Providence, RI – Phenomenal Places of Interest
Providence, Rhode Island, what a city! There are so many phenomenal places of interest. As one of the oldest cities in New England, Providence has a sordid history that dates back to 1636 when it was founded by Roger Williams. The beautiful Ocean State capital city sits at the head of Narragansett Bay and surrounds the convergence of the Moshassuck and Woonasquatucket Rivers as they become the Providence River. Located on one of the finest natural body of water on the East Coast, Providence has a long history of maritime endeavors that were very profitable, but not always law abiding…
A Tidbit of History
In 1772 the townsfolk of Providence became the first patriots to shed blood during the period leading up to the American Revolution. One significant act of uprising was the burning of the Gaspee. The Gaspee was a revenue schooner for the British Crown enforcing British laws and customs taxes. During the 19th century, Providence had an economic adjustment from its maritime ventures and moved into textiles, jewelry, and other manufacturing. By the early 20th century Providence was one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. The face of the city changed again in the latter 20th century as Providence entered its rejuvenation phase. Local community members pushed for beautifying and revitalizing the downtown district as the manufacturing economy was slowing down. This lively city was given new life and its “Renaissance” is what we see today.
Phenomenal Places Of Interest
Providence still has most of its historic houses and buildings in the heart of the city. This compact and energetic city is truly amazing. As you roam the streets you will find it intriguing how the roads are laid out in an irregular and anti-symmetric way, typical in the northeast. Get lost between Westminster and Weybosset, enjoy a beer at the Narragansett Brewery near India Point Park, stroll the river walk, tour the Rhode Island State House, or just meander around and marvel at the detailed murals and street art through this vibrant city.
Art lovers will be dazzled by the incredible amount of talent on display in Providence. The city is home to the Rhode Island School of Design, one of the oldest art and design schools in the U.S. As a college town, home to five colleges and universities, there is always something exciting going on in Providence. For such a small state Rhode Island has so much to see, do, and of course, eat. This article focuses on just the Providence area because there is so much to enjoy.
Attend a Waterfire Night
Waterfire is an electric and vibrant event held in and around Waterplace Park in downtown Providence. Waterfire is a free event only hosted on a select number of evenings so make sure you check their event schedule. As the music starts and the cauldrons in the middle of the river are set alight around sunset you will feel the magic of this event sweep over you. Stroll around both sides of the river or find a spot to sit and watch the flames. You will be mesmerized by the beauty and unique feeling of this experience in the heart of Providence.
Waterfire attracts a lot of visitors so it can get crowded on busy weekends and holidays. Parking can be difficult on Waterfire nights. You can always park at the Providence Place Mall and easily walk to Waterplace Park. Arrive early if you want to find a place to sit and watch the lighting ceremony. There can be no folding chairs set up on any of the river walks per the fire marshal. Please leave your chairs at home but, make sure to bring your camera!
Paddle on the Providence & Woonasquatucket Rivers
If you are feeling adventurous, explore the waterways through urban Providence by kayak or take a gondola ride. The rivers were once the main arteries through the city, now they are no longer used for industrial purposes. As you paddle under the arched bridges you can hear the echo of times gone by or in our case, singing the lyrics to Dirty Water by The Standells.
The detailed stone and brickwork along the river banks are incredibly beautiful. Viewing the statues, buildings, and bridges from the water gives you a whole new perspective of this vibrant city. Depending on the tide you can paddle up the Woonasquatucket River under the Providence Place Mall and beyond. The farther up the river you go the more untouched and peaceful it becomes. To rent a kayak visit Providence Kayak for availability or make a reservation. If you own a canoe or kayak, you can launch on South Water Street.
Taking a Gondola ride with La Gondola Providence is a romantic and relaxing way to enjoy the scenery of the city. Sit back and relax while your gondolier propels you down the tranquil waterways of the Renaissance city. Providence is known as the renaissance city because of its rejuvenation in the late 20th century so what you see today along the waterways is incredibly scenic and perfect to view at a leisurely pace. Your gondolier may break into song under the beautiful arched bridges or tell you stories of the days of old. La Gondola Providence offers an array of packages and tours so there is something for everyone.
- Personal Advice: If you paddle on your own without a guide, keep an eye on the time and tide schedule if you want to venture farther up the Woonasquatucket River. You don’t want to get stuck on the wrong side of a bridge because the tide came in! Parking to launch your kayak on South Water St can be tricky but doable, just make sure to feed the meter for long enough.
Visit the Rhode Island State House
The Rhode Island State House is the seat of state government offering free self-guided and docent-led tours Monday – Friday. Whichever way you decide to explore this grand and magnificent neoclassical building, you won’t be disappointed. One of the most impressive feature of the State House is its dome. The dome is the fourth-largest self-supported marble dome in the world. If that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, then you should see the Rhode Island Royal Charter from 1663, marvel at the murals of Rhode Island’s history painted into the interior of the rotunda, and gaze up at the beautiful ceiling of the State Library.
- Personal Advice: Visit during the Christmas holiday season if you can. The decorations are spectacular including a beautiful tree as well as holiday displays from many Rhode Island area-based religious and secular groups. It is a sight to behold.
Roger Williams Park & Zoo
Roger Williams Park is a glorious and historic park in Providence, named for the city’s founder. This vast park includes beautiful botanical gardens, an engaging zoo, an entertaining carousel village, a marvelous Museum of Natural History, a spectacular planetarium, walking trails, historic buildings, and over 400 acres of beautiful surroundings. Pack a picnic lunch and your water bottles to explore everything Roger Williams Park has to offer. The park itself is free but there are small fees for the zoo, botanical gardens, carousel, museum, and planetarium. If you just want to relax, feel free to read a book, take a stroll through the gardens, or take out a swan boat. There is so much to do at Roger Williams Park it will keep you coming back again and again. The park hosts amazing events throughout the year so make sure to check out their event calendar.
- Personal Advice: Bring water with you as it can be hot in the summer. We love the walking trails and the Japanese Garden near Roosevelt Lake. The Jack O’Lantern Spectacular at the Zoo in October is one of the most incredible experiences of the fall in Rhode Island.
India Point Park & Narragansett Brewery
India Point Park sits on a beautiful and picturesque point at the junction where the Providence River and Seekonk River empty out into Narragansett Bay. India Point was developed by John Brown as a home for his fleet of schooners traveling to and from the East Indies. It is considered to be one of Providence’s first shipping ports and was a flourishing center of maritime trade.
Now, on a nice day, you will see visitors and locals alike basking in the sun, picnicking, walking, and enjoying the views of the rivers and bay. When you get hungry or thirsty, wander across the street to the Narragansett Brewery for one of their cold brews or a snack or flatbread. The Narragansett Brewery offers well-rounded draft beer and bottles, a limited but delicious food menu, merchandise, and a wonderful selection of bottles to take home. Narragansett beer has been around for 130 years and the India Point brewery location is their newest addition. Get some sun when you enjoy a cold one on their outdoor deck or cozy up to the large indoor bar.
- Personal Advice: India Point is steeped in maritime history. If you look closely and let your mind wander you can envision the sailing vessels of the age moored here after bringing tea and spices from the Far East or rum and sugar from the Caribbean. Keep that in mind as you stroll through India Point Park.
The Providence Flea
The Providence Flea is a wonderful weekly outdoor summer market or indoor winter market featuring vintage goods, crafts, and local artisans. It’s more of an artisan market than a flea market. During the summer you can visit The Providence Flea downtown along the Providence River or during the winter months at Farm Fresh RI, Market Hall on Sims Ave in Providence. The atmosphere is exciting with live music, food and of course shopping! Going to The Providence Flea is the perfect place to find old-world antiques, locally made goods, and eclectic arts and crafts.
- Personal Advice: Browse the vendors and try what the food trucks have to offer. The Flea is a great place to find interesting Rhode Island-centric creations as well as unique gifts and non-touristy souvenirs.
Visit Prospect Terrace
Prospect Terrace is the best place for a panoramic view of the city of Providence. Nestled into the slope of College Hill sits this sublime tree-lined park. You will be greeted by a colossal statue of Province’s founder, Roger Williams looking out across his beloved settlement that is now a bustling city. The view is astounding so bring your camera for this stop. The daylight view is one thing, but Prospect Terrace is phenomenal at sunset and even after dark.
- Personal Advice: We love visiting at sunset or after dark to enjoy the city lights of Providence. The Rhode Island State House is on full display as well as the rest of downtown.
Hike Neutaconkanut Hill
Neutaconkanut Hill is the highest point in the city of Providence. The quiet summit meadow sits at 296 feet offering a spectacular panoramic view and on most days, a cooling breeze. This peaceful 88-acre woodland offers visitors a chance to connect with nature along its several miles of hiking trails. Enjoy unique geological rock formations, wildflowers, winding brooks, stone walls, and wildlife as you hike through the forest canopy. Download the trail map and enjoy a day outside!
- Personal Advice: Bring lots of water and good hiking shoes. Some trails are rocky, uneven, and considered difficult. We loved seeing the view from Pinnacle Ledge, the Pinnacle Boardwalk, and the Great Stone Stairs.
Providence Street Art Walk
When you visit Providence you will be taken in by the magnificent murals and artwork throughout this vibrant city. Almost everywhere you turn there are delightful pieces of art but some are hidden away and may not be along the beaten path. The best viewing opportunities are by walking and this Providence artwork map from The Avenue Concept is the perfect way to find those hidden gems while you are out for a stroll. Because Providence is home to the Rhode Island School of Design, there is no shortage of incredibly talented artists in this creative capital.
- Personal Advice: Providence is an amazing walking city so wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera.
Every time I visit Providence I see something new or find something unique to do. This is my personal list of favorite things that I feel a visit to the Providence area would not be complete without. Because Providence is one of the most densely populated cities in the country, there will always be differing opinions but, the only way to develop your own opinion is to come visit yourself!
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