48 Hours in Warwick: Rhode Island's Coastal Gem Beyond Providence

Begin your Warwick adventure with a morning stroll through Conimicut Point Park, where the historic lighthouse stands sentinel over Narragansett Bay. I arrived just after sunrise to find local photographers already setting up tripods, capturing the golden light washing over the white lighthouse structure. The gentle lapping of waves against the sandy shore transported me back to childhood visits to Key Biscayne with my abuela.

After working up an appetite, head to Iggy's Boardwalk for their legendary clam cakes and chowder—a Rhode Island institution that locals fiercely defend. ¡Qué delicia! The creamy chowder bears little resemblance to the tomato-based varieties I've grown accustomed to in Marseille, but it's equally divine.

Spend your afternoon exploring Oakland Beach, a family-friendly stretch with calm waters perfect for wading. I recommend bringing a waterproof picnic blanket for lounging on the sand while watching the boats drift across the bay. The nearby Rocky Point State Park offers a glimpse into Warwick's past as a beloved amusement park—now transformed into waterfront walking trails dotted with historical placards that tell the story of its carnival heyday.

Rhode Island may be small, but its culinary traditions run deep—especially when it comes to seafood. For dinner on your first day, I recommend Iron Works in nearby Warwick Neck. Housed in a restored 1867 machine shop overlooking Greenwich Bay, the restaurant serves up local oysters that rival anything I've tasted along the Mediterranean coast.

For a truly authentic Rhode Island experience, time your visit to coincide with a traditional New England clambake. During my weekend stay, I joined a sunset clambake at Oakland Beach organized by a local fishermen's association. Steamed lobsters, clams, corn on the cob, and potatoes cooked over seaweed-covered rocks—it's a communal feast that connects you to centuries of coastal tradition.

Before heading back to your accommodation, stop for a nightcap at Bon Appetit, where the waterfront deck offers twinkling views of the bay. I found myself mesmerized by the distant lights of Providence while sipping their signature Rhode Island mudslide—a decadent blend that puts a local spin on the classic cocktail. For morning coffee the next day, skip the chains and visit Felicia's Coffee on West Shore Road, where I became addicted to their sea salt caramel latte served in the most charming insulated coffee mug I purchased there after my first visit.

Begin your second day embracing Warwick's maritime spirit with a morning kayak excursion. Kayak Centre in Wickford (just a short drive away) offers guided tours through the protected coves of Narragansett Bay. As someone who regularly paddles the calanques of Marseille, I was impressed by the ecological diversity—spotting ospreys, herons, and even harbor seals during our three-hour journey.

For the best experience on the water, I recommend wearing a quick-dry hat and applying reef-safe sunscreen. The Rhode Island sun reflecting off the water is deceptively strong, even on cloudy days.

After returning to shore, delve into Warwick's colonial history with a visit to Pawtuxet Village, America's oldest village founded in 1642. The Pawtuxet Rangers Armory Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Revolutionary War history—including the story of the 1772 burning of the British ship Gaspee, often called 'America's first blow for freedom.' As I wandered the narrow streets lined with colonial homes, I was reminded of similar historic villages I've visited in Provence, where time seems to have paused centuries ago.

Cap your Warwick weekend with a late afternoon visit to Goddard Memorial State Park, a 489-acre green space that perfectly balances manicured gardens with wild coastal woodland. The park's beach offers one of the most spectacular sunset views in all of Rhode Island, with the bay's waters turning golden as the sun dips behind the horizon.

Pack a simple picnic dinner from Lakeview Deli (their lobster rolls are simple perfection) and claim one of the picnic tables overlooking the water. I found myself thinking how much my daughter would love the park's equestrian trails—a reason to return with family in tow.

For comfortable lounging while watching the sunset colors transform the bay, I recommend bringing a portable camping chair. The park stays open until sunset, and the evening I visited, a local string quartet was performing classical music near the historic carousel building—an unexpected cultural touch that reminded me of summer evenings in the parks of Marseille.

Before leaving, take a moment to stroll through the park's formal gardens, where century-old specimen trees create a canopy over winding paths. The European-inspired design transported me back to the gardens of southern France, yet with distinctly New England plantings that celebrate the region's horticultural heritage.