We all know that there are plenty of places to stay in Rhode Island - and plenty of them are quite fancy. But if you're looking for a stay that's memorable not for the thread count of its sheets, but for unique surroundings, amazing history, and incredible views, we have just the place for you – a magnificent lighthouse just a mile offshore from Newport.
The Rose Island Lighthouse sits in the middle of the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, a mile offshore from Newport. The lighthouse was built in 1868 on Rose Island, which previously held military barracks.

The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1970 after the construction of Newport Bridge, and fell into disrepair. In 1984, the newly formed Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation began restoring the building, and in 1993 the light was turned back on. The lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is also noted on navigation charts of today.

Today, the lighthouse is open for tours Memorial Day–Labor Day, and for overnight stays year round.

Day visitors must take a ferry or provide their own boat transportation, but overnight guests will be picked up from and returned to Newport by the foundation's boat, the Starfish.

There are a number of different rooms to choose from, with varying levels of decor - they're all old fashioned and atmospheric.

You'll share outdoor bathrooms with the other guests, but it really just adds to to the atmosphere and charm.

If you want to spread out a bit more, you can rent the lighthouse keeper's apartment.

Whichever room you choose, you'll be able to enjoy the incredible beauty of the island. You can't walk around all of it due to the need to protect bird habitats, but you'll still have plenty of room to roam, including a gorgeous beach.

To learn more about spending the night at Rose Island Lighthouse, check out the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation's website.
Love lighthouses? Check out the oldest one in Rhode Island.
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