New report reveals this charming coastal state is breaking all visitor records

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Size doesn’t matter, right?

Tell that to one of America’s trendiest getaways, known for its coastal beauty and charm, packed with sleek borders.

Exploring the Northeast is no longer just about ferry rides to Nantucket, fist-pumping the Jersey boardwalks, or immersing yourself in a bunch of clustered urban sprawls that realistically all look the same.

The smallest state in America is doing well, and there is a record 29.4 million visitors to support me in this.

From the underrated capital of Providence to the lesser-known (and surprisingly chic) ​​coasts of Westerly, the state of the map. Rhode Island is the latest American destination to break all tourism records.

Explore an entire state in one weekend

How many times can you visit an entire state on a weekend getaway?

That’s impossible with America’s best dogs, but Rhode Island is the nest’s safe house.

Whether it’s a city break to hit the pubs and sightseeing, or small coastal towns oozing charm and character for a quiet getaway, consider it done and done in Rhode Island.

However, it is important to note that the state itself is not exactly an island, but one place that travelers flock to is indeed an island – and that would be Block islandperhaps the best place for a classic New England beach vacation.

It doesn’t matter whether you spend the night in Providence and make that your base, or opt for a cozier stay in places like the mansion mania town NewportThere is one thing that tourists really like about this state. Most of it can be crossed in an hour (if you don’t stop of course).

As a visitor, I recommend making your base in Providence. It’s one of our favorite weekend getaways here at Travel Off Path. You’ll definitely want to check out this year’s WaterFire event.

Providence’s restaurant scene alone will keep you coming back for more. Unless you drank from the fountain at Brown University, where legend has it, you’re destined to come back anyway.

Go beyond Newport: discover rural Rhode Island

Don’t get me wrong: Newport is beautiful. But it’s also one of those places where once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it.

The main strip is clearly a tourist draw and lacks the local feel it certainly had in its early days, but the beauty and impeccable seafood are undeniable.

Many visit Newport to travel the 3.5 miles Cliff walk for breathtaking views of the ocean and for ‘ohh’ and ‘ahh’ at insanely large mansions.

But don’t feel like you need to feed Newport as your North Star when there’s more to explore, even in such a small state.

Cities like Tiverton And Bristol boast quintessential small-town charm and are overshadowed by Newport, the latter of which feels etched in time as it is on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the best-preserved towns in New England.

Another Travel Off Path favorite is Narragansett, but you may want to wait for warmer weather to fully enjoy the serene shores in the sun.

As you probably know by now, to truly experience Rhode Island as it should be, you’ll need to rent a car. You can easily do this by flying into Providence (PVD), the state’s only major commercial airport.

Is Rhode Island worth visiting in winter?

Rhode Island is undoubtedly most popular during the summer, when the beaches are packed.

But the state is very much a four-season destination. If you come in winter, you can leave your swimwear at home.

December through March is the state’s low season, where you’ll experience fewer crowds, better prices, and if we’re being honest, the occasional snow-capped shoreline you won’t want to swim in.

Yet there is an undeniable coastal appeal. You can score much better deals at one of the many luxury hotels on the beach.

Plus, Providence is becoming an underrated winter wonderland, and let’s just say Newport’s mansions don’t skimp on a Christmas budget: It’s one of the most festive places in Rhode Island.

Be sure to check out the Holiday light show also in the small town of Hope.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.