Outdoor Activities

With over 800 moorings, miles of accessible coastline, and multiple boat ramps, Bristol is one of Rhode Island's most prominent boating communities. Kayaking and windsurfing are common activities in Bristol's sheltered harbor. The beautiful and scenic coastal 14.5 mile East Bay Bike Path begins in Bristol and is a favorite for area bikers, walkers, and rollerbladers. Enjoy one of the 13 local parks or Colt State Park with a western border that is an open panorama onto Narragansett Bay.

Bristol Bikes

A unique bike shop located in heart of the Bristol Historic Waterfront, just 3 blocks from the start of the beautiful East Bay Bike Path. Rentals and sales of electric and non-electric bicycles.

Phone: 401-675-2000
Email: mark@bristolribikes.com
Address: 267 Thames Street, Bristol, RI 02809
Website: www.bristolribikes.com



Veterans' Memorial Park

Veteran's Memorial Park is Home to the King Philip Little League and Roger Pigeon Memorial field, this newly renovated 8.1-acre park has a major league and minor league baseball field, a basketball court, playground, picnic tables and a parking lot. Two buildings contain bathrooms, storage and concession rooms. It is located at the North end of Wood Street, bordered by Silver Creek, which provides scenic views of swans and ducks.


Address: Veterans Park Bristol, RI 02809


Mosaico Park

Mosaico Park is located on the corner of Wood Street and Franklin Street. It has been designed as a symbol of the friendship and connection that Bristol has with its sister city Logoa, San Miguel, Azores. It embraces the mosaic of our multi cultural community. It has park benches and is a great place to sit and share stories.


Address: Wood Street Bristol, RI 02809


Union Street Beach

Union Street Beach is a small picturesque park overlooking the beautiful Bristol Harbor. Located on Hope Street, at the beginning of Union Street. It has a small swimming area, a picnic table and benches. A great place to sit and relax watching the boats or sun bathing.


Address: Union Street Bristol, RI 02809


Bristol War Veterans Honor Roll Garden

The Bristol War Veterans Honor Roll Garden is located next to the Bristol Town Hall and the Bristol Visitors Center in the Historic Burnside Building on Hope Street. This garden is designed to pay tribute and to honor all of Bristol's War Veterans. It is a place to celebrate the lives of the men and women who have given so much to protect the freedoms we all enjoy. Please come for a visit and remember; freedom is never free.


Address: 400 Hope Street Bristol, RI 02809




Herreshoff Marine Museum / America's Cup Hall of Fame

The Herreshoff Marine Museum and 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 celebrates excellence in design, innovation, education and technology and it is one of the nation's most important historic maritime treasures. 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. The Herreshoff Marine Museum is an exceptional venue for weddings, fundraisers, corporate events, family milestones and more.

Phone: 401-253-5000
Fax: 401-253-6222
Address: 1 Burnside Street Bristol, RI 02809
Email: info@herreshoff.org
Website: www.herreshoff.org


The Audubon Society of Rhode Island Environmental Education Center

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island's Environmental Education Center is a destination of discovery for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Winding trails, guided programs, aquarium and natural history exhibits are available year-round. Visit the Nature Shop for field guides, birdfeeders, and wonderfully unique gifts from nature.

Phone: 401-949-5454
Address: 1401 Hope Street Bristol, RI 02809
Email: ltaft@asri.org
Website: www.asri.org



Walley Beach

Walley Beach is a 1.3 acre picturesque park overlooking the beautiful Bristol Harbor. Located next to the Herreshoff dock on Hope Street. It has a small swimming area, a picnic table and beaches. A great place to sit and relax watching the boats or sun bathing.


Address: Walley Park Bristol, RI 02809


Manny Sousa Park

Manny Sousa park is located on the waterfront of the Harbor Master's office on Rockwell Dock. This park offers a scenic view of Bristol Harbor and has two picnic tables and restroom facilities.


Address: Thames Street Bristol, RI 02809


Cedarcrest park

Cedarcrest park is a 2-acre neighborhood park located on Fatima Drive. It features a beautiful playground, basketball court and a baseball field. This wooded park is great for picnics.


Address: Fatima Drive Bristol, RI 02809


Narrows Boat Ramp

The Narrows Boat Ramp is located at the end of Narrows Road and is a public access right of way to the Kickemuit River on Narragansett Bay. A place to fish, launch a boat or kayak.


Address: Narrows Road Bristol, RI 02809


Sowams Playground Park

This 1.4-acre neighborhood park is located on Sweeney Lane. It has a playground, basketball court, a ball field and pavilion. A large multi-purpose field for picnics and football.


Address: Sweeney Lane Bristol, RI 02809


River Rebel Charters LLC

Departing from the waters in Bristol RI, we specialize in charter fishing Narragansett Bay, Newport, Point Judith, Block Island, Cuttyhunk and Martha's Vineyard for Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Sea Bass, Sharks, and Tuna. We take a maximum of 4 anglers and for larger parties we are partnered with a network of Charter Captains and boats available to accommodate your party.

Phone: 401-699-1974
Address: 90 Butterworth Ave Bristol, RI 02809
Email: captrlbagwell@cox.net
Website: riverrebelcharters.com


Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum

Blithewold is one of the finest garden estates in New England. Your exploration of Blithewold will include diverse gardens, specimen trees, and a forty-five-room English style manor house filled with antiques and artwork, all chronicling the rich social history of the lives of one family over a span of more than eighty years.

Phone: 401-253-2707
Address: 101 Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809
Website: www.blithewold.org


Mount Hope Farm

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this grand country estate encompasses 127 acres of preserved open space, offering miles of easy and beautiful walking trails. The historic property boasts stunning views of Mount Hope Bay, a rustic Civil War-era Barn, and a 12-room Inn that dates back to 1745. A year-round farmer's market is held every Saturday featuring the finest local food and artisan vendors. In addition to the architecturally-designed, handicapped-accessible vegetable and cutting gardens, the Farm is home to goats, chickens, sheep, bees and one pair of only 500 twin miniature donkeys in the country. Mount Hope Farm is the preferred setting for hundreds of weddings, special events and milestone occasions throughout the year.

Phone: 401-254-1745
Address: 250 Metacom Avenue Bristol, RI 02809
Email: info@mounthopefarm.org
Website: www.mounthopefarm.org

Mount Hope Farmer's Market
- Open Saturdays 9a-1pm
  • Farm walking trails available


Bristol Town Common

The Bristol Town Common is a 7.08-acre site for numerous activities at all times of the year. Located one block east of Hope St., bordered by Wood and High Streets on the east and west, respectively. State Street runs along the North edge and Church runs along the Common's South side. An old-time bandstand used for Concerts on the Common, and the 4th of July Carnival, a lighted tennis court with three courts, basketball court, softball field, and a large playground are some of the features. Summer basketball leagues and tennis lessons are provided.


Address: Bristol Town Common Bristol, RI 02809


Mount Hope Boat Launch

The Mount Hope Boat Launch is a new park constructed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management funded through the Federal Aid In Sportfish Restoration Project. It is a scenic park located off Annawamscutt Drive. It is fully ADA handicapped accessible, has a pavilion and park benches. Plenty of trailer parking and access to the Kickemuit River in Narragansett Bay.


Address: Annawamscutt Drive Bristol, RI 02809


Paull Park

A beautiful 13.2-acre wetland conservation area located across from the Mt. Hope High School, Paull park features Ramos Field, a baseball diamond, swing set and parking. Paull Park is a wetland area with nature trails.


Address: 120 Sherry Avenue Bristol, RI 02809


Coelho Park

Coelho Park is a 3.2-acre, large, residential playground, located off Hopeworth Avenue and Jenny Lane, It is designed for families and children of all ages. It includes two playground areas, basketball court, soccer field, concrete walkway, small pond and a pavilion and benches and picnic tables. A great place for a picnic. The pond is used for ice skating in the winter.


Address: Jenny Lane Bristol, RI 02809


Independence Park

The scenic 4-acre park is located at the head of the East Bay Bike path on beautiful Bristol Harbor and features a surfaced boat ramp, a board walk, concrete walkways, fountain, public restrooms, and beautiful sunsets. It is designed for passive recreation and is home of the Labor Day "Last Night" Concert with the Rhode Island Philharmonic.


Address: Independence Park Bristol, RI 02809


Bristol Town Beach & Sports Complex

The Town Beach and Sports Complex is a 47.15-acre park located near the entrance to Colt State Park. It features a pebbly beach with seasonal lifeguards, a large grassy expanse with a playground, many picnic tables, beach volleyball court, pavilion and ample parking. The Sports Complex includes five baseball/softball fields, two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a roller hockey arena, two Bocce Courts, one Horseshoe Court, three Soccer fields, two large multipurpose fields, a 5 mile cross country fitness trail with exercise equipment, and a skate park. A concession stand is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. It is the office for the Department of Parks and Recreation, as well as home for "Camp Poppasquaw". It borders the beautiful Colt State Park and the East Bay Bike Path.

Address: Asylum Road Bristol, RI 02809


Rockwell Park

Rockwell Park is a 1.2-acre harbor side park at the end of John Street on historic Thames Street. The park has a fairly new dock system for residents as well as some space for transient boaters. The park also has a playground with slides and swings for younger children, a boardwalk and benches.

Address: John Street Bristol, RI 02809


Top Cat Sailing

Book Bristol harbor cruises, day sailing on Narragansett Bay, sunset sails, learn to sail, and charter excursions on Top Cat, Alerion Express 38 Yawl, with Capt. Jim Lengel. Top Cat accommodates up to six passengers, and is available in Bristol from late May through October.

Phone: 508-904-0749
Address: 101 Poppasquash Rd Bristol, RI 02809
Email:jim@lengel.net
Website: yawls.net/TopCat


Thomas Park at Silver Creek

Thomas Park at Silver Creek is a 5.1-acre park located on Hope Street at the entrance to downtown Bristol. Thomas Park has recently been renovated into a passive naturalistic park with native plantings and walking paths. The Bristol Parks and Recreation Department has partnered with the Bristol Garden Club, to install "Mrs. Perry's Garden" a beautiful garden in honor of the Garden Club's founder. The park has natural grass winding paths throughout the property with benches near scenic overlooks. The public will enjoy, but not interfere, with the natural environment, by bird and animal watching, painting or photographing as well as passive relaxation. This scenic area with an old English garden, restored stone wall and arbor, nature trails, wild flower garden and nature preserve for indigenous plants and wild life, as well as a salt marsh bird sanctuary.


Address: Silver Creek Bristol, RI 02809



Herreshoff Seamanship Program

The mission of the Herreshoff Seamanship Program is to teach safety, seamanship, and the principles of sailing, with the goal of promoting responsibility, accountability, and self-reliance on and off the water. We have youth and adult sailing lessons throughout the summer. Youth programs run every two weeks during the weekdays from 9:00-12:00 or 9:00-3:30. Adult programs run nightly during the week from 5:30-8:00pm. No experience necessary. All levels welcome.

Phone: 401-253-5000
Address: One Burnside St.Bristol, RI 02809
Email: m.powell@herreshoff.org
Website: www.herreshoff.org


Firefighters' Memorial Park

This park was formally part of Rockwell Park. In 1995 Fire Chief David Sylvaria requested this park to honor all deceased members of the Bristol Fire Department. As you enter the park you are greeted with a stone which bears the Seal of the Town of Bristol. Then a list of all of Bristol's Fire Companies: The Board of Engineers, Engine 4, Emergency Rescue Squad, Fire Police, Fireman's Memorial and Welfare Committee, the Former King Philip Steam Eng. Co.#1, and Ladies Auxiliary. Each year on the second Sunday of June, the Bristol Fire Department memorializes its members who have passed away with a parade and a ceremony. When visiting the park, enjoy it and please respect and honor the firefighters of the Town of Bristol.


Address: Bristol Firemen's Memorial Park Bristol, RI 02809


Bristol Bait and Tackle

Bristol Bait and Tackle is a new business that is located in Neves Industrial Park on Metacom Ave. We offer fresh live and frozen bait. All your fishing needs from poles, rigs, lures and laughs. Salt water fishing licenses also available. We are open for the early risers at four a.m. and the night time fishermen to 9 pm seven days week. Come on by for a visit or give us a call. Don't forget to bring in your catch for a photo. We also love to hear your fish stories. Large or small.

Phone: 401-545-5470
Address: 367 Metacom Avenue Bristol, RI 02809
Email: bristolbaitandtackle@gmail.com