Bay Communities and Coastal Streets
Rhode IslandRhode Island brings Narragansett Bay, ocean beaches, inland villages, and compact cities into a small area. Providence is the capital and largest city; Newport is known for its waterfront and historic architecture. Towns around the bay and in the Blackstone Valley offer their own local history, food, and places to explore.
Rhode Island at a Glance
County Guides in Rhode Island
Choose a county to explore local information, resources and the businesses listed for that area.

Counties of Rhode Island

Get to know the cities, towns and landscapes of Rhode Island. Browse the photographs and official resources on this page for places to explore and practical information.
See More of Rhode Island
Bristol CountyBristol County belongs to the five historic county areas used for geography and public records in Rhode Island. Unlike counties in many other states,…
Kent CountyKent County belongs to the five historic county areas used for geography and public records in Rhode Island. Unlike counties in many other states,…
Newport CountyNewport County belongs to the five historic county areas used for geography and public records in Rhode Island. Unlike counties in many other states,…
Providence CountyProvidence County belongs to the five historic county areas used for geography and public records in Rhode Island. Unlike counties in many other states,…
America
Local communities make a national story tangible. Across Rhode Island, libraries, schools, businesses, public spaces, and volunteer groups give neighbors places to meet, learn, work, and contribute. Exploring a community means listening to its people and understanding both its achievements and its challenges.
Places, People and Stories
Freedom to Build
Freedom gives people room to create businesses, raise families, serve their communities, and pursue a future they choose.
Community Makes Us Stronger
Strong communities grow when neighbors participate, local institutions serve well, and people invest time and care close to home.
Opportunity Within Reach
Education, work, entrepreneurship, and community connections can open practical paths for people to build more secure and meaningful lives.
Building Tomorrow Together
A shared future grows from responsible choices today—supporting families, strengthening communities, preserving local heritage, and creating room for new ideas.
Rhode Island Headlines
Latest reporting from Rhode Island Current. Coverage may include state and national stories.
Voters sail through a mostly smooth Election Day, despite fears of federal interference
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Read the full storyAround Rhode Island Headlines
Stories from every corner of Rhode Island Headlines.
Voters sail through a mostly smooth Election Day, despite fears of federal interference
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Nov 3, 2026 • 2 min read
No drama, lots of voters as Election Day kicks off in Rhode Island
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Nov 3, 2026 • 2 min read
Caring for aging parents is getting more expensive
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Nov 3, 2026 • 2 min read
US Supreme Court rejects Trump DOJ’s attempt to freeze California vote counting
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Nov 2, 2026 • 2 min read
30 federal observers expected in Pawtucket for Election Day
Read the full report at the linked publisher. Scenic image shown for illustration.
Nov 2, 2026 • 2 min readThe Spirit and Symbols of Rhode Island
Symbols that represent Rhode Island
Ocean State
Ocean State is a widely used name for Rhode Island.
Hope
Hope is the state motto.
Rhode Island Red
Rhode Island Red is the state bird of Rhode Island.
Violet
Violet is the state flower of Rhode Island.
Red maple
Red maple represents Rhode Island among its official tree symbols.
Harbor seal
The harbor seal is Rhode Island’s official state marine mammal.
A State with Many Stories
Bay Communities, Coastal Places, and Historic Streets. Explore the communities, public lands, and local traditions that give Rhode Island its own sense of place.
RHODE ISLAND
Ocean StateExplore Rhode Island through photographs, state facts and useful public resources.
























Rhode Island Resources
Explore Rhode Island through photographs, state facts and useful public resources.
Government
Find state agencies, public contacts, and local government information.
Schools
Find public education information, school contacts, and family resources.
Health Services
Find public health programs and information about health services.
Public Safety
Find public safety agencies and non-emergency contacts.
Emergency Preparedness
Find preparedness guidance and official emergency information.
State Parks
Find parks, visitor information, and recreation planning resources.
Trails and Public Lands
Find public lands, visitor maps, and current access information.
Utilities
Find the agency responsible for utility regulation or consumer assistance; contact your provider for local service and outages.
Libraries
Find library services, local collections, and public learning resources.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Find the correct agency for licensing, registration, and appointments.
Transportation
Find transportation agencies, road information, and travel updates.
Postal Services
Find post offices, mailing services, and ZIP Code information.
Veterans
Find veteran services and official benefits information.
Employment
Find workforce services, job-search resources, and training information.
Browse official links for public services, parks and visitor information.
Questions About Rhode Island
Answers and links for residents and travelers.
Providence is the state capital. Providence is the largest city.
Rhode Island has 5 geographic counties. Many local services in Rhode Island are provided by cities and towns.
Jerimoth Hill — 812 ft.
The official tourism guide provides destinations and trip-planning information.
Use the National Park Service’s Rhode Island directory and the parks resources above. Check current access and conditions with the managing agency.
Start with the official government directory and choose the agency for the service you need.
Consult Division of Motor Vehicles to find the correct service and current requirements.
See Emergency Management Agency for the relevant state resources, and use the National Weather Service for forecasts and alerts.
Use U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for official service and benefits information.
The population shown is the 2025 Census estimate, sourced through the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis FRED table. Land and water figures use 2025 Census geography.
Start with a region. Explore its towns.
My Local Guide
