All Rhode Island Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Explore the capital of Rhode Island, Providence, on a sightseeing bus tour that departs right from downtown. See the city's top sights including Brown University, Benefit Street, and Roger Williams Park, and enjoy the opportunity to walk around the historic Federal Hill neighborhood. While you drive around, your guide regales you with stories about Providence and its importance in American history. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

(3,920)

from US$47

Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour

1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(374)

from US$45

Take in Rhode Island’s scenic shoreline on a scenic sightseeing cruise through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Aboard an open-air, fully restored lobster boat, enjoy a narrated tour as you pass Newport and Jamestown harbor fronts, and see landmarks like Fort Adams, Newport Bridge, and the famous Clingstone house. Your afternoon trip includes a Rhode Island-styled refreshment, as well as a cash bar.

Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

1 hour 10 minutesFree Cancellation

Learn why Providence is a foodie favorite with this 3-hour small group tour. Follow your professional guide to at least six tasting spots in the Downcity Arts District, a pedestrian-friendly area known for its charming architecture. Visit award-winning, high-end eateries like Gracie’s and Oberlin, as well as casual spots like an experimental bakery, Chinese bun shop, Greek emporium, and seafood shack.

(1,885)

from US$42

Downcity Providence Food Tour

3 to 30 minutes

Newport Trolley Tour with Breakers Mansion - Viking Tours

(357)

from US$99

3 hoursFree Cancellation

(1,655)

from US$48

Join us aboard a classic sailboat for a 1.5-hour sunset sail in Newport! Sunset sailing is one of the best evening activities to do during your stay in Newport, RI. Enjoy a relaxing sail around Narragansett Bay on a classic sailboat and see all of Newport's iconic sights from the water including historic lighthouses and landmarks, other classic vessels, bridges, mansions, and more! We'll sail from historic downtown Newport and arrive back at the same meeting point.

Newport Sunset Sail on Schooner Adirondack

Newport Sunset Sail on Schooner Adirondack

1 hour 30 minutes

WaterFire—an annual installation by artist Barnaby Evans, which sees lighted braziers and flickering flames reflected along the Providence River—is a much-loved Providence event, and this boat tour offers unparalleled access to the exhibition. Meet your captain at the basin of Waterplace Park, hop aboard your vessel, and set off along the full length of the installation after dark, to enjoy the best views of the fires.

(84)

from US$68

Providence WaterFire Boat Rides (Full Lightings)

Providence WaterFire Boat Rides (Full Lightings)

30 minutes

4.6

(60)

from US$52

Rhode Island in a Day

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Get an in-depth look at Providence from a boat cruise that travels along the waterways of Rhode Island’s capital city. Your guide shares live commentary about historical landmarks and modern destinations as you take in sites including the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, Providence Industrial Harbor, Providence River, Waterplace Park and the pedestrian paths of Riverwalk. Choose a daytime or evening cruise, and feel free to bring your own refreshments on board.

(82)

from US$125

Special Offer

City Sights by Sea: Historic Narrated Boat Tours of Providence

City Sights by Sea: Historic Narrated Boat Tours of Providence

Newport RI Mansions Scenic Trolley Tour (Ages 8+ only)

1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Crime and Cuisine on Federal Hill

(642)

from US$28

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Newport Trolley Tour with Marble House - Viking Tours

(218)

from US$100

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Enjoy a historic scenic tour on a spacious shuttle bus boasting views of this iconic ocean city and her charming neighborhoods. Visit The Elms Mansion, which is used to film the popular HBO series, The Gilded Age. (When The Elms is closed guests will visit a different mansion depending on availability.) Throughout this tour not only will you learn the history of Newport, but you’ll also learn about some of her ghosts who still call Newport home today. We’ll also discuss the history of how pirates came to Newport only to meet their demise. This tour will take you throughout time where each century made its impact and stamped its mark, making Newport one of the most fascinating cities to visit! Capture clear and beautiful photos through our oversized windows. *No infants allowed*

(157)

from US$46

Historic Scenic Tour Through Newport With Elms Admission

Historic Scenic Tour Through Newport With Elms Admission

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(68)

from US$45

Golden Hour Cruise

1 hourFree Cancellation

Sunset Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

(16)

from US$46

1 hourFree Cancellation

Downtown Westerly Ghost Tour

(552)

from US$50

1 hour 45 minutes

(22)

from US$30

Haunted History Walking Tour of Providence

1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Gansett Cruises offers a comfortable, entertaining and informative tour of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Our vessel, Gansett, is a wooden 1969 classic lobster fishing boat that has been beautifully restored and maintained. A complimentary Mimosa is included. We also offer cash bar options and local favorites such as Del's frozen soft Lemonade and Yacht Club Soda available onboard. Sit back and relax while your Captain, Crew and Tour Guide take you through Newport's rich coastal history.

(121)

from US$30

Early Bird Mimosa Cruise - Family Friendly!

Early Bird Mimosa Cruise - Family Friendly!

1 hourFree Cancellation

Exploring Newport is even more fun on this Newport food walking tour, which introduces you to top Newport bites and city sights. Eat where the locals do at restaurants that are tucked away from the city’s main arteries—you might try locally sourced meats, Irish baked goods, or craft beer. As you walk between destinations, your guide shares stories about the city’s architecture and history. Upgrade to include alcoholic drinks as part of the tour.

(7)

from US$37

Newport Neighborhood Food Tour

3 hours 15 minutes

A tour for those that don't want touristy tours. your walking tour begins at the grand Providence City Hall, a building that has witnessed the city’s evolution for more than a century, winding your way through downtown before looping back to the nearby Burnside Park as your last stop. Welcome to Providence, the “Creative Capital” of Rhode Island! Providence is a riverside city nestled at the head of Narragansett Bay, famous for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and a spirit of independence that dates back to its founding in 1636 by Roger Williams-a man who believed in freedom of thought and built a community where everyone could belong. Go at your own pace, anytime. The tour is hands free, location aware and plays as you walk. Go anytime, at your own pace.

(611)

from US$99

Providence Downtown and Brown Self Guided App GPS Walking Tour

Providence Downtown and Brown Self Guided App GPS Walking Tour

1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutesFree Cancellation

3.0

(5)

from US$10

Travel back in time as you enjoy a relaxing tour past historic homes and churches. Listen as our carriage drivers describe the fascinating history of this lovely colonial village. Pet the horse before or after your ride. Hand us your camera, we'll take photos of you in the carriage! Current 2026 ride dates: Apr 11 & 12 (Wickford Daffodil Days), May 10 (Mother's Day), May 15, June 19, July 16, Aug 13, Sep 18, Oct 16 (Wickford Harbor Fire celebrations).

Wickford Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

30 minutesFree Cancellation

(1)

from US$110

Per group

Start your day right with this fun and informative cruise of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. You’ll sip a complimentary mimosa as you sail the sea with the help of an entertaining crew who’ll tell you all about the coastal history of the city. If you feel like having another drink, there’s also a cash bar and local favorites to try, like Del's Frozen Soft Lemonade and Yacht Club Soda.

Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

1 hour 10 minutesFree Cancellation

Scenic Narragansett Bay isn’t just great for sailing—it’s the ideal vantage point for taking in the region’s best sights, beloved landmarks, and fascinating history. On this tour, you’ll hop aboard a 57-foot cruiser, nabbing panoramic views from your comfy seat. Your guide will detail 300+ years of history, from the Jamestown village to Fort Hamilton, Fort Wetherill State Park, Newport’s opulent harbor estates, the region’s vintage lighthouses, and more.

(120)

from US$42

Scenic Bay Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(245)

from US$42

Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour

1 to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

4.0

(81)

from US$15

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Top Attractions in Rhode Island

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Attractions

What are people saying about Rhode Island

Newport Walking Food And History Tour

Monica_W, May 2026

Amazing food tour!

The Newport food tour was amazing and all of the food was delicious. Sue our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the area and super nice and friendly to all of us. It was well worth the fee, as you definitely received a lot of food and drinks. Don’t hesitate to book this tour! You will love it!

Discover Providence Guided Sightseeing Tour

Lisa_D, May 2026

Fun and informative tour!

We had a fun and informative tour of Providence, led by John, who was a fantastic guide—engaging, knowledgeable, and easy to follow. The tour itself was a great length, though we definitely could’ve used a bit more time at the first stop to fully enjoy all the culinary goodies. One thing to note: the meeting location was changed. Thankfully, we received a call ahead of time, but some other attendees hadn’t, which caused a bit of confusion at the start. It was the first tour of the season, so a few small kinks are understandable—and honestly, they didn’t take away from our overall enjoyment at all. A great experience and well worth it!

Guided Tour of Newport in Open Air LSV

Nancy_F, Mar 2026

Open Air LSV

First of all, this review was lost and popped back up. I'm so glad to write this review. This was our first time to Newport. We were on a cruise ship and we could not have picked a better option than the Open Air LSV with Kyle. She was very informative taking us to many places. Plus, extra stops, just have to ask her! If/when we go back would so do this tour again with Kyle!

Sunset Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

Kim_M, Oct 2025

Beautiful scenery

We really liked this tour. The guide was very interactive, the waitress was fast and efficient, and the captain was great. The coast line of Newport is beautiful. I did think we would see the back of the Breakers but I was fine with all the other sites.

Afternoon Grand Tour | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

Lisa_L, Oct 2025

Firstly, the logistics...

Firstly, the logistics are excellent - easy to book, great reminder communications and parking tips, on-time departure, professional and courteous staff. The trip is beautiful and very interesting. I'm sorry I don't remember the narrator's name but he's excellent - so informative and funny ! Thank you for a great experience !

Morning Mimosa Cruise with Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI

Christina_C, Oct 2025

Lacking communication

While we had a great experience with Gansett cruises, Viator did not provide correct information about the activity. We ordered our tickets back in April with the time slot of 11:15am. When we arrived (thankfully early) Gansett didn’t have our reservation listed and the time was actually 11am departure. I had my tickets and multiple emails from Viator with my reservation number and the time. Thankfully Gansett cruises had space and so we were able to attend, but Viator needs to ensure they have proper and correct info, and is providing that to the event conductors correctly. Not sure I would book through Viator again, we just happened to be lucky.

Newport Sightseeing Day Sailing Experience on Schooner Adirondack

Laura_M, Aug 2025

Sail you again soon!

What a fantastic time! My son (14) and I had the most beautiful sail with the amazing crew for a pre-dinner activity! We had gorgeous weather and a wonderful group with us on board. The crew-Kayla, Hope, Rob and Peter, were fantastic and kept us entertained the entire time. We loved hearing about the amazing properties around Newport and enjoying the wind and waves. We will definitely do this again! 5 stars for sure!

Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport

Shelley_S, Aug 2025

Perfect Calm

This enjoyable excursion of Narragansett Bay was a complete and perfect experience. Luckily, we ventured out on one of the best summer days of the season. Inside in the lounge it felt like 75 degrees and was so comfortable. Out on the deck, traveling seaward, there was a gentle breeze, and while cooler, with the sun beaming down it felt about the same. It only got cooler once we turned back. There was a gentleness and peaceful vibe on the first level. My husband and I felt we could enjoy our special time together. Upstairs on the deck we could hear the celebrants of a birthday and a Bachelorette ouring having fun, which added to a lovely, joyful atmosphere. The crew and Coastal Queen were the other standouts. We were warmly greeted from the time we got our boarding passes (note: don't stand in line first! Even if you've purchased online tickets you need to secure boarding passes from the kiosk.) to the moment we boarded. Mimosas were set out on the bar so we could help ourselves. The bar was spotless and inviting. We sat at one of the tables on the starboard side and faced the bar. The crew kept us entertained until departure then we could easily chat (no loud motor or other outdoor distractions penetrated the calm). We later ventured outside to get a fuller view of the points of interest as described by our guide. The beautiful homes, historic sites, sailboat races, and occasional yacht sightings offered the visual content that beckons visitors to Newport. The quips and tongue-in-cheek commentary from our nautical narrator brought smiles not eye rolls. He was never too intrusive, but pleasantly comical and informative. The best part about this cruise was how it brought together all the things to love about a summer excursion with none of the drawbacks. Simply perfect. We'll definitely go back! (Side note: Offer better snacks!)

Newport Afternoon Sightseeing Sail on Classic Sailboat

Cristy_R, Jul 2025

The crew was great and it...

The crew was great and it was a fun trip. I took my daughter and her two friends all college aged and we all enjoyed the sail. I have knee issues and the step on and off the boat was hard for me but the crew was fantastic helping me making sure I was safe which I appreciated. The information about local historical sites we saw during the sail was great as well. We would go again.