Why Rhode Island Is the Quintessential Summer Vacation Spot

When it comes to beaches, it’s hard to beat the variety of those in Rhode Island. Despite its tiny size, the state is home to 40 miles of coastline that offer something for every kind of beach lover: big surf, small surf, peace and quiet, water slides and cotton candy, celebrity cachet, and all the “biggest little state in the union” summer food staples (clam cakes, stuffies, doughboys, Del’s) you and the overstuffed seagulls trailing you could eat. To do it like a local, bring a beach chair, a cooler of Narragansett Lagers and tons of SPF. You won’t get much in the way of shade—unless, of course, you make fun of the accents.