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The Rhode Island Town Of Bristol Has More Outdoor Attractions Than Any Other Place In The State

Bristol, Rhode Island offers a variety of outdoor attractions, including parks, beaches, and historic sites, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Published Apr 12, 2023

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Spending time outdoors in Rhode Island is as natural as breathing. It’s what we do. Who could blame us when we’re so close to the ocean’s edge? When you’re not sure where to go next, how about making a day trip or a weekend getaway to this charming Rhode Island town? You’ll find a full menu of outdoor attractions in Bristol, Rhode Island.

Perhaps best known for its breathtaking shoreline and as the host of the oldest Fourth of July parade in America, Bristol beckons locals and visitors from all over for its old-fashioned charm and many outdoor attractions.

Sign welcoming visitors to Bristol Harbor and Downtown, featuring a map of the area below.
Wikipedia/Kenneth C. Zirkel

A trip to Bristol means spending time at Colt State Park, widely considered the gem of Rhode Island’s state parks. Drink in stellar views of Narragansett Bay; go on a leisurely hike, or on a windy day, fly a kite. The park is also popular for bike riding.

A scenic view of a rocky shoreline under a blue sky with scattered clouds, featuring a path along the water.
Google/Michael Edgar

Simmering summer days are just meant for cooling off on the sandy beach at Bristol Town Beach. If you’re not in the mood for swimming, have a picnic. Watch the kids on the playground, or explore one of the trails.

A sunny beach scene with people relaxing on the sand and swimming in the water, surrounded by greenery and blue skies.
Google/Rebekah Cottle

The beach is also home to a sports complex with such amenities as baseball, softball, and soccer fields; basketball courts, a skate park, and more.

Carve out a few hours for your visit to Coggeshall Farm Museum, too, a popular seasonal attraction. Explore on your own and join a guided tour of this replica 18th-century salt-marsh farm that’s home to countless farm animals.

A flock of chickens and chicks foraging in a grassy area near a small wooden shed.
Facebook/Coggeshall Farm Museum

Stroll through the gardens at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum, a seasonal attraction that’s perhaps best known for its afternoon tea and Daffodil Days, held each April.

A beautiful garden with yellow daffodils and a fountain, featuring a large house in the background under a clear blue sky.
Facebook/Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum

If you’re planning to visit Bristol for its many outdoor attractions, you’ll need more than a day to see it all. Be sure to also add a stop at the Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center and Aquarium. Marvel at the collection of fish indoors before heading outdoors and exploring one of the scenic trails.

A vibrant garden with colorful flowers, tall plants, and a bench surrounded by lush greenery.
Google/Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center and Aquarium

While in town, save some time for a bit of sailing, too.

You can easily spend a full day or more in the great outdoors in Bristol.

A serene waterfront scene at dusk, featuring sailboats on calm water under a colorful sky.
Google/M. White

Learn more on the Town of Bristol, Rhode Island website.

What are your favorite outdoor attractions in Bristol, Rhode Island? Let us know in the comments! Then discover why Bristol is the best weekend getaway in Rhode Island.

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