Best Things to do in Bristol | Must-see attractions 2025

Blithewold Mansion

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

101 Ferry Rd

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Blithewold Mansion in Bristol is a 33-acre estate on Narragansett Bay featuring a historic mansion, expansive gardens, and diverse plant collections. Ideal for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Adults: $20, Seniors: $18, Children (under 12): Free. Group rates available.

Coggeshall Farm Museum

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

Colt Drive Colt State Park

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Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol, Rhode Island, illustrates 18th-century life through authentic buildings, farm animals, and hands-on demonstrations.

Duration: About 2 hours.

General admission: $10. Discounts for seniors and children available.

Mosaic Arts Gallery

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

60 1/2 Oliver St V

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Mosaic Arts Gallery in Bristol, USA, features contemporary fine art mosaics by international artists Valerie Bretl and Antonio Silveira, with pieces available for purchase.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some pieces are available for purchase.

Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1 Burnside St

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Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol, RI, showcases maritime history, innovative yacht design, and America's Cup legends. Explore exhibits and boatbuilding techniques.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Adults: $10, Seniors: $8, Students: $5, Children under 12: Free.

Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge

Open 24 hours

Nature reserve

Rhode Island

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Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge in Bristol, USA, spans 90 acres of diverse habitats, offering opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and nature exploration.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have a fee.

IMAGO Gallery

11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

36 Market St

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IMAGO Gallery in Bristol showcases local and national fine craft and art by area artists, featuring occasional juried exhibits and guest artists.

Duration: More than 1 hour.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Roger Williams University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

1 Old Ferry Rd

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Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, offers a picturesque campus with strong academic programs and an emphasis on hands-on learning.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free access to the campus; some events may require a ticket.

2nd Story Theater

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Theater

28 Market St

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2nd Story Theater in Bristol, USA, features regional plays and performances. An intimate venue fostering community arts since 2001.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

General Admission: $20. Discounts for students and seniors available.

Colt State Park

8:00 AM–sunset

Park

Route 114

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Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island spans 464 acres featuring trails, picnic areas, a museum, and views of Narragansett Bay.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Free. Some special events may have a fee.

Linden Place

12:00 PM–4:00 PM

Event hall

500 Hope St

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Linden Place is a historic 19th-century mansion and museum in Bristol, Rhode Island, built in 1810 by General George DeWolf, featuring local history exhibits.

Duration: Approximately 1 to 2 hours.

Suggested donation of $10. Discounts available for seniors and children.

Warren Baptist Church;Carousel Nursery;Baptist Church of Warren

10:00 AM–3:00 PM

Church

Warren

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Warren Baptist Church is a community-focused church in Bristol, offering vibrant worship services, educational programs, and a nurturing nursery for families.

Duration: 1-2 hours for services and activities.

Free to attend services; donations appreciated.

Warren United Methodist Church;First United Methodist Church of Warren

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

Church St.

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Warren United Methodist Church is a historic religious site in Bristol, RI, designed with distinctive architecture, offering community outreach and worship services.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free entry; donations encouraged for community programs.

Bristol Ferry Light

Open by appointment

Lighthouse

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Bristol Ferry Light, a historic lighthouse in Rhode Island, was built in 1855 and played a key role in ferry services across Narragansett Bay.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Access to the lighthouse may vary as it is privately owned.

Imago Gallery Art and Fine Craft

11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Gallery

36 Market St

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Imago Gallery showcases contemporary art and fine craft by local and regional artists. Explore a diverse range of artworks in a vibrant setting located in Bristol, US.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Warren Town Hall

8:30 AM–4:30 PM

Public Building

Warren

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Warren Town Hall in Bristol, USA, serves as the town's administrative hub, featuring historical architecture and cultural events throughout the year.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special eventsmay require reservations or ticket purchases.

Bristol State House

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Public Building

240 High St

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Bristol State House, built in 1766, is a historic structure in Bristol, Rhode Island, showcasing colonial architecture and significant political history.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations for maintenance are appreciated.

First Congregational Church High St Bristol

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

High St

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First Congregational Church High St Bristol offers a welcoming community focused on faith, service, and connection located in Bristol, United States.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for community programs.

Bristol Ferry Lighthouse

6:00 AM–8:00 PM

Lighthouse

Bristol

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Bristol Ferry Lighthouse, established in 1856, marks the entrance to Bristol Harbor with its distinct octagonal structure and vibrant red color.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Access to the lighthouse grounds is complimentary; interior tours may vary.

Mount Hope

Open 24 hours

Landmark

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Mount Hope is a small hill in Bristol that offers beautiful views of the city. It is a great place for a quiet walk or picnic and is known for its lovely green space.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Warren Town Beach

7:00 AM-9:00 PM

Landmark

533-559 Water St

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Warren Town Beach is a public beach located in Bristol County, Rhode Island. It offers scenic views, sandy shores, and a place for swimming and relaxation.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Hope Street

10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Sights

Hope Street

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Hope Street in Bristol is known for its vibrant shopping scene. The area features a mix of local boutiques and larger retail stores, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free

Linden Place Mansion

10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Architectural Building

500 Hope St

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Linden Place Mansion was built in 1810 and showcases Federal architecture with its large windows and Corinthian columns. It tells the story of the DeWolf family, known for their wealth and unique history, including connections to the actress Ethel Barrymore.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

$10

Independence Park

7:00 AM-9:00 PM

Park

Thames Street

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Independence Park is a large green space in Bristol. It features walking paths, playgrounds, and sports areas, making it a great spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: approx. 1-2 hours

Free