Providence, Rhode Island, is not only one of the oldest cities in the United States (it was founded nearly 400 years ago in 1636!), it’s also known for being the largest city within the country’s smallest state. The capital of Rhode Island is walkable, bike-friendly, and a lot of fun to explore. It also has some of the most renowned colleges in the country (including the Ivy League Brown University) as well as a number of historic homes, landmarks and attractions.
But Providence is so much more than its major attractions– it’s an extremely hip and exciting city with a dash of historic charm and a dollop of urban amenities. From renowned restaurants to a bustling riverfront to an energetic downtown, the city has a lot to offer for both visitors and tourists.
Plus, after a long New England winter, Providence in the springtime is one of the most beautiful places to be (not to mention, the residents are visibly excited about the warming weather and sunshine). If you’re looking for some spring activities in Providence, take a look at these options that will help you embrace the season and the city:
Take a Boat Tour
If you thought singing gondoliers were only found in Venice, Italy, think again. Providence offers boat tours of the city, including some from La Gondola. La Gondola provides private tours of the city on authentic gondolas that can fit up to six people and as few as two (may be perfect for you and your beau, no?).
The company’s various tours go up and down the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers, where you’ll pass by tons of attractions and landmarks. For an extra charge, you can have a musician aboard to provide some music for the trip!
Or, if small gondolas aren’t really your thing, you can book a tour on a river boat instead. The Providence River Boat Company offers afternoon and evening tours during which you can enjoy scenic views and lovely spring weather.
Get a Little Spooked
Speaking of tours, the Providence Ghost Tour is a fun and spooky way to spend an evening. And because the city has such a long history, there are some spots that are bound to be haunted, right?
Starting in May, tour guides take brave participants on nighttime walking tours throughout Providence’s historic East Side. The lantern-lit tours pass by several historic spots and tour guides tell stories that they say will give you the chills.
If you go, be sure to bring a camera. Tour guides recommend taking pictures at some of the more grisly scenes– and if you’re lucky you may snap a spooky shot!
Ride a Carousel
Roger Williams Park is one of Providence’s most picturesque areas, and it’s full of tons of attractions. For one, visitors can take a romantic ride on the old Victorian-style merry-go-round in the park’s Carousel Village.
The park is over 430 acres, which means there are tons of opportunities for spending time outdoors there, whether you enjoy picnics, walks, or bike rides. If you feel like it, you can even visit the Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Eat Your Heart Out
Providence is known for its amazing dining scene, and like any New England city, it boasts some amazing seafood. The city has a very diverse restaurant industry, though, with everything from authentic New England clam chowder to delicious European and Asian cuisines.
If you’re planning on exploring some of Providence’s best restaurants, you’ll want to make your way downtown, where there are tons of options to choose from.
Visit Waterplace Park
Roger Williams Park isn’t the only outdoor area you’ll find in Providence. Some of the city’s best spring activities occur in Waterplace Park, located in Downtown Providence. Waterplace Park is adjacent to the Riverwalk and features an outdoor amphitheater where concerts and other events take place throughout the spring and summer.
Plus, Waterplace Park is home to some fun festivals, including the Providence International Arts Festival (which is in June).
See Some History
If you’re a huge history buff, you’ll already know that Providence has tons of historical landmarks and attractions that are definitely worth a visit. That’s to be expected, since one of the original 13 colonies was actually founded in what’s now the East Side of Providence. For that reason, one of the best spring activities in Providence is simply to explore its rich history.
The city offers walking history tours, which make their way through the East Side neighborhood, hitting on some of the most important periods in the city’s history. Or, if you want to take a self-guided historical tour of Providence, just make sure you don’t miss some of the coolest and oldest landmarks in the country, including the Arcade Providence mall, the Brown University campus, America’s oldest First Baptist Church and the Governor Henry Lippitt House.
