Bristol is home to the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States, and the entire town comes alive with parades, flags, boats, and waterfront celebrations all weekend long. If you’re making a trip out of it, there is plenty to see and do nearby. The parade typically runs through Hope Street (main downtown street). Expect: - Large crowds - Limited Parking - Bring a blanket, sunscreen and water If you’ve never experienced it before, it’s one of the most special weeks of the year in Rhode Island.
Newport is one of the most popular destinations in Rhode Island and is absolutely worth a visit. - Cliff Walk with ocean views - The Newport Mansions - Thames Street shopping and restaurants - Beaches (Easton's Beach or Second Beach)
About 1 hour from Bristol, Narragansett is one of Rhode Island’s most loved beach towns. - Narragansett Town Beach – great for swimming and surfing lessons - Surf shops, casual seafood spots, and ice cream stops nearby. Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House is a must try. Try the clam cakes, chowder and doughboys. - Del's Lemonade is also a Rhode Island staple.
About 1.5 hours from Bristol, Boston is very easy to visit without a car. You can take the MBTA Commuter Rail from Providence to Boston for $10 round trip with the Commuter Rail Weekend Pass. - Explore historic sites like the Freedom Trail - Walk through Boston Common and Beacon Hill - Shopping and restaurants in Back Bay or Seaport - Fenway Park if there’s a game - Hop on hop off tour buses
If you want a little more adventure, New Hampshire is about 2.5–3 hours north and worth the trip if you’re staying longer. - Small mountain town with shops and cafés - Access to hiking trails and scenic overlooks - Great base for exploring the White Mountains Kancamagus Highway - One of the most scenic drives in the entire Northeast and it's Jordan and Conor's favorite spot! - 34-mile scenic highway through the White Mountains that runs along rivers and waterfalls. You can stop anywhere on the highway and jump in the water! We highly recommend stopping at Lower Falls for a swim. - Saco River is not far from the highway. You can rent a tube (ahead of time) for a lazy river experience.