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My Little Rhody Love List
36
items Local Favorites: Rhode Island Edition
Not your average guide. These are the spots that locals whisper about—beaches, bites, and markets with soul. Small, special, and worth showing up early for.
Map
Sections
6
Coastal Icons
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Coastal Icons
Small, serene, and blissfully uncrowded. Locals know: arrive early or miss the magic. A quiet stretch of sand with big golden-hour energy.
Blue Shutters Town Beach | Charlestown, RI 02813
Soft sand, rolling waves, and a tucked-away vibe. Once the site of a grand estate, now a peaceful escape. Locals love it for morning walks and quiet picnics
Mansion Beach | Block Island, RI
A local legend. With consistent surf, soft sand, and a lively boardwalk vibe, Narragansett Beach blends energy and ease. It’s ideal for both wave chasers and sunbathers, with amenities like snack shacks, restrooms, and rentals. Parking fills fast—arr...
Narragansett Town Beach
Upscale and picturesque. Near the historic Watch Hill Lighthouse and charming boutiques. A favorite for romantic getaways and celeb sightings.
Watch Hill Beach | Westerly, RI 02891
Tucked behind the mansions, this crescent cove feels like a secret. Calm waters, soft sand, and just enough space to breathe. Bring a book, not a beach ball.
Gooseberry Beach |
If you’re chasing that classic Newport beach day, Easton’s Beach (First Beach) is the crown jewel. It’s the city’s signature stretch—right off Memorial Boulevard, with easy access to the Cliff Walk and those iconic mansions. Think soft sand, surfable...
City of Newport | Easton's Beach
Beavertail State Park – Jamestown, RI
Cliffs, crashing waves, and cinematic sunsets. Pack a picnic, skip the crowds, and let the ocean do the talking.
Beavertail State Park
Outdoor Activities
A dramatic oceanfront trail that winds past Gilded Age mansions and crashing waves. Iconic and breathtaking
Newport RI Cliff Walk | Find Scenic Walking Tours Along the Coast
A scenic 14.5-mile ride from Providence to Bristol, with views of Narragansett Bay, parks, and charming coastal towns
East Bay Bike Path - Rhode Island Department of Transportation
Paddle through salt marshes, quiet coves, and historic waterfronts. Rentals available for all skill levels
Narrow River Kayaks
Explore Benefit Street, Waterplace Park, and the East Side with self-guided or narrated tours
Providence Self-Guided Walking Tours
Peer into the cosmos at this coastal observatory during public viewing nights
Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theater Events
Restaurants
Elegant, seasonal, and chef-driven. Known for its tasting menus and impeccable service, Gracie’s is a fine dining staple that celebrates local ingredients with flair
Gracie's Providence
The birthplace of grilled pizza and a legend in New England dining. Italian-inspired, wood-fired, and always packed for a reason
Al Forno Restaurant
A coastal classic. Dockside dining with oysters pulled straight from their own farm. Seafood doesn’t get fresher—or more Rhode Island—than this
Matunuck Oyster Bar
2025 James Beard Winner: Best Chef Northeast (Sky Haneul Kim)
Raw bar meets moody elegance. Oysters, smoked fish dip, and a vibe that hums with energy
Gift Horse
James Beard Semifinalist (Chef Champe Speidel). Thoughtful, modern American cooking in a space that feels quietly elegant. Every dish is crafted with care—and it shows.
Persimmon
A reimagined icon perched above the bay. Formerly The Dining Room, Aurelia offers a six-course tasting that captures the rhythm of the sea and the soul of New England—refined, romantic, and rooted in place.
Aurelia at Castle Hill
Southern-inspired small plates, cocktails, and cozy West End energy. A local late-night gem
The Slow Rhode | Providence RI
Multiple-time James Beard Semifinalist
Seafood-forward small plates, handmade pastas, and natural wines in a sleek new space
Oberlin
Four-time James Beard Semifinalist (Derek Wagner)
Hyper-seasonal, chef-driven brunch and dinner with a loyal local following
nicks on broadway
Waterfront charm and upscale comfort food. Lobster risotto and sunset cocktails are a must
Boat House Waterfront Dining
Rustic luxury meets steakhouse drama. Dry-aged cuts, “ocean steaks,” and a lodge-like setting that feels both elevated and wild.
Double Barrel Steak
Upscale seafood with harbor views and a lively raw bar scene
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
Modern Italian with a sleek edge. Located on Federal Hill, it’s known for house-made pasta, inventive cocktails, and a stylish, lively crowd.
Massimo Ristorante
A timeless bistro tucked downtown since 1972. Expect classics like duck à la framboise, steak frites, and boeuf bourguignon served in an upscale, candlelit setting that feels like old-world Paris with Rhode Island soul
Pot au Feu
Other Food & Drinks
Disguised behind a lingerie shop façade, this velvet-draped lounge is candlelit, sultry, and beloved by locals. No sign, no fuss—just knock and enter
Justine's (@justinesolneyville) • Instagram photos and videos
Tucked beneath The George on Washington Street, this underground retreat offers live music, comedy nights, and bourbon-forward cocktails in a moody, intimate setting
The Hide Speakeasy at The George
Hidden behind a vintage façade, this cocktail lounge channels Prohibition-era charm with modern hospitality. Expect house-smoked bourbons, over 100 whiskeys, and cheeky cocktails like the PB & Jefferson and Dead Man’s Redemption. Curved booths, c...
The Jefferson Speakeasy - Cocktails - Warwick, Rhode Island
Arts & Entertainment
Live music, wine tastings, and local bites. A fall favorite with serious vineyard vibes
Harvest Festival
Bonfires on the river, music in the air. A signature summer-to-fall experience that turns the city into a glowing celebration
WaterFire
Local Favorites
A vibrant Saturday morning ritual from May through October. Local produce, fresh flowers, artisan goods, and live music make it a sensory delight. Perfect for grabbing a coffee, chatting with growers, and soaking up community vibes. Bonus: dog-friend...
The Hope Street Farmers Market
A 19th-century library with literary lore—Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft once roamed these stacks. It’s moody, magical, and free to explore.
The Providence Athenaeum
A quiet stretch of meadowland with sweeping views and golden-hour magic. Locals come to walk, reflect, and capture the sunset as it spills across the hills. With its historic blacksmith shop and open skies, it’s a favorite spot for scenic photos and ...
Chase Farm | Lincoln, RI 02865
A coastal food hall with serious flavor range. From ramen and raw bar to smash burgers and Neapolitan pizza, this reimagined train station is now a buzzy hub for casual bites, cocktails, and weekend hangs. Fire pits, live music, and outdoor seating m...
Boon Street Market
Once a true Prohibition-era speakeasy, now a restored restaurant and bar with nods to its hidden past. Think hearty fare, live music, and rustic charm
The Charlestown Rathskeller