Rhode Island's Most Peaceful Island Is A Haven Of Serene Sands, Uncrowded Beaches, And Wildlife

If you're looking for a tranquil escape on the East Coast, plan a visit to Prudence Island, a 7-mile-long sanctuary that doubles as a quiet retreat for weary travelers and wildlife all year round. Located off Rhode Island's mainland, Prudence Island makes up one of several smaller islands that quietly float in Narragansett Bay (not to be confused with the beach town of Narragansett). Originally called "Chibachuwesett" by the Indigenous peoples who occupied it until the 1600s, Prudence Island is now home to only 200 permanent residents, making it one of Rhode Island's most calming, untamed, and primitive destinations.

This peaceful island is known for its soft, sandy beaches that are virtually empty and its abundant wildlife — including various species of migratory birds, white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, and Eastern red foxes — that thrive in the salt marshes, forests, and grassy meadows under the careful protection of the Narragansett Bay Research Reserve.

After docking at Homestead, take a hike along one of the island's more than 13 miles of trails. Popular hikes include Providence Point Trail, a moderate 4-mile, in-and-out route that takes visitors to the island's north end, with breathtaking views at Providence Point on the tip of the coast. Or, bring your bike (a round-trip ferry ticket for a bike costs $2.20, as of this writing) and cycle your way around using the paved roads on the southern end of the island. With so few motorists, it's quite safe to canvas Prudence Island on foot or wheels, and you'll enjoy the spectacular views of the beaches, birds, and wild, natural scenery.

As you explore, expect to observe wildlife. The south end of Prudence Island is a year-round birding hotspot (one of many birding destinations in the U.S.), especially for different species of warblers, orioles, and falcons. The western side of the island, known for its salt marshes, is a great place to spot a snowy egret, little blue heron, glossy ibis, or common loon. Beyond birds, Prudence Island is home to small, furry mammals, too, including mink, the Eastern cottontail rabbit, and white-footed mice. If you're around between September and May, chances are you'll also see a cute brown, white, or gray mammal giving you a whiskered smile: the harbor seal.

Prudence Island is only accessible by boat, so your best bet is to purchase tickets for the ferry, which departs from the all-American bayside town of Bristol, in advance through Prudence & Bay Islands Transport. The ferry leaves at various times throughout the day, and the 30-minute ride is a leisurely way to kick-start a relaxing day trip, long weekend, or week-long vacation. Depending on the length of your stay, you may also want to ferry your car over, which starts at $31 for a one-way ticket.

Speaking of longer stays, about 70% of Prudence Island is considered part of the Estuarine Reserve and is protected and maintained by conservation groups. This means there are zero restaurants or bars on the island, which contributes to its charm. However, there is a tiny general store in Homestead and one public restroom at the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve headquarters. If you're staying overnight, plan to bring your own groceries to prepare at your accommodation, including meals, snacks, and beverages.