BringFido's Ruff Guide to Rhode Island

Posted by Jason Halliburton

Thinking of bringing your Beagle on a trip to Rhode Island? If so, he’s one lucky dog. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the dog-friendliest things to do in The Ocean State, as well as the rest of the country. And we've assembled it all in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code OCEAN.

For a preview of the book, here are a few of our editors' top picks for dog-friendly things to do in Rhode Island.

Tour Block Island

Narragansett, RI
“Rhode Island marks the spot.” Photo by iStock/YasmineV

Get away from the mainland for a day or two and visit Block Island with your pooch. Hop on the Block Island Ferry for a 55-minute ride from Point Judith to the scenic island. After docking, make your way to the Mohegan Bluffs, a strip of secluded beach sandwiched between impressive clay cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. You can walk the 4-mile roundtrip distance by foot, or rent a bike and trailer from Beach Rose Bicycles. If you want to get there quickly, hail a taxi (both McAloon’s Taxi and Block Island Taxi and Tours are dog friendly). After enjoying your time at the beach, stroll around the Southeast Lighthouse before taking a leisurely walk back to Old Harbor, or head in the opposite direction to complete a 13-mile bike ride around the island.

Nestled on pristine Crescent Beach, The Blue Dory Inn offers close proximity to the ferry, charming Victorian-style guest rooms, and fresh-baked cookies served daily. Pet-friendly accommodations feature porches with stunning ocean views. After a good night’s sleep, take Fido for a morning walk on the beach. Dogs can run free on the north and south beaches of Block Island but should remain leashed on the eastern shore.

Take the High Road

Newport, RI
“I’m high on life!” Photo by princethepomchiii

Visitors to pet-friendly Newport will want to include a stroll along the majestic Cliff Walk on their itinerary. This 3.5-mile oceanfront pathway is a designated National Recreation Trail that stretches from Easton’s Beach (just south of Memorial Boulevard) to Bailey’s Beach at the south end of Bellevue Avenue. The trek will offer you and your pup some of New England’s most breathtaking views and a peek into the backyards of stately mansions constructed during the country’s Gilded Age. Most of the path is paved, but navigation over a rocky shoreline is required to reach the trail’s end. Cliff Walk is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and dogs must remain leashed. For a view of Newport from the sea, set sail with Fido on a private boat charter with Antique Yacht Collection. Take a morning mimosa cruise, an evening sunset sail, or a half- or full-day charter.

Just a few blocks from Bowen’s Wharf in Newport’s Historic Hill neighborhood, you’ll find Paws on Pelham, an inn created specifically with pets in mind. All 13 rooms welcome four-legged guests, feature dog decor, and include a whimsical dog bed just for Fido. He’ll also receive bowls, a pet mat, and treats at check-in. A delicious grab-and-go human breakfast is provided each morning.

Spend a Historic Night in Providence

Providence, RI
“Of course I can be trusted to look after the popcorn.” Photo by @itclicksphoto

Take a step back in time on a trip to Rhode Island’s capital city of Providence. Fans of big-screen nostalgia can enjoy a retro night at the state’s only operational drive-in movie theater, Rustic Tri View Drive In. First opened in 1951, it has entertained audiences ever since. Before the opening credits roll, head to the concessions stand and ask for a Doggy Sundae, an ice cream topped with delicious dog treats. If scary movies aren’t real enough for your tough pup, discover the spooky history of one of the oldest towns in the U.S. on a Providence Ghost Tour. This lantern-lit walk around the darkened streets of the historic East Side is an insightful and frightful way of seeing the sights. Continue the walk down memory lane at Union Station Brewery for a pint together in the town’s once-bustling train station.

Constructed in 1922 as the Providence Biltmore, the Graduate Providence offers you and your pooch the chance to spend the night in a historical setting full of old-school charm.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Photo by Linda Segerfeldt


If this Ruff Guide to Rhode Island preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our new book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use discount code OCEAN to save 50% on your copy. Happy Travels!

Have you visited Rhode Island with your dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by iStock/DACowley.