Planning a coastal escape? This 3 Day Rhode Island Itinerary covers our long weekend in Providence and Newport — filled with scenic stops, budget-friendly eats, and must-do activities. Rhode Island is a perfect long-weekend destination. Over the July 4th weekend, we spent three days exploring Providence and Newport for just under $2,000 total for two people. While we splurged on a few memorable experiences, this trip can absolutely be done for even less.
Here’s how we spent our time and money — and how you can recreate the experience on a budget.
Travel Details
Flight: We flew JetBlue direct from Orlando to Providence. Roundtrip tickets were around $300 each, but we used flight credits, so the out-of-pocket cost was $0.
Tip: Flying into Providence (PVD) is usually cheaper and more convenient than Boston if you’re staying in Rhode Island.
Lounge Access: Our Amex Platinum cards got us into the airport lounge in Orlando, where we had complimentary drinks and food before boarding.
Car Rental: We rented through National Car Rental using the Emerald Club to skip the counter. It was $78/day for three days.
Tip: If you’re only staying in Providence, you can skip the rental car and rely on rideshare or Amtrak between cities.
Day 1: Friday – Arrival & Evening in Providence
Hotel: We stayed at The Graduate Providence. It’s centrally located downtown, walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the WaterFire area. It cost $272/night, but the location and comfort made it worth it.
Tip: Look at hotels just outside downtown or boutique inns for better rates. Booking early helps during holiday weekends.
Dinner: Palo Tapas Bar – A cozy spot with delicious share plates. We spent around $100 for two.
Drinks afterward at The Red Door, followed by cocktails at Loma, a speakeasy on Federal Hill with a great vibe and unique drinks.
Total Day 1 Spend (for 2):
Hotel: $272
Dinner + Drinks: ~$140
Car (1 day): $78
Subtotal: ~$490
Day 2: Saturday – Newport Day Trip
We drove to Newport early Saturday morning — just over 40 minutes from Providence — and spent the day exploring.
Morning: Walked the Newport Cliff Walk (free!) for stunning views of the coastline and historic mansions.
Mansion Tours: We chose the Breakers + Pick 2 combo for $57/person, giving us access to several properties for one bundled price.
Lunch at Castle Hill Inn: Lawn Terrace A splurge-worthy experience with gorgeous ocean views. We spent $212 for two, including drinks.
Tip: Book ahead and consider going for lunch or drinks instead of dinner to save.
Afternoon Snacks: Wally’s Wieners – Gourmet hot dogs and milkshakes, about $30 total.
Sunset Sail: We booked the Public Champagne Sunset Sail through Sightsailing of Newport – $60/person, which included complimentary drinks. We brought our own bottle of wine, which the crew happily opened and poured for us.
Tip: You can bring your own snacks and wine, just be prepared to keep them on your lap.
Dinner: Giusto – Trendy, high-end Italian. We spent around $120.
Total Day 2 Spend (for 2):
Mansions: $114
Lunch: $212
Hot dogs/snacks: $30
Sail: $120
Dinner: $120
Car (1 day): $78
Subtotal: ~$674
Day 3: Sunday – Exploring Providence
Breakfast: We went to The Brown Bee Cafe for coffee and breakfast.
Morning Activities:
- Walked the Brown University campus (free).
-
Visited the RISD Museum, which is free on Sundays.
-
Explored Fox Point, an artsy neighborhood with boutiques and cafes.
Lunch: Pizza Marvin – $30 for pizza and drinks.
-
Grabbed a Del’s Frozen Lemonade and checked out the local flea market near Trader Joe’s.
Total Day 3 Spend (for 2):
Coffee + breakfast: ~$25
Lunch: ~$30
Frozen Lemonade: $8
Car (1 day): $78
Subtotal: ~$141
3 Day Rhode Island Itinerary Final Cost
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | $0 (credits) |
| Hotel (2 nights) | $544 |
| Car Rental | $234 (3 days) |
| Food + Drink | ~$785 |
| Activities | ~$291 |
| Total | ~$1,992 |
How to Do It for Less
You can enjoy a similar Providence and Newport weekend for $800–$1,200, depending on how you handle flights and accommodations. Here’s how to cut costs without sacrificing the experience:
-
Flights: Use points or flight credits if possible. If paying, expect ~$250–$350 per person roundtrip.
Estimated cost for two: $0–$700 -
Hotel: Book early and look for local inns, Airbnbs, or hotels in areas like Cranston or Pawtucket (~$140–$180/night).
Estimated cost: $280–$360 for two nights -
Transportation: Skip the rental car and use Uber or Amtrak to Newport (~$80–$100 roundtrip).
Estimated cost: ~$100 total -
Food: Choose casual local spots, grab-and-go lunches, or split entrees. Skip high-end meals and plan at least one picnic.
Estimated cost: $250–$300 -
Activities: Focus on free experiences (Cliff Walk, RISD Museum, Brown campus). Choose one mansion tour ($25) and a daytime sail instead of champagne sunset ($35).
Estimated cost: $75–$100
Sample Total for 2 People:
With points/credits for flights: ~$800–$900
Paying for flights: ~$1,100–$1,200
Rhode Island delivered the perfect mix of city culture and coastal charm. Whether you’re splurging on iconic experiences or traveling on a tight budget, Providence and Newport offer plenty of ways to make the most of a long weekend.
Get Your 3 Day Rhode Island Itinerary
Xoxo, Nikki
