What to do and see in Bristol, United States: The Best Places and Tips

January 16, 2018 Roger Rusk

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

114 Hope St, Bristol, RI 02809-2048 +1 401-253-7482
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 370 reviews

Colt State Park

Reviewed By WIJRD - Sun Prairie, Wisconsin

We did a "drive thru", Having not been here previously it was a very rewarding experience to have visited. There are many walking/biking paths. Lots of places to pull over to the water's edge and enjoy the view, the breeze, the days sunshine; or to go fishing or have a picnic. Colt state Park is a GEM to have in the community. I lok forward to returning.

2. Lizzie Borden House

230 2nd St, Fall River, MA 02721-2006 +1 508-675-7333
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 546 reviews

Lizzie Borden House

Reviewed By Andrew C

Danielle was our tour guide. She was phenomenal! Very informative. She absolutely knew just about everything there was to know about the house, the family, trial etc. She was able to answer all questions...even the curve balls :). Very good. I would recommended it to anyone looking for something to do in Fall River.

3. Green Animals Topiary Gardens

338 Corys Ln, (off Rte. 114), Portsmouth, RI 02871-1324 +1 401-683-1267
Excellent
51%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 171 reviews

Green Animals Topiary Gardens

Green Animals is the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States.This small country estate in Portsmouth was purchased in 1872 by Thomas E. Brayton, Treasurer of the Union Cotton Manufacturing Company in Fall River, Massachusetts. It consisted of seven acres of land, a white clapboard summer residence, farm outbuildings, a pasture and a vegetable garden. Gardener Joseph Carreiro, superintendent of the property from 1905 to 1945, and his son-in-law, George Mendonca, superintendent until 1985, were responsible for creating the topiaries. There are more than 80 pieces of topiary throughout the gardens, including animals and birds, geometric figures and ornamental designs, sculpted from California privet, yew, and English boxwood. Today, Green Animals remains as a rare example of a self-sufficient estate combining formal topiaries, vegetable and herb gardens, orchards and a Victorian house overlooking Narragansett Bay.

Reviewed By BostonYF - Boston, Massachusetts

This was my second visit. Garden lovers can find many beautiful flowers, plants, and interesting vegetables in addition to the "Green Animal." If you are from local, I strongly recommend a membership. With it you can visit this garden as well as many famous mansions such as the Breaker and the Marble House. The current price for a couple's membership is $80 for a year.

700 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside, RI 02915-3509 +1 401-433-2828
Excellent
86%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 84 reviews

Crescent Park Looff Carousel

An 1895 carousel featuring 66 hand-carved figures.

Reviewed By ffdjp78 - Tiverton, Rhode Island

Timeless and historic. Enjoy a few rides on this 1895 carousel and try for the gold ring. This place is magical! Take a picnic lunch along and head across the street to Rose Larisa Park for an excellent water view. Or enjoy the Blount Clam Shack in the grounds near the parking lot.

5. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum

101 Ferry Rd, Bristol, RI 02809-2902 +1 401-253-2707
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 276 reviews

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum

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 DebEM2017 - Rockville, Maryland

Really enjoyed touring this lovely mansion in Bristol, RI. This estate has all of it's original furniture and a great history. Strolling through the gardens which take you down to the bayside is a treat.

6. Battleship Cove

5 Water St, Fall River, MA 02721-1540 +1 508-678-1100
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 529 reviews

Battleship Cove

Reviewed By Mike R - Bridgewater, New Jersey

The most amazing display of naval firepower you will ever see. Battleship, Cruiser, Destroyer, PT Boats, Submarine and Cruiser. Definitely worth a visit. You can find coupons on line to limit the cost,. I don't think that kids under 8 should be visiting here. There are steep stairs and small hatches to crawl through.It will take a day and a half to see everything in detail so allow some time.....but definitely tour this site!

7. Hope Street

Hope Street, Bristol, RI +1 401-252-0390
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 84 reviews

Hope Street

Reviewed By Bob S - Cincinnati, Ohio

Bristol's claim to fame is they have the longest continuous running 4th of July celebration in the USA starting c 1777. Bristol is a peninsula and has about 22,000 permanent residence. It is a typical, small seaport town and fun place to visit.

8. Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge

Touisset Road, Warren, RI 02885
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 9 reviews

Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge

Reviewed By NekoCat - Franklin, Massachusetts

This refuge is compact and easy to explore. The combination of trails wander through meadows with wild flowers, cool and shaded forests and coastal marsh make it very interesting. My favorite part was the marshland with views of a river / waterway with shorebirds overhead and a few fishermen dropping lines. There is a little wooden bridge to stop on and look at fish and fairly large crabs crawling around.

I would suggest visiting in the "dry" season. It is apparent the water comes up onto the trails and gets muddy (or wear boots). The trails are easy to walk with no real inclines. The trails can be walked in about an hour depending on your speed and curiosity.

Warning: Poison Ivy and ticks present.

9. Oak Grove Cemetery

Prospect Street, Fall River, MA
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 106 reviews

Oak Grove Cemetery

Reviewed By estimator51 - Fall River, Massachusetts

Though on a rainy day, the grounds were very well kept and the burial site was prepared well. The construction on one of the entry gates was not convenient, but what must be done for upkeep, must be done. Everything went smoothly, with the groundskeepers leading the way from the entry gate we used.

10. Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame

1 Burnside St, Bristol, RI 02809-2003 +1 401-253-5000
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 64 reviews

Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame

CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR WINTER - WILL OPEN WITH ONE WEEK NOTICE 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 a part of a great tradition.

Reviewed By Keith M - Bristol, Rhode Island

Wow! Want to learn all about the history of America's Cup Yacht Racing in the glory days of the late 1800's and early 1900's? Get to the HMM! Lots of great historic boats on the property, magnificent historic half-hulls, written and photographic history, etc., etc.. definitely worth a visit; plan a half-day to see it all.

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