Rhode Island State Nickname: The Ocean State
Fact-checked • Updated December 14, 2025
"The Ocean State"
Also Known As:
About the Nickname The Ocean State
Rhode Island is known as the Ocean State, a nickname that reflects its strong connection to the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. The phrase gained wider visibility when it began appearing on Rhode Island license plates in 1972, helping promote the state’s coastal identity. Despite being the smallest U.S. state by area, Rhode Island has more than 400 miles of shoreline.
Meaning of 'The Ocean State'
Rhode Island measures only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long. Despite this tiny size, the state has 400 miles of coastline. Narragansett Bay cuts deep into Rhode Island from the Atlantic Ocean, creating the long shoreline. The bay extends north nearly to the center of the state. All Rhode Islanders live within a 30-minute drive of either the Atlantic Ocean or Narragansett Bay.
State tourism officials created this rhode island nickname the ocean state to attract visitors. They wanted people to know about Rhode Island's beaches, harbors, and coastal attractions. The nickname appeared on license plates starting in 1972. It replaced the earlier slogan Discover that had been used before. The Ocean State also appears on Rhode Island's commemorative quarter released in 2001, which shows a vintage sailboat on Narragansett Bay with the Pell Bridge in the background.
Rhode Island's coastal location shaped its history and economy. Newport became famous for its mansions overlooking the ocean, including The Breakers built by the Vanderbilt family in 1895. Sailing remains the most popular sport in the state. Rhode Island hosted the America's Cup yacht races for many years. The state's fishing industry, naval presence, and maritime trade all developed because of access to the Atlantic Ocean. Every part of Rhode Island connects to the water in some way.
Other Nicknames
Little Rhody
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States by land area, covering just 1,045 square miles. Alaska, the largest state, covers 570,374 square miles. People have called Rhode Island Little Rhody for generations because of this size difference. Variations include Little Rhodie, L'il Rhody, and Little Rhode. The nickname is both accurate and affectionate. Rhode Island may be small, but it packs significant history and population density into its limited space. The state is the second-most densely populated in the nation after New Jersey. Everyone knows everyone in Little Rhody, or at least it feels that way.
The Smallest State
This straightforward nickname simply states a fact about Rhode Island. No other state has less land area. The entire state could fit inside Alaska more than 500 times. Rhode Island's full official name used to be State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, making it the longest official state name despite being the smallest state. Voters approved removing Providence Plantations from the name in November 2020 because of associations with slavery. The state seal now reads only State of Rhode Island. Being the smallest state gives Rhode Island a unique identity and makes it easy to explore the entire state in a short time.
Southern Gateway of New England
This historical nickname came from Rhode Island's geographic position. Rhode Island was the most southern New England state with harbors suitable for large ocean-going ships. Boston had excellent harbors to the north, but Rhode Island's position made it useful for shipping between New England and other regions. Ships could load New England raw materials and finished goods in Rhode Island ports and carry them to other parts of the United States or foreign countries. The same ships brought imported goods back to New England through Rhode Island. This shipping role made Rhode Island economically important beyond what its small size might suggest.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 7
Ocean State first appeared on Rhode Island license plates in 1972, officially adopted to promote tourism and highlight the state's 400-mile coastline.
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Official Rhode Island government page explaining the Ocean State nickname, when it appeared on license plates, and other historical state nicknames
Comprehensive article covering Rhode Island's history, geography, the Ocean State nickname, and the state's 400 miles of coastline