The Rhode Island Summer Bucket List

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you click or purchase from them. Thanks for supporting cityandsee (and my coffee habit ).

Every summer tourists from all over pour into the many coastal and city hot spots of the Ocean State yet it still keeps it’s same natural beauty and slow moving atmosphere. The tacky environment that can appear for summer getaways, rarely exist during a Rhode Island Summer.

Although it may be the smallest state in the USA, it is the perfect location for a getaway when the weather warms up. With delicious seafood and a beautiful coastline, the options of summer activities are endless. Hop on a ferry, sail on the Atlantic or eat some clam cakes on the sand.  Soak in a state that strives for all things local and start planning your ultimate Rhode Island summer vacation.

The Rhode Island Summer Bucket List

 

1 / Drink a Dels

A Rhode Island Summer doesn’t officially begin until you take a sip of a Dels Lemonade. Any Rhode Island native knows to savor every last drop of the iced lemonade goodness. Although other flavors exist, original lemon is the only one I order. After all, it’s tradition. It can only be found here, and for that reason – a novelty one must indulge in!

2/ Moped along Block Island

Everland Tank | Maxi Skirt | Hat (similar)

The perfect blend of a quaint New England town with gorgeous views and swoon worthy nature. Often overshadowed by Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, it really is an under rated gem in the North Atlantic. For more on how to spend the perfect summer day in Block Island, head over here.

3/ Take the Ferry from Jamestown (or Providence) to Newport

Newport parking is a hot commodity in the summer months seeing as it’s a Rhode Island Tourist hot spot. Park in Jamestown and take the small ferry over to Newport. Saves you the hassle of having a car and you will be able to enjoy time on the Narragansett Bay! If your main hub is Providence, they also have a ferry over to Rhode Island’s favorite sailing town.

4/ Visit Jamestown, RI

 

Jumpsuit | Sandals | Hat (similar)

 

Thanks to it’s more popular neighbor of Newport, Jamestown does not get enough hype and remains a small Rhode Island treasure. A small main street and the beautiful Beavertail Lighthouse are enough reasons to add a visit to your list. If you plan to take the ferry as mentioned above, stop to admire the beauty of this small island. There is nothing better than a rocky coastline, dark Atlantic Ocean and a beautiful lighthouse to spark the millennial in you and take a photo for the gram.

5/ Spend a day in Newport

It only seems natural for this to be next on the list. Home to the America’s cup for quite some time and the oh so popular Folk Festival, this is the one of the most hoppin’ towns to spend time in during a Rhode Island Summer. There is plenty to do such as window shop at the many small boutiques (shop local), eat ocean side at one of the many restaurants and visit the Tennis Hall of Fame. If you happen to be visiting in the winter, I find it just as beautiful.

6/ Eat Brickleys in Wakefield

As someone who hails from South County, I am incredibly biased on where the best ice scream shop is for the summer – but others have noticed also. Considered one of the best ice cream parlors in the US (says the internet) stopping by to try some of their homemade ice cream is a must.

7/ Eat clam cakes at Narragansett Beach

Recently acclaimed to be the best beach town in New England, Narragansett Beach is the perfect scene for the day (for a small fee) and also in the evening. Walk along the seawall, surf or grab clam cakes and chowder at Mohahan’s Clam Shack and enter into full summer vacation mode.

8/ Spend a day in the ever growing city of Providence

   

Providence is slowly leaving the shadow of Boston and has evolved into a booming city of it’s own. From unique coffee shops, bagel spots, and an incredible food scene it is worth a few days in Rhode Island’s capital. Check out street art, have drinks at the rooftop bar part of Providence G or have a picnic at Prospect Park overlooking the city.

9/ Attend Waterfire in Providence

Make sure to see when the next Waterfire event occurs in Providence for another Rhode Island summer tradition. Waterfire Providence is a Nonprofit Organization whose mission “is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy.” It is quite the evening and makes for a beautiful post dinner stroll along the river.

10/ Eat all the lobster wraps and rolls

You may not be in Maine but our lobsters are just as good, I promise. Head to an establishment on the water and grab a lobster wrap, roll or the whole thing. I recommend the Lobster Bar in Newport for all your lobster needs, but Rhode Island has many establishments (and you can’t go wrong)!

11 / Sail in the Narragansett Bay

The Narragansett Bay is home to 30 islands, and quite a few lighthouses. Every small town that resides on the bay will have many sailboats in their harbors. I suggest renting a sailboat or booking a charter in Newport or Wickford. Another great option is taking the lighthouse cruise to get up close and personal with the Bay’s historic charm.

12 / Visit the Ocean House and explore Watch Hill

 

Taylor Swift’s home purchase may have put Watch Hill and Westerly on the map, but it still remains under the radar. Close to Connecticut, this New England Beach Town is small and has a nice slow moving feel to it. Grab drinks and an appetizer on the porch of the Ocean House and walk down to grab ice cream by the water in Watch Hill. Another day, another cute town on the water.

13 / Catch a show at Theater by the Sea

As the name suggests, this small playhouse hosts shows throughout the summer, and is a great way to spend your evening. With a restaurant and outside bar on the grounds, you can make it the perfect night out as you laugh or cry through whatever show they happen to be putting on (while supporting local theater)!

14/ Visit the historic town of Bristol

Easily paired on your day trip to Newport, Bristol is home to the oldest Fourth of July parade (since 1785) that can be seen with their red, white and blue traffic lines. For a more low key part of your day, enjoy all they have to offer in forms of museums, seafood and stunning viewpoints.

15 / Happy Hour at the Coast Guard House

When you find yourself in Narragansett, and are in the mood to have a happy hour that is as close to the ocean you can get – Coastguard house is for you. Their location, seafood selections and drink choices create the perfect ‘cocktail” for a happy hour.

 

Have some questions? Comment below or message me on Instagram. I would love to answer any questions or give some recommendations to make your vacay great!

PIN this below if you are ready for a Rhody Summa!