Hey lovebirds and campers! Looking for a weekend getaway to enjoy with your sweetheart? If you’re from New England you already know the small state of Rhode Island has so much to offer. Today we’re diving in to our favorite things to do in Rhode Island for couples!
Forget stuffy hotel rooms and fancy dinners – pack your camper and let’s explore some hidden gems in Rhode Island! This tiny state packs a punch when it comes to outdoor adventures, and there’s nothing like sharing starry nights, crackling campfires, and whispered secrets under the open sky to rekindle the romance.
So ditch the guidebooks and get ready for an unforgettable Rhode Island adventure with your favorite person. Whether you’re seasoned campers or glamping newbies, this little state has something for everyone.
Newport
This upscale seaside town has something to do for every couple; whether you’re history buffs, ocean enthusiasts, or just looking for a romantic escape. With its stunning scenery, rich history, and endless culinary delights, Newport is sure to ignite the spark and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
The Mansions
Step back in time and channel your inner Gatsby and Daisy at the iconic Newport Mansions. Think Gilded Age glamour, ocean views, and enough gold leaf to make Midas jealous. Stroll through the opulent halls of The Breakers, marvel at the ocean views from Marble House, and get lost in the Gilded Age grandeur at Rosecliff. Imagine grand parties, whispered secrets, and champagne toasts on these sprawling estates.
You can view the available tours and book tickets with the Mansion Preservation here.
Thames Street
Newport’s historic Thames street is lined with dozens of unique shops. Get ready for a long day of walking! Though there are some preppy chains most of the shops are local boutiques with large followings. You can find a mix of preppy style wardrobes to classic kitschy “tourist” merchandise.
Quaint storefronts brimming with nautical trinkets, locally crafted jewelry, and artisan chocolates line the street, tempting you to indulge in a souvenir or two. You’ll also stroll by Newport Harbor where you can spot some pretty impressive boats. The seagulls calling overhead complete the picture of this perfect harbor outing.
Glass Blowing
If you’re looking for an activity a bit off the beaten path look no further than Thames Street Glass. This business offers glass blowing lessons for all experience levels. You can book a lesson for your date night on their website here.
I have to admit, I was a little nervous at first! But the instructors are very skilled and safety is their top concern. They expertly guide you through your project in simple steps, completing anything very difficult themselves. The starting level is a glass ornament, which was very easy to make and came out absolutely beautiful!
The best thing is, if you aren’t going to be in Newport more than a day they will ship your completed project to you once it has fully cooled.
Rail Explorers
Next on our list of things to do in Rhode Island for couples is Rail Explorers! This unique activity is in Portsmouth Rhode Island and well worth it. Rail Explorers utilizes old railroads and their rail bikes to provide an unforgettable experience.
You and your partner can ride on one of their tandem rail bikes as you peddle down the railroad along scenic Narragansett Bay. They offer two ride versions of varying lengths. The activity is physical, but not strenuous! The bikes also have an electric assist system to help keep you coasting as you pedal.
The ride we did took a little over an hour, but the time flew by. The railway took us through areas lined with beautiful mansions, along the water, and even through a scenic golf course. If you’re looking for an active thing to do near Narragansett this is perfect. The Rail Explorer staff are incredibly helpful and friendly, making sure everybody is safe and having a great time. They even offer to take your picture at the most scenic part of the trip. Rail Explorers have other locations as well, and we hope to get to more of them soon!
Rhode Island Beaches
It’s no secret that one of the best things to do in Rhode Island for couples is hit the beaches! Rhode Island is home to many beautiful beaches. It can be hard to choose which to go to but all are perfect to spend a day relaxing with your boo.
If you’re looking for a typical beach day – packing for the day, drinks, lunch, books, the works – it is worth driving to Scarborough State Beach. There is plenty of parking and overflow lots here, although it still does fill up sometimes in the heat of summer. I recommend getting here before noon to secure your spot! Scarborough is large, so even when it’s busy you don’t feel like you’re right on top of your neighbor. The sand is smooth and clean, and the sea is wide open for swimming. There is a veranda with a concession stand if you didn’t pack lunch and bathroom.
The other beach we like to visit near Narragansett is Salty Brine State Beach. Salty Brine is located in the Galilee area which is a bustling and active fishing port. The parking is tight here, and the beach is a little smaller but what makes it great is the location. Salty Brine beach in the heart of Galilee is walking distance to a handful of great restaurants and bars. If you’re looking to hit the beach for part of the day then have a casual lunch or dinner, you can’t beat this convenience!
Rhode Island Breweries
It’s no surprise that one of my favorite things to do in Rhode Island for couples is try new breweries. For such a small state, Rhode Island is home to numerous award winning small breweries that are well worth a visit. Whether or not you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun afternoon you can check out our favorite breweries in Rhode Island in our post here.
Where To Camp
You certainly don’t have to camp in Rhode Island to enjoy the awesome activities Rhode Island has to offer. But if you’re part time campers like us and looking to park your RV for the weekend while exploring Rhode Island look no further than Fisherman’s Memorial State Park. This is by far the best campground in Rhode Island, and the location is within about 30 minutes of all the activities listed here.
Getting a reservation can be tricky here since it is so popular, but there are often last minute cancellations were you can snag a weekend night or two! For the full rundown on this campsite you can check out our full post here.
Where To Eat
I could go on for days about all the amazing places to eat in Rhode Island – think the freshest seafood you can find, enjoyed with the sea breeze in your hair. This list is not exhaustive, but certainly covers our favorites that we visit when in Rhode Island!
- George’s of Galilee – Family owned fresh seafood, right on Salty Brine Beach.
- Champlin’s – Seafood market & casual dining with amazing lobster bisque near Salty Brine Beach.
- Matunuck Oyster Bar – Upscale dining with water views in Wakefield.
- Pancho O’Malley’s – Irish pub with the best buffalo wings.
- Crazy Burger – Actually an amazing breakfast spot with a creative menu.
- The Black Pearl – Great spot for drinks in Newport.
- The Coast Guard House – Classic and history Rhode Island staple.
Remember, Rhode Island is more than just mansions and clam chowder. It’s a playground for adventurous hearts, a canvas for unforgettable memories, and a love song whispered by the ocean breeze. So grab your boo, pack up your camper, and get ready to fall in love with the magic of Rhode Island.
We can’t wait for our next trip so we can add more things to do in Rhode Island for couples to this list.
Remember to share your own Rhode Island adventures in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your hidden gems, romantic moments, and the memories you made in this special place. Until next time, happy exploring!
