How to Plan Your Day Trip Around Rhode Island: A Comprehensive Guide to Discover Providence, Newport, Bristol, and Wickford

Are you looking for a full-day tour to explore Rhode Island, the smallest state in America, but want to make sure you’re making the most out of your time? Look no further than this day trip that will take you to see the most picturesque spots of the Ocean State, namely the charming villages of Wickford and Bristol, the historic city of Providence, and the elegant town of Newport. This tour is perfect for individuals, couples, or families, who want to discover the rich history and culture of Rhode Island while enjoying the beauty of its coastline, magnificent beaches, lighthouses, and mansions. In this how-to-style guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information to make the most out of your day, from what to pack and when to meet to which sights to visit and what to eat.

Experience

Led by an expert guide, this full-day bus tour will take you to the most scenic and historic locations of Rhode Island. You will discover the smallest state in America, measuring only 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, and learn more about its rich history and culture. You will visit charming New England villages, such as Wickford and Bristol, marvel at the elegance of Newport’s mansions, discover the capital city of Providence, and admire the beauty of the coastline, beaches, and lighthouses.

Highlights

During this day trip, you will:

• Explore the historic city of Providence, the capital of Rhode Island
• Drive through the largest estuary in New England while admiring the scenery of the coastline
• Stop at charming Wickford, an 18th-century village
• Discover Bristol, deemed “America’s most patriotic town”
• Visit the elegant town of Newport and its magnificent mansions and beaches
• Admire the picturesque lighthouses of Rhode Island

Scheduling

The tour starts at 9:00 am, and meeting time is 15 minutes before departure. The tour runs from May to October and lasts around 9 hours.

Packing List

Before embarking on your day trip, make sure to pack the following essentials:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light Jacket
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• A Camera or smartphone (to capture all the beautiful sights)
• A refillable water bottle
• A small blanket or towel
• A snack to enjoy on the bus ride (lunch will be provided)

Full Description

The day trip will begin at the State House in Providence, where you will meet your expert guide, and from there, you will embark on your full-day journey around Rhode Island. The tour bus is climate-controlled, which will provide you with a comfortable journey throughout the day. Your first stop will be the historic city of Providence, where you’ll visit some of the city’s major highlights, including Brown University, Waterplace Park, and the First Baptist Church. Providence is a beautiful city with a diverse and lively culture, architectural treasures, and an abundance of delicious food options. Next, you will drive through the largest estuary in New England, admiring the stunning scenery along the way. You will catch glimpses of the shoreline, the Atlantic Ocean, and more. Your next stop will be at charming Wickford, an 18th-century village located in North Kingstown. Wickford is known for its picture-perfect harbor, walkable streets, and charming boutiques. You will have some free time to explore the village on your own, grab a coffee or ice cream, and soak up the atmosphere. After Wickford, you will visit Bristol, deemed “America’s most patriotic town.” Bristol is famous for its Fourth of July parade, the oldest continuous celebration of its kind in the country. You will visit the Colt State Park, where you’ll have terrific views of Narragansett Bay. The highlight of your tour will be the elegant town of Newport, which is famous for its magnificent mansions, historic landmarks, and stunning oceanfront scenery. You will visit the legendary Breakers Mansion, the grandest of Newport’s summer “cottages.” The mansion was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II and is now a National Historic Landmark. You will also have the opportunity to see the other mansions along the Bellevue Avenue historic district, where you’ll hear fascinating stories about the history and culture of Newport. From there, you will visit Newport’s picturesque lighthouses (if time permits), which overlook the Atlantic Ocean. The tour will end at the State House in Providence, where you will say goodbye to your guide and fellow travelers. Lunch will be served on the tour, and vegetarian options are available upon request.

Booking

Ready to book your day trip around Rhode Island? Click here to book your tour today.

Book Your Tour Now

Exploring Rhode Island’s most picturesque spots on this day tour is a fantastic way to experience the Ocean State to the fullest. With such a small state, you can easily see and do so much in one day. From historic Providence and charming Wickford to elegant Newport and the stunning coastline, there is something for everyone. Don’t forget to book your tour here and experience the beauty of Rhode Island!

Newport Rhode Island FAQs

In this FAQ, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about Newport, Rhode Island. From its rich history and culture to its top tourist attractions and events, we’ve got you covered.

1. What is Newport Rhode Island?

Newport, Rhode Island is a charming coastal city located in the southeastern part of the state. The city is known for its rich history, culture, and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, offering a wide range of attractions and activities.

2. What are the top tourist attractions in Newport?

There are plenty of things to see and do in Newport, some of the top tourist attractions include:

The Breakers

The Breakers is a magnificent mansion located on the coast of Newport. It was built by the Vanderbilt family, one of the wealthiest families in America during the Gilded Age. The mansion features 70 rooms, including a ballroom, a library, a dining room, and numerous bedrooms.

Cliff Walk

Cliff Walk is a scenic trail that stretches for 3.5 miles along the coast of Newport. The trail offers stunning views of the ocean and the city’s historic mansions. It’s a popular destination for hikers, joggers, and nature enthusiasts.

Newport Mansions

Apart from The Breakers, Newport has many other mansions that are worth visiting, including Marble House, Rosecliff, and The Elms. These mansions offer a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy families during the Gilded Age.

Newport Art Museum

The Newport Art Museum is located in a historic building and features a collection of over 2,300 artworks by regional and national artists. It’s a must-visit destination for art lovers.

3. When is the best time to visit Newport?

The best time to visit Newport is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and sightseeing. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, so accommodation and attraction prices may be higher.

4. What are the most popular events in Newport?

Newport hosts several annual events, some of the most popular include:

Newport Folk Festival

The Newport Folk Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in late July. It’s a three-day event that features performances by renowned musicians from all over the world.

Newport Jazz Festival

The Newport Jazz Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals in the world. It takes place in early August and features performances by some of the best jazz musicians.

Newport International Boat Show

The Newport International Boat Show is a four-day event that takes place in September. It’s one of the largest boat shows in the world, featuring hundreds of sailboats and powerboats.

5. What is the history of Newport?

Newport has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It was a major center for trade and commerce during the colonial era. In the late 19th century, wealthy families from all over America began building mansions in Newport, turning it into a popular seaside resort. The city played a significant role in the American Revolution, serving as a base for the Continental Army during the war. Today, Newport’s historic landmarks and architecture reflect the city’s rich history.

6. What are some outdoor activities to do in Newport?

Newport offers plenty of outdoor activities, some of the top ones include:

Sailing

Newport is known as the sailing capital of the world, offering abundant opportunities for sailors to enjoy the ocean breeze and panoramic views of the coast.

Biking

Newport offers scenic bike routes for both leisure and fitness enthusiasts. The city’s bike-friendly streets and trails make it easy and safe to explore.

Beach activities

Newport offers several beautiful beaches, including Easton’s Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities.

7. What are the best restaurants in Newport?

Newport is known for its seafood and has plenty of excellent restaurants, some of the top ones include:

The Mooring

The Mooring is a stylish seafood restaurant located on the waterfront. It offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes and breathtaking views of the harbor.

Castle Hill Inn

Castle Hill Inn is a luxurious hotel that boasts a fine dining restaurant overlooking the ocean. It offers a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Brick Alley Pub

Brick Alley Pub is a casual restaurant that offers comfort food and an extensive beer selection. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Book Your Tour Now

Newport, Rhode Island is a charming coastal city that offers a rich history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. From its scenic cliff walk to its historic mansions and top-notch restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Newport. We hope this FAQ has provided you with all the information you need for your visit.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Newport Rhode Island

Newport Rhode Island is a beautiful tourist destination that offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. From history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts, there is always something exciting to do in this charming coastal town. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Newport Rhode Island.

Step 1: Explore the Mansions

Newport is well-known for its stunning mansions. These mansions were built by some of the wealthiest families in America during the Gilded Age. A great place to start your tour is with the Newport Preservation Society. This organization takes care of several mansions in the area, including the Marble House, Rosecliff, and the Breakers. These properties are all open to the public, and they offer guided tours as well as self-guided tours. Each mansion has its charm and story to tell, so visiting all of them is recommended.

Step 2: Visit the Newport Cliff Walk

The Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile scenic walk along the rocky shoreline that offers visitors breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The walk starts from Easton’s Beach and ends at the famous Breakers mansion. It is a historic trail that has been designated a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service. The walk is easy to navigate, and there are several access points along the way, so it can be broken down into smaller sections if needed.

Step 3: Take a Boat Tour

Newport is a coastal town, and one of the best ways to experience its beauty is by taking a boat tour. There are several tour companies that operate in the area, offering visitors the chance to see the mansions, lighthouses, and other landmarks from the water. Some of the most popular boat tours include the Newport Harbour Tour, the Sightsailing of Newport, and the Gansett Cruises.

Step 4: Go Whale Watching

Whale watching is another popular activity in Newport. Several tour companies offer visitors the chance to see humpback whales, finback whales, and other marine animals up close. Some of the best tours include the Newport Whale Watch, the Odyssey Whale Watch, and the Seven Seas Whale Watch.

Step 5: Visit Fort Adams State Park

Fort Adams State Park is a beautiful park that offers visitors the chance to explore one of the largest coastal fortifications in the country. The fort was built in the 1820s and played a significant role in protecting the harbor during the Civil War. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the fort, explore the museum, and enjoy the beautiful views of Narragansett Bay.

Step 6: Take a Walk in the City-by-the-Sea

Newport is known as the City-by-the-Sea for a reason. It is a charming coastal town that offers visitors the chance to walk through the historic streets, see the unique architecture, and explore the local shops and restaurants. Some of the most popular sites to visit include the Newport Art Museum, the Newport Historical Society, and the Touro Synagogue.

Step 7: Eat Like a Local

Newport is known for its delicious food, and there are plenty of local restaurants to choose from. Some of the most popular local dishes include clam chowder, lobster rolls, and stuffed quahogs. Some of the best local restaurants to try include The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar, White Horse Tavern, and The Black Pearl.

Step 8: Attend the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals

Newport is known for its music festivals, and some of the most popular festivals in the area are the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival. These festivals bring in some of the top musicians from around the country and offer an opportunity for visitors to experience some of the best live music in a beautiful setting. Book Your Tour Now Newport Rhode Island is a beautiful coastal town that offers visitors the chance to experience history, culture, and the beauty of the ocean. Whether you are interested in exploring historic mansions, walking along the scenic Newport Cliff Walk, or trying the local cuisine, there is something for everyone in Newport. By following this step-by-step guide, you can have a great time and make unforgettable memories in this charming coastal town.