PROVIDENCE

PROVIDENCE



Founded in 1636 by Boston exile Roger Williams, Providence is the state capital, the largest city in Rhode Island, and one of the first cities established in the United States.

Boasting beautiful parks, lively events, historic vistas, eclectic districts such as Federal Hill and College Hill, this Renaissance City also has a great nightlife with clubs of all varieties.

Positioned at the head of Narragansett Bay at the mouth of the Providence River, this seaside town features incredible views of the Atlantic and plenty of beaches for Rhode Island vacation visitors.

Providence's districts are unique attractions in themselves. Enjoy the DownCity with its Waterplace Park, the Providence Place Mall and Capitol Hill. Sample delicious Italian food and lively nightlife in Federal Hill or take a stroll and admire some of the city's oldest colonial homes on the East Side.

And while visiting Providence, don't forget the neighboring seaport of Newport, as it's but a few miles to the south.

ADDITIONAL RHODE ISLAND CITY PAGES:

• Newport

• The composer George M. Cohan was born in Providence in 1878. Cohan wrote the patriotic show tune "Yankee Doodle Dandy."
• Rhode Island's most famous native son, founder Roger Williams, established the First Baptist Church in America in 1638 in Providence.
• Providence is home to a famous roadside attraction called Nibbles Woodaway (also known as the "Big Blue Bug"), the world's largest termite!

• Roger Williams Park Zoo
  Welcome to one of the finest urban parks in the United States. It's named in honor of the founder of Providence, and this elaborate 427-acre park is a guaranteed full day of fun for the entire family.
  
  The zoo itself houses over 1,000 animals and features the RWP Botanical Center, the Japanese Gardens, a Carousel Village for kids, seven beautiful lakes, the Temple to Music, and miles of walking paths.
  
  The Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History is also on the property making this Providence Zoo a U.S. landmark.
  
  
• Rhode Island Beaches
  Enjoy soaking up the sun on the sandy beaches of Rhode Island! Go swimming, hunting for shells or build sandcastles, all while enjoying the brilliant ocean vistas of Narragansett Bay.
  
  
• WaterFire
  WaterFire is the award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans, consisting of up to 100 bonfires that burn just above the surface of the three rivers that pass through the middle of downtown Providence in Waterplace Park - the Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, and Providence Rivers.
  
  A breathtaking testament to Providence's efforts to revitalize this center of United States history, the powerful work of art is accompanied by classical and world music, as well as live performances.