Barrington, RI

Travel Guide

A marina with multiple sailboats docked in calm waters.
A calm harbor with boats docked, a wooden pier, and a house on a hill.
A marina with numerous sailboats docked.
A series of tall, white columns with decorative tops and black street lamps against a clear blue sky.
A clear blue sky with multiple power lines and birds perched on them.

Enjoy outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating and biking or spend the day on the beach at this scenic waterfront town.

The water is never far from view in the small, suburban town of Barrington, with Narragansett Bay to the west, Palmer River to the east and the Barrington River running down its center, effectively splitting it in two. Enjoy the abundant water by trying sailing, fishing and waterskiing.

Trace Barrington’s origins back to the 17th-century arrival of Plymouth settlers, who founded a settlement in the region. Though once part of Warren to the east, Barrington was separated and incorporated in 1717.

Bring a swimsuit and paddle around Barrington Town Beach, a spacious sandy stretch on the Narragansett Bay shoreline. The beach is equipped with restrooms, showers and picnic tables, as well as lifeguards on duty during the summer. Note that parking is available only for residents of Barrington.

For more outdoor fun, rent a bike and cycle along the East Bay Bike Path, which extends for more than 14 miles (23 kilometers) along the coastline from India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol. The route passes through Barrington’s Haines Memorial State Park, a 100-acre (40-hectare) park featuring grassy patches, a farmers market, a kayak launch spot, a picnic area and jogging and walking paths.

Enjoy some of the other popular green hangouts in town including Tall Cedars, a wooded wetland conservation area, and Veterans Memorial Park, which features trails and ponds.

For travelers with a car, several other area attractions are easy daytrips from Barrington. Drive for just over 20 minutes to take a guided tour of the Lizzie BordenBed and BreakfastMuseum. Here you’ll find out more about the infamous 1892 axe murders. Closer still are the Colt State Park with picturesque waterfront paths and ocean views, and the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art.

Find Barrington in east Rhode Island, near the boundary with Massachusetts. The best way to get around is by car or bike. Buses run within the town.

Omni Providence Hotel

Omni Providence Hotel

4 out of 5
1 W Exchange St Providence RI
$167 nightly
The price is $194 total per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30
$194 total
Oct 29 - Oct 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Providence. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
Omni Providence Hotel
The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina

The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina

3 out of 5
49 America's Cup Ave Newport RI
$192 nightly
The price is $219 total per night from Nov 2 to Nov 3
$219 total
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,566 reviews)
"We ended up changing rooms. Our first room was right over the entrance and thus, was very noisy. Additionally, the light in the shower was out. They only provided feather pillows so we had to ask for foam due to allergies. They then moved us to another room—much quieter. Shelly at the front desk ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
Atlantic Beach Hotel Newport

Atlantic Beach Hotel Newport

3.5 out of 5
28 Aquidneck Ave Middletown RI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$110 nightly
The price is $125 total per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$125 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Middletown. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,565 reviews)
"The restaurant associated with the hotel is across the street."

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2026

Atlantic Beach Hotel Newport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Underwood-Hale House

The Underwood-Hale House

4 out of 5
137 Power St Providence RI
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Providence. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Amica Mutual Pavilion and Bally's ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (131 reviews)
"The aprtment is very clean, excellently appointed, and decorated with considerable charm. I would be happy living there long term! I found communication with the hosts very easy and responses were immediate and helpful. They let us leave our car there while we did a Brown University tour (the University ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

The Underwood-Hale House
Oceancliff Resort I & II

Oceancliff Resort I & II

4 out of 5
65 Ridge Rd Newport RI
Book a stay at this business-friendly condo in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Thames Street and Newport Mansions are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (79 reviews)
"The room was spacious and equipped with what we needed, but smelt absolutely horrible when we first arrived, like someone had smoked or burned something mixed with a musty smell. We had to spray Febreze everywhere to make it acceptable. We were also disappointed that breakfast was only included on ..."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026

Oceancliff Resort I & II
Island House Newport

Island House Newport

4 out of 5
37 Memorial Blvd Newport RI
Stay at this aparthotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Cliff Walk and Thames Street are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"The location was walkable to all the shops and Cliff Walk, but far enough away where we didn’t have to deal with the traffic and congestion. Staff were nice and accommodating. They helped to make our first time in Newport enjoyable and would definitely stay there again if we are ever back in the ..."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2026

Island House Newport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Barrington attractions

Frequently asked questions

Is Barrington worth visiting?
Barrington is worth visiting for its beautiful Barrington Beach, perfect for relaxation, and the scenic Sowams Road. Travelers can also explore a variety of Italian and European dining options, offering diverse culinary experiences.
When is the best time to visit Barrington?
The best time to visit Barrington is from May through September, when the weather is typically warm and ideal for outdoor activities. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good option, offering cooler temperatures and a chance of snow.
What is a good itinerary length for Barrington?
A good itinerary length for Barrington is one to two days to enjoy Barrington Beach, explore Sowams Road, and see the Rhode Island Country Club. An extended stay of three to four days allows travelers to fully relax at the beach, explore the area more deeply, and savor local Italian, European, or Asian dining.
What are the top things to do in and around Barrington?
Barrington offers natural beauty and outdoor recreation, with several spots to enjoy the fresh air:

  • Relax at Barrington Beach.
  • Explore Sowams Road.
  • Play a round at Rhode Island Country Club.
  • Discover the Doug Rayner Wildlife Refuge.
  • Stroll along Annawamscutt Brook.

How do I plan a trip to Barrington?
To plan your trip to Barrington, book flights and accommodations on Expedia early. Consider activities like visiting Barrington Beach, exploring Sowams Road, or enjoying the Rhode Island Country Club. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility. Booking a rental car in advance is also a good idea.
What cuisines can you find in Barrington?
In Barrington, travelers can find Italian cuisine, with classic dishes like pasta, pizza, and risotto. You can also explore European Mediterranean flavors, as well as Asian options such as Japanese and Chinese. North American and Latin American Mexican dishes are also available for travelers to enjoy.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Barrington?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Barrington by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Barrington with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Barrington trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Barrington?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Barrington can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Barrington trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Barrington trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Barrington trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Barrington trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Barrington?
If it's your first trip to Barrington, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Barrington hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Barrington hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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