The little "Ocean State" (only 1,545 square miles) is full of Rhode Island resorts of all descriptions and that will suit just about anyone's tastes and budgets. They include everything from full-service camping areas to golfing resorts. By far, beach resorts in Rhode Island and those that take advantage of the fishing available off the coast are the most numerous. The most elegant and exclusive resorts in Rhode Island will be found in the Newport area. More rustic Rhode Island resorts are located in the Blackstone River Valley, northwest of Pawtucket and full of fascinating history.

Newport is the site of the famous and elegant castles and mansions, built in the late nineteenth century by wealthy magnates and industrial barons during the height of the Industrial Revolution. The town is also the yachting capital of the United States, and remains an elegant and exclusive vacation destination today. The Rhode Island resorts located here boast marinas full of yachts, spectacular Narragansett Bay views, full-service luxurious spas, and many are located in beautiful, historic Victorian structures. Several have their own private beaches, are near country clubs, and are included on many lists of the best luxury hotels with the finest dining in the state. These resorts in Rhode Island are not just in the town of Newport, but also in charming Jamestown on Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay, and in Sakonnet near the Massachusetts border.

The majority of the beach resorts in Rhode Island are located in South County. This is the state's entire stretch of coastline from the western edge of Narragansett Bay to Westerly and Misquamicut on the state's western border with Connecticut. The longest and most beautiful beaches in the state are located in this region. Other South County attractions include the most golfing venues, wildlife refuges, hundreds of acres of woodlands with hiking and cycling trails, and picturesque little New England towns with charming bed and breakfast inns. You'll also find more beach resorts in Rhode Island on little Block Island. This is a popular resort island for visitors from around the country. It boasts historic lighthouses, 365 freshwater ponds, dramatic shorelines, secluded beaches, and charming vacation rentals. The only way to get here is on a short commuter flight from Westerly or on one of the Block Island ferry routes from Newport or Point Judith in Rhode Island or New Haven in Connecticut.

Rhode Island Map

There are several fine Rhode Island resorts in Providence, the state's capital and largest city. Look for the well-known international names such as Renaissance, Hilton, Biltmore, and Marriott. More rustic resorts in Rhode Island will be found in the Blackstone River Valley, a National Historic Corridor that stretches from Pawtucket to Worcester, Massachusetts. There are also some more elegant properties here. However, this is a prime wilderness area with some of the best freshwater fishing in the state, so you will find wilderness fishing resorts with plenty of resort facilities to satisfy even non-anglers. There is white water kayaking, miles and miles of hiking trails, fascinating museums, and entire communities that are historic landmarks.