Transportation for the Solo Traveler

Traveling to and around Rhode Island is a breeze. Thanks to our compact size, getting from town to town and landmark to landmark is super easy. That means solo travelers, who often move much quicker than larger groups, can pack in even more awesome sights! Here are some ways to get around our great state:

Biking
The healthiest and most Earth-friendly way to get around, biking is the ultimate mode of transportation for the solo traveler. Whether you rent one or bring your own, you can cycle on more than 60 miles of paved biking and walking trails that weave through all regions of the state. Some of our bigger cities are also very bike-friendly, offering tours, gatherings and other events for two-wheelers.

One of our favorite bikeable adventures is Ocean Drive Loop in Newport. This 10-mile adventure is truly breathtaking (and not just because of the exercise). You'll enjoy unbelievable views of Newport Harbor, Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean while also having the opportunity to tour the world-famous Newport Mansions — so even if you're a little rusty on two wheels, there are plenty of places to stop for a break. There's also the Blackstone River Bikeway, which will eventually cover 48 miles extending from Worcester, Massachusetts, to Providence along the Blackstone River, as well as The East Bay Bike Path, the state's first multitown bike path, spanning 14.5 miles from India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol. Need a rental?

Rental Car
Car rentals are available at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), as well as other locations in Providence and Newport. They allow you the most freedom of where you want to go and when, plus they let you get from one part of the state to another quickly. Bonus: you can listen to whatever you want on the ride.

One of our most unique drives includes the Scituate Reservoir Scenic Drive, which takes you around the state's largest man-made lake and through quaint villages. Then there's South County's "Sunday Drive," a meandering route through Westerly and Wickford that's charming any day of the week. Don't miss Scenic Route 102, a 44-mile byway that traverses rolling hills, woodland pastures and historic sites. Or, with the help of our official travel guide's map, you can pick a direction and hit the gas. Wherever you end up will surely be amazing and, in a state this small, there isn't really a "middle of nowhere" to get lost in.

Solo Sightseeing 

For independent explorers, Rhode Island unfolds as a treasure trove of historic sites and cultural attractions. The Gilbert Stuart Museum, birthplace of the artist who painted George Washington's famous portrait, offers intimate tours where solo visitors can explore the 1750s snuff mill, restored studio, and nature trails at their own pace.

Beyond the galleries, dozens of meticulously preserved historic houses welcome individual travelers. The Babcock-Smith House, Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum, and Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum each provide detailed self-guided tour materials, allowing visitors to delve into different eras of Rhode Island history. These homes - some serving as museums, others transformed into unique dining venues or boutique hotels - offer glimpses into the state's rich architectural heritage.

St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center in Woonsocket deserves special attention for solo travelers. North America's largest collection of fresco paintings covers nearly every inch of wall and ceiling space, and the center offers self-guided tour materials that let you explore at your own pace.

Block Island's Spring Street Gallery and Blink Gallery provide spaces perfect for solo art enthusiasts. Both venues offer self-guided viewing experiences, with gallery staff available but not hovering - ideal for those who prefer to contemplate art in solitude.

History enthusiasts can explore numerous museums designed for independent discovery. The John Brown House Museum provides individual audio tours that let you explore this 18th-century mansion's every detail, while the RISD Museum houses an encyclopedic collection spanning ancient to contemporary art.

Newport offers several museums for history and culture enthusiasts. The International Tennis Hall of Fame features interactive exhibits and audio guides for visitors to explore tennis history at their own pace. The Sailing Museum spans 8,500 square feet with six themed areas, including Wind and Water and The Mental Game of a Sailor. Visitors can test their skills on virtual racing simulators, examine boat-building displays and explore steering exhibits. A 3D mini experience rounds out the maritime adventure. Founded in 1912, the Newport Art Museum houses 2,900 works of American art from the 18th and 19th centuries. The collection includes paintings, sculptures and works on paper. Tours combine art appreciation with Newport's architectural history in a setting that visitors can navigate comfortably.

Newport's boating tours are operated by several established companies, offering solo travelers multiple options to experience Narragansett Bay's beauty and history. Gansett Cruises provides 60-70 minute narrated harbor tours, while Coastal Queen Cruises specializes in scenic bay cruises and evening cocktail tours. For those interested in lighthouses, Rhode Island Bay Cruises offers comprehensive lighthouse tours covering 10 lighthouses and 10 islands. Each cruise passes iconic landmarks including Fort Adams, Castle Hill Lighthouse, and the shores of Jamestown, with flexible departure times throughout the day.

Solo-Friendly Tours 

Rhode Island offers an array of engaging guided tours throughout the year, with most operating from April through November and limited winter schedules.

Hop aboard those famous cherry-red Viking Tours trolleys in Newport.  Operating daily from 10 am to 4 pm during peak season (May-October) and weekends only in April and November, these trolleys cruise past Gilded Age mansions while your guide drops fascinating facts about the city's most jaw-dropping landmarks along with the city's most notable sights, historic downtown, stunning coastal views, and rich colonial history areas. 

History buffs, here's your chance to geek out: The Newport Historical Society runs fascinating walking tours that'll transport you back in time. Available Monday through Friday at 11 am and 2 pm, their "Golden to Gilded" tour reveals the city's transformation from colonial port to summer playground of America's elite. No judgment if you pretend you're a Vanderbilt for a day.

Architecture and history enthusiasts shouldn't miss Newport's magnificent mansions, open year-round from 10 am to 5 pm for self-guided audio tours. The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms offer fascinating glimpses into America's Gilded Age. Take your time wandering through these spectacular properties, where you can explore at your own pace while learning about the famous families who once called them home. The audio tours are particularly solo-friendly, allowing you to linger in rooms that interest you most or snap that perfect photo without feeling rushed.

Art lovers should check out the Providence Art Club's gallery tours — the oldest art club in America after the Salmagundi Club in New York. Their historic buildings house rotating exhibitions, with tours available Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 pm, and their knowledgeable guides share stories about Providence's rich artistic heritage. The best part? You might catch local artists at work in their studios.

For the foodies flying solo, Rhode Island Red Food Tours has mastered the art of the culinary crawl. Operating Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 2:30 pm, their Downcity Providence Food Tour is like having a local friend show you their favorite spots. You'll hit up more than six tasting locations, sampling everything from classic New England fare to trendy fusion dishes. Plus, walking between stops helps burn off those extra calories (or at least that's what we tell ourselves).

Relaxation for One

As important as exploring and sightseeing is on any solo excursion, it's just as vital to take time for yourself to kick back for some needed relaxation. Rhode Island's spas excel at catering to solo travelers, offering peaceful retreats where being alone feels luxurious rather than lonely.

Ocean & Harvest Spa in Westerly stands as the crown jewel of Rhode Island's spa scene. One of the only spas in the world to achieve a Forbes Five-Star rating, this 12,000-square-foot luxury hotel spa pampers solo guests with seasonal treatments along with sweeping vistas of the Rhode Island coastline. The spa's private relaxation areas make it particularly appealing for those traveling alone.

For those seeking solitude with a side of wellness, The Bodhi Spa in Providence guides visitors through a personal "Water Journey" experience. Solo travelers can move at their own pace through mineral baths, aromatherapy steam rooms and cold plunges without feeling rushed or self-conscious. The spa's quiet policy in thermal areas makes it perfect for those seeking peaceful reflection.

The intimate Spa at the Vanderbilt in Newport offers another sophisticated retreat where solo visitors feel especially welcome. Their thoughtfully designed single treatment rooms and private relaxation spaces allow for complete unwinding, while attentive staff ensure solo guests feel looked after without hovering.

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