Other than the coast, some of the best tours in Rhode Island occur in the scenic Blackstone River Valley to the northwest of Pawtucket. This is a wooded region of rivers and streams that played an important part in the state's history and the history of the United States, as it is considered to be the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. There are heritage driving tours and Rhode Island boat tours available on the Blackstone River and the other fishing rivers in this region. Rhode Island tours, either by car or by boat, on the Heritage Trail along the Blackstone River allow you to make stops at a number of old mills and museums, including the fascinating Slater Mill. This is a living history museum located in a complex of buildings that once comprised the first water-powered cotton textile mill in the country.

The other most popular Rhode Island tours are to be found along the 400 miles of the state's coastline. These include the Newport Rhode Island tours of the beautiful mansions built by the magnates of commerce and industry during the Gilded Age and scenic Rhode Island boat tours or deep sea fishing expeditions on the ocean.

Most often, Newport Rhode Island tours will visit and tour the mansions, castles, and elegant homes (once called summer cottages) overlooking Narragansett Bay, the sound, and the ocean. While some of these homes are in private hands and not open to the public, many of them are open to public. Even some not open to the public allow for garden tours showcasing lavish European style gardens and elaborate topiary. Foremost among these lavish mansions available for tours in Rhode Island is The Breakers, a National Historic Landmark and former home of the Vanderbilt family. You can also tour the Elms, also a National Historic Landmark and former home of the Philadelphia Berwind family; the high Victorian Chateau-sur-Mer; Marble House, home to another branch of the Vanderbilt family; Rosecliff, modeled after the Grand Trianon in Versailles outside Paris, France; and the Green Animals topiary garden containing more than 80 elaborate sculptures of animals fashioned from yew and English boxwood trees and California privet.

Rhode Island Map

While the mansions are the most famous part of this city, you can also enjoy Newport Rhode Island tours that explore the haunted history of the area, touching upon the supposed ghosts of Lizzie Borden from nearby Fall River, Massachusetts, George Washington's Revolutionary War headquarters, legendary Blood Alley, and the many old cemeteries full of history.

The Old Town of Newport is also popular for Rhode Island tours as are other old seafaring ports along the coast. As most of these towns have bustling ports with thriving fishing fleets, the seafood dining at the many waterfront restaurants is excellent. There are also luxury hotels and resorts nearby, many with full-service spas that provide wonderful accommodations so you can enjoy your tours in Rhode Island in comfort and while being pampered.

After these land-based Rhode Island tours you will find that Rhode Island boat tours venturing into the ocean are the most popular. These include deep sea fishing charters, scenic cruises visiting Block Island and the many islands of Narragansett Bay, and sunset dinner cruises. You can even charter yachts for weddings and other events, or try your hand crewing on one of the famous America's Cup yachts.