Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it offers an outsized variety of experiences, from colonial history to coastline escapes. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams as a haven for religious freedom, the state still reflects its independent spirit. In Providence, travelers can visit the John Brown House Museum to explore the city’s role in early American commerce, or walk Benefit Street, lined with preserved 18th- and 19th-century homes. The city’s historic core is easy to explore on foot, making it a favorite for visitors who like to combine architecture with local shops and cafes.

Newport, on the southern coast, once served as a summer playground for Gilded Age elites. Today, the mansions they left behind are open for tours. These massive seaside estates feature imported marble, gold leaf ceilings, and sweeping ocean views. For a different side of Newport, visitors can stroll the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path that hugs the shoreline and offers front-row views of both the sea and the stately homes above. The harbor, filled with sailboats and seafood restaurants, stays busy from spring through fall.