Are you looking for date ideas Rhode Island tourists can use to make some unforgettable romantic moments? From the gilded mansions of Newport to the amazing cuisine of Providence, the Ocean State offers so many options for your next date night.
We know it can feel like the pressure is on when planning a weekend getaway or romantic evening. This list of fun date ideas in Rhode Island makes putting together an itinerary for two a breeze.
A tour we think you'll love
1) Plan A Perfect Date Night On The Water With A Providence Boat Tour
Perfect for a date during the warmer months, a boat tour on the beautiful Providence River is the ultimate way to bond, unwind, and enjoy a very posh New England experience. From aboard one of Providence River Boat Company’s comfortable touring vessels, you and your sweetheart will enjoy views of the city’s iconic skyline and notable landmarks.
Our guests can enjoy private charters or hop on one of our regular tours. While we offer 13 exciting options in total, these options are our favorite picks for couples:
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Twilight River Cruises – Experience the drama and romance of scenic cityscapes bathed in fading sunlight as the sun goes down over Providence. This experience comes with complimentary wine from Rhode Island’s own Gooseneck Vineyards.
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Wine & Brine Coastal Cruise – Feast on freshly shucked local oysters and wine from Gooseneck Vineyards as you enjoy scenic waterway views.
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WaterFire® Boat Rides – Enjoy unparalleled views of fires stoking on the surface of the glistening water from our open-air vessel.
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Private Charter – Create your own itinerary as you enjoy unmatched views of Providence.
Providence River Boat Company has been the premier provider of Providence cruises for more than 34 years. Our expert captains, guides, and crew members ensure that every detail creates a safe, memorable experience for our guests. Make your upcoming date night in Rhode Island one you’ll never forget. Book a spot for two with Providence River Boat Company!
2) Visit The Providence Performing Arts Center For A Show
Looking for Providence date ideas for someone who loves comedy, live music, or a Broadway play? The marquee at the Providence Performing Arts Center surely has something perfect. A beacon for art, culture, and history in New England since first opening its doors as the Loew’s Theatre Building in 1928, the building is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
The atmosphere is electric, and the performances are top-notch, making it a perfect spot for a memorable date night. Plus, the center often hosts special events and community programs, so there’s always something new to discover.
Pro Tip: You can check out the arts center lineup for the current season here. Enjoy a pre-show dinner at one of the nearby restaurants to make your evening even more special!
3) Book A Session For Two At A Rhode Island Spa
Providence, Newport, and surrounding towns have some of New England’s best spas! The area is known for its incredible steam rooms offering the healing and rejuvenating benefits of hydrotherapy.
Here’s a rundown of some of our favorite Rhode Island spas:
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The Bodhi Spa – With locations in both Providence and Newport, the Bodhi Spa is a great place to be pampered in an aromatherapy steam room.
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Spa Fjör – This Newport spa offers chances to unwind with a Himalayan sea salt wall and infrared sauna.
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Island Wellness – This adorable spa in Middletown, Rhode Island offers salt cave halotherapy, cryo facials, hydromassage, and much more.
Fun Fact: While hydrotherapy is a trend that’s catching on, historians actually believe that the practice was used by ancient Egyptians royals.
4) Prepare For A Date Night By Exploring Beautiful Beaches During The Day
Rhode Island boasts 400 magnificent miles of coastline for visitors to enjoy! No list of date night ideas Rhode Island visitors can enjoy is complete without suggesting a sunset walk on the beach.
Here’s a look at our favorite Rhode Island beaches to explore:
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East Beach (Watch Hill) – This 3-mile barrier beach separating Ninigret Pond from the sea is a relatively raw and undeveloped beach compared to others.
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Misquamicut State Beach (Westerly) – A favorite of Rhode Islanders, this popular state beach offers a lively beachfront with playground, concessions, showers, gazebos, and some green space for picnics.
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Gooseberry Beach (Newport) – Located off Ocean Drive in Newport, this white-sand beach is situated in a quiet, peaceful cove with tame tides.
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Mohegan Bluffs (Block Island) – Looking for day trips? It’s worth heading to nearby Block Island just to enjoy Mohegan Bluffs. Marvel at 150-foot clay cliffs offering remarkable Atlantic views. To reach the base of the beach, trot down 141 wooden steps!
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Narragansett Town Beach (Narragansett) – Fall in love with a classic New England beachfront with lapping saltwater waves at this clean, gorgeous beach. This long, flat beach is ideal for shoreline strolls.
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Easton’s Beach (Newport) – Found at the starting point of Cliff Walk, this gorgeous beach with Atlantic-facing surf puts you near downtown Newport and Newport Harbor.
Good To Know: Rhode Island beaches are open daily with full amenities from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
5) Explore The Incredible Restaurants Of Providence On A Date Night
No list of date ideas is complete without considering dinner! Luckily, Providence is one of the true culinary capitals of the country. Restaurants here offer exceptional fresh-caught seafood and wines from local vineyards.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or looking forward to stopping for coffee at a quaint bakery, spend a little time at these local eateries and bars for amazing food and drinks:
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Hemenway’s Restaurant – Enjoy a romantic, upscale dining experience while nibbling on seafood casserole, whole lobster, and clam chowder. This highly rated Providence restaurant has been a staple on the city’s food scene for nearly four decades.
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Massimo Restaurant – This Federal Hill favorite offers a seasonal Italian menu. Its cozy atmosphere and expertly crafted dishes make it a perfect spot for an intimate and memorable date night experience.
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The District – If staying the night, make a brunch reservation here for the next day to enjoy an amazing guava Moscow mule mocktail, chicken and cinnamon waffles, grits with pulled pork, salmon Benedict, and many more delicious options.
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Clementine Cocktail Bar – Considered one of the best bars in Providence, Clementine is the place to get a French martini, Brown Derby, or other classic cocktail to end your night.
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Little City Coffee & Kitchen – Perfect for when you want to snag caffeine and a quick nibble, Little City offers artisan coffee and bakery goods.
Fun Fact: The “stuffies” that you’re sure to see on the menus in Providence are stuffed clams made with chopped clams, breading, and spices.
Fun Date Ideas Your Special Someone Will Love – Plan A Night On The Water You’ll Never Forget
Once you discover Providence River Boat Company’s incredible lineup of tours, the pressure of planning the perfect date night is off your shoulders. Whether you’d like to get an early start to the day on the water or plan a date night that includes a sunset or after-dark cruise, our versatile itineraries will provide you with an unforgettable experience. No visit to Rhode Island is complete without a boat tour!
Our professionalism and elegance are second to none. Let us give you the white-glove treatment that sweeps your sweetheart off their feet for a night. We can even suggest some date ideas if you’re booking a custom charter one night. Book your excursion with Providence River Boat Company today!
