Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country and one of the most rewarding autumn destinations in New England. Do not let its size fool you: Rhode Island’s fall travel credentials are genuine and distinct. Newport, the crown jewel of the Rhode Island coast, is one of the most beautiful towns in all of New England at any time of year, but autumn brings a particular magic to its Gilded Age mansions, its cliff walk above the churning Atlantic, and its harbor lined with sailboats and historic wooden architecture. The fall foliage here is not the overwhelming wall-to-wall color of Vermont or New Hampshire, but it is elegant and deeply satisfying, especially when the turning trees frame Newport’s Colonial and Victorian streetscapes. Providence, the state’s capital, is a genuinely underrated fall destination: a compact, walkable city with exceptional restaurants, a vibrant arts scene rooted in the Rhode Island School of Design, and a WaterFire installation that lights the rivers of the city with floating bonfires on select autumn evenings. The South County coast and Block Island add further variety for travelers looking to combine fall foliage with fresh seafood and shoreline walks. Our Rhode Island fall guides cover Newport, Providence, the coast, the best bed and breakfasts, and everything you need to plan a perfect autumn visit to the Ocean State.