Location: Bristol
Top Things to do in Bristol
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9 Budget-friendly Things to do in Bristol That You Shouldn't Miss
Bristol is a town in the historic county seat of Bristol County, Rhode Island, United States. The population was 22,954 at the 2010 census. Bristol is a deepwater seaport named after Bristol, England.
Restaurants in Bristol
1. Colt State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 454 reviews
Reviewed By SugaKows - Rhodes, Greece
This is an excellent spot for a family reunion, or just soaking up the sun and breeze. Right by the water, so no matter how hot it gets, you always get an ocean breeze, blowing off the water. Prices are really reasonable, and the spots are spacious and open. You also have Bristol Town Beach right next store. The park is a walkable park, and you have access to the East Bay Bike path.
2. Bristol Bikes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
A unique bike shop located in the heart of the Bristol Historic Waterfront District, just steps from the East Bay Bike Path. Dealers for several brands of electric bikes including Yamaha, Biria, Bagi, Magnum, Gocycle, and Batch ebikes. Providing sales, rentals, and bike service. They also carry Onewheels!
Reviewed By sharonpW196VL
Thank you Mark for refurbishing my bike! I picked it up today and was very pleased. Not only does my 20 year old bike look brand-new, but it rides as it did when I bought it. On top of that, it was ready in less than a week! Highly recommend this bike shop, very satisfied.
3. Herreshoff Marine Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
We are CLOSED for the Season! See you in April! THE HERRESHOFF MARINE MUSEUM / AMERICA'S CUP HALL OF FAME is dedicated to the education and inspiration of the public through presentations of the history and innovative work of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and the America's Cup competition. The Museum, bordering beautiful Narragansett Bay, in Bristol, Rhode Island, is one of the nation's most important historic maritime treasures. We regularly host classic yacht regattas, sponsor symposia on classic yacht design and restoration, and operate an outstanding sailing school for youth and adults. We celebrate excellence in design, innovation, education, and technology. Immerse yourself in exhibits about the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, the America’s Cup, and the fabulous people and yachts that gained fame around the world. Participate in our extraordinary events and expand your horizons. Visit, join, and be part of a great tradition.
Reviewed By mgerhardt - Providence, United States
If you have interest in boats and/or sailing this is the place to see. A lot about the Americas Cup and a history of THE prime builder of yachts with real life examples of their craft over many years. Read The Temple to the Wind about both of these topics.
4. Hope Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By Grace-filledPatriot - Bristol, United States
Stroll this historic Downtown street listening to the carillon from the nearby historic Congregational Church, which was founded months before the town in 1680 by the same four people. There is a variety of shops and restaurants as well as museums showcasing the fascinating history of the area. Enjoy a historic walking tour hearing about the British being intentionally misdirected to the Episcopal Church as the redcoats searched for the Patriot Arsenal supposedly stored at the First Congregational Church. From pub fare to French or Italian cuisine, there's a food choice for everyone.
5. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Blithewold, named in Yankee Magazine's 2010 Best 5 Public Gardens in New England is located on Narragansett Bay, 25 minutes east of Providence and 60 minutes south of Boston. Blithewold, a 33-acre summer estate with grand views of Narragansett Bay, is nationally significant in American history as one of the most fully developed and authentic examples of the Country Place era. The property features a 45-room mansion filled with family heirlooms framed by a series of lovely gardens that range in character from mysterious to exotic and from poetic to practical. An exceptional collection of rare and unusual plants, specimen trees, an accessible greenhouse, and whimsical stonework project a character that is romantic, fresh and inspiring - and unique to Blithewold. Come...and be inspired.
Reviewed By shchristy - Ridgeland, United States
Musicians and lovers of Music will delight in going to the many concerts held in the living room of this 200 year old former private home. We went when it was decorated for Christmas and the whole large house/mansion sparkled! I will go back every time I visit the area. Great Gift Shop!
6. Linden Place Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Built in 1810, Linden Place magnificently reflects the prosperity of the DeWolf merchant princes and the exquisite taste inspired by the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. Visitors see one of the best examples of Federal architecture, from the Palladian windows to the fluted Corinthian columns, which flank the front entrance and the four-story spiral staircase. Tour highlights include tales of DeWolf family exploits, from their privateering and slave trading to their financial ruin and triumphant return to prosperity during Victorian times. Docents introduce visitors to family members Pomeroy Colt, founder of United States Rubber, now Uniroyal, his mother Theodora DeWolf Colt, who as Madam Colt ran Bristol Society from Linden Place as if she were Queen Victoria and the great actress Ethel Barrymore who married in to this most prominent of American families. Visitors are also welcome to stroll the sculpture-filled gardens where they will find Greek bronzes and an 18th Century gazebo.
Reviewed By PhilipNewJersey - Newark, United States
Wonderful Federal architecture. Unfortunately we could not visit inside because of the pandemic. Wonderful outdoor sculpture garden was a nice subsitute
7. Independence Park
8. Audubon Society Environmental Education Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By GeorgeS897 - Bristol, United States
This center is truly beautiful. The building is wonderfully constructed with a great aquarium and nature exhibits including an interactive series of bird pics with corresponding bird calls. It seems there is some activity there almost every weekend. The recent event was a raptor weekend with demonstrations of live raptors (owls, eagles, hawks, etc) even having hawks flying above visitors' heads. The property includes lovely gardens including some pollinator fields and insect habitat, and fields below the main building yield to wooded areas with trails that go down to the bay with views of Osprey nesting platforms. The whole site is all about education (e.g. of marsh, fields, birds, etc) and it's engaging for adults and children of all ages.
9. Coggeshall Farm Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 43 reviews
Coggeshall Farm Museum is a living history museum located on 48 acres of pristine farmland in Bristol, Rhode Island.
