It might seem odd that the smallest state in the country could even have hidden gems. After all, we can drive across the entire state of Rhode Island in record time. However, the Ocean State does have a surprising amount of off-the-beaten-path spots, and as our beautiful state transitions from season to season and back again, we’d like to highlight some of our stunning lesser-known attractions. This hidden gems road trip in Rhode Island is the perfect way to spend a day! Come check out some of the best hidden gems in Rhode Island that are sure to delight everyone along the way. Which ones are your favorites? Let us know!

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1. Start your day with a walk through Neutaconkanut Hill Park in Providence.
1. Start your day with a walk through Neutaconkanut Hill Park in Providence.
Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy, Legion Memorial Dr, Providence, RI 02909, USA
John DeVault / alltrails.com
This underrated Rhode Island city park spans 88 acres, offering plenty of walking trails in case you'd like to start your road trip with some exercise. Plus, the views of the city are fantastic. Lovers of the great outdoors and fans of nature hikes in Rhode Island will find much to love at Neutaconkanut Hill Park.
2. Next, hop in the car and drive to South Kingstown's Sculpture Trail.
SKLT Sculpture Trail, South Kingstown, RI 02879, USA
Car Mill / Google
This short (less than half a mile) trail is packed with unique art made lovingly by local creatives. This fun and unusual offbeat attraction in Rhode Island is just strange enough to be gorgeous, and we can't get enough of it.

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3. Next, head to the elusive Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown for a picnic lunch.
Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 3rd Beach Rd, Middletown, RI 02842, USA
Norman Bird Sanctuary / Facebook
The Norman Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful oasis on Aquidneck Island. Even if you're not into bird watching, you'll definitely be into the scenery here. This is the perfect place for animal and nature lovers alike to come and enjoy the beauty of Rhode Island and all its critters.
4. If you've never seen the Green Animals Topiary Gardens in Portsmouth, you'll definitely want to make it your next stop.
Green Animals Topiary Garden, 380 Corys Ln, Portsmouth, RI 02871, USA
scusan52 / TripAdvisor
This whimsical garden is absolutely delightful. And if you have little ones on your road trip with you, they'll love it, too. This delightfully offbeat attraction in RI is one of a kind and fun for literally everyone.
5. Speaking of gardens... the gardens and arboretum at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol are absolutely enchanting.
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, 101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
Daniel Pearcey / Google
The gardens really start to come alive in late spring and early summer. It's no wonder this is a frequented spot by Rhode Islanders who are "in the know." Oh, and you can't miss the incredible Daffodil Days in Rhode Island, which takes place here every year and features more daffodils than you ever thought possible in one place.
6. Cap off the day trip with a stroll through Pawtuxet Village in Warwick.
Pawtuxet Village, Warwick, RI 02888, USA
Pawtuxet Village, Warwick/Cranston / Facebook
You may not think of Pawtuxet Village as a hidden gem, but outside of New England, few people know it exists. This low-profile village is great for sunset strolls, window shopping, and ending your day with a delicious dinner (or takeout) at one of their locally famous restaurants. Indulge in everything these unique things to do in RI have to offer!

Rhode Island is a magnificent state, and this is the perfect time to fall in love with it all over again. How many of these hidden gems in RI were you already familiar with? How many of them are totally new to you? Let us know!

For more amazing Rhode Island sights and experiences, you could always do the most magical places in Rhode Island road trip too!

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More to Explore

Hidden Gems in Rhode Island

Tori Jane | November 21, 2022
  1. What are some truly delightful hidden gems in RI?  

There are plenty of fun, offbeat hidden gems in RI that you ought to add to your bucket list, like:  

 

2. What are some cool places in RI to add to my bucket list?  

Speaking of bucket lists, there are plenty of other cool places in RI to add to yours, such as:  

 

3. What are some fun, unusual things to do in RI?  

Need something a little more unusual? Some fun, unusual things to do in RI include weird little gems like: 

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