Bristol, RI: The Ultimate Guide to a Hidden Gem

Bristol, Rhode Island, is a majestic hidden gem of coastal New England. This harbor town is filled with patriotic pride, historic architecture dating back to the 18th century, a walkable downtown, and home to Roger Williams University. It is most famous for holding America’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States. 

Bristol is a wonderful place to visit for a day or weekend. Here, you can bask in the beauty of the Atlantic, eat lots of fresh seafood, and see nearby Providence and Newport. 

If you want a real treat, visit during their famous Fourth of July celebrations, which include a carnival, waterfront concert series, food trucks, parade, and fireworks display. The street lines on the parade route are painted red, white, and blue all year round.

I was privileged to live in Bristol for a summer and soak up the fantastic charm of this city. 

Where is Bristol, Rhode Island?

Bristol is a hidden gem in Rhode Island. It is approximately 30-45 minutes southeast of Providence on Route 114. It’s most easily accessed by car. You can visit the town by ferry from Providence and Newport or by sailing into its harbor.

Bristol’s Distance From Other East Coast Cities:

• Providence, RI: 17 miles
• Newport, RI: 14 miles
• Boston, MA: 65 miles
• Portsmouth, NH: 120 miles
• Portland, ME: 175 miles 
• New York, NY: 200 miles
• Philadelphia, PA: 300 miles

How Much Time Should You Spend in Bristol?

That depends on you! Bristol is a great weekend destination in the summer. It has the luxurious coastal charm of Newport without the overwhelming crowds and traffic. 

Bristol is a great place to escape for a few days. You could also venture nearby to Providence and Newport for a week or more. 

What Are Popular Bristol Events?

Every year, Bristol is home to it’s famous 4th of July celebration and porch fest.

Bristol 4th Of July Celebrations

Bristol, Rhode Island, is the epicenter of the Fourth of July celebrations, and it is celebrated grander than any other town in America. After spending the summer there and experiencing their Fourth of July Celebrations, I can say this with absolute confidence.

Bristol is the oldest continuously running Fourth of July celebration in America and celebrates for multiple weeks. 

The festivities start in mid-June, with a carnival at the town Common and a waterfront concert series in Independence Park. Bristol is abuzz with people enjoying the fun and lively outdoor atmosphere. The nightly waterfront concert series brings a large variety of music to town and invites locals to bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music in the park.

The celebrations continue on July 3rd with a large fireworks show on the water. They culminate on July 4th with America’s longest-running Fourth of July parade. 

Bristol Porch Fest

Bristol is also known for its annual Porch Fest in September. Here, homes host bands to play on their porches at no cost to you. Visitors can enjoy porch hopping, live music, and fun all day.

Bristol, RI Weather

Bristol’s weather is pretty typical of the northeast, with four seasons. The middle of summer tends to be hot and humid, and winter presents with cold and snowy conditions. 

• Winter lasts from December through March, with low temperatures in the 20s and highs in the 30s and 40s. The highest snowfall tends to occur in February.
• Spring from April to June has increasing temperatures, with lows in the 40s and 50s and highs up to the 60s and 70s.
• Summer highs reach the mid-80s, and lows in the 60s. 
• Fall dips in temperatures with highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 40s and 50s

Where To Stay In Bristol, RI

Bristol is a quaint town; its main lodging option is the Bristol Harbor Inn.  The inn is the largest hotel in the city, and its rooms and suites are available. 

A smaller B&B option is the William Grant Inn B&B. However, when I was in Bristol most recently, this property was for sale, and I cannot say with certainty how long the inn will continue to run. 

• Bristol Harbor Inn: Stunning location on the harbor downtown and walkable to shops and eateries. 
• William Grant Inn B&B: A charming red, white, and blue beauty on the iconic high street. 

Must-Try Restaurants in Bristol

When visiting Bristol, you must try fresh Atlantic seafood. During the warmer months, the restaurants in town have open patios with outdoor seating, elevating the experience. 

Here are some must-try places for food, drinks, ice cream, and coffee.

• Quitos Restaurant and Bar: A Bristol waterfront restaurant that sits right on the harbor and offers fresh seafood delights
• Portside Tavern: An elevated gastropub experience with fantastic weekend brunch options and unique cocktails.
• The Beehive Cafe: Artisan coffee shop and cafe with unique salads and sandwiches.
• Pomodoro Italian Kitchen: A proper “hole in the wall” tiny BYOB Italian restaurant with a handful of tables and fabulous Italian comfort food.
• Basil & Bunny: Vegan fair with an authentic flare for flavor
• Brick Pizza Co.: Brick pizzas made fresh with unique ingredient combinations  
• Cafe Central: Traditional Portuguese and New England comfort foods
• Jules Ice Cream: Grab a delicious ice cream cone and sit on the waterfront at this seasonal establishment
• Empire Tea & Coffee: Centrally located coffee shop serving fresh brews and pastries
• Pivotal Brewing Company: Come here for a fresh brew at this warehouse-turned-brewery. You can bring your food from local establishments (Brick Pizza Co and Basil & Bunny are steps away) or from food trucks they bring in as special events. Pivotal also hosts live music frequently.

Top Things to Do In Bristol, Rhode Island

Let’s talk about what to do in Bristol, Rhode Island. Here are some of my top recommendations for things to do in town. 

4th of July Celebrations

As mentioned above, attending the 4th of July celebrations is a must-do in Bristol. Whether it’s the parade, fireworks, waterfront concerts, or carnival, there’s plenty to see and do around the 4th of July in Bristol. 

Walk The Historic Downtown

Downtown Bristol is beautiful and filled with homes dating back to the 1700s. Many are painted red, white, and blue to honor the town’s patriotic heritage. 

Stroll through the waterfront, Independence Park, Thames Street, High Street, and Hope Street to see some of the town’s most notable homes and architecture. 

Thames and State Street are filled with eateries, bars, and shops that are a delight to walk around. 

Shops To Visit in Downtown Bristol:

• Hotpoint Emporium is a local artist collective on State Street with various mediums, from paintings and photography to ceramics and woodwork. 
• Woof Woof Pet Boutique on Bradford St has all the goodies for your furry friend, including homemade baked goods and cakes.
• Fenwick & Oliver on Thames Street has charming home goods 
• Waves Wellness: on High Street is quaint spot for relaxation and healing. You can reserve a treatment session in advance or walk in to browse their apothecary store with teas, supplements, and crystals.
• Wink Gift Store on State Street has Bristol merchandise along with other quirky gifts
• East Bay Food Pantry and Thrift Shop on Wood Street is my #1 thrift shop in the East Bay area. This curated thrift shop is filled with high-quality vintage and secondhand finds.

Visit Blithewold Manor, Gardens, and Arboretum 

Blithewold is a Gilded Age estate on 33 acres in Bristol, along Narragansett Bay. Like the families of Newport, which had lush homes, this house served as a summer retreat for its original owners. The home’s design and architecture are stunning, as are the curated gardens.

The property has bee hives, vegetable gardens, and a bamboo forest. 

Explore Colt State Park

Colt State Park, located on the waterfront in Bristol, offers magnificent views of Narragansett Bay. It has four to five miles of paved walking and biking trails with scenic water and forest views. 

There are picnic areas, a kayak launch, and restrooms. It’s also pet-friendly for dogs on leash. 

Sail with Herreshoff & Tour The Museum 

Herreshoff is synonymous with sailing in the United States. The Herreshoff family began manufacturing high-quality Yachts in 1878 in Bristol.

The Herreshoff Marine Museum conveys the Herreshoff history and has a collection of over 500 model boats. 

In addition to a museum, the Herreshoff complex hosts a lecture series, an annual regatta, and sailing lessons. 

Recap: Bristol, Rhode Island

Bristol, RI, is a patriotic hidden gem in New England. This seafront town has history, coastal delights, and American pride. It’s the perfect place to relax in the summer and enjoy the coastal charm of Rhode Island.