City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Providence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s capital city of Providence lies north of Newport and south of Boston, Massachusetts. Boaters enjoy the coves and canals along the Providence River, which flows through the city and exits near Block Island Sound and Buzzards Bay to meet the Atlantic Ocean.
Founded in 1636, the historic city is home to 18th and 19th-century structures on College Hill, Brown University, a downtown riverwalk area and local cultural attractions. The area holds plenty of activities and attractions to visit from a private boat dock for rent. Let’s check out a few of them!
Rhode Island School of Design Museum
Photo: Wikimedia
For an art and culture fix, head to the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. The fine and decorative arts museum features a collection of American, Asian, Greek and European art in mediums such as ceramics, silver, photography, furniture, textiles and more. workshops, faculty exhibitions and other events take place throughout the year.
Waterplace Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Once known as Great Salt Cove, Waterplace Park is a revitalized waterfront area on the Woonasquatucket River. The area offers restaurants, a wedding venue, festivals and the award-winning WaterFire sculpture by Barnaby M. Evans. The park connects up with a ¾ mile section of cobblestone-paved walkways along the waterfront, which is known as the Riverwalk. It’s a nice green space within the city to visit from a private boat slip rental.
Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village
Photo: Wikimedia
Hop off the private boat dock rental, gather the whole crew and spend the day at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Set on 40 acres of woodland, visitors can enjoy nature walks, educational programs, fun events and animal encounters with African elephants, Chilean flamingos, otters, eagles, anacondas and more. You can even feed giraffes and farm animals. There’s also a zip line adventure and a train ride through the forest.
Providence Performing Arts Center
Photo: Wikimedia
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Providence Performing Arts Center is located in Providence’s arts and entertainment district. The venue hosts concerts and performances by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, the ballet, national recording artists and Broadway shows such as Annie, Six, Come From Away and Hadestown.
Providence Children’s Museum
Photo: GoProvidence (Facebook)
Looking for a place to let the kids work off some energy? The Providence Children’s Museum is just the place. They can spend their time exploring interactive exhibits and educational displays such as the ways of water, gardens, state history, hands-on work with tools and materials, magnetic mazes and creative space. They may even learn something without realizing it.
Hopefully, you’ve gathered some ideas for your next Ocean State vacation. Whether you’re anchored at a resort, moored at a marina or docked at a private boat lift for rent, check out some of these attractions. Let you know your favorites!
