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Despite being an urban capital city, Providence boasts an impressive array of green space and recreational opportunities. Nationally recognized for its outstanding design, Waterplace Park is the focal point of Providence's revitalized downtown. This four-acre urban park surrounding a tidal basin features an amphitheater, landscaped terraces and boat landings.
A series of Venetian bridges connect downtown Providence to the city's historic East Side. From here, you can board a riverboat or glide in a gondola down Providence's redesigned rivers. Waterplace Park is also the site of special events such as concerts and the acclaimed WaterFire.
Cited by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's premier urban parks, Roger Williams Park was designed by Horace Cleveland, noted American landscape architect. With more than 430 acres, the park is comprised of waterways, walks, outdoor gardens, a Carousel Village, the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, the magnificent Temple to Music and Roger Williams Park Zoo.
The Carousel Village features a vintage carousel, pony rides, a themed miniature golf course and kiddie go-boats. The Tennis Center has Rhode Island's only clay courts available for public use. The Dalrymple Boathouse has paddle boats and mini-speed boats and the Botanical Center provides an enviable evergreen oasis.
Post Date:
September 15, 2026
The Viaggio di Rapsodia is a 40-minute gondola ride that builds on the basic trip package by adding a live musician to the experience. A seasoned gondolier guides the boat along the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, gliding past historic sites, through city parks, and beneath scenic bridges, while a musician you select plays a private serenade.It's an ideal choice for a date night, an outing with friends, or marking a milestone.What's IncludedA live musician of your choosing, with options including mandolin, guitar, violin, accordion, and saxophone. Availability varies by day, so not every musician can be booked on every date.A wine bucket, glasses, and an opener. Guests bring their own wine, prosecco, juice, or other drinks. Bottled water is usually available at the dock, but it isn't guaranteed.Handmade Italian wine biscuits.Italian songs from your gondolier. Every gondolier sings during the ride, and special song requests are welcome.
Spend the day at Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of the nation's oldest zoos, set on 40 beautifully landscaped acres in Providence. Home to more than 130 species from around the world, the zoo lets visitors explore naturalistic habitats featuring African elephants, giraffes, zebras, a red panda, a snow leopard, New England's only Komodo dragon, and much more.This ticket provides daytime general admission. When purchasing, guests select a specific date and arrival time slot, and once inside may stay as long as they like during operating hours. The zoo is typically open 9 am to 4 pm, with last admission at 3:30 pm, and an average visit takes about an hour and a half. Toddlers ages one and under are free. Please note that tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, and that evening events such as the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular require a separate ticket.
The Viaggio dei Sogni, which translates to "Trip of Dreams," is the signature 40-minute gondola ride and a great fit for just about any occasion. Guests settle into an authentic Venetian gondola and take in the calm, quiet beauty of the Providence riverfront.A skilled gondolier rows at an easy pace along the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, passing historic landmarks, winding through city parks, and slipping under charming bridges. It's an experience that stays with you long after you step back onto the dock.What's IncludedWine glasses, a wine bucket, and an opener. Bring along your own wine, prosecco, juice, or other beverages. Bottled water is often on hand at the dock, though availability can't be promised.Housemade Italian wine biscuits.A serenade from your gondolier. Every gondolier sings Italian songs during the ride, and they're happy to try any special requests.What to BringSomething to sip. Wine, beer, prosecco, juice, or whatever you prefer, and everything needed to chill and pour it will be ready when you board.Food if you'd like it, from light snacks to a full picnic. Pack your own napkins and utensils, as those aren't supplied. Wine biscuits are included with every ride.Layers or rain gear as the forecast calls for. Blankets and umbrellas are also available on the boat.A camera for the memories. Just ask, and staff will take photos of your group at the dock before or after the ride.
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WaterFire is a multisensory experience that has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. This series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of Downtown Providence entices with aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music. Supported by: GoProvidenceOnshore programming and vendors open at 4:00 PM
Come enjoy a day outside where shopping, eating, music and friends are all brought together in one place! The Gaspee Days Arts & Crafts Festival is a free, fun and family-friendly experience that showcases over 100 fine artisans, community groups, and non-profits where you will find one-of-a-kind arts and delicious craft fair eats. Pawtuxet Park fills with live music by our hand-picked local bands while children enjoy the many amusements available. Over 60,000 people will walk up and down Narragansett Parkway on Memorial Day Weekend, enjoying the atmosphere of this long-time tradition. If you've never been, you're missing out so come join the fun!
WaterFire is a multisensory experience that has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city. This series of bonfires installed on the three rivers of Downtown Providence entices with aromatic wood smoke, flickering firelight and enchanting music.Onshore programming and vendors open at 4:30 PM
Providence Porchfest — a free, family-friendly, community event — will once again bring music and fellowship to the East Side in a series of outdoor concerts hosted on neighborhood porches (or driveways or lawns).Enjoy more than 150 artists at more than 90 locations around the East Side!
Concerts take place at Independence Park, Bristol, RI. Come enjoy a wide variety of music! To see status of concert due to weather please follow the Committee Facebook page for updates. DO NOT call the police station, Town Hall or other town departments for weather information.For a full schedule of concerts, click on the website above.Per Bristol Town ordinance there are no dogs or alcohol allowed at the concert series.Donations are respectfully encouraged.
Waterplace Park, a four-acre riverfront park downtown, is the heart of the city’s revitalized waterfront. Roger Williams Park, designed by Horace Cleveland, spans more than 430 acres and is one of America’s premier urban parks.
The park has walking paths, gardens, Carousel Village with a vintage carousel and mini golf, paddle boats at the Dalrymple Boathouse, the Botanical Center, the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, and Roger Williams Park Zoo. Its Tennis Center has Rhode Island’s only public clay courts.
Yes. Narrated riverboat tours run about 50 minutes, and 40-minute gondola rides glide along the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers. Gondola guests are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks.
The zoo is typically open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are for a specific date and arrival time, and children 1 and under get in free.
WaterFire lights bonfires on the three rivers of downtown Providence, centered around Waterplace Park. Check the events calendar for upcoming lighting dates.
Shop Bloom PVD is a charming, thoughtfully curated retail and creative hub founded by Bloom Collective—designed to support and spotlight over 30+ small businesses and independent designers in the Providence community. Blending boutique shopping, hands-on workshops, and creative services under one cozy roof in the heart of Wickenden Street, it’s where community, commerce, and creativity bloom. Shop Bloom PVD is a charming, thoughtfully curated retail and creative hub founded by Bloom Collective—designed to support and spotlight over 30+ small businesses and independent designers in the Providence community. Blending boutique shopping, hands-on workshops, and creative services under one cozy roof in the heart of Wickenden Street, it’s where community, commerce, and creativity bloom.
Find Out More Find Out MoreIf you're one of the growing number of Americans who prefer a plant-based diet, you probably know the best vegetarian restaurants in Providence. Did you know that a wide variety of other restaurants also have vegan-friendly options on their menu? If you're one of the growing number of Americans who prefer a plant-based diet, you probably know the best vegetarian restaurants in Providence. Did you know that a wide variety of other restaurants also have vegan-friendly options on their menu?
Find Out More Find Out MoreSet the pace at Residence Inn Providence Downtown. Whether you're with us for a few days, weeks or months, your daily routine matters. Thrive with our close location to Amtrak and Rhode Island Convention Center and start your mornings with a free hotel breakfast followed by evening drinks in our social hour. Later, join us at The Grand Cocktail Bar in the lobby serving beer, wine and spirits from 6PM to 11PM daily. Our downtown hotel is wired with free, high-speed Internet and includes additional amenities such as a fitness center, meeting room and fresh coffee. Relax and unwind on your own time in a spacious studio or one-bedroom hotel suite featuring separate living and sleeping areas, a fully equipped kitchen and free grocery delivery services for all-day bites in Providence, Rhode Island. At Residence Inn Providence Downtown, achieve a healthy balance between business and kicking back. Set the pace at Residence Inn Providence Downtown. Whether you're with us for a few days, weeks or months, your daily routine matters. Thrive with our close location to Amtrak and Rhode Island Convention Center and start your mornings with a free hotel breakfast followed by evening drinks in our social hour. Later, join us at The Grand Cocktail Bar in the lobby serving beer, wine and spirits from 6PM to 11PM daily. Our downtown hotel is wired with free, high-speed Internet and includes additional amenities such as a fitness center, meeting room and fresh coffee. Relax and unwind on your own time in a spacious studio or one-bedroom hotel suite featuring separate living and sleeping areas, a fully equipped kitchen and free grocery delivery services for all-day bites in Providence, Rhode Island. At Residence Inn Providence Downtown, achieve a healthy balance between business and kicking back.
Find Out More Find Out MoreHyatt Place Providence/Warwick offers comfortable accommodations at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. The hotel is just a short walk or free shuttle ride from the airport terminal via the InterLink transportation facility and skywalk, with easy access to Rhode Island's colleges and popular attractions such as Newport, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Gillette Stadium, and the Amica Mutual Pavilion. Hyatt Place Providence/Warwick offers comfortable accommodations at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport. The hotel is just a short walk or free shuttle ride from the airport terminal via the InterLink transportation facility and skywalk, with easy access to Rhode Island's colleges and popular attractions such as Newport, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Gillette Stadium, and the Amica Mutual Pavilion.
Find Out More Find Out MoreLooking for information on upcoming events, dining info, promotions and deals? Stay in the know with our GoProvidence e-newsletter.
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