Exploring Rhode Island by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Just a short train ride from Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island, lies the historic town of Wickford, known for its charming harbor and scenic rail access. The MBTA commuter rail extends to Wickford Junction, making this a perfect starting point for travelers eager to explore Rhode Island’s coastal charms by train. From the station, a short walk leads to the Wickford Village Historic District, where you can amble along the waterfront and enjoy quaint colonial architecture mixed with lively shops and galleries. The village’s waterfront offers stunning views of Narragansett Bay, and the calm, sheltered harbor is ideal for watching sailboats drift by or catching a glimpse of native seabirds. Fall is a particularly delightful time to visit, when the village is adorned with autumn colors and the crisp air enhances the scenic harbor strolls.
If you prefer the water, heading south to Newport, about 45 minutes from Providence, offers an unmatched maritime experience aboard a classic Narragansett Bay ferry. The Newport Harbor is lined with grand mansions from America’s Gilded Age, but a boat tour lets you appreciate these historic estates from the water, framed by the shimmering bay and the iconic Newport Bridge. Many tours depart from Bannister’s Wharf, where you can hop aboard a sailing schooner or a motorized harbor cruise. Sailing during late spring and summer is ideal, when the weather is warm and the bay is dotted with vibrant sailboats competing in regattas. The waters here are calm enough for a leisurely cruise, and the fresh ocean breeze combined with panoramic views of the rugged coastline creates an invigorating way to explore Newport’s storied seafaring past.
For a truly different perspective on Rhode Island’s landscape, the skies over Bristol, roughly 30 minutes south of Providence, offer breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Bristol, a town famous for its Fourth of July parade and waterfront charm, also hosts balloon tours that launch near Colt State Park. From high above, riders can see the sweeping vistas of Narragansett Bay, the patchwork of farms, and the historic downtown area with its colonial buildings and harbor activity. The experience is especially magical at sunrise, when the soft morning light paints the landscape in pastels and the water shimmers quietly below. Balloon rides here are a serene escape, providing a sense of floating over a living history canvas, with views that reveal the intricate blend of land and sea that defines Rhode Island.
Back in Providence itself, the Providence Riverwalk offers a unique way to combine urban exploration with watery adventure. Starting near downtown, this pedestrian path runs along the river, allowing visitors to admire public art installations and historic architecture. From this vantage point, you can also board a riverboat tour that navigates the calm waters threading through the city’s heart. This experience highlights how Providence has embraced its riverfront, transforming former industrial zones into vibrant public spaces. The tours often pass under old stone bridges and offer views of the striking WaterFire installations—massive bonfires set on the river during special evenings. Visiting in early fall or late spring guarantees pleasant weather for both walking and boating, and the reflections of city lights on the water create a memorable nighttime scene.
In the northern reaches of the state, the Blackstone River Bikeway offers another kind of transit adventure near Woonsocket, about 30 minutes north of Providence. While this is a trail primarily for biking, it runs alongside the scenic Blackstone River, which played a crucial role in America’s industrial revolution. The trail itself is relatively flat and easy, making it accessible for all skill levels. Along the route, visitors can stop at the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor visitor center to learn about the area’s history. The combination of industrial ruins, river ecosystems, and well-preserved mill towns offers a window into the region’s manufacturing past. Visiting in spring or summer brings wildflowers and active wildlife, enhancing the experience with natural beauty alongside historic insight.
One of the most unique train journeys in Rhode Island can be found on the historic Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad, which operates seasonal excursions primarily from Kingston, about 25 minutes south of Providence. This heritage railroad runs along the coast near Narragansett Bay and offers a nostalgic ride through seaside landscapes dotted with salt marshes and coastal woodlands. The open-air cars allow passengers to breathe in the salty air and enjoy unobstructed views of the shoreline. This slower pace contrasts with modern transit and gives passengers a sense of what travel was like in the early 20th century. The best time to take this journey is during early autumn when the air is crisp and the colors of the foliage begin to change, adding a golden glow to the coastal scenery.
For those looking to combine water travel with island exploration, the ferry to Block Island departs from Point Judith, about 40 minutes south of Providence. Block Island’s ferry ride is a classic New England maritime adventure that crosses open sea rather than sheltered bays. Once on the island, visitors can explore dramatic cliffs at Mohegan Bluffs, sandy beaches, and charming village shops. The ferry ride itself offers a chance to spot seals and seabirds, and on clear days, the open ocean panorama reveals the vast Atlantic stretching to the horizon. Summer and early fall are prime seasons for this trip, as the weather is warm and the island’s natural beauty is in full bloom, making the boat journey as much a part of the experience as the destination.