A Perfect Summer Weekend in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the perfect state for a summer trip. This coastal state is small but packed with plenty of things to see and do. Here is your guide to a perfect summer weekend in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S. which makes it a great place for a weekend trip. In our guide, we’re going to visit Newport and Westerly.
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How to Get to Rhode Island
The best airport to fly into for a weekend in Rhode Island is T.F. Green International Airport. Another option is flying into Boston Logan International Airport which is about an hour and 20 minutes from Rhode Island.
Where to Stay
You might prefer to stay in Cranston as a more cost effective option. The drive is about an hour each way. However, we would recommend spending one night in Westerly and one night in Newport.
Places to Stay in Cranston
We stayed in this New England coastal Airbnb in Cranston. It was beautifully decorated, and the bedroom windows look right out to Pawtuxet Cove. You can also rent the downstairs part of the house; other guests were staying below us, and we didn’t hear them at all. The host is amazing, and we would stay again on a return trip to Rhode Island.
Places to Stay in Newport
A stunning property right along the Newport Cliff Walk.
A modern luxury hotel in the heart of Newport.
A beautifully updated Victorian mansion, perfect for your coastal escape.
Places to Stay in Westerly
One of the most popular places to stay in Westerly is Ocean House. This seaside resort overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has private beach access for its guests. In the heart of Watchill, it is within walking distance to shops, restaurants, Napatree Point, and more.
Misquamicut Home with Neighborhood Beach Access
Full home with 3 bedrooms and neighborhood beach access. This is not a beachfront property.
This beachfront property has private beach access and free parking.
Day 1
The Nitro Bar
Start your day at The Nitro Bar, a coffee bar with several locations around Rhode Island. Parking at their Newport location is limited as the day goes on, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning.
The Breakers
Admission: Adults $29 Children 6-12 $10
Parking: Free
The grandest of the Newport mansions is The Breakers. Owned by the Vanderbilt family, this Gilded Age mansion was a summer getaway house. As soon as you step onto the property you’ll see just how opulent this mansion is. Admission includes access to the grounds and the interior. Self-guided audio tours are available through a free app. Guests must bring their own devices and headphones/earbuds. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the mansion and the grounds.
Cliff Walk
Newport’s Cliff Walk offers some of the best views in New England. This paved pathway winds along the coast for 3.5 miles. Be sure to walk down the Forty Steps to get a close-up view of the coastline. There are restrooms and water fountains at this point. If you walk the entirety of the trail, you’ll also pass the many Newport mansions.
Parking for the Cliff Walk
Metered parking (from May 1-October 31) is available at:
- Memorial Boulevard at Easton’s Beach ($2/hour, 3-hour limit). Enter your license plate number at the pay station and make your payment via credit card, dollars, or coins.
- Narragansett Avenue at 40 Steps ($2/hour, 4-hour limit). Enter your license plate number at the pay station and make your payment—there’s no need to put a receipt on your dashboard.
- Easton’s Beach Lot ($15 per day). Enter your license plate number at the pay station and make your payment-there’s no need to put a receipt on your dashboard.
There is free metered parking from November 1-April 30, but hour limits might still apply.
Easton’s Beach
Spend the rest of your summer day at the beach. Easton’s Beach is the largest public beach in Newport with a large parking area and restrooms.
Day 2
Watch Hill
Located in the city of Westerly, Watch Hill is a coastal neighborhood with lots of charm. Watch Hill is located on the southern tip of Rhode Island and has some of the prettiest coastal views in New England.
East Beach
Located at the end of Bay Street is East Beach. This beach is perfect for a beach day or a leisurely walk at sunset. The beach isn’t too crowded, as parking in Watch Hill is very limited. From the beach you’ll be able to see the Ocean House Resort on the left and Holiday House on the right.
Holiday House
If you’re a Swiftie, then you already know about Holiday House. Built in 1930, this home was owned by William Harkness whose family owned the Standard Oil Company. His wife, Rebekah Harkness was known for throwing lavish parties at the home and hosting ballet classes in the summer. In 2013, Holiday House was bought by Taylor Swift, and she later wrote the song “The Last Great American Dynasty” about the home and its history. You can’t get anywhere near the house, but it can be viewed from East Beach.
Napatree Point
Napatree Point is a beautiful spot to enjoy an early morning or sunset stroll. It’s a conservation area and a popular spot for bird watching and scenic views of Watch Hill Cove. To access Napatree Point, walk to the end of Bay Street and turn right into the parking lot for the Misquamicut Club. Access to Napatree Point is at the end of the parking lot.
Read More: Fall Road Trip Guide to New England
Enjoy your trip to Rhode Island! For more summer travel guides, click here.
