Rhode Island
"Hope"
Nickname
Ocean State
Capital
Providence
Statehood
May 29, 1790 (13th)
Motto
Hope
Explore Rhode Island
18 of 18 articles available
Top mountains
Signature peaks and elevation highlights.
Best hikes
Trail ideas from day hikes to overnighters.
State parks
Must-see parks and natural areas.
Road trip loops
Weekend-friendly scenic drives.
Waterfronts
Lakes, rivers, and coastal stops to visit.
Waterfalls & springs
Cool-down spots and photogenic falls.
Scenic overlooks
Pull-offs and vistas for quick views.
Camping spots
Easy campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Historic towns
Main streets, museums, and landmarks.
Family weekends
Low-stress itineraries with kids in mind.
Top universities
Best-known universities and colleges.
Top biggest cities
Largest metros and fast-growing hubs.
Top places to visit
Must-see destinations and attractions.
Top high schools
High-performing public and private schools.
Top cities
Beloved cities for living and visiting.
Basic information
Quick facts, nickname, capital, and region.
Geography
Landscapes, neighbors, and natural regions.
Economy
Key industries, employers, and growth drivers.
About Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country by area, yet its Newport mansions and long Narragansett Bay coastline gave it an outsized role in America's Gilded Age, a legacy still visible in the state's historic architecture today. Providence anchors an economy built on education and design as much as the state's maritime past.
The guides below cover that compact geography in detail, from bay towns to Providence's cultural core, built for a state where distances are short but history runs deep.