Home Destinations USA Rhode Island Planning Your Trip

Planning Your Trip

Budgeting Your Time

By car it's less than an hour from any one place in Rhode Island to another. Though the distances are short, the state is densely populated, and getting around its cities and towns can be confusing; it's best to map out your route in advance. In five days, you can visit all four regions of the state, as well as Block Island. On a shorter visit of several days, you can still take in two regions, such as Providence and Newport. Most of the sights in Providence can be seen in one day. The Blackstone Valley will also occupy one day, though you'll want to spend longer in fall foliage season. Newport has many facets and will require two busy days. South County, with its superb beaches, is generally a relaxing two-day destination.

When to Go

The best time to visit Rhode Island is between May and October. Newport hosts several high-profile music festivals in summer; Providence is at its prettiest; and Block Island and the beach towns of South County are in full swing (though not nearly as crowded as Newport). Because of the light traffic and the often gorgeous weather, October is a great time to come to Rhode Island. The colorful fall foliage of the Blackstone Valley is as bright and varied as any in New England.

Getting There & Around

Rhode Island is best reached by car via Interstate 95, coastal New England's main interstate, which connects to both Boston and New York, or by air via T. F. Green Airport, which is served by the majority of the nation's air carriers. Boston's Logan Airport is only an hour away, too. Once you're here, a car is your best way to get around the state, although it's quite practical to explore Providence and Newport on foot and using public transportation.