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Waterplace Park, Providence, RI

Photo: Pi.1415926535, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingFreeDate NightLocal Gem

Waterplace Park

Memorial Blvd, along the Woonasquatucket River downtown · Providence, RI

Why you should go…

Waterplace Park opened in 1994 on the Woonasquatucket River in downtown Providence, on the site of the old Great Salt Cove. You walk cobblestone paths along the Riverwalk, much of it below street level, and cross Venice-style pedestrian bridges over the water. The park is the home of WaterFire, when bonfires are lit on the river and set to classical and world music. It grew out of the river relocation project that reshaped downtown in the 1980s and 1990s.

  • #riverwalk
  • #urban park
  • #waterfire
  • #downtown providence

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Waterplace Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    RISD Museum

    Under $25

    An art and design museum in Providence with more than 100,000 objects spanning ancient to contemporary work.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Providence, Rhode Island

    Free

    Rhode Island's compact capital, nicknamed the Creative Capital for its arts scene, riverfront, and dining.

    0.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    Date Night

    Providence Performing Arts Center

    $50+

    See touring Broadway shows and concerts inside a 3,100-seat 1928 movie palace in downtown Providence.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Benefit Street

    Free

    Walk a street of restored Colonial and Victorian houses, churches and museums on Providence's College Hill.

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Rhode Island State House

    Free

    Tour a white marble capitol by McKim, Mead & White and look up at the Independent Man on its dome.

    0.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Federal Hill

    Free

    Walk Atwells Avenue under the pine cone arch and eat your way through Providence's Little Italy.

    1.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink