Rhode Island’s Parks Showcase The State’s Natural Beauty

There’s a park to suit every taste in Rhode Island, where green spaces and 400 miles of coastline offer opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

Ready for the beach? The state has dozens to choose from, including urban stretches of sand around Newport and wild expanses of coast around Block Island.

Fort Wetherill State Park

The state’s history is honored at several state parks. Fort Wetherill State Park protects a former coastal defense battery and training camp, while Fort Adam State Park offers chances to swim, boat, picnic, and attend annual summer concerts. Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick has picnic areas, playing fields, and 18 miles of trails. Brenton Point State Park has a spectacular view of the water and great sites for hiking, relaxing, and fishing.

Blackstone Bikeway

Grab a bike and head out on the Blackstone Bikeway or pedal with the wind at your back on the 14-mile East Bay Bike Path. Ready to spot wildlife? The state’s largest protected area is the 14,000-acre Arcadia Management Area, which has opportunities for hunting, hiking, fishing, boating, mountain biking, and horseback riding. At Pulaski State Park you can cool off with a plunge into Peck Pond or glide on 10 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails.

Waterplace Park

The capital city of Providence features an award-winning park, contributing to the city's nickname of "Creative Capital."

Waterplace Park is located downtown along the Woonasquatucket River and features Venice-styled walking bridges across the river. Waterplace Park connects to the 3/4 of a mile of cobblestone walkways, known as Riverwalk, along the river's edge.

During the summer, visitors love to visit Riverwalk for the night-time WaterFire display. The display boasts of one hundred lit bonfires just above the surface of the Moshassuck, Providence and Wonnasquatucket Rivers, accompanied by music.

The park's plazas, gondolas and walkways invite pedestrians to enjoy the downtown area, with its Venice-like ambiance. The creation of Waterplace Park in 1994, has contributed to the revitalization of downtown Providence. Stay close to the capital of Rhode Island in nearby Warwick.