This idyllic island sits in the middle of Narragansett Bay, an easy 25-minute ferry ride (adult/child $5.40/1.90) from Bristol. Originally used for farming and later as a summer vacation spot for families from Providence and New York, who traveled here on the Fall River Line Steamer, the island now has only 88 inhabitants. There are some fine Victorian and beaux-arts houses near Stone Wharf, plus a lighthouse and a small store, but otherwise it's wild and unspoiled.

It's perfect for mountain biking, barbecues, fishing and paddling.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Newport Car Museum

3.45 MILES

Located in Portsmouth, 6 miles north of Newport, on the site of a former missile manufacturing plant, this fantastic, new-in-2017 museum showcases more…

2. Blithewold Mansion

4.07 MILES

Local resident Augustus Van Wickle bought a 72ft Herreshoff yacht for his wife Bessie in 1895, but having nowhere suitable to moor it, he then had to…

3. Herreshoff Marine Museum

4.38 MILES

The world-class Herreshoff Marine Museum showcases some of the country's finest yachts, including eight built for the America’s Cup. Featuring the America…

4. Colt State Park

4.59 MILES

Bristol’s Colt State Park is Rhode Island’s most scenic park, with its entire western border fronting Narragansett Bay. The parks is fringed by 4 miles of…

5. Linden Place

4.74 MILES

Built by General George DeWolf, this beautiful Federal-style historic home houses a small local history museum and is a popular spot for weddings. It…

6. Newport Vineyards

6.13 MILES

Tours of the vineyards aren't the only reason to stop by this pleasant winery in Middletown 4 miles north of Newport: there's also a marketplace, a…

7. Watson Farm

6.98 MILES

It's a delight to wander around the 265-acre Watson Farm, which has been tended by five generations of the descendants of Job Watson since 1796. The farm…

8. Old Narragansett Church

7.27 MILES

Also known as St. Paul's, this white timber church still celebrates Mass and is believed to be the oldest Episcopal church in New England.

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