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About half the size of Houston, Texas, Rhode Island is by far the smallest state in the Union.

But what Rhode Island lacks in size, it more than makes up for in attractions -- both historical and state-of-the-art. During the summer months, Providence boasts the lion's share of hot spots, including the urban park named after Rhode Island's founder.

At Roger Williams Park you can spend a day -- or several -- taking in the sprawling and kid-friendly Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Carousel Village, the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium or the Botanical Center, the largest public indoor display garden in New England.

2023 Rhode Island Events & Festivals

Just up ahead, check out our 2023 Rhode Island travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information.

Happy travels!

In Providence, don't miss the big extravaganza in August: Waterfire Providence --as dozens
of bonfires burn brightly with (musical accompaniment) in Waterplace Park.

May 20 - May 21, 2023 -- Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival Newport

June 9 - June 11, 2023 -- PVDFest Providence

June 17, 2023 -- Rhode Island Pridefest & Illuminated Night Parade Providence

July 28 - July 30, 2023 -- Newport Folk Festival Newport

August 4 - August 6, 2023 -- Newport Jazz Festival Newport

August 2023 -- Waterfire Providence Providence

Still home to the yachts-and-cavier set, Newport also offers a look back at when 19th century millionaires first built grand edifices as their little "summer cottages" with a tour of the Newport Mansions providing visitors a sneak peak inside turn-of-the century opulence.

Along with resorts on Block Island and scenic Rhode Island seacoast drives, Rhode Island beaches also remain one of the state's top family-friendly tourist attractions from June to August.

More top summer Rhode Island tourist attractions include the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence
(left); the Vanderbilt Mansion in Newport (middle); and beaches along Rhode Island's scenic coast (right).

also see -> 2023 Rhode Island Fall Foliage Guide

DID YOU KNOW? Rhode Island Travel Fun Facts

Oldest tavern in the USA.

• In 1640, Anne Hutchinson became the first woman to establish an American town, Portsmouth, R.I.

• A combination of top restaurants and awesome street food put Providence near the top of a Travel and Leisure Magazine survey of America's Best Cities for Foodies.

• The White Horse Tavern, at the corner of Farewell and Marlborough streets in Newport is the oldest operating tavern in the United States. It was built in 1673.

• Newport is home to several spine-chilling places including Belcourt Castle, where there are reportedly chairs that move on their own, and a suit of armor that moans and screams!

More about Rhode Island tourist attractions around the Web:

The Official Rhode Island Tourism Website - The big Rhode Island tourism site featuring heritage trail tours to architecture, history, art & culture, Narragansett Bay, plus guides to hotels & restaurants, weather info, facts & trivia.

Top 15 Rhode Island Attractions - Check out the best places to see and what to do in Providence, Newport, and at the beach along the coast.