Bristol Parks & Gardens

With panoramic views of Narragansett Bay, Colt State Park is considered to offer one of the finest views of the Rhode Island State Park system. The park is open year round with amenities such as picnic sites, bike trails, fishing spots, boating opportunities and more; some amenities and services are only available seasonally.

Situated at the McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, this natural history museum and aquarium unlocks the fascinating world of nature through a series of interactive exhibits. Among the many features, visitors can get an inside peek at a life-size Right Whale, observe local marine life and explore a cornfield at night. The Environmental Education Center features a quarter mile-boardwalk through fresh and saltwater marshes to Narragansett Bay, and offers guided tours, nature walks and family programs.

The majority of this bike path runs along the Narragansett Bay, from Bristol to Providence, RI. Located on an abandoned railroad line, cyclists can pedal without having to worry about motorized traffic.

Situated on Bristol Harbor overlooking Narragansett Bay, the mansion and grounds cover 33 acres. The mansion itself boasts 45 rooms, and is actually the second mansion built on this site, as the first burned down in 1906. Many of the furnishings date back to the original home which was built in 1896. The gardens and grounds are remarkable, and offer incredible views of the bay.

The 25-acre (10-ha) McIntosh Wildlife Refuge welcomes visitors to explore its nature-rich fields, woods and wetlands via trails and the renowned Environmental Education Center and boardwalk. Hiking, bird watching, nature observation and photography are popular activities here.

This popular and convenient beach park features picnic areas, a pavilion, children's playground, sports fields and courts, a skateboard park and 6-mi (9.6-km) trail. Bristol Town Beach is located next to Colt State Park and is accessed via Asylum Rd.