Colt State Park Is the Single Best State Park in Rhode Island and It’s Just Waiting to Be Explored

Rhode Island has 15 state parks, and every single one is beautiful, offering its unique amenities. However, when it comes to choosing our favorite, most of us have the same answer: Colt State Park. Known affectionately as the Gem of the State Park System, Colt State Park has been stealing our hearts for decades, and it's still as enchanting as ever.

Colt State Park is located along the East Bay in the charming town of Bristol, and it's surrounded by history. The park is located just minutes away from the historic town center, just off Route 114, and it's adjacent to the historic landmark, Coggeshall Farm Museum.

Spanning 464 acres, Colt State Park provides access to some of the state’s most spectacular shoreline and is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. The entire western border of the park borders Narragansett Bay, and its fishing pier, built in the 1980s, underwent reconstruction and expansion in 2014.

For a hike or a stroll, there are numerous paved and dirt trails throughout the park. I love how many paved paths there are, allowing those with children in strollers or those using mobility equipment to enjoy the park.

Grab a picnic table and host an impromptu picnic, or reserve one of the designated areas for your next gathering. You can even get married here, at a gorgeous spot known as Colt's Chapel by the Sea.

The park’s bike trails happen to intersect with the East Bay Bike Path, which runs from Bristol to Providence. When I lived in Rhode Island, I would sometimes ride this bike path from Providence all the way to Colt State Park and back — what a beautiful ride! Instead of biking, however, you can take a scenic drive through the park on one of its winding roads.

Despite its abundance of amenities and activities, it's the unparalleled bay views that make this park such a popular place. Of course, the stone walls, groomed fruit trees, carefully nurtured flowering bushes, winding trails, and manicured lawns don't hurt. The park's green spaces provide opportunities to lie out a blanket and relax under the sun while taking in scenic water views.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day, and no one will mind if you stay a few extra minutes to catch the last of the sunset. It's worth it!

When was the last time you visited Colt State Park? For hours, amenities, and other information, visit the park's page on the Rhode Island State Parks website.

If the above photos are making you feel nostalgic, it's obviously time for another trip! While most Rhode Islanders will list Colt State Park as their favorite, many would also agree that Roger Williams Park is a close second. Not only is there plenty of green space, but the park also features a zoo, a botanical garden, a natural history museum with a planetarium, a carousel, a bandstand, and historic sites throughout. It's a true gem in the city of Providence and a perfect destination for a family-friendly day trip!