If you want to explore America’s smallest state, visit Providence! As a local New Englander, Providence is one of the best day trips from Boston, and I love visiting in the spring and summer. This city offers a unique event in the summer called Waterfire, a beautiful and historic university town to wander, and delicious restaurants. Whether you visit for just a few hours or want to spend the day, here are some of the best things to do in Providence, Rhode Island!

10 Things to Do in Providence, Rhode Island

1 A Summer classic event in Providence

A summer classic that extends from Memorial Day until November, Waterfire is a non-profit arts organization. This organization supports the event of an art installation of over eighty small bonfires along the river. These bonfires are installed along the Providence River at Waterplace Park and create quite the effect after dark.

Keep in mind this event is quite popular, so you will need to arrive early for a spot. Don’t forget to bring a blanket and some entertainment while you wait for the show to start. There are multiple parking garages nearby, including by the Capitol.

If you’re looking for other recommendations for day trips from Boston, here are all my best recommendations as a local Bostonian! 

Best Hotels in Providence Rhode Island

Graduate Providence: This trendy and iconic hotel is in the heart of downtown Providence.

Aloft Providence Downtown: Here’s another spot in a perfect location with a popular hotel chain.

The Dean Hotel: This option offers a simple but refined aesthetic for mid range budgets.

Homewood Suites by Hilton: Here’s another hotel in a perfect downtown location with the best reviews on Booking.com.

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2 Stroll around College Hill

The College Hill district of Providence is home to Brown University and RISD, Rhode Island School of Design. Be sure to walk down Benefit Street and visit the Providence Athenaeum and RISD Museum. The Athenaeum was founded in 1836 as an independent supported library open to the public. Travel and Leisure also think it is one of the best things to do in Providence, Rhode Island.

3 Visit the Instagrammable Thomas Street

If you continue down Thomas Street you will hit the river! There are seating areas right along the water so you can stop for a break, or bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the views.

4 Walk around Brown’s College Green

It won’t take long to walk around Brown University’s ‘College Green’ but it is a lovely walk, especially on a lovely day! One architectural beauty is the John Hay Library. Recently renovated, it looks as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Brown’s College is one of the best things to see in Providence.

5 Find wisteria at the John Brown House Museum

This museum is quite the hidden gem of Providence, and the wisteria that grows in the spring is simply stunning. This is one of my favorite places I’ve visited in the area and is one of the best things to do in Providence, Rhode Island. Make sure to check out the incredible tiling in the upstairs bathrooms, it is simply stunning! If you’ve ever been to Newport, Rhode Island this museum may remind you of Newport’s gilded aged mansions in all their splendor.

6 Find Providence’s hidden Prospect Terrace Park

Located on Congdon Street, this is one of the best things to do in Providence, Rhode Island. You can sit and enjoy the city views, there is parking right along the park area.

7 Take a walking tour of the city

Even though Providence is a somewhat smaller and easily walkable town, this is a great option for a walking tour by bus. Since this tour is only ninety minutes, it will give you time to also explore any other parts of Providence that you missed on the walking tour.

8 Explore the beauty of Providence’s historic neighborhoods

If you visit Providence in spring specifically in May, you can find the most beautiful blooms including wisteria. Wander around and admire the historical neighborhoods of College Hill. If you like my dress, you can shop all my looks here!

9 Visit Roger Williams Park Zoo

This zoo contains more than eight hundred animals and was first opened in 1872 making it one of the oldest in America. Close to the zoo is Roger Williams Park where you can stroll around. There is a large parking lot for both the zoo and the park. The Roger Williams Park Zoo is considered one of the top attractions in Providence.

10 Bike near Pomham Rocks Lighthouse

After you spend the day exploring Providence, I would recommend booking a reservation at the Tree House Tavern in Warwick. Since this is about a half-hour drive from Providence you can stop at Pomham Rocks Lighthouse on the way. If you put the destination as the lighthouse in your GPS it will lead you to a small parking area near a bike path. Even if you didn’t bring your bikes with you, pedestrians are still welcome on the paths.

Where to find the best restaurants in Providence

Federal Hill

Providence has a popular food scene, and a large concentration of those restaurants are located within Federal Hill. One spot that is continuously recommended is North. This is a popular Asian fusion spot, and I don’t believe they take reservations. Here are some other recommendations from the Boston Globe to get you started. Leave a comment below if you have any recommendations too!

Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:

Best Day Trips from Boston: A Summer in New England

4 days in Boston itinerary: A local’s guide to the best of Boston!

Best Things to Do in Narragansett Rhode Island: A Summer weekend guide

Newport Rhode Island in the Winter: 25 Best Things to Do

New England: A Comprehensive Guide for the Spring season

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