Things to do & places to visit in Bristol, Rhode Island, United States

Bristol city in Rhode Island, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 3:21.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Colt State Park (466 reviews)
- Brief visit
State Parks

We enjoyed our brief visit to this park while vacationing in Newport. There is a wonderful paved path that follows the shoreline and can be combined with other trails through the woods. Though it was midweek, there many people of all ages enjoying picnics, sunbathing and other activities though parking was not a problem. I would likely be walking my dog here everyday if we lived nearby. See more..
5.0 Bristol Bikes (23 reviews)
- Learning by doing at Bristol Bikes
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

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! See more..
5.0 Musee Patamecanique (11 reviews)
- Nothing else like it - in this reality or any other
Speciality Museums

My girlfriend and I went for our two-year anniversary - she had no idea what I was surprising her with, and to be honest, I hardly had a better one. But as soon as it began, we knew we were in for a night we would never forget. The problem with Musée Patamécanique is that you can not describe what makes it so awe inspiring without giving away the element of surprise and mystery, which is a large part of what makes it so special. Suffice it to say, it may very well be the closest you will ever come to experiencing real magic in your lifetime. See more..
5.0 Common Pub & Grille (9 reviews)
- Best food in Bristol R.I.
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM Bars & Clubs
The best food in Bristol! The Waite staff was awesome we ate out side under the tent tables we spaced apart everyone wore the mask my little granddaughters eat from the children menus and we cold only finish half our salads with chicken we just had too hv the chocolate chip cookies that comes to your table in its own little pan with vanilla ice cream delicious!!can’t say enough good thing about this restaurant , See more..
5.0 Alayne White Spa (3 reviews)
- Sooo Relaxing
Spas

Alayne White Spa in Bristol was such a nice break from our normally hectic lives. As soon as I walked in the door, I could feel my blood pressure dropping. From the reception staff to owner, everyone was so friendly and welcoming. My husband booked the muscle meltdown and I had the spassage. The room was inviting, clean and smelled delicious. The bed was warm with comfortable cotton sheets and my masseuse was wonderful. I was so relaxed, I nearly fell asleep. Afterward, my skin was glowing and I felt like a new person. If you are in the area, or even if you have to drive a bit, it is totally worth the trip. Book in advance or you are likely to miss out. See more..
5.0 Mount Hope Farm (3 reviews)
- Use the Main Entrance to park to take a beautiful walk
Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Walking Areas

The previous southern entrance is now closed (except for their farmers market) and parking is across the road from the Inn. The easy walk to Cove Cabin is about one mile along a shaded roadway and is definitely worth the effort. Note that the current policy does not allow dogs. A left at the “private” sign takes you to an important monument to King Phillip ( the place that he was killed). See more..
5.0 Six Pack Brewing (2 reviews)
- Cool Spot
Breweries
Went in here to get beer to go but the building was nicely done. Staff was super helpful in helping deciding beers. Beer was really good. I would like to go back and hang at the bar at some point. See more..
5.0 Hotpoint Emporium Artists Co-Op (1 review)
- A gallery FULL of good art in various media, by local artists.
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries
Nicely displayed: many varieties of art: ceramics, pottery, jewelry, fabric art, collages, photography, paintings, & more. Friendly, staffed by artists; very pleasant to spend some time there. Many items make great gifts--including for yourself! See more..
4.5 Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum (356 reviews)
- Beautiful architecture and gardens and gorgeous water views!!!!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

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. See more..
4.5 Hope Street (107 reviews)
- Colonial Bristol
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Lovely walking town with shops, cafes, historical buildings and galleries. While there you can visit Linden Place, St Michael's Episcopal Church, and the Bristol Art Museum (small gallery, limited hours). There are a number of lovely restaurants and sandwich shops, and an artist's coop, Hotpoint Emporium, which shouldn't be missed. Just a block from the waterfront and Independence Park. See more..
4.5 Herreshoff Marine Museum (103 reviews)
- Great for a rainy day during our time in Newport!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

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. See more..
4.5 Linden Place Mansion (65 reviews)
- Christmas Spirit at Linden House
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

A visit to Linden Place is to experience two centuries of American history in one place. Long before it appeared in the movie The Great Gatsby, this exceptional example of Federal architecture was the dramatic stage for one family’s multi-generational journey from the dark days of the slave trade through the boom times of the Industrial Age. Since 1810, its owners faced reversals of fortune, praise and scandal, disgrace and redemption. Beyond being the seafarers responsible for Bristol’s initial prosperity and later financial decline, they ended up captaining some of the country’s most dynamic industries. Along the way, they hosted presidents, married into a world-famous theatrical family, and collected a wide array of treasures, which are on display. Though it’s unfortunate Linden Place’s walls can’t talk, audio tours during museum hours provide a good account of one of the country’s most beautiful and fascinating house museums. Arrangements can also be made for docent-led tours. See more..
4.5 Audubon Society Environmental Education Center (30 reviews)
- Raptor Weekend 2021
Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas

My husband, adult son and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit during Raptor Weekend 2021. The presentations on owls, hawks, peregrine falcons and other raptors were excellent. The handlers walked into the audience with the raptors so we were able to get great photos. There’s a small interesting museum and aquarium. The rest rooms are very clean and there’s a small gift shop. The pollinator garden was beautiful and we saw many butterflies.We did the one mile round trip walk on the wooden boardwalk to the overlook of Narragansett Bay and watched the boats for a while. There were 2 food trucks available and we had excellent pork asado. The staff and volunteers were friendly. We highly recommend a visit during Raptor Weekend or anytime to enjoy the beautiful property. See more..
4.5 Independence Park (30 reviews)
- Quiet and peaceful stroll
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Walked all around this park, through Common, and nearby streets. Lots of shady roads and old architecture..old cemetery and churches to explore. See more..
4.5 Prudence & Bay Islands Transport (20 reviews)
- Smooth, Quick Trip
Spent < 1 hour Ferries

My husband and I took our bicycles to Prudence Island for a day. The ferry trip takes less than 30 minutes across a portion of Narragansett Bay. Views of the Mount Hope Bridge and the Newport Bridge are spectacular. The cost is a pittance. Staffing is limited. The little ticket booth was closed until the ferry returned from Prudence Island because the pilot of the ferry was also the ticket seller! There are two municipal parking lots more or less across the street from the ferry landing where parking is free all day. The ferry can carry about a dozen vehicles. Bicycling on the island left much to be desired since there are many unpaved roads and the roads that are paved aren't in great shape. See more..
4.5 Mosaic Arts Gallery (7 reviews)
- Love this place!!!
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Come and discover New England's only gallery of contemporary fine art mosaics by leading international artists Valerie Bretl and Antonio Silveira. These popular award-winning mosaics are masterfully executed and give new life to one of the world's most venerated art forms. Pieces are available for purchase. See more..
4.5 Bristol Historical & Preservation Society (3 reviews)
- Good View Into Bristol History
Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Small museum with lots of information on Bristol history. Also includes old jail and cells. We met an extremely knowledgeable person who could tell us a lot about the development of Bristol. See more..
4.5 Bristol Art Museum (3 reviews)
- A little gem in the heart of Bristol - Bristol Art Museum!
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Speciality Museums • Art Museums

The Bristol Art Museum is a non-profit organization founded in 1963 serving the local East Bay community and Rhode Island from its main location and galleries at the historic Linden Place in downtown Bristol, RI. Our mission is to enrich the cultural life of the community and the people of our region through diverse and contemporary art exhibits. See more..
4.5 Wood St. Cafe (2 reviews)
- Friendly little spot
Bars & Clubs
We arrived late at night after a wedding reception. Tina was bar tending and she was friendly and nice to spend time with, as were her customers who chatted with us. The cafe is smallish, a neighborhood type of place -- the kind where as soon as you walk in you can tell you are welcome. We stayed a couple hours and it was a nice wind-down after being in a much more formal environment (a wedding reception at Linden Place.) See more..
4.0 Coggeshall Farm Museum (43 reviews)
- The genuine article
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Farms

Coggeshall Farm Museum is a living history museum located on 48 acres of pristine farmland in Bristol, Rhode Island. See more..
4.0 Twelve Guns Brewing (3 reviews)
- A decent lineup of brews
Breweries

It’s a cozy and cute tasting room. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. A tasting is 10.00 for 4 four ounce pours. I really enjoyed the Torpedo and Salty dog. 15% off everything for military. A 4 pack was around 13.00 and glasses are 12.00. Enjoyed the stop and the experience. See more..
Spar Island (0 review)
Islands
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Play Town (0 review)
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Playgrounds

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Freedom Road Baptist Church (0 review)
Religious Sites
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United Brothers Synagogue (0 review)
Religious Sites
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Bristol Town Beach (0 review)
Sports Complexes • Beaches
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Bristol Playground (0 review)
Playgrounds
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First Congregational Church in Bristol (0 review)
Saturday: Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

First Congregational Church in Bristol was founded in the spring of 1680 by the same four families that founded the town later that year. The gothic style sanctuary was built in 1855. The church's third edifice, it also includes the DeWolf Chapel, added in 1869. It is the town's second oldest church building. It houses a museum that includes fascinating artifacts. Tours by appointment. See more..
The Mint Gallery (0 review)
Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries
The Mint Gallery is a quaint art gallery in the heart of Bristol, RI. The gallery sells stunning local art and hosts fun events such as wine an paint night. It is a must see unique space! See more..
William Fales House (0 review)
Architectural Buildings
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