Visiting Rose Island in Rhode Island

Looking for something unique to do in Newport, Rhode Island that’s off the beaten path? Look no further than Rose Island. This small island off the coast of Newport features a lighthouse, an old fort, and absolutely gorgeous views. This island is only accessible by boat. You can visit for the day or stay overnight.

A white lighthouse and adjacent buildings sit on the rocky shoreline of Rose Island, with a bridge in the background under a clear blue sky. — Rose Island Lighthouse. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Getting To Rose Island Lighthouse

When I visited Rose Island, it was with Save The Bay’s Seal and Lighthouse cruise. That’s the best way to get there if you’re going in the winter. In the warmer months, you’ll take the Jamestown-Newport Ferry to get to Rose Island. You can also get to the island via kayak or other small paddle or by sail craft.

A lighthouse stands on Rose Island, a small rocky isle with a large suspension bridge in the background over blue water under a clear sky. — Rose Island from the boat. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

What To See And Do On The Island

Rose Island in Rhode Island offers visitors a unique blend of history, nature, and tranquility. There’s something for everyone to enjoy out on the island.

A view of a rocky shoreline with a small beach, a docked boat, buildings, and an American flag, overlooking a calm body of water under a clear blue sky. — Views from the top of the lighthouse. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Tour Rose Island Lighthouse

On the island, you can take a guided tour of Rose Island Lighthouse. The lighthouse was constructed in 1869. On the tour, you will learn about the lightkeepers who lived there and the history of the lighthouse itself. You can climb all the way up to the top of the lighthouse.

A large Fresnel lens sits inside a lighthouse, with windows showing a view of the ocean and blue sky outside. — The lantern room in Rose Island Lighthouse. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Check Out Fort Hamilton

Fort Hamilton was constructed on the island between 1798 and 1801 as part of the United States’ First System of coastal fortifications. Designed by French military engineer Louis Tousard, the fort was intended to house 300 soldiers and mount 60 cannons. However, due to reduced federal military spending under President Thomas Jefferson, the fort was never completed and never became operational.

A long, weathered brick building with a shingled roof stands near leafless trees and tall grass, with a rusted metal frame in the foreground under a clear blue sky. — One of the old fort buildings on Rose Island. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Stay Over Night

There are multiple spots that you can stay overnight on the island. There are rooms available in the lighthouse, the foghorn room, and inside the Fort Hamilton barracks. If you stay overnight, transportation will be provided by Rose Island aboard their boat Rose. They have a two-night minimum if you’re looking to stay on the island. Rooms can be booked here.

A bed with a green quilt is positioned against a brick wall, above which hangs a “BILL OF RIGHTS” sign, flanked by framed ship artwork on either side. — The Foghorn Room on Rose Island. Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Bird Watching

The island is a great spot for bird watching. Since the island is very underdeveloped, it’s a haven for wildlife. Some birds you can see out on the island are great egrets, snowy egrets, herons, ibis, and oystercatchers. The wildlife refuge trails are closed from March 1st to August 15th due to nesting bird season. After August 15th, the entire wildlife refuge and island perimeter are accessible.

is Rose Island Worth Visiting?

I think it is! If you’re interested in history and lighthouses, it’s definitely a super cool spot to check out. The docent on the island is super knowledgeable and happy to answer any of the questions you might have about the island’s history.

Even if you’re not super into history, I think it’s still worth a visit. There are some seriously stunning views on the island of the bay and of the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge. It’s also a great spot to enjoy nature because a large portion of the island is a wildlife reserve. It’s a nice spot to go out to for a couple hours and then you can go back into the hustle and bustle of Newport after.

A long suspension bridge spans across a wide body of water under a clear blue sky, with a rocky shoreline visible in the foreground.

While I haven’t stayed out on the island, it’s definitely a unique spot to stay. I did get to see the various rooms available on the tour. I’ve thought about staying out on the island, but haven’t booked the trip yet. It’s a great spot for a quiet escape where you can enjoy remote island life.

Looking for more islands to visit in Rhode Island?

10 Comments

RI is one of the few states in the Northeast I haven’t been to yet. What a fun spot to go! Plus, I’ve never toured a lighthouse before, and that looks super cool!