Location: Providence
Top Things to do in Providence
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The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Providence, Rhode Island (RI)
Years of careful urban planning and meticulous restoration have rendered this former rum and molasses trading town one of the best places to live in the United States, star of an eponymous television show and a swell place to spend a weekend. Historic sites, wonderful museums and theaters seamlessly blend with newer attractions on the block including a modern mega-mall, scenic Riverwalk, outdoor skating arena, convention center, plus new hotels and restaurants. The Roger Williams Zoo, with its updated Tropical Rainforest Building where "spunky monkeys" roam free in a constructed jungle-like environment, remains one of the city's top attractions and offers hours of entertainment for children and adults alike. Wander back in time on Benefit Street, where eminent Federal period homes recall the city's wealthy past. For a modern experience, check out the more than 100 stores at Providence Place. Or tantalize your taste buds on "The Hill," a historic area that boasts many award- winning restaurants, from the Italian and Mediterranean cuisine for which "Little Italy" got its name, to Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese, seafood and baked goods. For a different perspective, take a romantic river cruise on an authentic Venetian gondola. No matter what your vantage point, Providence sparkles.
Restaurants in Providence
1. La Gondola
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 473 reviews
Experience Providence from a new perspective! Benvenuto! We invite you to revel in the sights of the City from a unique vantage point that captures the heart of Providence. Enjoy an excursion along the Woonasquatucket and Providence Rivers and witness the revitalization of the City, river walks, and waterfront parks. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or birthday, looking to propose to that special someone, or just on a vacation to the city, a gondola trip is a great way to make your visit to Providence memorable and unique. La Gondola operates three authentic Venetian gondolas along the Providence Riverwalk, accommodating up to six passengers at a time on each gondola. Reservations are highly recommended and are always exclusive to your party. We are open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Our season is from 1 May to 31 October, and of course trips are always subject to availability and the weather. La Gondola Providence: For Lovers, For Families, For Everyone.
2. Providence River Boat Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 474 reviews
Climb aboard one of our open-air, 18 passenger vessels and discover the historic and contemporary milestones of the Providence waterways on our 50-minute narrated tours! Explore the Providence River, Riverwalk, Waterplace Park and the Providence Harbor, as we highlight historical, nautical and architectural points of interest. On WaterFire evenings, we offer unparalleled views of this award-winning artistic installation from sunset to midnight. We are celebrating our 29th season this year, and were recently named as RI Monthly's Best of Rhode Island "Best Local Tour" (2018), the "Best City Tour" by Yankee Magazine (2017), "Member of the Year" by the Providence Convention & Visitors Bureau (2016) and have received "Certificates of Excellence" from TripAdvisor in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019. Walk-ups are always welcome, but are not guaranteed, so please make a reservation prior to your arrival. We hope to see you aboard soon!
3. City Running Tours - Providence
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
City Running Tours is the premier provider of guided running tours in the United States. We offer both personalized and social, group guided running tours.
4. Providence Kayak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Come discover Providence at your own pace as you paddle throughout the picturesque bridges, cobblestone walkways and green riverbanks of the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, Riverwalk and Waterplace Park. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, our new, sit-on-top kayaks make it easy to navigate our urban waterways! Visit us at our NEW location! 15 Bridge Street in downtown Providence.
5. Save The Bay Lighthouse Cruises
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
From May through September, Save The Bay offers half-day and full-day lighthouse cruises for on-the-water views of up to 20 active and inactive historic lighthouses in Rhode Island. All cruises include an off-boat tour of the inside of a lighthouse or its grounds. Half-day Northern Lighthouse Cruises and full-day Ultimate Lighthouse Cruises depart from Save The Bay's headquarters in Providence, while half-day Southern LIghthouse Cruises depart from Newport, R.I. Enjoy expert narration and breathtaking views of such sights as the Newport Pell Bridge, Gaspee Point, Prudence Island, Rose Island, historic Fort Adams, and many others.
6. Roger Williams Park Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,155 reviews
Located amid 40 acres of beautiful woodlands, the Roger Williams Park Zoo provides visitors the opportunity to see animals from all over the globe – some more than a million years old. Naturalistic surroundings are home to more than 100 species of animals including a Komodo dragon, as well as zebras, red pandas, African elephants, Masai giraffes, snow leopards, bears, flamingoes, sloths, and more! Kids from two to 102 have the opportunity to feed giraffes and harbor seals, as well as an array of farmyard animals. For something slightly out of the ordinary, visit our new Explore and Soar area offering an exhilarating zip ride, a train excursion through the woodlands, and ice cream station. The Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is home to many endangered species. As a result, the Zoo participates in cooperative conservation and breeding programs to help ensure the future survival of many endangered species.
Reviewed By fedemarisa
This is our second year visiting Roger Williams Zoo for their annual Jack-o-lantern Spectacular. Takes about 1hour to walk through. Amazing display of pumpkins. Great seasonal activity.
7. Swan Point Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By IronCast - Chesterfield, United Kingdom
To a British tourist, the graves all seem rather recent and not terribly exciting. They are mostly laid out in a fairly regular fashion and surrounded with nearly trimmed grass. However, there are a few quirky designs or interesting groupings. Lovecraft's grave is here too. There are some nice views of the river and lots of amazing trees (many of which are labelled, making this feel a little like an arboretum) as well as wildlife that was exciting for a non-local to see. I saw American robins, chipmunks, raccoons and a flock of turkeys all while walking around a cemetery! There are lots of roads through the cemetery, but the place is huge (the security man who drove past me a few times told me 200 acres) and I hardly saw anyone else during my visit (above ground anyway!) Still, with the regular security patrols, it felt very safe even as a line female visitor.
8. Roger Williams Park Carousel Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
A 1/4 mile away from the Zoo is the Roger Williams Park Carousel Village offering fun and exciting activities for the whole family! Kids will enjoy the fully accessible Hasbro Boundless Playground open daily all year. Leap, jump and play in the Bouncy House, enjoy a Pony Ride or board the Carousel Express. Frenchy's Cafe offers lunch during the warmer months, and Food Truck Friday is a great way to end the week (May - September). HOURS: January 1 - 31 | Closed February 1 - March 31 | Weekends 12 - 4pm April 1 - June 30 | Weekdays 12 - 6pm & Weekends 11am - 6pm July 1 - Labor Day | Daily 11am - 6pm Post Labor Day - Oct. 31 | Daily 12 - 4pm & Friday/Saturdays 12 - 8pm Nov. 1 - Dec. 31 | Weekends 12 - 4pm Please Note: School Holidays & Vacation Weeks | 11am - 6pm Carousel Village is open year round for birthday parties and private events.
9. Triggs Memorial Golf Course
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By 538gerryd - Satellite Beach, United States
We recently ran a golf tournament here and the cooperation and assistance of the manager and staff was fantastic! The course was in great shape and was well maintained. The Donald Ross design was open and forgiving enough for the average amateurs yet there were enough challenges for the better golfers as well. We also had a follow-on luncheon buffet at the on-site restaurant and the food was well-prepared, very tasty and reasonably priced. Triggs remains a great place in the middle of Providence to play golf!
10. Eco Pedicab
We love Providence and hope to provide emission free transportation for every : -Historic site-Cocktail tour -Wine tasting tour -Brewery tour -Wedding, and special event tours. FOOD CITYEnjoy exquisite cuisine and take an adventure for your taste buds. Every city has flavors that tantalize your taste buds. Appetizers or dessert are offered with a purchase, and pets are always welcome.
