It might seem odd that the smallest state in the country could even have hidden gems. After all, we can drive across the entire state of Rhode Island in record time. However, the Ocean State does have a surprising amount of off-the-beaten-path spots, and as our beautiful state transitions from season to season and back again, we’d like to highlight some of our stunning lesser-known attractions. This hidden gems road trip in Rhode Island is the perfect way to spend a day! Come check out some of the best hidden gems in Rhode Island that are sure to delight everyone along the way. Which ones are your favorites? Let us know!
Google Maps
- Start your day with a walk through Neutaconkanut Hill Park in Providence.
John DeVault / alltrails.com This underrated Rhode Island city park spans 88 acres, offering plenty of walking trails in case you’d like to start your road trip with some exercise. Plus, the views of the city are fantastic. Lovers of the great outdoors and fans of nature hikes in Rhode Island will find much to love at Neutaconkanut Hill Park. Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, Legion Memorial Dr, Providence, RI 02909, USA
- Next, hop in the car and drive to South Kingstown’s Sculpture Trail.
Car Mill / Google This short (less than half a mile) trail is packed with unique art made lovingly by local creatives. This fun and unusual offbeat attraction in Rhode Island is just strange enough to be gorgeous, and we can’t get enough of it. Sculpture Trail, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA
- Next, head to the elusive Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown for a picnic lunch.
Norman Bird Sanctuary / Facebook The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful oasis on Aquidneck Island. Even if you’re not into bird watching, you’ll definitely be into the scenery here. This is the perfect place for animal and nature lovers alike to come and enjoy the beauty of Rhode Island and all its critters. Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 3rd Beach Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
- If you’ve never seen the Green Animals Topiary Gardens in Portsmouth, you’ll definitely want to make it your next stop.
scusan52 / TripAdvisor This whimsical garden is absolutely delightful. And if you have little ones on your road trip with you, they’ll love it, too. This delightfully offbeat attraction in RI is one of a kind and fun for literally everyone. Green Animals Topiary Garden, 380 Corys Ln, Portsmouth, RI 02871, USA
- Speaking of gardens… the gardens and arboretum at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol are absolutely enchanting.
Daniel Pearcey / Google The gardens really start to come alive in late spring and early summer. It’s no wonder this is a frequented spot by Rhode Islanders who are “in the know.” Oh, and you can’t miss the incredible Daffodil Days in Rhode Island, which takes place here every year and features more daffodils than you ever thought possible in one place. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
- Cap off the day trip with a stroll through Pawtuxet Village in Warwick.
Pawtuxet Village, Warwick/Cranston / Facebook You may not think of Pawtuxet Village as a hidden gem, but outside of New England, few people know it exists. This low-profile village is great for sunset strolls, window shopping, and ending your day with a delicious dinner (or takeout) at one of their locally famous restaurants. Indulge in everything these unique things to do in RI have to offer! Pawtuxet Village, Warwick, RI 02888, USA
Rhode Island is a magnificent state, and this is the perfect time to fall in love with it all over again. How many of these hidden gems in RI were you already familiar with? How many of them are totally new to you? Let us know!
Google Maps
John DeVault / alltrails.com
This underrated Rhode Island city park spans 88 acres, offering plenty of walking trails in case you’d like to start your road trip with some exercise. Plus, the views of the city are fantastic. Lovers of the great outdoors and fans of nature hikes in Rhode Island will find much to love at Neutaconkanut Hill Park.
Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, Legion Memorial Dr, Providence, RI 02909, USA
Car Mill / Google
This short (less than half a mile) trail is packed with unique art made lovingly by local creatives. This fun and unusual offbeat attraction in Rhode Island is just strange enough to be gorgeous, and we can’t get enough of it.
Sculpture Trail, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA
Norman Bird Sanctuary / Facebook
The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful oasis on Aquidneck Island. Even if you’re not into bird watching, you’ll definitely be into the scenery here. This is the perfect place for animal and nature lovers alike to come and enjoy the beauty of Rhode Island and all its critters.
Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 3rd Beach Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
scusan52 / TripAdvisor
This whimsical garden is absolutely delightful. And if you have little ones on your road trip with you, they’ll love it, too. This delightfully offbeat attraction in RI is one of a kind and fun for literally everyone.
Green Animals Topiary Garden, 380 Corys Ln, Portsmouth, RI 02871, USA
Daniel Pearcey / Google
The gardens really start to come alive in late spring and early summer. It’s no wonder this is a frequented spot by Rhode Islanders who are “in the know.” Oh, and you can’t miss the incredible Daffodil Days in Rhode Island, which takes place here every year and features more daffodils than you ever thought possible in one place.
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
Pawtuxet Village, Warwick/Cranston / Facebook
You may not think of Pawtuxet Village as a hidden gem, but outside of New England, few people know it exists. This low-profile village is great for sunset strolls, window shopping, and ending your day with a delicious dinner (or takeout) at one of their locally famous restaurants. Indulge in everything these unique things to do in RI have to offer!
Pawtuxet Village, Warwick, RI 02888, USA
For more amazing Rhode Island sights and experiences, you could always do the most magical places in Rhode Island road trip too!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems in Rhode Island November 21, 2022 Tori Jane
What are some truly delightful hidden gems in RI?
There are plenty of fun, offbeat hidden gems in RI that you ought to add to your bucket list, like:
Warwick City Park Province’s Neutaconkanut Park The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge
2. What are some cool places in RI to add to my bucket list? Speaking of bucket lists, there are plenty of other cool places in RI to add to yours, such as:
The hidden island known as Prudence Island Goddard Park, which is easily one of the most beautiful places in RI Navy Beach, AKA Third Beach
3. What are some fun, unusual things to do in RI? Need something a little more unusual? Some fun, unusual things to do in RI include weird little gems like:
Visit the Umbrella Factory The Green Animals Topiary Garden
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gems in Rhode Island
November 21, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some truly delightful hidden gems in RI?
There are plenty of fun, offbeat hidden gems in RI that you ought to add to your bucket list, like:
Warwick City Park Province’s Neutaconkanut Park The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge
2. What are some cool places in RI to add to my bucket list? Speaking of bucket lists, there are plenty of other cool places in RI to add to yours, such as:
The hidden island known as Prudence Island Goddard Park, which is easily one of the most beautiful places in RI Navy Beach, AKA Third Beach
3. What are some fun, unusual things to do in RI? Need something a little more unusual? Some fun, unusual things to do in RI include weird little gems like:
Visit the Umbrella Factory The Green Animals Topiary Garden
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are plenty of fun, offbeat hidden gems in RI that you ought to add to your bucket list, like:
- Warwick City Park
- Province’s Neutaconkanut Park
- The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge
- What are some cool places in RI to add to my bucket list?
Speaking of bucket lists, there are plenty of other cool places in RI to add to yours, such as:
- The hidden island known as Prudence Island
- Goddard Park, which is easily one of the most beautiful places in RI
- Navy Beach, AKA Third Beach
- What are some fun, unusual things to do in RI?
Need something a little more unusual? Some fun, unusual things to do in RI include weird little gems like:
- Visit the Umbrella Factory
- The Green Animals Topiary Garden
