visit providence rhode island

Blackstone Valley

Block Island

South County

Great things to do - greater providence and warwick ri.

Enjoy historic and entertaining attractions on a day trip, longer visit, or romantic getaway . There’s a wonderful zoo inside a beautiful park with its own carousel. Go carts run on New England’s largest family track and there’s great music and local theater. Flea markets and farmer’s markets abound, along with museums and galleries, and the Arcade is the country’s oldest indoor shopping mall. Waterfire 's music and light stoke the night and you can enjoy it from a Venetian-style gondola. Providence offers a renowned four-stool diner and spectacular local and continental cuisines.

Roger Williams Park Zoo

1000 Elmwood Avenue Providence, RI, 02907 Phone: 401-785-3510

Happenings at this zoo include visits to animals, zip rides, train excursions

Save The Bay

Multiple Centers & Dock Locations Providence, Newport, Westerly, RI and Fall River, MA Phone: 401-272-3540

From seal tours to touch tanks, Save The Bay has lots of activities for explorers

Riddle Room Escape Games

1150 Bald Hill Road Warwick, RI, 02886 Phone: 401-398-8177

Live inside an adventure story when you book a time in an exciting riddle room

Seekonk Grand Prix

1098 Fall River Avenue Seekonk, MA, 02771 Phone: 508-336-8307

Drive a race car, climb a rock wall, conquer a ropes course at this multi-attraction theme park

Go Providence

1 Sabin Street Providence, RI, 02903 Phone: 401-751-1177

From great restaurants and shops to award-winning arts venues, museums and zoos, Providence has it all

Browse for Art and Antiques at the Providence Flea

Breathtaking Art of Many Ages and Cultures

You Think You’ve Seen Reality? Try It Virtually

Find a Warm Welcome to the Victorian Age at the Mansion

Maple, Llamas, and Wool Blankets Come From This Welcoming Farm

Yes You Can … Have Fun Creating Art

Arts and Food, With a Deeply ‘60s Vibe

Children's Museum Is a Delight for the Small Fry

What is a “Poke Bowl” Anyway?

Craftland is Gift-Shopping Heaven

212 Westminster Street Providence, RI, 02903 Phone:

Walk the Majestic Streets of the East Side of Providence

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Atop the confluence of the Providence, Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers, Rhode Island's capital city offers some of the finest urban strolling in New England: around Brown University's historic campus on 18th-century College Hill, along the landscaped Riverwalk trail, and through downtown's handsome streets and lanes with their hip cafes, art-house theaters, fusion restaurants and trendsetting bars.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Rhode Island State House

Designed by McKim, Mead and White in 1904, the Rhode Island State House rises above the Providence skyline, easily visible from miles around. Modeled in…

Providence Athenaeum

One of the most prominent buildings on Benefit St, the Greek Revival Providence Athenaeum was designed by William Strickland and completed in 1838. This…

Benefit Street

Immediately east of Providence's downtown, you'll find College Hill, where you can see the city's Colonial history reflected in the 18th-century houses…

RISD Museum of Art

Wonderfully eclectic, the Rhode Island School of Design's art museum showcases everything from ancient Greek art to 20th-century American paintings and…

Rhode Island School of Design

Perhaps the top art school in the USA, RISD's imprint on Providence is easily felt, with students' creativity extending across the cityscape. Open to the…

Roger Williams Park

In 1871 Betsey Williams, great-great-great-granddaughter of the founder of Providence, donated her farm to the city as a public park. Today this 430-acre…

Brown University

Dominating the crest of the College Hill neighborhood on the East Side, Brown University's campus exudes Ivy League charm. University Hall, a 1770 brick…

Waterplace Park

The landscaped cobblestone paths of the Providence Riverwalk lead along the Woonasquatucket River to Waterplace Park’s central pool and fountain,…

Latest stories from Providence

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Cocktails, coffee shops and yoga. Rachel Lewis discovers another side to Providence, Rhode Island.

Oct 7, 2019 • 4 min read

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in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Providence

32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Providence (Rhode Island)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: May 21, 2022  - Last updated: May 12, 2024

Bonfires on the river. Three-cent candy shops. Ritzy movie palaces.

These are just a few of the attractions that you’ll find in Providence, Rhode Island, a fun and quirky destination in New England.

Originally settled in 1636, Providence has always been different.

Its founder was exiled by Puritans for his so-called “radical” ideology, so he decided to start his own city founded on his own principles.

The citizens, too, delight in being unique.

For example, many of them call downtown Providence “downcity” Providence.

What does all of this mean for you as a traveler?

It means that you’ll have a ball in Providence!

Far from being a stuffy, old-fashioned New England town, it’s a place where there’s always something new to discover.

Whether you’re into exciting adventures or leisurely explorations of new places, you can experience it here.

Are you ready to pack up and see the city for yourself?

Here are just a few fun things to do in Providence, Rhode Island.

Table of Contents

1. Roger Williams Park

Roger Williams Park

Covering more than 400 acres, Roger Williams Park is one of the major points of interest in Providence.

It’s full of tourist attractions for visitors of all ages, including a zoo, planetarium, botanical garden, and natural history museum.

Established in 1872, the park is dedicated to the founder of Providence, Roger Williams.

His spirit is kept alive through the many activities drawing travelers to the land like a beacon.

There are greenhouses and boathouses; there are carousels and bandstands.

If you like history, you can take a historical tour of local landmarks, including an 18th century cottage once owned by Roger William’s family.

If you enjoy nature, there are numerous ponds, flowers, gardens, and trails, including one that ends in a waterfall.

All things considered, Roger Williams Park is one of the top attractions in Providence.

Go ahead and channel the spirit of Mr. Williams to take a look.

He would approve of your curiosity and discovery.

Address: Pine Hill Ave, Providence, RI 02907, United States

2. Providence Performing Arts Center

Providence Performing Arts Center

The Providence Performing Arts Center is one of those cool vacation spots that you’ll talk about for years to come.

How many times in your life will you get the chance to visit an authentic, old-fashioned movie palace?

Built in 1928, the building has all of the razzle-dazzle style of the era, including a gigantic marquee that lights up the whole sidewalk on the outside.

Inside, your eyes will be just as awed; there are marble columns, crystal chandeliers, plush red seats, and cathedral-style patterns and mosaics on the ceilings.

As for the entertainment on offer, you’ll find everything from plays to music concerts to comedy routines.

One night might have Les Miserables or My Fair Lady while another night hosts Jersey Boys or the Blue Man Group.

Take a step back in time with the Providence Performing Arts Center.

It’ll offer a lavish experience for everyone with a bit of flapper spirit in them, which is why it’s one of the best destinations in Providence.

Address: 220 Weybosset St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

3. WaterFire

The aptly-named WaterFire is one of the most unique things to see in Providence.

In fact, it might be unique in the entire world.

Where else can you watch 100 bonfires crackling on top of rivers?

Though it looks like magic, it’s actually art.

A series of burning art installations are put on boats and floated down the three rivers that flow into downtown Providence.

Between them, other boats carrying mimes, musicians, and fire twirlers provide entertainment for spectators strolling down the riverbanks.

One thing to know about WaterFire is that it takes place on a schedule: 1 – 2 times a month on Saturday nights between May and November.

In other words, you’ll need to be in Providence on a non-winter weekend to see it.

Ultimately, however, it’s worth arranging your travel itinerary to see WaterFire this weekend.

Not only is it one of a kind among Providence attractions, but it’s an experience that you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else on the planet.

Address: 4 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

4. Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy

Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy

You don’t have to spend money to have a good time in Providence.

There are plenty of free things to do in and near the city, especially if you enjoy the outdoors.

One such option is the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy .

Located almost 300 feet above sea level, Neutaconkanut Hill offers some of the highest aerial views that you can get without taking a helicopter tour, making it a top sightseeing destination for hikers, trekkers, and wildlife trackers.

It’s also a beautiful destination in its own right, one filled with forests, meadows, tree groves, and freshwater springs.

Visitors can explore a number of trails or enjoy park amenities like a playground and a multipurpose athletic field.

In the winter, there are hills for sledding and snowshoeing; in the autumn, there are observation spots for admiring the changing colors of the leaves.

Enjoy Providence without spending a dime when you visit the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy.

It’s fun, beautiful, affordable, and memorable, so it’s easily one of the best locations in the city.

Address: Legion Memorial Dr, Providence, RI 02909, United States

5. RISD Museum

RISD Museum

Run by the Rhode Island School of Design, the RISD Museum is a massive collection of photos, paintings, sculptures, wood blocks, silk prints, and more.

Whether you’re into Chinese calligraphy or ancient Egyptian pottery, you’ll find something to admire in works that span the globe.

Permanent exhibitions include everything from Spanish coins to Tibetan Buddhas to Greek and Roman busts.

Special exhibits have names like “Striking Chords: Music in Ukiyo-E Prints” and “A Changing Reflection: Silver, Metalwork, and Jewelry in the 19th – 21st Centuries.”

There are a number of events held at the museum as well, and they generally reflect the same civic engagement and commitment to diversity and cross-cultural understanding that the museum was built on.

For example, there might be musical performances with traditional instruments or disability seminars to raise awareness about issues in contemporary society.

All in all, if you’re wondering what to do in Providence during a vacation, you won’t want to miss the RISD Museum.

It’s a wonderful place that can teach you a lot while also deepening your understanding of art.

Address: 20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

Exploring other parts of Rhode Island? Why not check out some of the things to do in Newport, RI ?

6. West Side Diner

West Side Diner

Did you know that the concept of a “diner” was invented in Providence?

Established in the 1800s as a way for nighttime workers to scarf down a quick meal, the idea quickly spread throughout New England and, later, the United States as a whole.

The West Side Diner isn’t one of the originals, but it’s a near-perfect replica, so it’s a great way to pay tribute to history.

Its design includes everything from vintage neon signage to red-topped stools pulled up at the countertops.

Its menu is equally nostalgic, serving burgers, shakes, and bottomless cups of coffee at all hours of the day.

If you’re wondering what to do in a city like Providence, grab a bite to eat at the West Side Diner.

It’s not just delicious.

It’s tradition!

Address: 1380 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02909, United States

7. Providence Children’s Museum

Providence Children’s Museum

With a large, colorful dragon wrapping around its brick building, you can tell with one glance that the Providence Children’s Museum isn’t like other museums.

It’s a treasure trove for fun, hands-on activities that will also encourage a child’s interest in STEM.

Places to visit in the museum include an “Innovation Lab” where kids can build crafts and simple machines, a “Water Ways” where they can splash around while learning about the natural world, and a “Thinkspace” where they can challenge themselves with riddles, puzzles, and other cognitive games.

There’s even a garden that includes an underground section for education on everything from burrowing animals to the science of sounds and echoes!

If you’re traveling to Providence with kids, you won’t want to miss the Providence Children’s Museum.

It’s a top 10 destination for the young and the young at heart alike.

Address: 100 South St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

8. Rhode Island Seafood Festival

Rhode Island Seafood Festival

Nicknamed “The Ocean State,” Rhode Island has a long and proud history of fishing, crabbing, and general seafaring.

Nowhere is this legacy more apparent than the Rhode Island Seafood Festival .

Held every fall, the Rhode Island Seafood Festival is a multi-day celebration of everything that can be caught in the water and served with tartar sauce.

The food is served from stalls, booths, and trucks, and it ranges from shrimp tacos and clam chowders to lobster grilled cheeses and fish filet sandwiches.

There are many local inventions as well, so if you’ve ever wanted to try maple bacon scallop skewers or Cajun crab nachos, here’s your chance!

When you’ve gotten your plate, wander the grounds and check out other fun attractions of the festival, including music, beer, and various games and contests.

Don’t visit the ocean without taking full advantage of what it offers, including a delightful assortment of seafood.

Go to Providence during the Rhode Island Seafood Festival and enjoy!

Address: 201 India St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

9. Roger Williams Park Zoo

Roger Williams Park Zoo

As one of the oldest zoos in the country, Roger Williams Park Zoo has been delighting visitors for more than 150 years.

However, it’s come a long way from its roots as a small animal show in the park.

Today, it’s among the biggest and most celebrated of Providence’s attractions, and it offers a rollicking good time for “kids aged 2 – 102.”

The animals are the biggest draw of the zoo, of course, and you’ll find everything from Flemish giant rabbits to Amazonian poison dart frogs.

The critters are free-roaming in natural habitats and not cages.

Most are divided by geographic region, so you’ll go to “Fabric of Africa” to see elephants and giraffes, “Faces of the Rainforest” to see toucans and tarantulas, and “The Wetlands Trail” to see fish, turtles, and waterfowl.

Other activities at the zoo include sky trams, train rides, carousel rides, petting zoos, kids’ camps, and animal encounters.

Special events range from food truck days to Asian lantern festivals.

Ultimately, the Roger Williams Park Zoo is a destination that you won’t want to miss.

It’s fun for the whole family, and it offers so much stuff to do that you won’t even know where to start!

Address: 1000 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, United States

10. Providence Ghost Tour

Providence Ghost Tour

Get a little spooky with a Providence Ghost Tour .

It’ll take you on a journey through “the dark side of the East Side,” offering all kinds of gory tales and ghastly sights that serve as the basis for local legends.

Halloween tours are the most fun; you can dress in costume and join a group of like-minded revelers as you walk the streets on the most haunted night of the year.

Treats are also provided for your own version of trick-or-treat.

Even if it isn’t Halloween, however, you can still get thrills and chills: Tours are conducted by lantern light, and you’re encouraged to snap photos of any shadows or apparitions that you see around buildings, landmarks, and tombstones.

If you’re trying to decide between different places to go in Providence, why not go to them all?

With a Providence Ghost Tour, you can learn about the city’s history, see some of its most interesting landmarks, and give yourself some hair-rising scares.

It’s a win-win-win!

Address: 60 Congdon St, Providence, RI 02906, United States

11. John Brown House Museum

Filetime , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Hailed as “the most magnificent and elegant private mansion (…) ever seen on this continent” by one of the country’s earliest presidents, the John Brown House was the first residence of its kind in 18th century Rhode Island.

It’s been carefully preserved since then, so even though it’s registered as a National Historic Landmark, visitors today can tour it like it was built yesterday.

What makes it so impressive?

For starters, it has three stories of grand old architecture that includes columns, porticos, marble busts, and ornate staircases and balustrades.

It’s also furnished with authentic antiques ranging from silvers and textiles to paintings and wall maps.

Other places to visit at the museum include a fully restored 18th century carriage as well as a lovely garden on the grounds.

Tours are available year round, though hours will vary depending on the season.

History comes alive at the John Brown House Museum .

If you’d like a glimpse of high society life in the late 1700s, book your tickets and walk a mile in Mr. Brown’s shoes.

Address: 52 Power St, Providence, RI 02906, United States

12. Federal Hill

Federal Hill

Known as the “Little Italy” of the city, Federal Hill is a neighborhood known for its Italian and Italian-American population.

Between the food, drink, art, theater, and overall culture, you’ll feel like you stepped into Rome as soon as you hit the block.

Atwells Avenue is the main street that runs through Federal Hill, and it’s famous primarily for its cuisine: There are more than 20 restaurants in a quarter mile.

Whether you’re in the mood for hearty pasta or light and fluffy gelato, you can find it here.

Follow the Italian flags strung up on the streetlights to explore more of the neighborhood, including markets, bars, bakeries, bistros, and specialty shops.

A centrally-located plaza will let you sit or stroll among the crowds.

During the summer months, you might be serenaded by buskers playing traditional Italian violins.

If you’re looking for unique things to do in and near Providence, consider enjoying authentic Italian culture in the heart of New England.

It’ll definitely make a story for when you get home!

Address: Providence, RI, United States

13. Gallery Night

Gallery Night

Held on the third Thursday of every month from March to November, Gallery Night is a city-wide event that celebrates art, culture, and history.

It’s a coordinated effort where galleries and museums open their doors to all at no charge.

You can even take a free trolley tour to the hot spots of the evening!

Including tours of the participating sites, you can also enjoy music and refreshments provided at the stops.

Some sites even hire guides, including local celebrities, to lead you from one attraction to the next.

You’ll wander through exhibits, galleries, workshops, demonstrations, landmarks, and more.

Gallery Night can be an unforgettable evening for those visiting Providence.

Not only is it one of the best free things to do in the city, but since it’s filled with sights from all over the world, it can be a globetrotting experience contained within a single trolley ride.

14. Lincoln Woods State Park

Lincoln Woods State Park

Located a few miles north of Providence, Lincoln Woods State Park is a great place to get away from it all.

It’s far from the commotion of the city, so you’ll be able to enjoy fresh air and sunshine in a natural landscape, but it’s also developed enough to offer a wide range of outdoor activities.

In the summer, you can go swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

In the winter, you can go sledding, snowmobiling, or ice skating.

Places to visit range from freshwater beaches to deeply forested trails to cliffs that are perfect for bouldering.

You can bring your own equipment or rent whatever you need from the concessionaire; they even offer lessons in things like kayaking and canoeing if you’re a first-timer!

Recharge your batteries with a trip to Lincoln Woods State Park.

It’s beautifully rugged, so it’ll heal your soul, but it’s also conveniently modern, so you won’t have to be totally off the grid while you get relaxed and refreshed.

Address: 2 Manchester Print Works Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, United States

15. Providence Place

Providence Place

Covering more than 1.4 million square feet, Providence Place is the largest shopping mall in Rhode Island, and it feels even bigger thanks to its skybridges, glass ceilings, and open-air architecture.

You’ll get lost in the very best of ways as you fall down the rabbit hole of retail therapy!

Stores range from inexpensive kiosks and knickknack shops to high-end fashion boutiques and technology hubs.

A food court serves cuisines from all around the world, and an IMAX theater plays all of the latest blockbusters.

You’ll also want to see the mall’s “winter garden.”

It’s an elaborate, four-level structure with glass walls, and it provides breathtaking views of the city.

It also makes the mall a great place to visit during inclement weather since it’ll keep you warm and dry no matter what kind of storm is raging outside!

If you’re wondering what to do on a rainy or snowy day in Providence, this could be your best bet.

Grab your wallet.

Put on your most comfortable pair of sneakers.

It’s time to hit up Providence Place.

Address: One Providence Pl, Providence, RI 02903, United States

16. Downtown Providence

Downtown Providence

Downtown, or “downcity,” is a great destination in Providence.

Not only does it offer tons of activities for the intrepid adventurer, but it’s also just as unique as the rest of the city, offering an eclectic blend of old and new.

Parts of downtown date back centuries, including the historic homes and theater palaces that make up the Downtown Providence Historic District.

Other places are newer, including the shops, bars, restaurants, malls, and markets that line the retail and business plazas.

One iconic landmark is the Industrial Trust Company Building, also known as the “Superman Building” thanks to its resemblance to Daily Planet headquarters.

It’s a skyscraper of dizzying height and amazing art deco architecture.

Other well-known sites include the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Rhode Island School of Design.

If you don’t know where to start during your vacation, start downtown.

From craning your neck at skyscrapers to walking down sidewalks dotted with boutiques and bakeries, there are many things to do in downtown Providence.

17. Candy4pennies

Candy4pennies

Candy4pennies is exactly what it sounds like: a store where you can buy chocolates, gummies, toffees, and lollipops for literally pennies on the dollar.

It’s one of the last remaining candy shops that sells “by the piece” rather than “by the pound,” so not only is it budget-friendly, but it’ll also give you a feeling of nostalgia for the good old days.

Aside from its attractive prices, it’s a fun place to visit, too.

The shelves are lined with jars and jugs of every color.

Stuffed animals are propped up on the countertops.

Posters are everywhere.

You’ll definitely feel like a kid again as you explore.

All in all, Candy4pennies is one of the best things to do in Providence.

It doesn’t matter if you’re stretching your budget or just looking for unique experiences in the city.

Before you leave, you’re sure to be popping bubblegum and layering candy necklaces around your neck.

Address: 280 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907, United States

18. Swan Point Cemetery

Swan Point Cemetery

Do you hear the call of Cthulhu?

His creator, gothic horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, is buried here.

His grave is often visited by fans.

You might be surprised to learn that Swan Point Cemetery is a tourist attraction.

Why would people want to spend their leisure time among the dead?

But Swan Point Cemetery is no ordinary cemetery: It’s a stunning collection of gardens, gazebos, sculptures, fountains, and burial sites that cover a wide range of cultures and time periods.

Many visitors come to the cemetery just to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the area.

There’s even a two-mile walking trail that curves around the riverbank!

Other things to see at the cemetery include the graves themselves.

From simple headstones to elaborate tombs and burial vaults, you could spend hours exploring all of the monuments, statues, stone markers, crypts, and sarcophagi.

It might not be listed among the travel guides of the city, but if you’re looking for cool, unusual things to do in Providence, go exploring in Swan Point Cemetery.

It’ll remind you to appreciate life even as it honors death.

Address: 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906, United States

19. Rhode Island State House

Rhode Island State House

It would be a shame to visit Rhode Island without visiting Rhode Island’s state capitol, but thankfully, it can be found right on the crest of downtown.

You’ll know the state house when you see it: Its white neoclassical marble is topped by a gigantic dome, and on top of that, a golden statue called The Independent Man raises his arm over the city.

He’s a representation of Roger Williams and the independent spirit that led him to found Providence back in the 17th century.

Today, the state house is a place where you can take both guided and self-guided tours to see how Rhode Island’s politicians operate.

There are also cool things to see like a replica of the Liberty Bell and a gun from the battle of Gettysburg .

Did we mention that there’s no charge for admission?

If you’re looking for free things to do in and near Providence, the Rhode Island State House can be a fun afternoon trip that doesn’t cost a dime.

You might even learn a thing or two about law, history, or government while you’re there!

Address: 82 Smith St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

20. Waterplace Park

Waterplace Park

Have you ever dreamed of taking a romantic gondola ride with your significant other?

Well, you don’t have to travel to Venice to do it.

Waterplace Park is located in the heart of Providence, and they offer gondola rentals down the river both day and night.

Gondolas aren’t the only way that the park embodies the Venetian spirit, either.

From cobblestone streets to arched pedestrian bridges over the water, you’ll feel like you’re in a classic Italian painting even though you’ve never left Rhode Island.

Foodies can indulge in the many eateries lining the riverwalk.

Shoppers can check out tons of stores and boutiques.

Even sightseeing is amazing when you plan your trip during WaterFire; the park offers amazing views of the blazes on the river!

If you’re looking for romantic things to do during your trip to Providence, you’ve found one.

Book a gondola for tonight and say buongiorno!

Address: Memorial Blvd, Providence, RI 02903, United States

21. Thayer Street

Thayer Street

A ramble down Thayer Street can be one of the most fun things to do in Providence.

It’s the main avenue of a young, trendy neighborhood geared towards college students, so there’s always something new to see, and there’s always a lively audience to appreciate it.

Businesses range from quirky tearooms and smoke shops to vintage bookstores and secondhand clothing boutiques.

Local hot spots include an old-fashioned cinema and a diverse range of food options from all four corners of the globe, including many “hole in the wall” types with cheap menus catering towards the young folk.

You’ll find plenty of regular brands, too, so don’t worry if you start craving Chipotle, Shake Shack, or other favorites.

They’re well-represented here.

Tourist attractions aren’t always listed in travel brochures.

Sometimes, they’re places known only to the people who are actually living in Providence, and that includes Thayer Street.

Go and live like a local for awhile!

Address: Thayer Street, Providence, RI 02903, United States

22. Verde Vineyards

Verde Vineyards

Though it’s located a few miles east of Providence, Verde Vineyards is such a beautiful sight that it’s worth a short trip outside of the city.

You’ll exit the cold gray freeways and enter a land of lush, vivid greenery that includes rolling hills, sun-dappled trees, and glittering views of the local lake.

Once you’re at the vineyard, you can choose how to spend your time.

Some folks just come for the tours and tastings; others like to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the wine over the course of a long afternoon.

If you fall in love with any of the bounty, you can purchase it by the bottle at the shop.

If you’re looking for great places to visit near and around Providence, go for a scenic drive that ends at Verde Vineyards.

It’ll get you drunk on fine wine and even finer scenery, making it a feast for all of your senses, not just your taste buds!

Address: 50 Hopkins Ave, Johnston, RI 02919, United States

23. Providence Atheneum

Providence Atheneum

Established in 1836, the Providence Atheneum is among the oldest libraries in America, and it has a collection to reflect that.

You could spend days wandering among its shelves of dusty, yellow-edged books that span a wide range of fictional and nonfictional topics.

It isn’t all ancient history, however.

It’s a modern library with plenty of contemporary books as well as digitized archives of art, music, film, poetry, and other forms of media.

It even has designated sections with themes like “pamphlet section,” “travel and exploration collection,” and “natural history collection.”

If you decide to visit the Providence Atheneum, you should know that you’re in good company, too.

Edgar Allen Poe once courted Sarah Whitman in secluded alcoves of the library!

An afternoon at the Providence Atheneum is one of the best things to do in Rhode Island .

Whether you’re interested in a 1482 edition of Ptolemy’s Cosmographia or the complete eight-film collection of Harry Potter, there’s a lot to be discovered here.

Address: 251 Benefit St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

24. Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

Look up at the night sky.

Do you see all of those glittering stars?

It’s possible to count them one by one when you visit the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium .

Located within Roger Williams Park, the museum is dedicated to the natural history of not just Rhode Island but the entire world.

Exhibits cover a broad range of social, cultural, and scientific topics such as seismic shifts, urban wildlife, oceanography, space exploration, and prehistoric civilizations.

The planetarium is a must-see as well.

It offers shows every weekend that will dazzle you with gigantic dome displays while also educating you on celestial matters.

The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium is one of the best things to do in Providence.

Whether you’re interested in the dirt beneath your feet or the twinkling planets far above your head, this is the place to explore them, so go ahead and book your tickets for this weekend.

25. Harry’s Bar and Burger

Harry’s Bar & Burger

If you like thick, juicy burgers with oozing cheeses and finger-licking sauces, you’ll want to leave a notch on your belt for Harry’s Bar and Burger .

Their burgers have been ranked first in America by CNN.com and first in the world by Burgered.com.

What’s their secret?

It’s a combination of fresh ingredients and natural, home-grown beef… and that’s it.

Rather than relying on any gimmicks, they make everyday burgers with high-quality ingredients, and the results speak for themselves.

Other menu items include chili, chicken wings, hot dogs, and sliders.

The bar offers a variety of craft beers and hard shakes.

Don’t forget a side of cheese fries with your order!

A visit to Harry’s Bar and Burger is one of the most delicious things to do in Providence.

When you’ve worked up an appetite during your vacation, this is the place to go.

Address: 121 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

26. Brown University

Brown University

Brown University is another one of those places that might not strike you as a tourist attraction, but curious, broad-minded travelers can find plenty of fun things to do on campus.

The libraries, for example, have extensive collections of books, maps, films, and U.S. postage stamps, so they’ll be a delight for collectors, history buffs, and cartography enthusiasts.

The environmental center has glass greenhouses filled with amazing jungles.

The art gallery hosts four or five exhibitions a year, and the anthropology museum hosts even more than that.

The campus itself is also worth a tour.

You don’t have to be an aspiring undergraduate to schedule one.

Brown is so old that some of its buildings have been around for centuries, including its University Hall, which served as both barracks and a makeshift hospital during the Revolutionary War.

Brown University can be one of the most interesting places to go for folks with intellectual curiosity.

If you want to get more out of your vacation than just beers on the water, consider a visit.

Address: Providence, RI 02912, United States

27. Providence River Boat Company

Providence River Boat Company

Pretend like you’re an European settler coming to Rhode Island for the first time when you take a trip with the Providence River Boat Company .

They offer a variety of boat tours for travelers of all types, and their trips are catered towards the coolest, most interesting things to see around the city.

Explorers, for example, might like a tour of the Green Jacket Shoal, a notorious “ship graveyard” where many vessels have come to a watery end.

Romantics might enjoy a vineyard voyage or a twilight river cruise that takes place during sunset.

Grown-up kids can treat their parents to a Mother’s Day Mimosa Tour or a Father’s Day Boat Tour.

There are also plenty of tours that will put you right on the river during WaterFire!

The best way to see Providence is on the water, and the Providence River Boat Company will take care of all of the logistics.

All that you have to do is book a boat, slather on some sunscreen, and enjoy a great time this weekend.

Address: 101 Dyer St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

28. First Baptist Church in America

First Baptist Church in America

Built in 1775 and dating back to 1638, the First Baptist Church in America is one of the oldest of its kind in all of New England.

It’s so old, in fact, that it’s been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

What to do at the church depends on your areas of interest.

If you’re religious, you can attend weekly mass and worship services.

If you enjoy spiritual music, you can drop by for Sunday morning concerts, choir practices, or demonstrations of the authentic 1800s organ.

If you’re completely secular, there are things for you to do, too.

For example, you can tour the church, marvel at its architecture, and appreciate its history.

Did you know that it was designed by an astronomer?

The First Baptist Church in America isn’t just for Christians.

It’s a Providence landmark that can be admired by travelers from all over, especially those who enjoy throwbacks to older times.

Address: 75 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

29. Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort

Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort

This is another attraction that’s just a little outside of the city, but if you’re willing to drive about 15 minutes out of your way, you can enter a whole new world at Bally’s .

Thousands of slot machines are jingling and jangling at any given moment.

Dealers are constantly shuffling at poker, blackjack, and baccarat tables.

The event center is never without a new simulcast or thoroughbred or greyhound racing.

Other cool things at the casino include bars, lounges, cigar shops, concert stages, and steak and seafood restaurants.

It’s an adult playground with all kinds of fun and games for those old enough to play.

Are you feeling lucky?

Toss down a few chips at Bally’s.

It’s one of the most exciting things to do in Providence, and if you hit the jackpot, it’ll also be one of the most lucrative.

Address: 100 Twin River Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865, United States

30. Federal Hill Summer Festival

Federal Hill Summer Festival

Held every summer when the last of winter has faded and the sun is shining high in the sky, the Federal Hill Summer Festival is a celebration of good food, good company, and good weather.

It lasts an entire weekend at the end of June, usually after Father’s Day, so it’s the perfect way to kick off the season.

Food is offered from more than two dozen stalls and trucks.

Music is played nonstop from three different outdoor stages.

Carnival games are aplenty, and on some years, there are amusement park rides to go along with them.

Kids and adults will both have plenty of opportunities for fun.

The Federal Hill Summer Festival is one of the biggest and brightest of Providence attractions, especially if you’re a sun baby who loves being outdoors when the weather is nice.

Are you headed to the city in the summer?

Celebrate your trip in style with a festival of fun.

Address: Providence, RI 02909, United States

31. Moniker Brewery

Moniker Brewery

Date night doesn’t get better than this.

If you’re looking for the coolest and most contemporary of Providence’s attractions, look no further than the Moniker Brewery .

Brimming with industrial chic, this brewery is small enough to have indie charm but developed enough that its menu is top notch.

Whether you’re looking for a cold canned beer or a classic draft, they’ve got you covered.

They also have a small selection of non-alcoholic drinks including coffee and kombucha tea.

Aside from its menu, you might also enjoy its location.

Between its tap room and its beer garden, you can have a “choose your own adventure” date night in terms of ambience.

Impress your sweetheart with one of the most fun places to go in Providence.

Between its menu, atmosphere, and staff, Moniker Brewery will definitely make you a date to remember.

Address: 432 W Fountain St, Providence, RI 02903, United States

32. Prospect Terrace Park

Prospect Terrace Park

Say goodbye to Providence with one last look at the skyline via Prospect Terrace Park .

Nicknamed “the jewel of the city,” it’s a picturesque destination that offers sweeping views of the entire downtown Providence area, so it’ll be perfect for your final selfies.

Elevated by a hill, Prospect Terrace Park is an observation point for many things to see, including famous tourist attractions like the Providence Place Mall and the Rhode Island State House.

It’s also the final resting place of founder Roger Williams.

Just as you started your vacation with a trip to his park, you can end it by saying farewell to his tomb and to a granite statue bearing his likeness.

Finish your trip in style with a trip to Prospect Terrace Park.

It’ll have meaning, and it’ll serve as the backdrop for some stunning sunset pics of the city skyline.

What more could you want?

Start Planning Your Trip To Providence

From gondola rides to ghost tours, these are just a few of the best things to do in Providence, Rhode Island.

It’s a lively place filled with history, legacy, and personality, so no matter where you choose to go, you should have a blast.

Happy travels!

16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Providence, RI

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

At the northern tip of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island's capital city is wonderfully compact, diverse, and eccentric. Its long history, from its founding by dissidents escaping Puritan Massachusetts to its colorful contemporary politics, may explain the eccentricities. These combine with its wealth of historic sights (entire neighborhoods are designated historic districts) and artistic highlights to make Providence fun to visit.

Visitors who love architecture will be happy in Providence, whose old downtown (called Downcity here) is filled with priceless period architecture. Art Deco and Beaux-Arts buildings and late Victorian terra-cotta facades were spared the ravages of urban renewal and retain beautiful and astonishingly well-preserved decorative details. Downcity's granite icon, The Arcade , was America's first shopping mall, built in 1828. Filled with locally owned boutiques and galleries, it's still a favorite for shopping.

A high-powered student population from Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and Providence College keep Providence young and vibrant, along with insuring a rich arts and intellectual scene. People here take their restaurants seriously, so be sure and ask locals for dining suggestions — you'll always get an informed opinion.

For more ideas on things to see and do, read our list of the top attractions in Providence, Rhode Island.

See also: Where to Stay in Providence

1. Roger Williams Park Zoo

2. waterfire, 3. risd museum of art, 4. rhode island state capitol, 5. federal hill, 6. relax in waterplace park, 7. providence performing arts center, 8. walk benefit street's "mile of history", 9. brown university, 10. stephen hopkins house, 11. rhode island children's museum, 12. providence atheneum, 13. explore the rivers and narragansett bay by boat, 14. stroll through swan point cemetery, 15. john brown house, 16. governor henry lippitt house, where to stay in providence for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in providence, ri, providence, ri - climate chart.

The 40-acre Roger Williams Park Zoo is not only one of the oldest zoos in the country, but it's a paragon of modern zoo design and concept. At this kid-friendly and largely cage-free place, you can meet a snow leopard, giraffe, elephant, zebra, wildebeest, alligator, kangaroo, and red panda, and small-fry can climb into the treehouse or go for a camel ride.

If you don't like the notion of caged animals and want to learn something about them and their habitats instead of just parading past, this is the zoo for you. Seasonal activities such as the October "Spooky Zoo" and pumpkin spectacular make it even more fun for kids.

The Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park is New England's largest public indoor display garden, with 12,000 square feet of gardens that include two main greenhouses and three smaller ones, as well as an outdoor garden.

Roger Williams Park has a lot more, and it's easy to see why it is one of the city's favorite places to visit for families. Covering 435 acres with gardens and a lake, the park has a 1915 bandstand, an amphitheater, the 1773 Betsy Williams Cottage , and a children's area with a carousel and trackless train rides. Also in the park is a Museum of Natural History with insects, minerals, fossils, and the state's only planetarium .

Address: 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island

Official site: http://www.rwpzoo.org/

At least twice a month between mid-May and late November, braziers in the middle of the river are filled with bonfires that light Downcity Providence. During "Full WaterFire," more than 80 fires blaze from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street Park. "Basin Fire WaterFire" events are smaller versions lighting 22 braziers in the Waterplace Park Basin and five more toward Providence Place mall.

The four-acre Waterplace Park and Riverwalk become a festival of arts and music during WaterFire, as young and old alike enjoy their city's revitalization and cultural vibrancy. This and other festivals are among the best free things to do in Rhode Island.

Official site: http://waterfire.org/

Whether your artistic passion is for French Impressionists or Japanese prints, or your design tastes run to ancient Egyptian, early American, or cutting-edge contemporary, you'll find enough to keep you happy in the depth and breadth of this museum's collections. The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), one of America's top art colleges, reflects its own wide range of specialties in the objects chosen for its museum.

Needlework and textiles, sculpture from ancient to Rodin, Asian art, videos, furnished Federal period rooms, and galleries of priceless paintings comprise dozens of individual collections. So many outstanding works are here that each of its separate collections would be enough to make a museum of its own.

Address: 224 Benefit Street, Providence

Official site: www.risdmuseum.org

A Providence landmark, the white marble Rhode Island State Capitol dominates the city with the world's fourth largest self-supported dome. The neoclassical building was designed by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White, and completed in 1904. You can visit the building on your own or with a free guided tour.

You'll see the painting entitled The Four Freedoms by James Allen King, inside the dome, and Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington. There's also a gun from the battle of Gettysburg and a replica of the Liberty Bell.

Address: 82 Smith Street, Providence, Rhode Island

Atwells Avenue crowns Federal Hill, the hill that rises to the west of Downcity, and is the vibrant heart of Providence's large Italian American community. That community now spreads throughout the city, but the concentration of restaurants, cafés, and shops selling Italian foods along Atwells Avenue and its adjacent streets and squares stems from the days when immigrants grouped closely with others who shared their language and traditions.

Today, Italian cooks shop in its delis and bakeries to find fresh-made mozzarella, tangy pickled cherry peppers, imported cured meats, and golden panettone. Come here to eat an Italian meal, whether it's spaghetti and red sauce (called simply "gravy" here) in elbow-bumping conviviality or northern Italian dishes served in a linens-and-crystal setting. It's also the place to linger over cappuccino or a dish of gelato at a sidewalk café in DePasquale Plaza , or join in a boisterous street festival on Columbus Day.

People still have trouble pronouncing the names of the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket, two narrow rivers that wind through Providence, but at least they can see them now. This was not always true - for decades they were hidden by what may have been the world's widest bridge, until they were once again revealed in the 1990s.

In a major revitalization of the entire area, the rivers were uncovered and their banks lined with walkways, benches, gardens, and trees in a riverside corridor known as WaterPlace Park and Riverwalk. Instead of a solid bridge of highways and traffic congestion, the rivers are now spanned by graceful bridges patterned after those in Venice.

During Waterfire, centered in WaterPlace Park, the river is alight with bonfires, and from spring through late autumn, the area is alive with walkers, bikers, joggers, people enjoying the summer concerts, and public art installations.

You can explore these waterways in the daytime, on a sunset cruise, or during WaterFire in an open-air boat ride that gives a new perspective on the city and some interesting sidelights to its attractions and history. Tours include the rivers and the upper parts of Narragansett Bay, revealing some new views of the city's architecture and skyline. You can also ride in La Gondola, an authentic Venetian gondola ; especially in the evening or during WaterFire, this has to be one of the most romantic things to do in all Rhode Island.

Address: 575 S. Water Street, Providence, Rhode Island

A prominent feature on lively Weybosset Street for nearly a century, the Providence Performing Arts Center occupies the former Loew's Movie Palace. The stunning Beaux Arts theater was designed by George and C.W. Rapp of Chicago, who designed many of the most opulent theaters of the time.

The interior is as sumptuous as it was when it opened in 1928, with marble columns, detailed plaster work, a richly ornamented ceiling, and crystal chandeliers. Periodic renovations have modernized its facilities without losing the opulent interior.

The highly respected Trinity Repertory Company is another venue for plays, musicals, and films, with two theater stages.

Address: 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, Rhode Island

Official site: https://www.ppacri.org/

On this mile-long street traversing the steep hillside that rises from the river to the Brown University campus, you can see an architectural history of Providence. At one end are the restrained and elegant Federal period homes, beautifully restored with their doorways in a neat row close to the street, and as you walk farther, you'll see grand homes set back on their lawns, and later Victorian, even Arts and Crafts-style residences.

Several of the city's tourist attractions are among them — the Governor Stephen Hopkins House with its terraced garden, the Athenaeum (with Edgar Allen Poe connections), and the John Brown House . You can get details on the various buildings from an excellent Benefit Street walking tour booklet from the Providence Preservation Society .

The Brown University campus crowns College Hill and has since 1770; its oldest building and still the center of the campus is University Hall, which served as a barracks and hospital during the Revolution. The impressive Van Wickle Gates open only twice a year, on the first day of classes and for the commencement procession in May.

Stamp collectors will want to see the complete collection of US postage stamps in the John Hay Library ; the John Carter Brown Library has a collection of rare early maps. The free David Winton Bell Gallery has excellent changing exhibits of contemporary and historic art. For student-led campus tours, visit the Corliss-Brackett House.

Here's a secret you probably won't hear about on the tour: Brown's Environmental Center has a conservatory on Waterman Street, a glass house with a jungle of plants and exotic flowers thriving inside through the coldest of winter days. Few know about it, but the center advises that "Artists, gardeners, tinkerers, dreamers, readers, thinkers, general plant lovers, and green and brown thumbs are encouraged to visit."

Address: Corliss-Brackett House, 45 Prospect Street, Providence

Official site: https://www.brown.edu/

A signer of the Declaration of Independence and Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island, Stephen Hopkins bought this 1707 home on the corner of Benefit Street in 1743. He added the two-story house at the front, leaving the original building as an ell.

The eight-room house is furnished authentically to Hopkin's period, and contains original artifacts and family pieces. In addition to the house full of antiques, visitors will see a room where the family's slaves lived, and the bedroom where George Washington slept on his visits to Providence. A gallery displays a fine collection of 18 th -century embroidered samplers.

The restored parterre garden is open, even when the house is not, and offers good views of the city from its terraces.

Address: 15 Hopkins Street, Providence, Rhode Island

Official site: http://www.stephenhopkins.org

A large green dragon looks down from the roof, alerting passersby that this is no ordinary brick building. Inside are original and creative ways for children ages 1 to 11 to explore the worlds of science, art, technology, physics, architecture, botany, engineering, and world cultures.

The hands-on play exhibits are designed not only to entertain as they teach, but to stimulate each child's curiosity and creativity, whatever their abilities or learning style. "Water Ways" is a favorite for all ages, exploring water in all its forms, from mist to ice. Other exhibits explore the immigrant experience, teach the use of common tools, and use puzzles to explore shapes and spaces.

Address: 100 South Street, Providence, Rhode Island

Official site: https://providencechildrensmuseum.org

One of the oldest libraries in America, the Atheneum is not only a delight to those of a bookish nature, but a pilgrimage site for devotees of Edgar Allen Poe . The poet courted Sarah Whitman in its secluded alcoves.

Collections include rare medieval manuscripts from the 1300s, rare editions of works by New England's best-known literary figures, a complete folio of Audubon's Birds of America , and even early children's books. Rare books are displayed in changing exhibits. Although it is a membership library, anyone can join, and the public is welcome to browse and read here.

The Atheneum has a full schedule of literary, musical, and other cultural events, including programs with well-known authors and leading cultural figures.

Address: 251 Benefit Street, Providence, Rhode Island

Official site: https://providenceathenaeum.org

You can explore the rivers on a Providence River Boat Tour in the daytime, on a sunset cruise, or during WaterFire in a 14-passenger open-air boat that gives a new perspective on the city and some interesting sidelights to its attractions and history. Tours include the rivers and the upper parts of Narragansett Bay, revealing some new views of the city's architecture and skyline.

Maritime history fans will enjoy the tour of Green Jacket Shoal, Rhode Island's largest ship graveyard, guided by an underwater archaeologist who has discovered 26 wooden-hulled vessels there. You can see more of Narragansett Bay on the one-hour Seastreak Ferry between Providence and Newport.

Or you can take the Seastreak as far as the stop in Bristol to explore its shops and historic Main Street. A free RIPTA shuttle service connects the Providence Ferry Terminal to Providence Station, Kennedy Plaza, and the Providence Convention Center.

Address: Providence River Boat, 575 S. Water Street, Providence, Rhode Island

The largest green space in the city of Providence, the 200-acre Swan Point Cemetery was established in 1846, but redesigned in 1886 as a cemetery park. Its design was inspired by Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the work of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites .

The landscape varies from open lawns shaded by mature trees to wooded groves and bosky paths bordered by laurel, rhododendrons, and azaleas. The land slopes, steeply in places, to the river. Throughout the cemetery are elaborate tombs, vaults, Victorian and Art Nouveau figural sculptures, simple early stones, and large family plots walled and landscaped like little gardens.

Fans of Gothic fiction seek out the tomb of H.P. Lovecraft , the greatest master of the horror tale since Poe. His grave is inscribed "I am Providence." The Swan Point Cemetery Perimeter Loop is a 2.4-mile trail that's popular for walking and bird-watching; about one-third of it borders the river.

Address: 585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, Rhode Island

Official site: https://swanpointcemetery.com

President John Quincy Adams described the 1786 home of merchant John Brown as "the most magnificent and elegant mansion that I have ever seen on this continent." From its lofty hillside setting he could keep an eye on his China Trade ships and warehouses at India Point, the source of his considerable wealth.

That he was a man of taste, as well as wealth and prominence is clear from the house, with its French wallpapers, finely worked decorative detail and moldings, and original Brown family furniture. For an unparalleled view of 18th-century life for the Providence aristocracy, as well as a look at some of the best pieces by Rhode Island cabinetmakers that you'll find anywhere, don't miss this magnificent home.

Address: 52 Power Street, Providence, Rhode Island

Official site: www.rihs.org

Even in this posh neighborhood of grand old homes, the 1865 mansion of Governor Henry Lippitt stands out. The 30-room Renaissance Revival villa/Italian palazzo is even more impressive inside, where the stenciling, stained, and etched glass and faux wood and marble finishes make it one of New England's finest interiors — arguably the best in terms of Victorian decoration.

The ornate woodwork, original family furnishings, and mechanical systems that were revolutionary for the mid-19th-century combine to make it a museum of Victorian interior decoration and a window into the life of a prosperous Victorian family.

Generations of the Lippitt family — they were heirs to a RI textile manufacturing fortune - lived in the house for 114 years, and their story comes alive in the excellent guided tours, the only way you can see the exuberant interior. Changing year-long exhibits delve more deeply into some aspect of life in the Victorian era, going behind the scenes to explore the role of household staff, etiquette, and social customs of the times.

Address: 199 Hope Street, Providence, Rhode Island

Official site: http://www.preserveri.org/visit-lippitt-house-museum

Apart from those in Roger Williams Park, the top tourist attractions in Providence are within walking distance of Downcity, where many of the hotels are located. If you're planning a trip to Providence in the spring, be aware that lodging is very tight in May, when several colleges hold their commencements. You will need to reserve well in advance and be prepared for higher rates then. We recommend these convenient, centrally located hotels and guesthouses in Providence, Rhode Island:

Luxury Hotels:

• The 4-star Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel is just as elegant on the inside as you'd expect from its grand façade of marble pillars. While the building is nearing its 100 th birthday, the hotel inside is 21 st century and sports a chic décor and all the mod-cons. Pillow-top mattresses and plush linens, all-day room service, and valet parking are luxury perks, and the hotel is right in the center of the city.
• The resort-like atmosphere of the Providence Marriott Downtown and its connecting indoor and outdoor pools make it a favorite for families. Conveniently located between the Downcity attractions and those on "The Hill," the hotel provides free parking and free use of bicycles. A full-service spa, restaurant, and impeccable service make this a getaway destination with the city as its backyard.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A city landmark, Graduate Providence is an Art Deco hotel with a stunning lobby and grand staircase. Rooms are unusually large, with king-sized beds and sweeping city views; more than half of them are suites. The location doesn't get any better, five minutes from shopping and restaurants.
• In another historic building with a soaring two-story lobby, convenient to Brown University and the attractions on Benefit Street, Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown offers guests complimentary hot breakfast and free shuttle service.

Budget Hotels:

• In a historic three-story mansion, Christopher Dodge House is a hospitable B&B with cozy guest rooms with fireplaces and handcrafted furniture. A hot breakfast is included in the budget rates.
• Only a 15-minute walk from the center, Providence Hostel & Guesthouse has comfortable private rooms and dorms. There is a kitchenette for guests' use, and Wi-Fi is free.

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Places to Visit near Providence: Its central location means that you can easily use Providence as a base for visiting all the many tourist attractions in Rhode Island . These include the marvelous Gilded Age mansions and other highlights of Newport , or you might want to swim at one of Rhode Island's beautiful beaches . For more ideas on planning a beach getaway, refer to our page on Rhode Island's top-rated resorts.

Where to Go from Providence: With only a short train ride, you can visit the historic attractions of Boston and Cambridge , or you can head to nearby Cape Cod . Only a short ferry ride from the Cape, you'll find plenty of things to do on the island of Nantucket .

More on Rhode Island

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Providence Area Attractions

A visit to Providence offers easy access to many attractions , universities , shops, sporting event venues and restaurants . The city is home to several museums, including the RISD Museum , part of the famed Rhode Island School of Design; the John Brown House Museum , a landmark from the 18th century; and the Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum , an American National Historic Landmark. For families, we have the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium , the state's only natural history museum and public planetarium; the Providence Children's Museum , a hands-on museum for children; and the Roger Williams Park Zoo , home to scores of animals in naturalistic settings. Theaters, galleries, outdoor adventures and more make Providence a place to get up and go.    

Free Things To Do

All area attractions.

What To Do In Providence: Perfect One Day In Providence Itinerary

Looking for a one day itinerary for visiting Providence Rhode Island. Look no further!

In 24 hours, this Providence travel guide covers the must visit attractions, landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and museums in Providence.

You’ll get a step by step itinerary for exploring Providence. I tell you all the best things to see, do, and eat in Providence. The city is very walkable, so you can certainly get a sampling of its culture in one day.

Nicknamed the “cooler city” by GQ, Providence is one of the best towns on the East Coast . Providence is home to an Ivy League college, design schools, and a culinary institute.

The city is a hodgepodge. It combines big city sophistication with small town charm.

It has a vibrant local culture, celebrated restaurants, and sparkling waterfront parks. Providence is full of historic Yankee monuments, but also has a young and funky vibe.

READ : Guide To Wright’s Masterpiece, Fallingwater

Providence was founded by Roger Williams. He was a rebel and creative thinker who dared to defy the rules and define his destiny. 400 years later, Providence maintains this ethos with a thriving arts community.

Providence is a town of innovative writers, painters, musicians, sculptors, dancers, architects, and fashion designers. The art work of local and national artists is shown in approachable galleries throughout city.

A Short History of Providence

Providence is a historic city, one of the oldest in the United States. The capital of Rhode Island is located in the northeast part of the state.

Providence was founded in 1636 by the renegade preacher Roger Williams. Williams was forced to flee the Massachusetts Bay Colony due to religious persecution. After landing in Providence, he embraced a willingness to accept every element of society.

Under his leadership, Providence became a place for religious refuge and free thinking. It was one of the original 13 colonies. And Providence was the first colony to declare independence from England.

Because Providence is set on the water, it became a New World seaport and manufacturing center. With trade booming, affluent merchants built some of the beautiful brick mansions on College Hill.

During the Civil War, Providence supported the Union cause. The city also developed a transit system and industry continued to prosper.

Today, Providence is the largest city and capital of the tiny state of Rhode Island. It’s the third largest city in New England , after Boston and Worcester. Yet, with only 200,000 residents, Providence still has a small town feel.

One Day In Providence Itinerary

Here’s what I think is the best way to spend one day in Providence. I’ve included all the top attractions in Providence.

You may not be able to fit them all in just one day. But this list of things to do in Providence will at least give you some destination inspiration and a plan of attack.

You start your one day in Providence in Federal Hill, cross the river to Downtown, and then head to beautiful College Hill.

You may want to book a welcome to Providence walking tour to get oriented.

1. 8:00 AM Breakfast At The Grange

Start your one day in Providence off with breakfast at The Grange . It’s a hip vegetarian breakfast and brunch spot. The restaurant has a seasonal menu that feature locally-sourced fresh produce.

The restaurant has a salvaged and upcycled decor. Aside from scrumptious food, the Grange has both a cocktail bar and a juice bar.

If you don’t want to sit down to eat, you can grab a delectable pastry at Scialo Bros Bakery instead. It’s a nearly century old family run bakery.

2. 9:00 AM: Federal Hill

Federal Hill is dubbed “One of the Five Best Little Italys in the U.S.” Just called “The Hill,” it’s main drag is Atwells Avenue. Federal Hill is a must visit and must dine destination on your Providence itinerary.

You’ll find loads of knockout eateries there. More than 100 restaurants, boutiques, and galleries show off the city’s Italian influence with an inventive spirit.

The main square is DePasquale Plaza, where people are always dining alfresco. If you’re in Providence in early June, you can eat and enjoy live music during the Federal Hill Stroll.

Head to the East Side to encounter Providence’s Colonial past. You’ll be greeted by grand 18th and 19th century homes, cobblestone streets, and flickering street lamps.

3. 10:00 Plant City

If you skipped breakfast on Federal Hill, on your way across the river to downtown, stop for brunch or a coffee at Plant City on Water Street.

Or just pop in to check it out. This place is fantastic.

Plant City is the world’s first plant-based vegan food hall and marketplace.

There are four restaurants and three bars. They were created by internationally-acclaimed chef Matthew Kenney. There’s also a coffee bar, bakery, and market.

4. 11:00 PM: Downtown or “Downcity”

At noon, head to downtown Providence. In this area of Providence, you find some gorgeous Art Deco, Beaux-Arts, and late Victorian buildings.

The Arcade is the most prominent landmark. It was America’s first shopping mall, built in 1828. The Greek Revival building is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Arcade is a retail hub and loft complex. It’s home to “micro lofts” (small living spaces) on the two upper levels and “micro retailers” on the bottom floor. The retailers are mostly independent with local roots.

There are also several restaurants, which get especially busy at noon. And the Arcade is home to the Providence’s Winter Farmers Market. Downcity is the perfect place to take a guided food tour to sample the local cuisines.

5. Downcity Arts District

Then, head to the Arts District. This area is home to Providence’s performing art venues and visual arts destinations. It’s also home to some beautiful street murals.

The Arts District is a great place to shop and eat as well. Westminster Street is the most eclectic shopping area. It’s a charismatic, brick-lined metropolitan street bedecked in trees and string lights

If you need a coffee or cool drink, pop into Small Point Cafe or Sydney . They’re both adorable cafes.

Small Point Cafe

6. Rhode Island State House

If you’re interested in architecture, tour the Rhode Island State House . It’s one of the grandest statehouses in the United States.

Built from 1895-1904, this majestic Neo-Classical domed building is clad in white Georgia marble. It was constructed during Rhode Island’s industrial prosperity.

A Providence landmark, the state house has the world’s fourth largest self-supported dome. It was inspired by the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome .

You can visit the state house on your own or via a free guided tour. You’ll see The Four Freedoms painting by James Allen King, inside the dome.

Gilbert Stuart’s famed Portrait of George Washington (shown above) hangs in the Governor’s State Room.

There’s also a gun from the battle of Gettysburg and a replica of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.

READ : 2 Day Itinerary for Philadelphia

7. 12:00 PM: College Hill

At midday, head to the next stop on your 2 day in Providence itinerary, beautiful College Hill. This is Providence’s showcase neighborhood. Its name comes from being home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design.

College Hill is an amazing example of historic preservation. It’s one of the country’s finest urban strolling areas. You’ll find pristine mansions and period gas lamps.

The main drag is Thayer Street. Thayer is an eclectic shopping and dining area. It’s home to plenty of eateries, from casual to chic.

If it’s lunchtime, settle in for a meal at Kabob and Curry . Or, get a falafel to go at East Side Pockets .

8. Fleur de Lys Studio

Be sure to see the Fleur de Lys Building on Thomas Street on College Hill.

This home is a historic first example of Arts & Crafts architecture in the United States. It’s a nice change from the intense Colonialism of College Hill.

The facade is covered with hand carved faux reliefs in bright yellow and beige. There’s a sunken doorway and bulging window bays.

The eccentric building was founded by Sydney Burleigh as a studio and workplace for himself and the Providence Art Club. Today, it still houses artists studios.

There are plenty of other beautiful historic homes along Thomas Street.

9. Benefit Street

Just a few steps from Thomas Street, you arrive at Benefit Street . It’s a postcard perfect street that runs for 1.2 miles next to the Brown University campus. The locals refer to it as the “Mile of History.”

The cobblestone lane lays claim to one of the highest concentrations of Colonials in the United States.

This most inviting street in Providence is rich in period architecture from the Colonial and Victorian eras. It’s effectively an outdoor museum for architecture lovers, with well-preserved homes from the 1700s and 1800s.

The Providence Preservation Society has a walking tour booklet you can pick up for a self-guided tour. If you can’t walk down Benefit Street, at least drive down it.

10. The John Brown House

The magnificent John Brown House was the first mansion built in Providence. The house is named after the original owner, the merchant and statesman John Brown.

It’s a textbook example of the Georgian Colonial style of architecture.

A visit to the house-museum is like a walk through Rhode Island history. You’ll find period artifacts, original furniture, antique maps, and an 18th century carriage known as “Washington’s Chariot.”

11. Governor Henry Lippitt House

The Lippet House is Providence’s premiere Victorian house museum.  A National Historic Landmark, the Italianate-style Lippitt House was built for textile magnate and Rhode Island Governor (1875-1877) Henry Lippitt. 

The museum captures the brilliance of Victorian design during Providence’s “Golden Age.”

The interior is high Victorian in decoration. Visitors choose between a self-guided tour and a guided tour offered on the hour. 

Providence Athenaeum

12. Providence Athenaeum

Who doesn’t love a beautiful library? The Providence Athenaeum is a historic Victorian membership library that’s open to the public. 

The Greek Revival style building was once frequented by the likes of Edgar Allan Poe, who courted poet Sarah Helen Whitman there.

Browse its beautiful stacks or curl up in a cozy reading room. Say hello to the bust of H.P. Lovecraft, the master of American horror fiction. The athenaeum also has a collection of Whitman’s stories and writings.

READ : Guide To the Boston Athenaeum

13. 2:00 PM: Brown University

Next, head up College Street to Brown University’s Van Wickle Gates. Dedicated in 1901, the iron and brick gates are the ornamental entrance to the college.

Brown was founded in 1764. It’s one of the the nine Ivy League colleges, founded before the American Revolution.

You can lounge under the big trees on the Main Green or admire the John Hay Library’s stunning reading room. After touring the campus, mingle with the crowds on bustling Thayer Street.

Just a few blocks from campus is Wickenden Street. It’s a quirky neighborhood, packed with cafes and restaurants. Its much quainter than Thayer Street.

14. 4:00 PM: Rhode Island School of Design Museum

The Rhode Island School of Design Museum (pronounced RIZ-dee) is a must visit attraction in Providence for culture vultures. It could easily consume a chunk of your day.

The acclaimed museum gives you a crash course in art history. RISD houses everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary works by notable masters of the art world.

The museum has more than 100,000 art works. About 1/4 of that total is on display at any given time.

You can admire paintings by luminaries like Monet , Manet, Turner, Picasso , Degas, and other Impressionists.

You’ll also find Egyptian and Asian artifacts, a 12th century 10 foot Buddha, midcentury modern Eames furniture, and Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass.

15. 6:00 PM: Waterplace Park or Boat Ride

If you have time before dinner, take a stroll down the RiverWalk to Waterplace Park. The riverfront has seen a dramatic change, with a significant reclamation effort. Now, slim elegant bridges lit up with candelabras cross the river.

There’s a network of cobbled trails. Along the way, you’ll see plaques noting historic events or buildings that used to be there.

If you’d like a luxurious ride on the water, find  La Gondola Providence at One Citizens Plaza. You can ride in an authentic Venetian gondola. These stunning black vessels are adorned with hand-sculpted ornaments. The gondoliers dress in traditional striped uniform. 

READ : 2 Days in Venice Itinerary

Rides along the river last approximately 40 minutes. You can bring along wine or prosecco. Advance reservations are mandatory. This is a popular thing to do in Providence.

Alternatively, you can book a twilight river cruise .

16. 7:00 PM: Restaurants for Dinner

Where should you eat with one day in Providence? Providence has a diverse and innovative restaurant scene. But Italian cuisine reigns supreme.

If you’re in the mood for Italian, head back to Federal Hill. Try Siena , Enoteca Umberto , or Trattoria Zooma . Federal Hill is also home to Bucktown , which serves up comfort food with southern flair.

There are loads of good restaurants on Hope Street — Ran Zan , India , and Three Sisters .

If you want views, try Skyline at Waterplace. If you crave French cuisine, check in at Chez Pascal , where you’ll find traditional French food with Rhode Island ingredients.

For an unpretentious place with great seafood, try Oberlin in downtown Providence. The chef is a James Beard Award nominee.

17. Evening Art Performance

End your one day in Providence with a quality theater performance.

Providence has several cultural venues — Providence Performing Arts Center (“PPAC”), the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (called the “VETS”), Trinity Repertory Company , or the Columbus Theatre .

The PPAC is a gorgeous theater. This is where you’ll find the traveling Broadway shows. The arena only seats 3,000, so you need to book in advance.

The Columbus Theater opened in 1926. It was modeled after an 1880s Italian opera house. Chubby cherubs float in the ceiling above red carpeted aisles. The theater features folk and indie acts.

WaterFire in Providence

18. WaterFire

If you are in Providence between May and November, you’ll be treated to Providence’s signature attraction: WaterFire .

During WaterFire, the river is lit with over 80 bonfires that sit on braziers anchored in the middle of the water. The fires stretch from Waterplace Park to South Main Street Park.

WaterFire takes place twice a month. It’s basically a big street party. There will be live entertainment and food trucks. You’ll also see fire spinners and living statues.

If you want to skip the crowds, have dinner with views of WaterFire. One good place is Hemenway’s .

If you miss WaterFire, you can still take an evening cruise down the river.

Roger Williams Park

More Time in Providence?

If you have ore than one day in Providence, there are some other splendid things to see and do near Providence.

1. Roger Williams Park

Head to Roger Williams Park , a true people pleaser. You can’t walk there. But buses run there frequently from downtown Providence.

The park spans an impressive 435 acres of land in Providence. It’s covered in beautiful gardens, lakes, walking trails, and greenhouses. All this loveliness makes the park one of the nicest green spots in the city.

As well as the flora and fauna here, you will also find period buildings. They include the original bandstand from 1915 and the Betsy Williams Cottage built in 1773.

For young children, the park has a carousel as well as train rides. The park is also the home of the Museum of Natural History and the Roger Williams Park Zoo . In October, there’s a Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular.

2. Gilbert Stuart Museum

Another good option is a visit to the Gilbert Stuart Museum , about 40 minutes outside Providence. Gilbert Stuart was one of 18th century America’s master portrait artists.

Stuart is best known for his unfinished Athenaeum portrait of George Washington. This is the image seen on the U.S. one dollar bill. The famous portrait is in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

The Stuart house-museum is set in an authentically restored and furnished 1750 house. It was the home of the Stuart family.

In the Bell Art Gallery, you can view original works by Stuart, his daughter Jane Stuart, and changing themed exhibits of original artwork.

The Tony coastal town of Newport is just 40 minutes from Providence. Newport is a  one of the most beautiful towns in New England . Founded in 1639, Newport is a treasure trove of historic European-style mansions set against ocean views.

Think the Gilded Age’s Astors, Vanderbilts, and Kennedys — the families who built the first palatial mansions in the US. Most of the mansions are on Bellevue Avenue and a few are on the waterfront.

Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt,  Breakers Mansion  is Rhode Island’s #1 attraction. It’s located on the scenic  Newport Cliff Walk , which combines mansions and ocean views. You can take a 3 hour trolley tour of the mansions , with admission to Breakers.

The  Newport Art Museum  is the core of the creative community. The Artists’ Open Space serves up local and regional shows year round. There’s a dozen commercial galleries in town as well. Island Art is the best, noted for its contemporary pieces.

4. Plimoth Plantation

If you want to really step back in time, head to  Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth Massachusetts. It’s approximately one hour from Providence.

The plantation is a living museum that aims to explore the daily lives of the Colonial Americans. The village has been carefully recreated, with thatched roofs and giant open fireplaces.

The actors in the museum are in period costume and never step out of character. You can watch them performing 17th century tasks including building, gardening, and military exercises.

Click here to book a ticket and guided tour of the plantation.

READ : Best Places To Visit in Massachusetts

Tips For A One Day In Providence Itinerary

1. how to get to providence.

There’s not an airport in Providence. if you’re flying, the nearest airport is the T.F. Green Airport in Warwick. The airport is a 10 minute drive from Providence.

2. How To Get Around Providence

Providence is a very walkable city. You can access the main site sites on foot. Click here to book a guided walking tour of Providence.

But you may want to have a car to cross the river to or from Federal Hill.

I drove around Providence. It was was fairly easy to find parking. There’s also a bus system.

3. Where To Stay In Providence

If you plan to stay overnight in Providence, check into the centrally-located Renaissance Providence Hotel . It’s a stately Neo-Classical building with some rooms overlooking the Rhode Island State House.

Another good option is the legendary Biltmore Hotel. Once a magnet for celebrities, the hotel has gotten a makeover as the  Graduate Providence . It has an ornate lobby and a glass elevator that provides great views of the city.

You can also check out the Hilton Garden Inn , the Marriot Providence Downtown , and Aloft Providence Downtown .

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day itinerary for the top attractions in Providence Rhode Island. You may enjoy these other New England travel guides and resources:

• 25 most beautiful towns in New England
• 3 day itinerary for Boston
• 1 day itinerary for Portland Maine
• 35 Landmarks in Boston
• 35 Day Trips From Boston
• 1 day itinerary for Cambridge
• 10 day itinerary for New Hampshire
• Berkshires Road Trip
• 10 day itinerary for coastal Maine
• 7-10 day itinerary for Vermont
• Fall foliage road trip in New England

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Last Updated on June 23, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

18 Awesome Things to Do in Providence RI

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Providence, Rhode Island has so much more to claim for their fame beyond just their capital city designation. With nicknames that include The Renaissance City and the Creative Capital, this vibrant Ocean State city has developed its own brand of artistic industry and historical preservation that is well-reflected in both the cultural offerings and historical landmarks of this hip East Coast town; in short, there are many awesome things to do in Providence RI!

For the ultimate guide in tourist attractions Providence Rhode Island is most known for, check out this list of the best things to do in Providence RI!

Oh, and don’t forget to check out our weekend in Providence post if you’d like a 2 day itinerary of PVD fun.

Table of Contents

When is the Best Time to Visit Providence RI?

Winter in Rhode Island has plenty to offer, but if you’d like a Providence RI vacation that positions you in the best possible way to see all the top Providence sights, you should probably shoot for spring through fall for your PVD getaway. Fall in Rhode Island is especially delightful!

PS if you’re looking for things to do in Providence RI this weekend or wondering what to do in Providence today, scope out this local events calendar for things happening in Providence while you’re visiting.

Explore Roger Williams Park

This sprawling, well-protected outdoor space has 435 acres of gorgeous scenery, activities, and attractions. You can take in the fantastic view by walking one of the many trails or by floating around the lakes and connected waterways on a jumbo swan paddleboat .

Then there’s the Botanical Center —New England’s largest public indoor display gardens—with indoor and outdoor gardens that include five greenhouses, a rose maze , and 150+ different types and varieties of plants.

Next, you can head on over to the Roger Williams Park Zoo , where over 160 animal species are waiting to say hello! An accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and American Humane Certified, this zoo takes good care of all of their animal friends.

The Carousel Village near the zoo is one of the top Providence things to do with kids, so be sure to swing by and take a ride if you’ve got kiddos in tow!

After you’ve had your fill oohing and ahhing over the flamingoes and the sloths, you can head over to the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium and explore the many exhibits and events available to the public. As you can see, Roger Williams Park offers plenty to do and see on your visit to Providence. 

Scope out Hocus Pocus 2 Filming Locations

Did you know that Hocus Pocus 2 filmed in several areas in Providence? It did! You can read all about it here.

See a Show in Downtown PVD

Known locally as the “Jewel of Weybosset Street,” Providence Performing Arts Center is l isted on the National Register of Historic Places and this gorgeous theater is a must-see in PVD. Of course, that’s not the only place to see a show in Providence Rhode Island, so be sure to check out the Providence Theater guide to see what’s onstage during your trip to Providence!

Take a Providence River Boat Company’s Vineyard Voyage

There is plenty to see in Providence, and what better way to see it than to enjoy a floating wine tasting from the downtown Providence waterways? Providence River Boat Company has partnered with Rhode Island-based Gooseneck Vineyards to offer a fun and informative 75-minute open-air voyage that showcases a selection of wines served with light refreshments.

The Captain of the boat will guide you through historical points of interest and a representative from Gooseneck Vineyards will be on hand to discuss the wines you are tasting. Non-wine drinkers, great news! Providence River Boat Company has no problem allowing you to BYOB on their Vineyard Voyages; add this to the list of fun things to do in Providence for adults!

Visit a PVD Brewery

There are some fantastic breweries in Providence, so if you’re a fan of New England craft beer, there are some great options for you in Rhode Island’s capital city! You have plenty of Providence breweries to choose from, but if you’re looking for a PVD brewery with great food, consider Trinity Brewhouse , one of the first brewpubs in New England. Their Scallop Po’ Boy is a popular menu item, and honestly, just typing that makes me want to try one!

 The 12 Best Breweries in New England You Need to Visit

New England Brewery Road Trip: Perfect for Craft Beer Lovers

Visit the Site of an Edgar Allen Poe romance

The Providence Athenaeum is not just a local treasure, but a revered spot for all literary lovers lucky enough to have made their way through its doors! This independent library is almost 200 years old and houses some incredible collections and rare editions from literary greats such as Louisa May Alcott, Walt Whitman, and Herman Melville, in addition to a robust selection of contemporary works.

A historic gathering place for writers and readers alike, Edgar Allen Poe had his engagement broken off by his fiancée within the walls of the Providence Athenaeum. With collections that include paintings, sculptures, maps, historical documents, and more, anyone even mildly interested in art, history, or books must add this beautifully maintained gem to their list of things to do while visiting Providence RI!

Take a Walk Down Thayer Street

This funky thoroughfare is a favorite Providence destination for both the college kids and the townies of Providence! With over 71 unique businesses that include everything from thrift shops to bookstores to ethnic cuisine, there is plenty to do on Thayer Street for Providence fun. There is a wide variety of food options that include Thai, Greek, Vegan, Middle Eastern, French, Indian, Korean, and more.

After you eat, take in a movie at the Avon Cinema , a Thayer Street favorite since 1938, or go get a henna tattoo at the metaphysical shop,  Spectrum India. If you’re looking for things to do in Providence RI in September, you could check out the Thayer Street Arts Festival. A day spent wandering around on Thayer Street is a day well-spent!

Stop by the Stephen Hopkins House

Okay, this one is for the serious history buffs in PVD! Stephen Hopkins was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and governor of the colony of Rhode Island, and his home, built in 1707, has been expertly maintained over its lifetime and is well-appointed with historical furnishings, artifacts, and heirlooms. George Washington even visited this distinguished colonial home twice.

Check the website for details about tours, but if you love history, be sure to put the Stephen Hopkins House on the list of things to do while visiting Providence Rhode Island. 

Enjoy Classical Music

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School is a prestigious music school that attracts the best and brightest from all around the world, and you can hear them perform on Friday night open rehearsals. Incredible musicians and timeless music make this one of the best places to go in Providence RI for music lovers.

Take a Providence Walks Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour

The city of Providence is extremely walkable, which is why the Providence visitor’s bureau has created the Providence Walks series with multiple options for self-guided walking tours that offer local history and insight into Little Rhody’s capital city. These are some of the tours of Providece RI you can choose from: Downtown Historic Walking Tour, Early Black History Walking Tour, East Side Historic Walking Tour, Jewelry District Historic Walking Tour, and West Side Historic Walking Tour.

The best part about the Providence Walks series is that being self-guided, you choose the pace of the tour. Spend as much or as little time at each Providence tourist attraction as you’d like, you are the one calling the shots on this one! These are some of the best tours in Providence Rhode Island and are an excellent way to get to know a little bit more about PVD.

Check out America’s Oldest Indoor Mall

Did you know that The Arcade Providence, built in 1828, is a National Historic Landmark that has managed to reinvent itself to fit its city’s modern needs? This indoor mall still has retail and restaurant options open to the public (check out Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council and their “weird emporium” while you’re there!), but it also now has micro-lofts available for purchase on the upper floors! A part of the global micro-living trend that promotes and supports a more efficient, minimalist way of living, The Arcade Providence’s creation of micro-loft space demonstrates how this city earns its nickname “The Renaissance City” by creatively reinventing itself while still preserving its rich historical heritage.

Check out The Providence Flea

This isn’t your grandma’s flea market; Going to The Providence Flea is more like going to a street festival than going to a flea market. If you’re looking to really get the PVD vibe and check out some of the unique and inventive art and goods that their flourishing creative scene offers, The Providence Flea is the place to be. It’s open on Sunday afternoons outdoors in the summer and fall, but be sure to check ahead to see winter and spring dates and locations. 

Stroll the grounds of Brown University

Founded in 1764 and situated in the historic College Hill neighborhood, the campus of Brown University is a cool Providence sight to see! One of the most prestigious research universities in the country, Brown has a lot to geek out about, and there are plenty of things to do near Brown University, too.

If you happen to be in to plant life, for example, not only is the campus beautifully landscaped, but Brown University is also home to the Brown University Herbarium, which houses around 100,000 plant specimens, dating back to the early 19 th century. If you’re going to geek out about old plant specimens, Brown University is the place to do it!

If you’re looking for more than just plant specimens, there’s The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, Brown’s teaching and research museum. Whether you check out the herbarium, museum, or just the gorgeous grounds of this Ivy League campus, a tour of Brown University is one of the top things to do in Providence for anyone who appreciates historic architecture and academic prowess!

Discover Federal Hill

As you enter the historic neighborhood of Federal Hill , you will be greeted with a large bronze pine cone attached to a giant archway that guards Providence’s “Little Italy.” This gorgeous neighborhood is known for both its phenomenal selection of authentic, old-world style Italian eats and its bright and welcoming energy; a visit here is definitely a must do Providence RI activity!

The neighborhood often hosts live entertainment in Depasquale Square near its gorgeous fountain, and it isn’t uncommon to see the plaza filled with people simply relaxing back and enjoying the space. There are so many remarkable Providence restaurants to choose from in this historic neighborhood, but there are plenty of other things to do here as well! Shopping, art galleries, and more can be found in Providence’s “Little Italy.”

Visit the RISD Museum

Pronounced “Riz-Dee,” RISD is short for Rhode Island School of Design, and the RISD Museum is a fantastic Providence thing to do even if you’re not on one of the RISD college tours. With over 100,000 works of art and design in their collection, RISD has got to be a part of your visit to Providence. RISD even offers free admission days, so be sure to check the website and plan accordingly so you can see for yourself what puts RISD at the top of so many lists of best things to do in Providence RI!

PS if you’re looking for things to do at night in Providence, the 3rd Thursday of the month is Gallery Night at multiple art galleries around town where visitors can enjoy free tours!

Take a Venetian-Style Gondola Ride

La Gondola brings a little bit of Venice to you for the ultimate Renaissance City experience! Personalize your journey by choosing between packages that include a singing gondolier, a musician to play your choice of mandolin, guitar, or violin, and yummy treat packages that include handmade Italian wine biscuits and chocolate truffles.

Some packages are seasonal, like the Viaggio di Fantasme, or the “Trip of Ghosts,” that fills you in on all of the haunted local lore; definitely one of the fun things to do in Providence in October. There is even a Waterfire package that allows you to enjoy the fiery art installations from up close. La Gondola will provide glassware and a corkscrew, but it’s BYOB so bring your favorite bottle to enjoy on your Providence Gondola cruise. 

Eat your Way around Town

If you’re looking for what to eat in Providence RI, there are many, many options! Providence has a bit of a reputation as a New England foodie paradise, so be sure to check out this guide to the best places to eat in Providence to learn the lay of the land and where the best restaurants in PVD are!

When looking for things to do in Providence Rhode Island, there will always be one major attraction that will top them all: Waterfire . As unique, artsy, and inventive as the town itself, Waterfire is an annual art installation event that includes scores of braziers that are lit at dusk along the three rivers downtown on select weekends throughout the year. Ethereal music accompanies the fire installations and performers, vendors, and musicians line the streets to add to the revelry of the experience.

Waterfire has been happening since 1994 and is now a regional favorite. Waterfire has even been referred to as the “crown jewel of the Providence renaissance,” which is an incredible compliment for Waterfire’s creator Barnaby Evans. When you’re planning your Providence trip, try to plan it for one of the Waterfire weekends. Rest assured, you will not be disappointed!

Read these next:

• 50 Things To Do In Rhode Island: Your RI Travel Guide
• 10 of the Best Hikes in Rhode Island
• 10+ Best Day Trips from Boston
• 15 Best Restaurants in Rhode Island: Where to Eat in RI
• 10 Incredibly Romantic Getaways in Rhode Island
• 12 Free Things to do in Providence RI
• Where to Go for Breakfast in Providence RI
• 12 Fantastic Antique Stores in Rhode Island: Antiquing RI

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How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Providence, Rhode Island

Mariah Tyler is Travel + Leisure's associate visuals director. She is a photographer and writer who covers Texas, Mexico, desert and city destinations, and design-forward hotels. She also commissions photo essays that highlight diverse voices in travel and unique cultural experiences.

The largest city in the smallest state is certainly not something to overlook for a weekend getaway. Rhode Island is roughly an hour and half drive from Boston , and on a good day, less than four hours from New York City .

My typical weekend getaways prioritize finding some treasured goods at markets to bring back home. This usually means trying to find the best way to load up on house plants, vintage décor, and furniture. Between the Providence Flea Market and the Raynham Flea Market 30 minutes into Massachusetts, I knew I was bound to find a truckload to bring home.

After arriving in Providence, Rhode Island’s capital, we immediately checked into the Graduate Providence . The Graduate, formerly the Biltmore Hotel, is bursting with history and Wes Anderson-style charm. It's one of two pet-friendly hotels downtown (along with The Dean Hotel ), and it was the perfect place to settle in for the weekend with our dog. A new boutique hotel, Dye House , recently opened in the Olneyville section of Providence. The unique space used to be a working mill and now offers four suites with a well-curated, contemporary design focus on interiors. Dye House is also pet friendly for animals under fifty pounds.

Wake up and take a stroll through downtown, making a stop by Bolt Coffee in the Dean Hotel for a quick bite, or sit a while and enjoy brunch at The Grange . On your walk, you may notice the Superman Building, also known as the Industrial National Bank Building, in downtown Providence. After brunch, weather permitting, take a short drive to the nearest beaches. RISD Beach and Barrington are each a 30-minute drive from downtown. If you’re more into parks, visit India Point Park for beautiful bay views and boat watching.

Head to lunch at Tallulah’s Taqueria for fresh Mexican food — just be prepared to wait in line. It's worth it, however, for the perfect lunch spot with plenty of outdoor seating. Another great lunch option is Dune Brother’s Seafood. Go for a cup of chowder and other New England classics.

Providence has a diverse craft beer scene, so it's essential to spend the afternoon at a local brewery. Both The Guild and Foolproof Brewing Company are located in Pawtucket and offer a variety of options on tap as well as spacious taprooms. Long Live Beerworks , in the West End neighborhood of Providence, is in a well-designed, welcoming two-story warehouse with delicious IPAs constantly on rotation.

After an afternoon of brews, head downtown to Oberlin for one of the best dinners in the state. This neighborhood restaurant and wine bar serves up exceptional small plates in a laid-back atmosphere; try the Kohlrabi Caesar and potato gnocchi with braised duck.

Begin the day with a stop at The Shop in Fox Point for coffee and breakfast before taking a day trip to nearby Newport and Jamestown Island. You could easily spend your entire trip in Newport for a full beach town experience, but for just a taste of the highlights, a day trip is totally worthwhile. Drive through the Ocean Drive Historic District up to The Breakers, catching a glimpse at the immaculate mansions. For a closer look, walk the Cliff Walk along the shoreline. Take a break for lunch at Flo’s Clam Shack , a tried-and-true local favorite that’s been around since 1936. You can’t go wrong with this seafood-abundant menu featuring bowls of homemade “chowda” and a no-frills raw bar.

For the rest of the afternoon, take a drive to Jamestown and Beavertail State Park . This drive is full of small town scenery and it’s worth making a stop at the Village Hearth Bakery Café in Jamestown for fresh, European-style breads and pastries that make a great snack for your time at the park. Beavertail State Park is the most picturesque way to spend the day. The rocky coastal cliffs are the main attraction and make for good suntanning spots with water access for a quick dip. In season, you can also take a tour of the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum. The drive through the state park makes a loop, so find a spot to park and have a picnic.

Back in Providence for the last day of your trip, take it easy with coffee and carbs from Knead Doughnuts . This is the perfect day for a bit of shopping and art. Sundays in Providence are the day for Providence Flea, an outdoor market where local vendors sell vintage items and handmade goods. Admission to the RISD Museum is free on Sundays, and after browsing the galleries of art — from ancient to contemporary — you can visit the RISD Store and purchase a piece from the alumni collection to take home. Nearby is the picturesque library of yore, The Providence Athenaeum, an inspiring stop for all lovers of books and learning.

Enjoy lunch at Milk Money ; the charming interior and locally sourced, seasonal menu come highly recommended. For more shopping, Riff Raff bookstore has a specially curated collection of books paired with a cozy bar serving coffee, cocktails, and beer.

For a final dinner in town, head to Atwells Avenue in Federal Hill for Italian food. Providence has a rich history of Italian and Portuguese communities, so choosing a neighborhood spot for dinner is the right move. If you still have energy after a pasta feast, Ogie’s Trailer Park is a surprisingly charming spot for a drink. The kitschy, mid-century modern-style bar offers tiki drinks, classic cocktails, atomic-patterned light fixtures, and teal leather barstools. Granny Boo’s Kitchen, located inside the bar, serves up late-night snacks (like a grilled cheese with tater tots inside ), directly from an old trailer.

Related Articles

Is Providence Worth Visiting? 8 Reasons Why It’s a Yes!

Is Providence worth visiting? I’ve deemed it worthy enough that I’ve been twice now and have no plans to ignore it on any future New England travels . 

Providence is trendy, historic, delicious, and still so often overlooked. Let’s dive into why you shouldn’t make that mistake when you’re planning your travel in the region.

Disclosure: Please note that the post below contains affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .  At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

Is Providence Worth Visiting? That’s a Big YES!

Providence is worth visiting to see a New England town that is the perfect combination of small-town accessibility with big city food and culture.

Where is Providence?

Providence, U.S.A., is in the northeastern part of the country. It’s the capital city of Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state.

What is Providence, RI, known for?

Providence, RI, is known for being the home to an Ivy League university. It’s also the capital city of Rhode Island and boasts America’s first shopping mall.

No, really. The Arcade Providence, built in 1828, is the oldest indoor shopping mall in the United States, so put that in your little trivia brain bank next time you’re asked, “What is Providence, Rhode Island, known for?”

Why should I visit Providence, Rhode Island? You should visit Providence, Rhode Island, because it’s remained off the radar for so many New England travelers. That means you won’t get the big crowds at the main attractions as you would in other cities along the East Coast, even during peak leaf-peeping season.

Is it safe to visit Providence? It is safe to to visit Providence. Exercise the same level of caution you would in any city in the United States, especially in downtown Providence.

For the record, I never felt unsafe in Providence as a woman, even when I was getting in a morning run or exploring on my own.

Are you ready for all of my top reasons for visiting Providence, RI? Ready to solidify your plans to visit Providence, RI? Let’s get on with it!

It’s the capital city of Rhode Island.

Whether you like ticking off U.S. capitals or not, a visit to the Rhode Island State House should top Providence attractions on any trip. The dome that rises over the city is one of the largest self-supporting marble domes in the world, and you can take tours inside if you so desire. Self-guided tours are available on any weekend, but if you want a docent-led tour you can make a request online .

Providence is home to the RISD Museum.

The Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, better known as the RISD Museum, is a jewel of Providence. There are somewhere around 100,000 pieces of art in this museum, with everything from decorative art from ancient times to present-day modern art. Admission is free on certain days and evenings, so check the RISD website before you go in case you luck out.

Note: RISD is also on the East Side, one of the best neighborhoods to visit in Providence…or at least the best collection of neighborhoods to visit in the city. The East Side is made up of Blackstone, Mount Hope, College Hill, Wayland, and Fox Point, all neighborhoods with deep history and often big pockets as some of the more affluent parts of the city.

If you’re here for soaking yourself in some culture, RISD certainly isn’t your only option for the arts and learning:

• Providence Performing Arts Center : If you’re looking for tickets to the biggest touring shows around country, you’ll find them at this theater. The venue has been here in some form since 1928, entertaining and delighting patrons.
• The Providence Athenaeum : This subscription library was closed to non-members during our visit — we were there during COVID times — but I’d come back to Providence just to check out the spectacular interior of this place.
• Trinity Repertory Company : This regional theater describes itself as your home for “dramatic discoveries.” Expect seasonal favorites like A Christmas Carol during the holidays and more experimental shows throughout the year.
• Museum of Natural History and Planetarium : This museum in Roger Williams Park is Rhode Island’s only natural history museum and the state’s only public planetarium. Visit on weekends if you want to take in a planetarium show.

It’s a college town in the fancy way.

Brown University isn’t a kegs ‘n eggs kinda campus, although I’m sure you could find some in a pinch on a college football Sunday morning. This is the Ivy League, baby.

Visit in the fall and you’ll be treated to crunchy leaves and bundled-up coeds in the open courtyards. One of the main thoroughfares through campus is Thayer Street, a route you’ll likely check out anyway at some point in your visit for the Thayer Street restaurants. Visit in the summer for less of a wait at some of the more popular eateries on campus like Den Den Korean Fried Chicken and East Side Pockets . This is the hub for ethnic cuisine in Providence.

If you’re here to shop, Thayer Street has a lot of that, too. Spectrum India has operated here since the 1960s, a vibe you’ll likely feel when you walk into this bohemian place. The 2-story Brown Bookstore is the place to go for books and a nosh or to feel old around all of those nubile young people.

Its historical attractions are impressive.

Providence is packed with historical heft, and the vast majority of historical sites in the city are all within walking distance of one another.

For the most bang for your buck, Benefit Street boasts one of the most impressive concentrations of colonial homes anywhere in the United States, not to mention Rhode Island.

This is basically an outdoor museum. Don’t miss these landmarks along the way:

• John Brown House Museum : This was the first mansion built in Providence and home of infamous slave trader John Brown. You’ll learn all about the history of this place, including its connection to slavery, on visits here.
• The First Baptist Church in America : Once known as the First Baptist Meetinghouse, this is the oldest Baptist church in the United States. We were only able to visit from the outside on our Providence trip, but it’s open for regular worship services if you’d like to attend.
• Nightingale-Brown House: This grand house was built in 1792 for local merchant Joseph Nightingale. By 1814, it changed hands and became the home of Nicholas Brown, the namesake of Brown University. Today, it includes a library and work spaces for grad students.
• The Stephen Hopkins House : This one is on Hopkins Street just off of Benefit Street, but I’m counting it here anyway. Visit the 8-room house of Hopkins, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Just east of Brown University, the Governor Henry Lippitt House or Lippitt House Museum is a top-rated historic home and one of the best examples of Victorian-era architecture in the country. The National Historic Landmark was the home for 4 generations of Lippitts, including the 33rd governor of Rhode Island.

Delicious things come in small packages.

For as small as this state is, its capital city packs it in with delicious eats across a variety of price points. Any fun places to go in Providence must include some of the yummier spots. Here are a few of my favorites:

• West Side Diner : Share a patty melt as you listen to your gravelly-voiced waitress give you a side of history along with those breakfast staples. The diner opened in 1947 as Poirier’s Diner. While ownership has changed over the years, the vibe is the same: delicious eats in a prefabricated diner car.
• Providence Oyster Bar : You’ll want to start with the raw bar at this popular Federal Hill restaurant. (There’s a second location in East Greenwich if you find yourself there.) Visit during their “appy hour” for $1 oysters and other wallet-friendly snacks.
• Federal Taphouse & Kitchen : If you’re on a roll with the happy hours, this one is right next door to the oyster bar with another fulll menu of “appy hour” specials. Try their fried cauliflower if you pay them a visit.
• Yoleni’s : This downtown Providence establishment is both a market and a cafeteria of sorts serving up casual Mediterranean fare. It’s impossible for me to stay away from grape leaves, so that’s where I’ll be on any future visit.
• Trinity Brewhouse : The food here is classic comfort food, but there is an item of note on top of the chili specials and ciders that make a visit to this brewpub pretty clutch. They have a giant mural over the bar of famous musicians eating their version of the Last Supper. Just go see it.

If you want to keep your food options open or have yourself a food crawl, head to Federal Hill, the city’s “Little Italy.” DePasquale Square is a great gathering place for people-watching on your Providence romantic getaways.

Missing out on something sweet? KNEAD Doughnuts will satisfy any sweet tooth with their craft doughnut program.

Providence is a year-round destination.

What is the best month to visit Rhode Island? The best month to visit Rhode Island is October. You’ll be able to see the fall colors at their best and enjoy cool temperatures for seeing the city on foot.

Visiting in the fall may mean you’ll get some rain, as you can see with our own October trip. Bring along a travel umbrella and a solid rain jacket and you’ll be just fine. I promise.

Summertime is another popular time to visit Providence, although you won’t enjoy as many deals on flights and accommodations from June through August.

Fun fact: Those warm months are an excellent time to take in an open-air tour on the water while in Providence. The Providence River Boat Company takes visitors on narrated historical and architectural tours on the city’s waterways .

If you’re not afraid of no snow, I wouldn’t even discourage a winter visit for Providence things to do. There’s plenty of things to do in downtown Providence and beyond if you want to stick to indoor activities, or you can time your visit around the winter holidays and enjoy all of those delightful Christmas vibes.

Some may say it’s America’s best small city.

I’m not even talking about myself. Architectural Digest Magazine backs that up with shoutouts about the city’s architecture (naturally), impressive indoor spaces, and efforts at revitalization over the years.

There is so much in terms of the best things to do in Providence, RI, to show off the city’s charm.

Visit urban oases like Waterplace Park, home to the WaterFire show, Memorial Park, a South Main Street park, and Prospect Terrace, a small park in College Hill home to a statue of Roger Williams that spends his days watching over the city from his perch.

Fun fact: Roger Williams was the founder of Providence, known as Providence Plantations during his time. If you want to pay homage to him further, visit his namesake, the Roger Williams Park Zoo , just north of the Betsey Williams Cottage.

Providence is a great base for day trips.

If you only have limited time for things to do in Providence, Rhode Island, you should spend the bulk of your time in the city exploring why I recommend it so hard as a great New England town.

With more time, you can use Providence as your base for all kinds of adventures nearby. Here are a few popular Providence day trips:

• Newport, Rhode Island (45 minutes): Newport is worth the trip for the mansions alone. Stroll the Newport Cliff Walk and ponder how these people definitely aren’t living that stealth wealth life. I have a guide to Newport if you so desire!

A Guide to Newport’s Best Mansions

• Mystic, Connecticut (1 hour): Yes, I put this one on my list during our own New England exploration because of Mystic Pizza . Julia Roberts shouldn’t drive all of your own decision-making, but there’s plenty to do in Mystic for a day trip from Providence.
• Boston, Massachusetts (1 hour 10 minutes): Driving through Boston is always a harrowing experience, but I still can’t quit this vibrant city. If you take Amtrak, you can make the trip in under an hour.
• Cape Cod, Massachusetts (1 hour 30 minutes): Cape Cod is one of the most popular summertime destinations across the country. Visit in the off-season and you’ll be rewarded with very different vibes in its quaint Massachusetts villages.

Visiting Providence, Rhode Island: Logistics

The closest airport to Providence is Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport in Warwick, about 6 miles from the city. You’re more likely to find better deals out of Boston Logan International Airport.

From there, you’re only about an hour from Providence, Rhode Island, tourism if you drive and just over half an hour if you take the Amtrak. We were on an epic New England road trip during our visit. If you want to check that out, follow the link below:

A 2-Week New England Fall Road Trip

How many days should I spend in Providence, Rhode Island? You should spend at least a few days in Providence, Rhode Island, to explore its history and food scene. I’ve been for both a quick weekend and a longer stay. With more time, you can explore towns near the city with Providence as your base.

Is Providence, Rhode Island, walkable? Providence, Rhode Island, is definitely walkable. In fact, it’s been named one of the most walkable cities in the United States.

Note: Keep in mind that this town is quite hilly. Wear some comfy sneakers if you’re planning a full walking tour in Providence.

Want a map of all of the Providence highlights I’ve mentioned here? Follow the Google link below:

GIMME MY PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, MAP!

Where to stay in providence, ri.

Is it better to stay in Providence or Newport? It’s better to stay in Providence over Newport if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly stay.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid Newport on your Rhode Island travels. It’s a lovely city in its own right. It’s just quite a bit fancier in Newport, so it’ll be tougher to find a variety of accommodations at different price points.

On that note, let’s take a look at some hotel options for your overnights, whether you’re seeking something in the downtown Providence area or a quieter spot. Booking.com is my preferred site for Providence, Rhode Island, hotels:

• Aloft Providence Downtown
• The Beatrice
• Hotel Providence
• Marriott Providence Downtown
• Residence Inn Providence Downtown

Interested in something a little different? Below are some options from  Vrbo , my preferred Airbnb alternative:

• Dog-Friendly Private Cottage
• Private Apartment on Broadway
• Private Carriage House on Historic Property
• Sunny Studio Loft Near RISD
• Vibrant 2-Level Apartment

Is Providence, RI, worth visiting?

Providence, RI, is worth visiting for its historical charm, walkability, and generally welcoming vibes.

Since writing this guide, I’ve gotten all kinds of commentary about how it’s actually pretty meh in Providence, but you know I keep things real around here. I really liked it. Guess it sounds like you’ll have to see for yourself!

Ready to Visit Providence, Rhode Island?

Your Flight:  I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. autumn in New England), you should use  Skyscanner . It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.

Your Accommodations:  I usually use  Booking.com  and  Hotels.com  for our hotel needs. Both offer loyalty programs and now offer listings that are more of the home or condo rental variety, which is great. Vrbo is my preferred Airbnb alternative. If you’re seeking an overnight once you’re done with Providence tourism, scroll up for my recommendations.

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try  Hostelworld . Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Etc.:  For general travel goodies, visit my  Favorite Things  page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my  Travel Tools  page.

Love this guide to what to do in Providence, RI? Pin me!

Done with things to see in Providence, RI? Here’s more New England content:

• Ranking the Best New Haven Pizza
• 18 Things to Do in New Haven
• A Guide to Visiting Salem, MA, in October
• All the Best Day Trips from Boston, MA

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18 Top Things to Do in Rhode Island

From coastal mansions to unique museums, discover the Ocean State's best attractions.

Getty Images

Catching beautiful views on Block Island is just one of many things to do in historic Rhode Island.

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the U.S., but it's also a gem favored by celebrities and those in the know. The affluent summer crowds of the early 20th century have left a lasting impression with their sprawling, extravagant estates – not to mention the secluded beaches, sailboats and seaside resorts that make Rhode Island a playground for the elite. But this tiny coastal state is not just defined by the moneyed mansions of Newport or the seasonal yachting crowds that head to Providence, Narragansett or Block Island.

Rhode Island is also a welcoming destination for families looking to meet exotic creatures or gaze upon topiaries that simply look like animals. Many attractions are budget-friendly or free, including fiery public art installations, a hotspot for birdwatching or bathing in nature, and a museum dedicated to sharks. In fact, the drive from the northern city of Woonsocket to the town of Westerly at the state's southern tip is less than 60 miles, making it possible to drive across the entire state in about an hour, depending on traffic. And, of course, a simple day at one of the Rhode Island beaches is always sought after by jet-setters and locals alike.

The Ocean State packs a lot of culture into its small frame, with art museums that date back 150 years or performing arts theaters with a rigorous schedule of stage shows. The Newport Folk Festival began in 1959 as one of the first modern annual music festivals in the country, and it's still going strong, attracting visitors from around the world.

Filmmaker Wes Anderson used locations in Rhode Island as the stage for his movie "Moonrise Kingdom," which is considered a love letter to New England. When you visit, you too will understand why the state has been immortalized in film, in history, and even in the haunting sci-fi novels of famous resident and author H.P. Lovecraft. It's a place that leaves an impression, and the following top things to do in Rhode Island will help you find your own favorite memory.

(Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Block Island

In the Outer Lands, a region that also includes Martha's Vineyard and Long Island, you'll find Rhode Island's Block Island. This quintessential New England island is covered in bluffs and rocky beaches, and it features a lighthouse from the mid-19th century. Block Island is an hourlong ferry ride from the mainland (30 minutes by high-speed ferry) and offers 17 miles of free beaches, as well as a wildlife refuge where migratory birds can be found along their journey. Bikes are an ideal way to traverse the island – which is 7 miles long and 3 miles wide – and can be rented from several locations. Famous residents of Block Island include actor Christopher Walken.

Newport's Cliff Walk and The Breakers

The irony of the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path with stunning views of the sea below, is that it's free to the public — far from the cost of the opulent Gilded Age mansions it traces. This Newport walkway has various entry points, and a map is available online to guide you. Along the path you'll pass through the grounds of 64 private residences and find points of interest like the 40 Steps: As the name suggests, it's about 40 stone steps to the water below and used to be a popular meeting place for servants of the surrounding estates.

No matter how scenic you find Cliff Walk, there is no substitute for a tour through one of the Gilded beauties with an exclusive address in this part of Newport. You have plenty of magnificent mansions to choose from, but none is as notable as The Breakers, once a lavish summer home to the Vanderbilt family. Self-guided tours are available year-round, but a 45-minute family-friendly tour has also been developed by the Preservation Society of Newport County to engage children and their imaginations in the life of the wealthy residents — including young inhabitants — who used to occupy these elaborately decorated halls.

[See more of Newport: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

Stroll down Bellevue Avenue

Dave Hansen | Courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport County

Lined with history, Bellevue Avenue is a 2.5-mile stretch parallel to the Cliff Walk that some locals refer to as "The Avenue." The street was home to many famous residents, including the Astors, Vanderbilts, Morgans and other elites who had summer homes in Newport. Take a stroll along this renowned stretch for a different angle of some of the Gilded Age mansions overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, including Rosecliff – where the 1974 "Great Gatsby" and 1994 "True Lies" were filmed – as well as Beechwood and the Marble House. In addition to the homes, the Newport Art Museum, Newport Tower and Redwood Library (one of the nation's first libraries) are located along this opulent avenue.

International Tennis Hall of Fame

Courtesy of International Tennis Hall of Fame

If you've got love for the game, Newport's Tennis Hall of Fame spans 150 years of gameplay with nearly 2,000 noteworthy objects in the massive collection on display. The museum is on the grounds of the former Newport Casino, a social club for the elite. A theater with a hologram of Roger Federer is found alongside interactive exhibits like a touch table and tennis trivia. A museum dedicated to tennis of course features a number of indoor and outdoor tennis courts bookable by the hour for an additional fee. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is open on select days, and the 7 acres of grounds are open during museum hours. Check the website for up-to-date admission times. Recent visitors appreciate the grand architecture, picturesque grounds and variety of exhibits; many noted it as an interesting stop for tennis novices and enthusiasts.

Address: 194 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 02840

Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village

Courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village

The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence , named after the state's founder and celebrating its 150th anniversary, is not your average zoo. Of course animals are the main attraction, with creative exhibits that follow the trek of explorer Marco Polo or highlight the importance of the Amazon Rainforest and how to help preserve it. But families will also find unique experiences like "Explore and Soar," a ride along a zip line 115 feet in the sky followed by a train ride on the Woodlands Express. Past patrons enjoyed seeing the animals – including giraffes, elephants and red pandas – though some cautioned several exhibits were closed due to the time of year they visited. Timed entry tickets are currently required for the zoo.

Also in Roger Williams Park, located about a half-mile to the south and managed by the zoo, you'll find Carousel Village, another fun-filled destination for the kids with playgrounds, food trucks and the namesake carousel.

Address: 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02907

[See more of Providence: Things to Do | Hotels | When to Visit | Photos ]

WaterFire Providence

WaterFire is based on a simple concept and results in a tremendously transfixing art experience. On select nights throughout the year, more than 80 braziers (portable heaters) are lit atop the Woonasquatucket and Providence rivers along a stretch between two city parks, creating a fiery display floating on water. Partial lightings, which typically focus on a smaller section of river, are no less impressive to take in than the full display. This spectacular show of the elements occurs shortly after sunset and remains burning until about midnight. The demonstrations, which are free to the public, are staged by members of the WaterFire Arts Center, located in Providence's Valley neighborhood.

Recent spectators say WaterFire is a one-of-a-kind sensory event, perfect for a variety of ages and a unique way to experience Providence. While fire typically invites you to sit and be mesmerized, fire marshal regulations rule against folding chairs on the riverwalks, so you're encouraged to enjoy the show with an evening stroll; live music and other events sometimes coincide with the flames, so you can plan accordingly.

RISD Museum

Courtesy of RISD Museum

The Rhode Island School of Design is a renowned institution in Providence dedicated to the arts, and the public can enjoy its fine arts museum with a timed ticket. This attraction houses more than 100,000 works of art and design spanning the globe and the centuries. Though the museum's approach to diversity and inclusion is contemporary, both the school and museum were founded in 1877. Visitors to the museum have likened it to a "mini Met," explaining that they were surprised to find it houses an eclectic but top-notch collection, ranging from ancient art to works by more modern masters like Picasso or Van Gogh. Check the museum's hours to see when it offers free admission.

Address: 20 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02903

Take a walk down Benefit Street

Courtesy of Providence Warwick CVB

The center of society in Providence during the Colonial and early Federal periods, Benefit Street remains a vibrant, tree-lined city street with fine examples of Victorian architecture, earning its nickname as the "Mile of History." Among the most notable homes on this stone- and brick-paved stretch is the one built for 18th-century merchant John Brown, who was the first to build away from the Providence waterfront, opting instead for a high hill. Former President John Quincy Adams called it one of the most magnificent mansions he'd ever seen. The John Brown House is now a museum open to the public and includes some of the original furnishings, which feature the renowned cabinetry work of Rhode Island's early craftsmen. Museum patrons can also view a carriage George Washington supposedly rode in and an extensive collection of artifacts. Recent travelers state that both the home and Benefit Street are worth a visit for the architecture and history.

Take in a show in Providence

Courtesy of Trinity Repertory Company

Affectionately known as the Trinity Rep, the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence is a Rhode Island institution of local theater. Dramatists can stage Sondheim, Shakespeare and something more modern − and original − in a single season. Each season is themed and typically includes a mix of production premieres alongside perennial crowd favorites like "A Christmas Carol." Trinity Rep's theme for the 2022-23 season is "Lasting Legacies," as the program strives to examine how legacies are passed through generations. Four productions each year are staged in conjunction with students from Brown University's MFA program, so you might have the chance to witness a star in the making. Single show tickets vary in price and are available online in advance.

The Providence Performing Arts Center is another hub for staged drama, housed in an original Beaux-Arts building from 1928. As a 3,100-seat theater designated a National Historic Site, the PPAC hosts touring Broadway performances. Recent theatergoers appreciate the beautifully restored theater, along with its acoustics, sight lines and variety of productions.

Green Animals Topiary Garden

Andrea Hansen | Courtesy of The Preservation Society of Newport County

The dozens of topiaries at Green Animals in the town of Portsmouth constitute a veritable circus of landscaped creatures like elephants and giraffes, along with geometric shapes. Long before "Edward Scissorhands," Joseph Carreiro was a gardener and superintendent of the property from 1905 to 1945, making Green Animals the oldest topiary garden in the country. The once-private estate belonged to Thomas Brayton, treasurer of the Union Cotton Manufacturing Company; when his daughter Alice died at the age of 94, she donated the property to The Preservation Society of Newport County for all to enjoy. Beyond sculpted bushes, the garden offers floral floods of tulips, lupines, hydrangeas and more. Featuring tens of thousands of bulbs, Green Animals also received official recognition by the American Daffodil Society for its array of daffodils, which span 49 varieties. The garden is open daily, in warm weather only, with prime flower viewing during May and June. Visitors say the gardens and flowers are worth a visit, though many find the admission fees a bit steep.

Address: 380 Corys Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871

Visit Narragansett

If you're looking for a seaside resort town bursting with charm, program your GPS to Rhode Island's Narragansett. Families have summered here for more than two centuries, and the town's iconic Towers − marking the former entrance to the Narragansett Pier Casino, which burned down in 1900 − evoke a bygone era. The main draw is the beaches, from Narragansett Town Beach to Scarborough State Beach. Head to the Coast Guard House (not surprisingly, a former Coast Guard headquarters) to see and be seen, likely with a Narragansett beer in hand. U.S. Route 1 offers scenic Sunday drives along the coast. The well-to-do towns of Watch Hill and nearby Westerly are a worthwhile destination, about 25 miles down the road, and boast celebrity fans and residents including Taylor Swift.

Go sailing on Goat Island

If you're a fan of sailing, Rhode Island has the chops, and Goat Island Marina is where you'll want to head to get on the water. Located within Newport Harbor, the island on the Narragansett Bay has hosted the Tall Ships Festival, sailing regattas and of course private getaways. Goat Island was once a torpedo manufacturing facility for the U.S. Navy and even a military fort during the American Revolution. Its purposes are far less serious these days, with a deep-water marina and shuttles that will whisk you into downtown Newport. Consider a stay on Goat Island at Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina to enjoy its variety of amenities, as well as the raw bar and lounge with glass-enclosed fire pits. Recent guests appreciated the spa and marina views, though many noted the rooms are ready for refurbishment.

Beavertail Lighthouse & Museum

Perched above Narragansett Bay, the Beavertail Lighthouse and Museum combines history with maritime science, technology, art and culture. Set on the southern tip of Jamestown, the lighthouse was first built in 1749 – making it the third oldest lighthouse in North America – and rebuilt in 1856. Travelers say the museum offers a great glimpse into history and the grounds provide panoramic ocean views. The lighthouse is adjacent to Beavertail State Park, which boasts hiking trails, a naturalist program and some of the area's best saltwater fishing.

Address: Beavertail Road, Jamestown, RI 02835

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

Courtesy of Visit Rhode Island, Rhode Island Commerce Corporation

Birders rejoice at the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown, one of five wildlife refuges in Rhode Island. A number of featured species that visitors can spot include the saltmarsh sparrow, the harlequin duck and the New England cottontail. The site serves today as a protected 242 acres for migratory birds, kicked off in 1970 with a donation from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. From the 17th to 20th centuries, the area was used for farming and sheep grazing; during World War II it became a rifle range center for the U.S. Navy. Visitors praise the nearly 3 miles of well-marked trails, variety of birds you can see in their natural habitat, and benches along the routes to sit and take in the ocean views.

Address: 769 Sachuest Point Road, Middletown, RI 02842

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum

Developed as a summer estate in Bristol, Blithewold is an authentic example of the Country Place Era of architecture. Set amid 33 acres of land with sweeping views of Narragansett Bay, the 45-room home and outbuildings showcase an array of family heirlooms, 18th- and 19th-century styling, and the 1909 garage with its fueling and repair station. Visitors can tour the home with its kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as the surrounding gardens, complete with meandering pathways, stonework, an extensive collection of unique plants and trees, and a greenhouse. Recent travelers appreciate the historical charms of the home and gardens and say you can find something to explore around every corner.

Address: 101 Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809

Living Sharks Museum

America's first shark history and conservation museum is located in Westerly. Living Sharks Museum was founded by Keith Cowley, a shark advocate and educator whose research led him to want to paint sharks in a positive light – both figuratively and literally, since Cowley is also considered a science artist. Exhibits include everything from fossils and records of the commercial fishing of sharks to memorabilia from the 1975 film "Jaws." A small gallery houses art that depicts the story of the shark. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays, and appointments are suggested for large groups. Past museum visitors say the small but impressive museum is a must-see, and the curator's extensive knowledge adds to the experience.

Address: 47 High St., Westerly, RI 02891

Pay homage to H.P. Lovecraft

Howard Phillips Lovecraft, the science fiction and horror writer who inspired the term "Lovecraftian," was born in Providence in 1890 and lived there almost exclusively until his death in 1937. H.P. Lovecraft's final residence, at 65 Prospect Street, was the inspiration for the house in his story "The Haunter of the Dark." The stately home, once located on College Street but moved after a Brown University expansion, is now a private residence. But fans of Lovecraft's tales of gothic horror need not despair: The Lovecraft Arts & Sciences store was founded in 2011 to keep his one-of-a-kind legacy alive in Providence. This small storefront is located in the historic Arcade Providence mall and sells themed merchandise, "weird" art and of course tons of books. Occasional events are hosted; check the website for details. To learn more about the author before or after your trip to Providence, the HBO series "Lovecraft Country" expertly addresses the vast influence of – and the racism throughout – Lovecraft's storytelling.

Take a brewery tour of South Kingstown

Courtesy of Whalers Brewing Company

South Kingstown is a Rhode Island town featuring more than 300 years of history and dotted with beaches, farmland and historic landmarks. Use pints to tour your way through this South County destination, with stops at four of South Kingstown's breweries and distilleries. Start at Whalers Brewing Company, which will offer you an award-winning pale ale. Then, make your way to the Proclamation Ale Company to taste its heady IPAs and experience the small retro video arcade and custom art on display. At the Shaidzon Beer Co., a globally inspired beer list includes pilsners, saisons and wit biers. End your brewery hopping at Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co., which distills single malt whiskies from beers they love.

To get to South Kingstown for a beer bonanza, railway enthusiasts may want to travel by Amtrak to the Kingston train station, inside of which you can also visit the small Rhode Island Railroad Museum.

You might also be interested in:

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Tags: Travel , New England Vacations , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Al Fresco on the Hill

• Providence, RI 02903
• June 8, 2024 - August 31, 2024

Following a successful 2023 season,  Federal Hill 's “Al Fresco on the Hill" returns May 25 and will run through Aug. 31, 2024, with restaurant seating expanded onto the street on  Saturdays  from  5 p.m.–12 a.m.  Brought to you by the Federal Hill Commerce Association, "Al Fresco on the Hill" features restaurants, retailers, live entertainment and artistic performances. 

Traffic will be open to vehicles from Bradford Street to Dean Street along Atwells Avenue, with participating restaurants in this area setting up parklet dining on the Avenue, right in front of their doors. Atwells Avenue, from Dean Street to Sutton Street, will be closed from 3:30 p.m.– 2:30 a.m. 

"Al Fresco on the Hill" will not take place during  Federal Hill's Annual Summer Festival, June 21–23 .

Reservations are suggested for this popular dining experience. Many participating restaurants offer valet parking. Additional on-street parking is available, as well as in paid lots along Federal Street and Sutton Street.

Participating Restaurants

Afrique D'Lounge Andino's Italian Restaurant Angelo's Civita Farnese Restaurant Bacco Vino and Contorni Bonanno Vinicola Cafe Italia Carrara's Shoes Cassarino's Restaurant Cilanter Constantino's Venda Bar & Ristorante Don Jose Tequilas Restaurant Federal Taphouse and Kitchen Garbolino Boutique Harry's Bar & Burger Mambo Sushi Il Massimo Napolitano's Brooklyn Pizza Ours Pianta Providence Oyster Bar Pure Lounge Rock and Rye Roma Ristorante Saint Saje Kitchen Scialo Brothers Bakery South Beach Restaurant & Lounge Terra Luna Terra Negra Cantina Trattoria Appia Twelve 21 Restaurant & Lounge Venda Bar

Additional Information

• Presented By: The Federal Hill Commerce Association
• Dates: June 8, 2024 - August 31, 2024
• Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Saturday
• Location: Federal Hill
• Address: Providence, RI 02903
• Time: 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM

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Rhode Island's beaches are public. Here's a quick guide on what you can and can't do.

Unlike states where beaches and beach access can be made private, Rhode Islanders enjoy a right to the shore that is enshrined in the state’s constitution.  

That beach access expanded significantly last year with the passage of a sweeping bill to give the public even more room on the state’s sandy and rocky beaches.  

If you’re visiting Rhode Island this summer, or you’re a longtime Rhode Islander wondering what you can and can’t do on the beach now, here’s your quick guide.  

For a more comprehensive overview, click here

Are all Rhode Island beaches public?  

Short answer: Yes, parts of all rocky or sandy beaches in Rhode Island are open to the public.  

Some beaches may be owned by an individual, business or private club, but the public still has access to parts of that beach.  

But: You can’t cross private property to get there. And you can’t climb on a seawall or over someone’s deck if there’s no beach.  

What parts of Rhode Island beaches are public?  

Short answer: From 10 feet above the recognizable high tide line all the way down to the water.  

In other words: If you’re standing at the recognizable high tide line, you can walk 10 feet toward “land” or the vegetation line (if the beach extends that far, if not, the vegetation line is your limit) and all the way down to, and into, the water.  

What is the ‘recognizable high tide line’ on a beach?  

Short answer: It's the line where seaweed and other debris naturally gathers on the beach.  

What if there’s more than one line?: Then the line closest to the water is your guide. 

What if there’s no high tide or seaweed line?: Then you use the line where wet sand meets dry sand as your guide.

What if there’s a storm or storm surge?: Storm surge or times when water is unusually high because of a storm does not count in the “seaweed plus 10” rule.  

What about king tides or high spring tides?: The law is a little unclear on this one, but considering these are regular, naturally occurring tides, a high tide line created by a king tide should count – though be aware that you can’t cross onto private property or use private amenities, even if they are within the “seaweed plus 10” zone.  

What can I do on the beach in Rhode Island? 

Short answer: Everything you could do on public beaches before, including: 

• Walk along the public, passable part of the shore  
• Fish from the public part of the shore 
• Swim from the public part of the shore 
• Gather seaweed along the public part of the shore 
• Collect shells or rocks from the public part of the shore 

Can I set up a blanket or chair on the public part of the beach in front of someone’s house/private property?: The law is, admittedly, unclear here.  

The law says the public has a right to the shore “including but not limited to fishing from the shore, the gathering of seaweed, leaving the shore to swim in the sea and passage along the shore." 

Rolling out a blanket or towel and sunbathing or reading isn’t fishing, gathering seaweed, swimming or walking through.  

One could argue that “including but not limited to” would encompass sunbathing or reading a book. And if you’re wearing a bathing suit, you could eventually swim and just aren’t yet.  

Michael Woods, chair of the New England chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, recommended in a previous Journal article, that, in this case, it’s probably best to buy a cheap fishing pole and have it with you if you’re going to post up in front of private property, that way you at least could fish from shore, even if you aren’t actively doing it.  

Can I set up a tent, play music from a stereo, or have a party?  

The law doesn’t specifically call these activities out, but these and other more disruptive activities probably trend further away from the “privileges of the shore” included in the Rhode Island constitution, so probably best not to.  

What can’t I do on the beach in Rhode Island?  

Short answer: Everything you couldn’t do on public beaches before, plus some others including: 

• Walk across private property to get to the beach  
• Go into people’s yards, onto their decks, in their driveways, under their cabanas, sit in their beach chairs or use other private amenities, even if they are inside the “seaweed plus 10” line  
• Climb on a legal, permitted seawall if there is no beach  
• Climb over someone’s deck if there’s no passable shore to go around  
• Have a bonfire on the beach where it’s prohibited by town ordinance  

What if there is a "Private Property" sign on the beach?  

Short answer: You can still use the public part of the beach, but if you’re worried, it may be best to check with police first to be sure.  

Long answer: "Private Property" or "Members Only" signs can be misleading – or may have been placed there before the new law and were never taken down. And, in some cases, there are parts of that beach that are private property or for members of a private club. In that case, the public is restricted to the “seaweed plus 10” zone.  

Providence Journal reporter Antonia Farzan contributed to this report .

How is Rhode Island celebrating Pride Month? Here's how to join the fun.

R ainbow everything drapes from one end of the state to the other this month as members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies celebrate Pride Month.

Pride Month is set in June to coincide with the anniversary of riots that followed a police raid on New York City's Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969, a turning point for the nation’s gay rights movement. Pride Month promotes acceptance of all people, with the different colors in its rainbow symbol reflecting the community’s diversity and the wide spectrum of sexuality and gender identity.

So grab your rainbow outfits and accessories to catch the fun at these Pride events:

More: Support Pride with a drink and cake at these RI restaurants

• Rhode Island PrideFest ( prideri.org ), Saturday, June 15, noon to 10 p.m., District Park, 120 Peck St., Providence. Enjoy hours lounging on the grass in front of the main stage and experience a variety of entertainment, browse the goods and information offered by more than 250 area organizations, artisans and businesses, and enjoy culinary treats from food vendors (plus a beer, wine and spirits tent if you’re over 21). The daytime activities lead up to the Illuminated Night Parade that steps off at 8 p.m. from Washington and Empire streets and travels northeast toward Dorrance Street. The events are free.
• South County Pride Parade ( tinyurl.com/49b78zab ), Saturday, June 22, 11 a.m., The Contemporary Theater Company, 327 Main St., South Kingstown. This is the fourth year for this free, festive day sponsored by the South County Pride Foundation. After a car parade through the area, linger for an afternoon of music offered by DJs and live bands, a marketplace of local vendors and artists, food trucks and a drag show featuring the talents of such artists as Ninny Nothin and Lucy Diamonds.
• Pride Festival ( newportprideri.org ), Great Friends Meeting House, 21 Farewell St., Newport, Saturday, June 29, noon to 6 p.m. This free, family-friendly event starts with a 3.5-mile Bike Parade at 11 a.m. through the streets of Newport. Then, the festival itself features a colorful and community-based celebration of diversity with live music, a variety of vendors, drag shows and food.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: How is Rhode Island celebrating Pride Month? Here's how to join the fun.