Things To Do
in Barrington
Barrington, Rhode Island is an affluent coastal New England town on the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay known for its leafy streets, well-preserved colonial and Victorian homes, and a quiet small-town vibe. It has easy access to beaches, salt marshes, and the East Bay Bike Path, making it popular with outdoor enthusiasts and families. The town center offers a handful of cafés, shops, and community events, while Providence and Newport are a short drive away for dining, culture, and nightlife.
Barrington balances suburban comfort with coastal scenery and serves as a convenient base for exploring the East Bay region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike at the Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve. This stunning natural area offers winding trails, pristine wetlands, and a rich diversity of wildlife, making it perfect for bird watching and a peaceful stroll. Grab a coffee at a local cafe afterward to enjoy with the morning sun.
After a hearty lunch at a local bistro, head to the Barrington Area Library to attend an engaging workshop or event, often showcasing local talent or skills. Alternatively, visit the Barrington Village Art Gallery to appreciate the artistic expressions from community members. Wind down your afternoon exploring the quaint shops in the downtown area, where you can find unique gifts and artisanal foods.
For dinner, indulge in a culinary experience at one of Barrington's upscale restaurants that pride themselves on farm-to-table offerings. Afterward, catch a live performance at the Barrington Cultural Arts Center, where local artists bring a variety of shows to life. End your evening with a relaxing stroll along the Barrington River, basking in the tranquil ambiance of the outdoor environment.
Begin your morning with a visit to the Barrington Historical Society Museum, where you can dive into the rich local history through exhibits and artifacts. Engage with friendly staff who can share fascinating stories about Barrington's past. Afterward, enjoy a breakfast at a nearby diner known for its hearty dishes.
Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Barrington Depot, a charming train station that encapsulates the town's vintage spirit. Take a guided tour to learn about its significance and the development of the surrounding areas. Conclude your outdoor adventures with a leisurely visit to the nearby Rubloff Nature Trail, perfect for walking or cycling.
As evening falls, enjoy outdoor dining at a restaurant that overlooks the Fairgrounds Park. Experience delightful dishes accompanied by a view of the sunset. Keep an eye out for seasonal events like movie nights in the park, where you can bask in community vibes under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚗Gas (per gallon) | $3.00-4.00 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-220 |
| 🚌Local bus fare (RIPTA) | $2.00-2.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic coastal location with easy access to beaches and bike trails
- Quiet, safe, family-friendly community with historic charm
- Close proximity to Providence and Newport for more extensive dining and cultural options
- Limited nightlife and dining options within town itself
- Can be expensive (housing, dining) relative to national averages
- Some beaches and amenities may be resident-only or require permits
Places to Visit in Barrington
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunrise and sunset shots over Narragansett Bay, sandy shoreline, and pier views—great for golden-hour photography.
Long waterfront stretches with views of the bay, bridges, and marshes; perfect for wide-angle landscape and cycling-action photos.
Salt marshes and tidal creeks with rich birdlife—excellent for wildlife, reflections, and serene nature compositions.
Sweeping lawns, rocky coastline, and dramatic cloudscapes—excellent for panoramic shots and family portraits.
Quaint colonial and Victorian homes, mature trees, and picket fences for classic New England streetscape photography.
Food in Barrington
Barrington Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy, potato-based chowder with clams — ubiquitous at seafood restaurants and clam shacks in the area.
Must-Try!
Local Rhode Island specialty: large clams stuffed with seasoned breadcrumbs, chouriço or bacon, and herbs; available at seafood counters and casual seafood restaurants.
Fried dumpling-like fritters with bits of clam in the batter — often served with chowder or as a seaside snack.
Coffee milk (sweetened coffee syrup with milk) is Rhode Island’s unofficial drink; Del’s frozen lemonade is a seasonal, iconic frozen treat found at stands around the state.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market (spring–fall) with local produce, baked goods, artisanal foods, and occasional prepared-food vendors—great for picnic supplies.
Small waterfront or roadside seafood stands near Barrington and neighboring towns offering fried seafood, clam cakes, and takeout chowder.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Many coastal access points and beaches are town- or resident-restricted—observe signage, park only in designated areas, and respect private docks and yards.
New Englanders value politeness and courteous behavior; say please and thank you, and be on time for reservations or events.
Barrington is residential and family-oriented—keep noise reasonable in the evenings, follow leash laws, and clean up after pets.
Tide and marsh ecosystems are sensitive; stick to paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and carry out trash.
Safety
Tipping in Barrington
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% of pre-tax bill for good service; bartenders typically receive $1–2 per drink or 15–20% on tabs. Tip taxi or rideshare drivers 10–15% and give a few dollars to hotel porters and housekeeping if desired.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple/Google Pay) are common. Carry a small amount of cash for farmers’ markets, small vendors, or tips, but many places are card-friendly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot weather with busy beaches, abundant outdoor events, and the best time for swimming, boating, and bike-path outings. Expect crowds on warm weekends and arrive early for parking at popular spots.
Crisp air and colorful foliage—excellent for photography, quieter trails, and harvest-season farmers’ markets; temperatures are comfortable for hiking and biking.
Cold, snowy conditions are possible; some outdoor attractions are quieter and off-season hours may apply. Bring warm layers and be prepared for icy roads if driving.
Variable weather with cool, rainy stretches and rapid blooming—ideal for birdwatching and early-season bike rides but pack a rain jacket and layers.
Barrington at Night
Hiking in Barrington
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Tidal marsh trails and boardwalks offering easy, flat walks and excellent birdwatching close to Barrington.
Paved, multi-use rail-trail with long stretches along the bay—ideal for walking, running, and cycling rather than steep hiking.
Large waterfront park with walking paths, picnic areas, and coastal views—good for gentle hikes and nature walks.
A little farther away on Aquidneck Island, this National Wildlife Refuge has rocky coastline trails, headland views, and great birdwatching in migration seasons.
Airports
How to reach Barrington by plane.
Located in Warwick, about 20–30 minutes by car from Barrington depending on traffic; the most convenient commercial airport for domestic flights and car rentals.
Boston’s airport, roughly 45–60 minutes to 1.5 hours away by car depending on traffic and route; offers many international and domestic flights and is accessible by car or shuttle services.
Smaller airport serving general aviation near Newport; useful for private flights and some charters, about 30–45 minutes away by car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many households are family-oriented with higher-than-average household incomes, good schools, and active community organizations.
A noticeable segment of older residents and retirees who enjoy the town’s quiet, coastal lifestyle.
Professionals who commute to Providence or other nearby employment centers for work.
Summer visitors and day-trippers who come for beaches, boating, and regional events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Sailing, yachting, and recreational boating on Narragansett Bay are major pastimes and seasonal hubs of activity.
Rowing and sculling are popular in nearby Providence and on bay waters, with clubs and scholastic programs.
Youth and high-school athletics (football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball) are community focal points with active local participation and support.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Barrington.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafés and mid-range restaurants offer vegetarian salads, grain bowls, and pasta; selection improves in Providence. Inform servers and you can usually get vegetable-forward plates or seafood-free versions of classics.
Vegan options exist but are more limited in Barrington itself—look for vegan-friendly cafés or head to Providence for more choices. Many markets sell plant-based snacks and non-dairy milks.
Gluten-free menus are commonly available at sit-down restaurants; bakeries with gluten-free items are less common but local markets sometimes carry packaged options.
Seafood is prominent; if you have shellfish or fish allergies, tell staff clearly and opt for land-based dishes. Most restaurants are familiar with allergy requests but always confirm cross-contact concerns.