With so much to explore in the Providence area, it’s impossible to capture it all—but we’ve highlighted some of the top activities and attractions that belong on your ‘must-do’ list. For even more ideas, we’re happy to refer you to the local visitors center or their website, where you’ll find an updated calendar of events. Don’t forget to browse our Packages for inspiration on how to pair your favorite area experiences with a cozy stay at Christopher Dodge House Bed & Breakfast.
Make the Most of Your Visit: Things to Do in Providence
Your Itinerary Starts Here: Unforgettable Activities for Every Traveler
Outdoor Adventures
Great adventures await you, right outside our bed & breakfast…
Read More...- Biking– Our little state offers 8 bike paths totaling more than 60 miles of off-road cycling. There are many bike shops that offer rentals if you arrive here without a bike. If you are headed down the East Bay Bike Path, be sure to stop at the Borealis Coffee Company where we purchase our locally roasted coffee that is served at breakfast. For lunch, stop next door at Union Bar + Burrito. Their loaded nachos are amazing! They have also recently expanded their patio.
- Experience Rhode Island Tours– This is a family-owned business started by brothers who grew up in Rhode Island. They love people and Rhode Island. They know the cuisine, culture, people, sights, and stories that make this such a special place, and they’ve brought together the very best of Rhode Island on each of their tours to give you a local experience you will love. So join them, and let them “show you what’s great about the Ocean State”!
- Providence Ghost Tour– A walking ghost and haunted history tour of the East Side. You’ll be led through the darkened streets of the historic East Side via lantern as you are told bone-chilling stories. All tours depart from Prospect Terrace Park and run from May until December.
- Providence Kayak– Rent a kayak and discover urban Providence at your own pace as you paddle through the riverbanks of the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, Riverwalk, and Waterplace Park. Take in the beauty of the bridges and cobblestone walkways. If you’re seeking a bit more serenity in a rural setting, visit our new second location at Olney Pond inside Lincoln Woods State Park! Enjoy freshwater paddling surrounded by one of Blackstone Valley’s greatest treasures! Their competent and experienced staff will provide the equipment & guidance you’ll need to explore with confidence!
- The Providence Rink– The Bank Newport City Center- Providence Rink located Downtown offers many fun events year-round. Whether it’s ice skating and ice bumper cars in the winter, roller skating, bumper car racing, and bubble soccer ball in the summer, there are always fun times to be had. They are always coming up with fun and exciting new events.
- Providence River Boat Company– Board one of their open-air 18-passenger vessels and enjoy the city views and expert narration of your tour guide! Explore the Providence River, Riverwalk, Waterplace Park, and the Providence Harbor, as they highlight historical, nautical, and architectural points of interest.
- Rhode Island Red Food Tours– Their 3-3.5 hour walking tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the evolving culinary landscape of Rhode Island while gaining insight into the history, architecture, and culture of the state. Their tours support the locally-operated eateries, farms, and makers in the community, offering tastings of fresh, creative local foods of the state. Tours are available in both Providence and Newport.
- WaterFire– WaterFire is an art feature that takes place on the 3 rivers of Providence with 100 braziers floating on the river’s surface. This amazing work of art attracts millions of visitors from the months of May through November and is a free event.
Self-Guided Historic Walking Tours
Immerse yourself in Providence’s captivating history, local folklore, and strange tales by taking a self-guided walking tour. Delve into the historic east side, the rich culture of the west side, waterfront views of the jewelry district, or the revival of downtown.
Read More...- Downtown Historic Walking Tour– Providence’s downtown neighborhood is bordered by the Providence River and Interstate 95. There are 20 points of interest along this walking tour.
- East Side Historic Walking Tour– The east side is comprised of the Blackstone, Hope, Mount Hope, College Hill, Wayland, and Fox Point neighborhoods. There are 16 points of interest along this walking tour.
- Jewelry District Historic Walking Tour– is a neighborhood located just south of Downtown between Interstate 195 and Henderson Street. Interstate 95 lies at the western edge of the neighborhood, which includes Davol Square and the waterfront along the west bank of the Providence River. There are 18 points of interest along this walking tour.
- West Side Historic Walking Tour– The west side is a neighborhood in the southwestern part of Providence. Its perimeter is defined by Westminster Street to the north, Huntington Avenue to the south, Elmwood Avenue to the east, and the railroad tracks with Route 10 to the west. There are 21 points of interest along this walking tour.
- Early Black History Walking Tour– “Taking this tour is an act of remembrance, which honors the lives of those whose stories are only partially known, but who contributed significantly to the city you see today”. This self-guided tour starts on Branch Ave and extends to India St. with 14 sites and 5 points of interest along the way.
Maps are available for pick up at the visitors center locations or a printable PDF map is available by clicking on the tour name above.
