Explore Providence, Rhode Island: A Three-Day Weekend Itinerary

The largest city in the smallest state is certainly not something to overlook for a weekend getaway. Rhode Island is roughly an hour and a half drive from Boston, and on a good day, less than four hours from New York City.

My typical weekend getaways prioritize finding some treasured goods at markets to bring back home. This usually means trying to find the best way to load up on house plants, vintage décor, and furniture. Between the Providence Flea Market and the Raynham Flea Market, a 30-minute drive into Massachusetts, I knew I was bound to find plenty to bring home.

After arriving in Providence, Rhode Island’s capital, we checked into the Graduate Providence. The Graduate, formerly the Biltmore Hotel, is bursting with history and Wes Anderson-style charm. It’s one of two pet-friendly hotels downtown (along with The Dean Hotel), making it an ideal place to settle in for the weekend with our dog. A new boutique hotel, Dye House, recently opened in the Olneyville section of Providence. This unique space used to be a working mill and now offers four suites with a well-curated, contemporary design focus on interiors, and is also pet-friendly for animals under fifty pounds.

Day One

Wake up and take a stroll through downtown, making a stop by Bolt Coffee in the Dean Hotel for a quick bite, or relax a while and enjoy brunch at The Grange. On your walk, you may notice the Superman Building, also known as the Industrial National Bank Building, in downtown Providence. After brunch, if the weather permits, take a short drive to the nearest beaches. RISD Beach and Barrington are each 30 minutes from downtown. If you’re more into parks, visit India Point Park for beautiful bay views and boat watching.

For lunch, head to Tallulah’s Taqueria for fresh Mexican food — just be prepared to wait in line. It’s worth it, however, for the perfect lunch spot with plenty of outdoor seating. Another excellent lunch option is Dune Brother’s Seafood, where you can enjoy a cup of chowder and other New England classics.

Providence boasts a diverse craft beer scene, making it essential to spend the afternoon at a local brewery. Both The Guild and Foolproof Brewing Company, located in Pawtucket, offer a variety of options on tap along with spacious taprooms. Long Live Beerworks, in the West End neighborhood of Providence, features a well-designed, two-story warehouse with delicious IPAs that are constantly rotating.

After an afternoon of brews, head downtown to Oberlin for one of the best dinners in the state. This neighborhood restaurant and wine bar serves up exceptional small plates in a laid-back atmosphere; be sure to try the Kohlrabi Caesar and potato gnocchi with braised duck.

Day Two

Begin the day at The Shop in Fox Point for coffee and breakfast before taking a day trip to nearby Newport and Jamestown Island. You could easily spend your entire trip in Newport for a full beach town experience, but a day trip is totally worthwhile. Drive through the Ocean Drive Historic District to The Breakers, catching sight of the immaculate mansions. For a closer look, walk the Cliff Walk along the shoreline. Break for lunch at Flo’s Clam Shack, a local favorite that’s been around since 1936. You can’t go wrong with this seafood-abundant menu featuring bowls of homemade “chowda” and a no-frills raw bar.

For the rest of the afternoon, take a drive to Jamestown and Beavertail State Park. This scenic drive is full of small town charm, and it’s worth making a stop at the Village Hearth Bakery Café in Jamestown for fresh, European-style breads and pastries that make for a delightful snack at the park. Beavertail State Park is picturesque, with rocky coastal cliffs that are perfect for sunbathing and water access for a quick dip. In season, you can also tour the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum. The loop drive through the state park offers plenty of places to park and enjoy a picnic.

Day Three

Back in Providence for the last day of your trip, take it easy with coffee and freshly made doughnuts from Knead Doughnuts. This is the perfect day for a bit of shopping and appreciating art. Sundays in Providence are designated for Providence Flea, an outdoor market where local vendors sell vintage items and handmade goods. Admission to the RISD Museum is free on Sundays, and after browsing their art galleries — from ancient to contemporary — you can visit the RISD Store to purchase a piece from the alumni collection to take home. Don’t miss the picturesque library, The Providence Athenaeum, a wonderful stop for all lovers of literature and learning.

Enjoy lunch at Milk Money; the charming interior and menu of locally sourced, seasonal dishes come highly recommended. For more shopping, Riff Raff bookstore presents a carefully curated book selection paired with a cozy bar serving coffee, cocktails, and beer.

For a final dinner in town, head to Atwells Avenue in Federal Hill for some Italian cuisine. Providence has a rich history of Italian and Portuguese communities, so choosing a neighborhood spot for dinner is a wise choice. If you’re still up for some fun after your pasta feast, Ogie’s Trailer Park is a surprisingly charming spot for a drink. This kitschy, mid-century modern bar offers tiki drinks, classic cocktails, and a unique atmosphere, complete with late-night snacks from Granny Boo’s Kitchen, served directly from an old trailer.