Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun or it can be a nightmare. Because not everywhere you go will be dog-friendly, planning ahead is what usually makes the difference. If you’ll be planning a trip to “The Ocean State”, use this Rhode Island dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

6 Dog-Friendly Activities in Rhode Island

Because you can’t guarantee that everywhere you stop will be dog-friendly, it’s important to check out places ahead of time to make sure both you and your dog will be welcome. Consider adding some of these dog-friendly activities in Rhode Island to your trip itinerary:

1. Fort Adams State Park

Fort Adams State Park is a great stop if your travels bring you near Newport. Although it’s not a dog park, there are acres of open space, a 2-mile walking path, and a beach where your leashed dog is welcome to join you. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy beautiful views.

If history interests you, you can also stop by the visitors center and take a guided tour of the fort. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you on the tour as long as they remain leashed and are well-behaved.

2. Rustic Tri-View Drive-In

If your travels bring you near North Smithfield, consider setting aside some time for a movie. The Rustic Tri-View Drive-In is open every summer and has been operating since 1951.

Your leashed and well-behaved dog is welcome to join you; they just can’t go in the restrooms or the snack area.

In addition to the movies, there is a designated area where you can walk your dog. And, if your dog can handle dairy, the soft-serve ice cream shop offers a doggie sundae!

3. Newport Tour & Guide

If you really want to explore Newport with your dog, Newport Tour & Guide is a great option to consider. This company offers private driving tours for individuals as well as groups up to 5. It’s an informative and relaxing experience that gives you an intimate look at the city.

Plus, your dog is welcome to join you for the tour in one of the pet-friendly vehicles. On top of that, dog-friendly staff will watch your dog outside while you explore some of the indoor locations that do not allow pets. You can go with an existing tour or customize your own!

4. Books on the Square

If you love books and find yourself in Providence, consider spending some time in Books on the Square. This cozy shop offers a relaxing atmosphere and they sell new books as well as used books. And, your well-behaved, leashed dog is welcome to join you.

5. Antique Yacht Collection

If you and your dog like spending time on the water, the Antique Yacht Collection in Newport could be a great option for your trip. This private boat charter is available for up to 6 people and your dog is welcome aboard as well. You can choose two-hour trips, four-hour trips, or a full day trip to explore the waters in Newport.

6. Point Judith Lighthouse

If your travels bring you near Narragansett, consider stopping by Point Judith Lighthouse to stretch your legs. Although the lighthouse itself is closed to the public, there are plenty of trails around it that offer great ocean and coastline views as well as views of the lighthouse. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you.

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Rhode Island

After a day full of fun, you want to make sure you and your dog have somewhere to rest and relax. Not every hotel will be dog-friendly and those that do have dog-friendly rooms tend to fill up fast. So, it’s important to plan ahead and book your room early. Kickstart your research with some of these dog-friendly hotels in Rhode Island:

1. Beech Tree Inn & Cottage

If you need to stay overnight in Newport, considering booking a room at the Beech Tree Inn & Cottage. Dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $25 per dog and per night.

There is a grassy relief area on-site for your convenience. As long as they are quiet and well-behaved when you are not around, you can also leave your dog unattended in your room. You can even purchase a special pet package for them!

2. Providence Marriott Downtown

Should you need to stay overnight in Providence, consider making a reservation at the Providence Marriott Downtown. At this dog-friendly hotel, up to two dogs of any size are welcome to stay with you. There is an additional pet fee, which is $75 per stay.

There are multiple grassy relief areas on the property. Also, as long as your dog is well-behaved and quiet when you are not around, you can leave them unattended in your room; you just have to hang up the “Pet In Room” sign on the door as you leave.

3. Phil & Ann’s Sunset Motel

If you need somewhere to stay in Charlestown, take a closer look at Phil & Ann’s Sunset Motel. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you at this dog-friendly motel. There is an additional pet fee, which is $25 per dog and per night.

A grassy relief area is on the property for your convenience. Also, your dog can be left unattended in your room as long as they are crated, well-behaved, and quiet when you are not around.

3 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Rhode Island

You can always rely on the food you brought with you, fast food, and convenience stores. But, that can get boring. Plus, it means you miss out on the local flavor! Instead, consider stopping by one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Rhode Island if your travels bring you nearby:

1. The Deck Restaurant & Bar

The Deck Restaurant & Bar is located on Waites Wharf in Newport. It’s a great place for a variety of surf & turf meals along with fresh seafood and plenty of pasta choices. And, your dog is welcome to join you and enjoy the ocean breeze on the outdoor patio.

2. TwoTen Oyster Bar & Grill

If you find yourself in South Kingstown near a mealtime, consider grabbing some food at the TwoTen Oyster Bar & Grill. There are plenty of oyster dishes to choose from and plenty of other seafood options as well. Plus, it’s right by the water and the outdoor patio areas are dog-friendly.

3. DeWolf Tavern

Should you be in Bristol near a mealtime, think about stopping by DeWolf Tavern for a bite. This restaurant is located in a historically renovated stone warehouse and has multiple floors. The menu focuses on contemporary American cuisine and offers a little something for everyone.

Local favorites include fried green tomato lobster salad, classic lobster roll, salmon sandwich, stuffed Statler chicken breast, and more. Between the appetizer, entrees, sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts, everyone can find something to try on this menu. Plus, they have dog-friendly tables downstairs and upstairs.

Although this Rhode Island dog-friendly travel guide is a good place to start, it certainly doesn’t cover everything. If you find something else you want to do, just make sure your dog will be welcome too before it goes on your trip itinerary.

Headed somewhere else? Check out the other available dog-friendly travel guides. Here’s to safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails no matter where your adventures take you!