Where to stay and what to do
Travel Tips for visiting
Rhode Island
About the Ocean State
Rhode Island is Sarah's home state, and also neighbors Massachusetts, where Matt's family immigrated from the Azores!
Southern Rhode Island is full of coastal charm. With Newport’s Gilded Age mansions and Narragansett’s surf-friendly beaches, you can stroll cobblestone streets lined with seafood spots and sailboat-filled harbors, or chase sunsets along Ocean Drive. Whether you're slinging oysters by the water, catching waves at the beach, or exploring hidden coves (& dive bars), this stretch of New England is all about salty breezes and effortless good times. If you love fresh seafood, scenic views, and a touch of nautical flair, you’ll feel right at home.
Making the trip?
Explore below to learn more about where to stay, what to visit, and where to eat while you're in town!
Where you're headed
Airports Local to Rhode Island
We recommend guests travel to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, or, if you don't mind renting a car or taking a train ride, Boston Logan International Airport.
Airport code: PVD (Providence); BOS (Boston)
Where to visit
There's a lot to see and a lot to love about Lil' Rhody. You can travel from one end of the state to the other in about an hour. Most of our favorites can be found in southern RI, where most of the Johnson clan calls home. See some of our favorite areas below.
Newport, RI
Newport is one of our favorite places and is typically where we stay when we pop into Rhode Island for a visit. June - September is the busiest time to visit, so expect bustling streets, lots of activity, and busy restaurants—we recommend you make a reservation anywhere you intend to visit for dinner!
Where to eat & drink
There is no shortage of places in Newport to stop in for fresh seafood, a great view, and some excellent people-watching. Here are some recommendations that are tried and true, but also great for first-timers.
Drinks
The Lawn at Castle Hill
You'll need to take a quick drive, but it's worth the trip! One of the most beautiful places in the world to enjoy a coastal cocktail. Reviews & Location
22 Bowens (Open Air Bar on the Wharf)
Grab a refreshing cocktail midday or an espresso martini before heading out to dinner, a perfect spot to take in all the action on Bowen's Wharf. Reviews & Location
One Pelham
Plastic cups, live music, shuffleboard...what more could you want? Reviews & Location
Lunch
The Mooring
Pop in for some delicious New England classics and a great view of the harbor. Reviews & Location
Lobster Bar
About as close as you can get to the water, Lobster Bar brings RI staples like Steamers and Stuffies to the table. Reviews & Location
Dinner
Stop by the upstairs bar for a view of the wharf and something from the "Summer Sushi" menu. Reviews & Location
Giusto
We chose it to host our Engagement Party for a reason! Some of the most creative & delicious food you can get in the area, coupled with beautiful sunset views. Reviews & Location
Honorable Mention
Narragansett, RI
Home sweet home (sort of). Reminiscent of her URI days and a stone's throw from Sarah's favorite bowling alley, Narragansett is a beautiful little beach town with lots to offer. Check out some of our favorites!
Where to eat & drink
From beach-front restaurants to dodgy dive bars, we've included a little bit of everything—including some must-visit spots run by Brandon & Sydney, Matt's soon-to-be in-laws.
Drinks
Coast Guard House
One of the best views in the state and the perfect place for some tasty apps and a delicious glass of wine. Reviews & Location
George's Tiki
Head down to Galilee & out on the beach to the Tiki. Take in the sunset and have a cocktail with your toes in the sand. Reviews & Location
Old Mountain Lanes
If you know it, you love it. Throw a couple'a "rocks" and enjoy a drink that's probably a little too strong. Reviews & Location
Lunch
Boon St. Market
What's not to love about Boon? Food hall, great cocktails, fun energy, and guaranteed to run into a friend. Reviews & Location
Mariner Grille
You'll feel like you've stepped into another universe but everything on the menu will hit the spot. Say hi to Mike behind the bar! Reviews & Location
Ocean Mist
A weekend brunch classic, have a coffee drink on the deck with crashing waves & a fantastic view. Reviews & Location
Dinner
The Surf Shack
Say hello to Sydney & enjoy some of the most creative, delicious cocktails and food in the area. Try brunch on Sunday! Reviews & Location
Matunuck Oyster Bar
One of the most well-reviewed restaurants in the state for a reason! Local seafood and farm-to-table ingredients keep visitors and locals coming back for more. Reviews & Location
Honorable Mention
Block Island, RI
Block Island is our own little oasis and this time of year it's absolutely bustling with great seafood, live music, beautiful views, and visitors from all over. Take a ferry from Galilee or Newport and be there in about an hour!
Where to eat & drink
Some of our favorite places to visit are listed here, but it's also the perfect place to hop around and find something new!
Drinks
Yellow Kittens
Dive bar, billiards, mudslides, darts, and live music? What more could you need. Reviews & Location
Mahogany Shoals
A bit of a hike for Block Island standards, prepare for a trek, or hop in a cab to grab some drinks right on the dock—cash only! Reviews & Location
Captain Nick's
Save this stop for after sundown. Great live bands, rowdy crowds, and fantastic people watching. Reviews & Location
Champlin's Dock
Treat yourself to the tastiest, frostiest mudslide of your life. Worth the trip & walking distance from The Oar for a mini-hop. Reviews & Location
Lunch
The Surf @ Block Island Beach House
Sit outside for one of our favorite views on the island, fun ambiance, and delicious BBQ. Brandon & Syd hosted their Rehearsal Dinner here! Reviews & Location
The Oar
Make the journey out to The Oar for a great view & sushi specials! Scenic lawn, or seating inside to get out of the elements. Reviews & Location
Dinner
The Barn at Spring House
Considered one of BI's best-kept secrets, we love this restaurant that's a bit off the beaten path! Tucked behind one of the more popular hotels and venues on the island, they serve an upscale menu in an open kitchen and a wood-fired grill. Reviews & Location
Winfield's
Attached to Yellow Kittens but a completely different experience, Winfield's has upscale, delicious food and a cozy romantic atmosphere. Reviews & Location
Honorable Mention