to slow down and relax.
There are many tours for visitors to choose from who wish to explore the entire park, and self-guided tours of the 6.5-acre (2.6 ha) parade field are readily available.
You can also see an authentic US Navy cannon that is being exhibited in the park.
Historical Landmarks in Rhode Island
HP Lovecraft House
The last-known home of famous author and Rhode Island native H.P. Lovecraft, this modest house was used as the setting of many of his mysteriously dark novels.
Interestingly enough, the plague outside the house reads “Samuel B. Mumford House”, making no mention about Lovecraft’s time as a resident here.
Fans of Lovecraft’s literature can enjoy a walking tour guiding visitors to many of Lovecraft’s favourite spots around Providence, including his former residence.
This makes for a great outdoor excursion into the streets of Providence in a much more relaxed and entertaining way.
Rhode Island State House
Visitors should not miss out on seeing the Rhode Island State House, a rather large statehouse for the smallest state in the country.
Built over a 10-year span from 1891 to 1901, this marble-clad marvel is a real feat of American Renaissance architecture.
You can enjoy tours of the 38-member Senate chamber, the historic vestibules (which include a copy of the Liberty Bell), the Gettysburg Gun, memorabilia from the Battle of Bull Run, and Revolutionary War flags.
Beavertail Lighthouse Museum
One of the best places to do some sightseeing in the entire state, the Beavertail lighthouse Museum is situated at the southernmost tip of the Ocean State.
The 3rd oldest lighthouse in the country has many exhibits and artifacts on display for visitors to peek at, including a gift shop with incredible vistas of the New England coastline.
There are also plenty of hiking trails and fishing spots for visitors to indulge in, making the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum a must-visit place for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
The Breakers House
The flashiest and most popular of Rhode Island’s many grandiose mansions truly reflects the unimaginable wealth of the family who once lived here.
Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1895, this 70 room Italian Renaissance-style manor is a National Historic Landmark and a place that visitors need to see to believe.
Tours of the house are available and take visitors past the estate’s carriage house and the gardens and views that encompass the 13-acre (5 ha) estate.
The Breakers stands out among the many ostentatious mansions in Newport, making it an excellent place to start your Newport manor tour.
Bowen’s Wharf
A great waterfront shopping, entertainment and culinary spot, Bowen’s Wharf is one of the most popular destinations in Newport. Bowen’s Wharf, located in the heart of Rhode Island’s Newport Marina, is home to various tourist attractions, including fishing trips, museums, motorized scooter rides, boat rides, train exploration, and more.
There are different activities, from fashionable boutiques to delicious restaurants and lively bars.
The Wharf also has plenty of accommodation available for those preferring to stay here during their trip to the state.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Founded in 1986, this former run-down casino pays homage to the many great tennis stars throughout the sport’s history.
Tennis-inspired art and interactive displays honoring the history of tennis are just some of the cool and unique things to see at the museum that is now a National Historic Landmark.
Even those who aren’t sports or history fans will enjoy a trip here as it is also a premier sightseeing point and on the itinerary of many a visitor to the state.
Visiting Landmarks in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a small state, but it has a lot to offer in terms of tourist attractions. One great thing to do while visiting Rhode Island is to check out some of the amazing landmarks the state has to offer. From historic buildings to natural wonders, there are plenty of landmarks worth checking out while in Rhode Island. So whether you’re looking for a place to take some photos or just want to learn more about the history and culture of Rhode Island, be sure to visit one (or more!) of the great landmarks the state has to offer.
