Bristol, RI

Travel Guide
Bristol showing a park
Explore the historic waterfront and the long, winding coastline that wraps around this port town situated on a picturesque peninsula in Mount Hope Bay.

With marine heritage, waterfront parks and magnificent mansions, Bristol is a charming town where Rhode Island’s history and scenery are intertwined. Spread across 10 square miles (26 square kilometers) of a pretty, tree-lined peninsula, Bristol has miles of coastline fringing a large harbor. Dine at excellent portside restaurants, make the most of the harbor’s kayak trails or sail around the bay on a luxury cruise. Bristol is home to America’s oldest continuously celebrated Independence Day festivities.

Whether you arrive at Bristol by sea or by land, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty of exciting activities for your stay. Visiting boaters can moor in Bristol Harbor at the heart of downtown Bristol. Stroll around the harbor’s edge and take in the views of the calm, sheltered waters dotted with yachts and dinghies. The harbor has departure points for local ferries and sightseeing cruises. Take a tour around Narragansett Bay and visit nearby Prudence Island. The Herreshoff Marine Museum is a great place to learn about the region’s rich maritime heritage.

In downtown Bristol you’ll find a beautiful collection of historic buildings on spacious streets. Check out work by artists from Bristol and beyond at the Bristol Art Museum. The town also has a collection of galleries, craft stores and antiques shops, where you can hunt for locally made treasures. Experience some of Rhode Island’s historic grandeur at the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum.

Be sure to check out historic Hope Street if you visit during the peak of summer. This street hosts exciting open-air concerts and fun-filled events in the 2 weeks leading up to the Fourth of July and America’s oldest annual parade.

Admire views of the waterfront and the setting sun from Colt State Park in Narrangansett Bay. You can also see stunning coastal views along the East Bay Bike Path, a former rail trail that connects Independence Park to East Providence in northern Rhode Island.

Reach Bristol via the interstate freeway that connects Rhode Island to Massachusetts. Providence’s domestic airport is 26 miles (41.8 kilometers) away. Bristol’s spacious parks, picturesque waterfront and active arts community make it a great destination year-round.

Omni Providence Hotel
Omni Providence Hotel
4 out of 5
1 W Exchange St, Providence, RI
The price is ¥23,925 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥23,925
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Providence. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,157 reviews)
"The view was wonderful and the staff was great."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Omni Providence Hotel
The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
3 out of 5
49 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI
The price is ¥32,019 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥32,019
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"The rooms could use a renovation. The beds are so uncomfortable and there is zero air circulation. The staff is friendly and helpful. Walls are paper thin and you can hear the neighboring rooms conversation as if you’re in the same room. Great location and easy walk to everything. Despite the outdated ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
Hotel Viking
Hotel Viking
4 out of 5
1 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥33,508 per night from May 22 to May 23
¥33,508
per night
May 22 - May 23
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Couple days We enjoyed hospitality of Viking hotel…the room was clean and comfortable. The staff nice polite."

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Hotel Viking
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Dog Friendly Cottages w/ easy access to Newport, beaches, trails  and  vineyards
Dog Friendly Cottages w/ easy access to Newport, beaches, trails and vineyards
Middletown
Stay at this cottage in Middletown. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
Reunion
"Perfect in every way!"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2024

Dog Friendly Cottages w/ easy access to Newport, beaches, trails and vineyards
New Beach Rose Boutique Cottage on the beach
New Beach Rose Boutique Cottage on the beach
Bristol
Book a stay at this beach cottage in Bristol. Enjoy a beach locale, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Independence Park and Linden Place Mansion are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay, I wish we had been in the front unit - that unit had a wonderful full water view. This back unit is very tight, my suggestion for the owner is to remove some of the Knick knacks - the space is so tight, it was hard to move around with such big furniture and stuff. Otherwise, ..."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2023

New Beach Rose Boutique Cottage on the beach
Oceancliff Resort I & II
Oceancliff Resort I & II
3 out of 5
65 Ridge Rd, Newport, RI
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly condo in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Thames Street and Newport Mansions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (27 reviews)
"Nice location peaceful"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Oceancliff Resort I & II
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Bristol

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
12
" "5 - Excellent 80%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 4, 2019

The Oyster Bar was amazing! Try their new menu!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 27, 2019

Beautiful town. We were there for a wedding but stayed an extra night. Highly recommend going to Colt State Park.

5/5 - Excellent

Delphine
Sep 19, 2018

Beautiful area with well tended historic homes. The cove is beautiful.

5/5 - Excellent

Peter
Aug 30, 2018

Bristol avoids the heavy tourism of nearby Newport, but has its own grand houses, great food, lots of charm, and is a short and easy drive to any number of destinations.