Part 20 of our 25-part Southeast road trip series takes us to the Ocean State — and Rhode Island is one of the most surprisingly dog-friendly and culinarily extraordinary states in the entire country. Don't let the size fool you: Rhode Island packs the Gilded Age grandeur of Newport, the vibrant food scene of Providence, the wild beaches of South County, and the charming fishing villages of Narragansett Bay into a state you can drive across in under an hour.
🐾 Why Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has a quiet confidence that comes from knowing it's extraordinary without needing to shout about it. Newport is one of the most beautiful and historically fascinating small cities in America. Providence has one of the best restaurant scenes of any city its size in the country. And the South County beaches are among the most beautiful on the entire East Coast.
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays
Vanderbilt — Newport
A stunning Auberge Resorts property in a beautifully restored Gilded Age mansion that welcomes pets. Steps from Bellevue Avenue's famous mansions and the harbor.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk — Newport
A magnificent historic mansion perched directly on the Cliff Walk that welcomes pets in select accommodations.
Kimpton Onyx Hotel — Providence
Zero pet fees in the heart of downtown, steps from RISD, the Providence River, and some of the best restaurants in New England.
Ocean House — Watch Hill
One of the most celebrated resort hotels in all of New England, welcoming pets with extraordinary ocean views.
🍽️ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
The Mooring — Newport
A beloved Newport waterfront restaurant with a large dog-friendly outdoor deck overlooking the harbor.
Matunuck Oyster Bar — South Kingstown
A legendary Rhode Island oyster bar with a dog-friendly outdoor area overlooking the oyster farm. The freshest oysters imaginable.
Nicks on Broadway — Providence
A beloved Providence brunch institution with a dog-friendly outdoor area and locally-sourced cuisine.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Breweries
Proclamation Ale Company — Warwick
One of Rhode Island's most acclaimed craft breweries with a dog-friendly taproom and outdoor space.
Whalers Brewing Company — Wakefield
A beloved South County craft brewery with a large dog-friendly outdoor space and great nautical atmosphere.
Tilted Barn Brewery — Exeter
A beloved Rhode Island farm brewery with a beautiful dog-friendly outdoor space on a working farm.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
Cliff Walk — Newport
One of the great walks in all of America — a 3.5-mile National Recreation Trail along the Newport cliffs past the Gilded Age mansions. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Colt State Park — Bristol
A beautiful state park on Narragansett Bay with dog-friendly trails along the shoreline. One of the most beautiful state parks in New England.
Beavertail State Park — Jamestown
A stunning state park on the southern tip of Conanicut Island with dog-friendly trails along dramatic rocky coastline.
Arcadia Management Area — Exeter & Richmond
Rhode Island's largest management area with hundreds of miles of dog-friendly trails through forest and past ponds.
🗺️ Suggested Road Trip Route
Start in Providence → south to Bristol → east to Newport (Cliff Walk + Vanderbilt) → south to Narragansett & South County → west to Watch Hill. Rhode Island is small enough to cover thoroughly in 3–4 days.
🐶 Pro Tips
- Newport's Cliff Walk is one of the great dog walks in America — go early morning to avoid crowds.
- Rhode Island's beaches are significantly more dog-friendly in the off-season (September through May).
- Providence's restaurant scene is extraordinary for a city its size — make reservations well in advance.
- The Matunuck Oyster Bar is extremely popular — arrive early or expect a wait.
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in Rhode Island we should add? Drop it in the comments!
🐾 This is Part 20 of 25 in our Southeast Dog-Friendly Road Trip Series.
← Part 19: Connecticut | ↑ Back to the Series Hub | Part 21: Massachusetts →