Rhode Island
Northeast

Rhode Island

Destination Overview

Your Rhode Island honeymoon will take you to beaches with Atlantic surf and amazing views, on yacht cruises and on trips to the countryside and nature reserves. The Ocean State, fondly called Little Rhody by natives, has something to offer everyone: the cities and towns with their historic architecture and New England charm, arts and culture, shopping, sightseeing, and culinary delights. And the state is small enough that you can get around easily and see and do everything on your list.

Explore the beaches of Rhode Island, like Narragansett Town Beach, Misquamicut, and the Scarborough State Beaches, to name just a few. There are nature reserves where you can enjoy the quiet world of the seashore, and the woods, and the places where these meet. The salt marshes at Weekpaug and the beach at Napatree Point Conservation area are quiet, beautiful places to watch the wildlife, including osprey, herons, and possibly a passing fox.

Rhode Island cities and towns offer honeymooners some lively urban experiences as well. Go boho in the hippy town of East Greenwich, enjoy the sophistication of Providence, and breathe in the sea air in Newport, the unofficial Sailing Capital of the World. Jamestown and Bristol are artsy, laid-back beach towns, and Westerly is a summer destination with Atlantic beaches and nature preserves among the salt marshes. There are festivals and special events year-round, celebrating the Ocean State and its heritage.

Rhode Island is very much a foodie destination. One of the best ways to discover the culinary offerings in Providence is to take a food tour. When it comes to choosing a place to stay on your Rhode Island honeymoon, you’ll have a hard time making up your mind. There are 19th century mansions converted into boutique hotels, elegant New England B and Bs, seaside cottages, and stately Victorian homes, each offering a different kind of romantic retreat where you can relax and unwind at the end of each busy day.

About Rhode Island

At a Glance

  • Rhode Island is not actually an island but it has over 400 miles of coastline, along with stunning beaches, ocean views and activities, and a fresh sea breeze blowing night and day.
  • The official symbol of the Ocean State is an anchor and this also ties in with the inspiring official motto: “Hope is the anchor of the soul”.
  • The state’s history and character were shaped by its location on the Atlantic coast and the Quakers who settled here in the 17th century. Roger Williams, the founder of the state, believed in liberty of conscience and religious toleration. He was well ahead of his times in wanting to live in peace with the Native Americans, and studied the language of the Narragansett people.
  • Providence, the capital city, was founded in 1636. Among the European settlers who came to the state in the nineteenth and early twentieth century were a large number of Portuguese and Italians, who left their mark on the culture.
  • The Federal Hill historic district includes Little Italy and some of the finest restaurants in the city.
  • Art lovers will want to visit the famed Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) as well as the Providence Art Club and the Providence Performing Arts Center.
  • Roger Williams Park in Providence houses the Roger Williams Park Zoo, Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, and the Botanical Center.
  • Take a trip back in time with a visit to the Woonsocket South Main Street Historic District. The carefully-preserved buildings date back to the early 19th century.
  • The beaches of Rhode Island are one of its major attractions. In South County alone, you will find Scarborough, Misquamicut, Narragansett, Charlestown and Matunuck beaches, where you can enjoy surfing, kayaking and some hearty clam shack fare.
  • The nature preserves take you to the world of salt ponds and marshes, and woods of pine and oak. Ninigret Pond and Burlingame State Park have miles of hiking and biking trails where you can get close to this fascinating environment.
  • When you want a taste of the countryside, head for the town of Coventry and go hiking in the Nicholas Farm Management Area Nature Preserve or the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Preserve.

Honeymoon Hints

  • Take the ferry out to Block Island with its nature conservation areas, beaches, lighthouses, art galleries and farmers markets. The Mohegan Buffs offer dramatic sea views of the Atlantic Ocean and are a must-see on a visit to the island.
  • If you’re in Providence in June, don’t miss the WaterFire festival on the Providence River, with art installations and music celebrating the city’s history and resurgence.
  • Enjoy the urban sophistication of Providence with a night on the town. Start with a gourmet meal, linger over cappuccinos at DePasquale Square in Federal Hill, listen to some live music, and take a gondola ride along the Providence and Woonsocket rivers, complete with musical serenade, wine, and chocolates.
  • Nature loving couples will find plenty to do, with reserves protecting ocean, salt marsh and woodland environments.
  • A sailing trip is a must on your Rhode Island honeymoon. Leave the world behind and enjoy the exhilaration of each other’s company.
  • Food trucks are a local favorite and they are mobile. Look for them to pop up in Providence, Warren, Cumberland, and other cities, with offerings that include BBQ, New England comfort food, Caribbean, Asian, pizza, kebabs, and more.

Travel Tips

  • GETTING THERE: Rhode Island is well connected by air, Amtrak and bus services. The major airport is T.F. Green in Warwick, 6 miles from Providence. Boston is just an hour away. If you’re driving, I-95 will bring you here from points north and south.
  • GETTING AROUND: Parts of Providence and other cities are walkable, but to get around the state you will need a car.
  • WEATHER: The location on the coast moderates temperatures, so summers rarely get too hot and winters are never too cold or snowy.
  • WHEN TO GO: Rhode Island is a year-round destination, with plenty to see and do whenever you visit. Summer is the peak season, and the beaches will be crowded.

Destinations to Explore

Additional honeymoon destinations in Rhode Island you may want to consider: