Travel restrictions shouldn’t cast a shadow over your vacation. Rhode Island has plenty of options for a fun, memorable holiday. Check out a few of these activities, stay safe, and enjoy your state.
Visit Our State Parks & Beaches
Exploring the great outdoors is a great way to get some exercise, while practicing social distancing.
Rhode Island state parks are open, but check their website before you visit. They offer a real-time overview of available parking at the busiest locations and you may need a beach pass due to capacity restrictions.
Ride & Explore
Rhode Island has more than 60 miles of off-road cycling paths appropriate for all skill levels. Whether you crave rigorous exercise or a dreamy ride through flat, scenic areas, we’ve got it all.
Support a Local Restaurant
The lockdown had a dramatic impact on local restaurants. Now that they’ve re-opened it’s time to help them out and pay them a visit!
Indoor and outdoor dining is now available, but you’ll need to wear a mask when you’re not eating or drinking. Call ahead and reserve a table due to avoid disappointment.
Go Camping
The State has re-opened five campgrounds with restrictions. Campers cannot have visitors as management needs to limit the total number of people in campgrounds. Reserve your spot here and really get away from it all.
Picnic at Newport Mansions
Newport Mansions have opened their grounds to picnickers for the first time. Dine on the lawns of The Breakers, The Elms or the Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth. It’s a great family staycation option, but you will need a ticket. The Breakers and The Elms are open too, but face coverings and social distancing are required.
Explore Our Museums & Galleries
If you appreciate history and art, check out a few of Rhode Island’s museums and galleries. Offerings include farm, living history, furniture, craft, design, illustration, naval, local and historic art, glass, car, and tennis museums.
Go to the Zoo
Roger Williams Park Zoo is open again. You’ll need to purchase your tickets online, wear a mask, and follow the one-way markers, but the zoo is just as fun as it has ever been. They offer everything from alpacas to zebras and it’s a great option for a family staycation.
Take a Boat Tour
Get a new perspective on life from the water. Rhode Island offers countless ways to explore our 400 miles of coastline and many rivers. These include yachts, gondolas, sailboats, river boats, kayaks, and more. You can also choose anything from an eco-tour to a luxury champagne-sipping escape.
Go Fishing
Social distancing is so much simpler when you’re on the water far away from the crowds. Our state has some of the best fishing in the world, so why not get out and catch that big one?
Don’t own a boat? No problem – fishing charters abound. They could use your support as all tourism-related activities were particularly hard hit by the pandemic.
Bust Out of the Doldrums
Tired of being cooped up and need a rush of adrenaline. Why not parasail, skydive, or take a day trip and zip line through the treetops? Family-friendly, exciting options include riding the rails or renting a trendy scooter in Newport.
Self-Guided Driving Tour
No one can ignore the impact COVID-19 has had on the pocketbook. Luckily, both Newport and Providence have great reasonably-priced apps that let you explore their cities for a great staycation. Just pack a lunch, download the map on your cellphone, and explore.
