Located in the heart of New England, Providence, Rhode Island, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. While the city itself has plenty to offer, there are numerous exciting destinations within a short drive or train ride that are worth exploring. In this article, we’ll delve into the best places to visit near Providence, RI, highlighting the top attractions, scenic getaways, and hidden gems that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.
Overview
From the picturesque coastal towns of Massachusetts to the charming countryside of Connecticut, there’s a wealth of exciting destinations within a short distance from Providence. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or simply want to explore new towns and cities, we’ve got you covered. Our guide will take you on a journey through the best places to visit near Providence, including:
Scenic Coastal Towns
Discover the quaint charm of Massachusetts’ coastal towns, such as Newport and Falmouth, with their rich maritime history, stunning beaches, and delicious seafood.
Historic Landmarks and Museums
Explore the rich cultural heritage of the region by visiting historic landmarks, museums, and national parks, including the Freedom Trail, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Roger Williams National Memorial.
Outdoor Adventures
Get ready for some outdoor fun in the beautiful countryside of Connecticut, with its rolling hills, scenic hiking trails, and picturesque lakes and rivers.
Charming Towns and Cities
Visit the charming towns and cities of New England, such as Boston, Worcester, and Hartford, each with its own unique character, history, and attractions.
So, buckle up and get ready to explore the best places to visit near Providence, RI! Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, we’ve got the perfect itinerary for you.
Best Places to Visit Near Providence, RI
Providence, the capital city of Rhode Island, is a treasure trove of history, art, and culture. While there’s plenty to explore within the city limits, there are also many exciting destinations within a short drive or train ride. Here are some of the best places to visit near Providence, RI:
Newport, RI
Newport, famous for its Gilded Age mansions and stunning coastal scenery, is a must-visit destination near Providence. Take a scenic drive along Ocean Drive, visit the iconic Cliff Walk, and explore the historic mansions like The Breakers and The Elms. (See Also: Best Places To Visit Near Lyon)
Boston, MA
Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, is just an hour’s drive from Providence. Visit the Freedom Trail, which takes you on a historic tour of the city, including the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, and the USS Constitution. Don’t miss the world-renowned Museum of Fine Arts and the vibrant neighborhoods of Cambridge and the North End.
Cape Cod, MA
Cape Cod, a popular summer destination, is about an hour and a half drive from Providence. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and quaint towns like Provincetown and Chatham. Take a whale watch tour, visit the Cape Cod Rail Trail, or simply relax in a beachside resort.
The Berkshires, MA
The Berkshires, a mountainous region in western Massachusetts, offer a scenic getaway from Providence. Visit the Clark Art Institute, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), and the charming towns of Lenox and Stockbridge. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and kayaking in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains.
Block Island, RI
Block Island, a tranquil summer resort, is a short ferry ride from Point Judith or Newport. Explore the island’s beautiful beaches, scenic hiking trails, and historic lighthouses like the Block Island North Light and the Southeast Light.
Mystic, CT
Mystic, a charming coastal town in Connecticut, is about an hour and a half drive from Providence. Visit the famous Mystic Seaport, the Mystic Aquarium, and the historic Mystic River Bascule Bridge. Take a stroll along the scenic waterfront and enjoy the town’s many shops and restaurants.
Wickford, RI
Wickford, a picturesque coastal village in Rhode Island, is about 30 minutes drive from Providence. Visit the historic Wickford Harbor, the Wickford Village Association, and the beautiful beaches like the Wickford Town Beach and the Oakland Beach.
Other Day Trip Ideas
Other day trip ideas from Providence include: (See Also: Places To Visit Near Morecambe)
- Fall River, MA: Visit the Battleship Cove and the Fall River Heritage State Park.
- New Bedford, MA: Explore the New Bedford Whaling Museum and the historic district.
- Stonington, CT: Enjoy the scenic coastal town and the historic Stonington Lighthouse.
- Westport, MA: Visit the Westport Rivers Vineyard and the scenic coastal beaches.
Getting There
Getting to these destinations from Providence is easy:
| Destination | Drive Time | Public Transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Newport, RI | 45 minutes | RIPTA Bus 60 |
| Boston, MA | 1 hour | MBTA Commuter Rail |
| Cape Cod, MA | 1.5 hours | Plymouth & Brockton Bus |
| The Berkshires, MA | 2 hours | Peter Pan Bus |
| Block Island, RI | Ferry from Point Judith or Newport | Ferry |
| Mystic, CT | 1.5 hours | SEAT Bus |
| Wickford, RI | 30 minutes | RIPTA Bus 64 |
Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or simply exploring new destinations, there are plenty of exciting places to visit near Providence, RI. So pack a bag, grab your camera, and start exploring!
Conclusion
Providence, Rhode Island, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty, and its surroundings are no exception. In this article, we explored the best places to visit near Providence, RI, and discovered a plethora of exciting destinations that offer something for everyone.
From the scenic coastal towns of Newport and Bristol to the historic mansions and vineyards of Little Compton, we delved into the unique charms of each location. We also ventured into the picturesque countryside of Scituate and the vibrant city of Boston, just a short drive away.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, these destinations near Providence offer a diverse range of experiences that are sure to leave you enchanted. From the stunning architecture of the Newport Mansions to the tranquil beauty of the Scituate Reservoir, each location is steeped in its own unique character and charm.
In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip to Providence, RI, be sure to explore these incredible destinations that are just a stone’s throw away. With their rich history, stunning landscapes, and endless attractions, they are sure to enhance your travel experience and leave you with unforgettable memories.
So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to discover the best of New England. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these incredible places near Providence, RI, are waiting to be explored and cherished.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Places to Visit Near Providence, RI
What are some popular day trip destinations from Providence?
Some popular day trip destinations from Providence include Newport, RI, known for its historic mansions and scenic coastal drives; Boston, MA, with its rich history and cultural attractions; and the scenic towns of the Massachusetts South Coast, such as Fall River and New Bedford. (See Also: Places To Visit Near Ucla)
Are there any good beaches near Providence?
Yes, there are several great beaches near Providence! Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett, RI, is a popular spot, with its long stretch of sandy beach and scenic views. Other options include Easton’s Beach in Newport, RI, and Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport, MA.
What are some fun outdoor activities to do near Providence?
There are plenty of fun outdoor activities to do near Providence! You can hike at Roger Williams Park or Scituate Reservoir, go biking on the East Bay Bike Path, or explore the scenic trails at Colt State Park in Bristol, RI. You can also take a kayak or paddleboard tour on the Providence River or Narragansett Bay.
Are there any good family-friendly attractions near Providence?
Yes, there are many family-friendly attractions near Providence! The Providence Children’s Museum is a great spot for kids, with its interactive exhibits and play areas. You can also visit the Roger Williams Zoo, which features a variety of animals and a petting zoo. Other options include the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River in Fall River, MA, and the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT.
What are some romantic getaways near Providence?
There are several romantic getaways near Providence! You can visit the charming town of Newport, RI, with its historic bed and breakfast inns and scenic coastal walks. Another option is the picturesque town of Lenox, MA, in the Berkshires, with its luxury resorts and gourmet restaurants. You can also take a romantic stroll along the Providence River Greenway or visit the beautiful gardens at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, RI.
