The Norman Bird Sanctuary is the perfect venue in Newport for bird watching, hiking and family outings. Located just beyond Newport's Third Beach, the park blends ponds and woodlands with ocean breezes and sandy terrain. Trail maps and public restrooms are available at the entrance to the park, along with ample parking spaces. There are over seven miles of trails, allowing visitors to bird watch from designated posts or enjoy views of the sea from the rocks and hills.
Inhabiting the southeasternmost tip of Middletown in the state of Rhode Island, the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is a series of diverse wetlands that covers an area of 242 acres (97.93 hectares). Its serene shorelines, elegant mansions and verdant promontories allure tens of thousands of visitors every year, making it one of the most-frequented attractions in Newport County. Passing sailboats and a beautiful view of the Newport mansions can be seen along the shoreline of this lovely park.
Third Beach is not an oceanfront beach; it faces Narragansett Bay. Small and quiet, this beach is popular with families. The surf is calm, making it easy to play in the water. Bath houses and facilities for changing are available, but parking is limited. Bird watchers may also catch a glimpse of favorite species from a nearby bird sanctuary. Sunsets are lovely to watch from this eastern section of the beach, making this a great spot to end a beach day.
Riverwalk & Waterplace Park is pegged against the confluence of the Woonasquatucket and Providence rivers in a little corner of downtown Providence. It's best known for its WaterFire events, which are mini-bonfires that bob atop the water to the beat of world and classical music. The city revitalized the entire area in 1994 and the walk makes an otherwise droll stroll into a pleasant one when walking to College Hill over the Washington Street bridge. The park's bridges are fashioned after those classical ones in Venice, and it's not uncommon to see gondoliers gliding under them.
Home to two greenhouses, namely the Conservatory and the Mediterranean Room, the botanical center shelters hundreds of species of plants and palm trees. It is known as the largest of its kind in New England. The botanical gardens are located inside the massive Roger Williams Park, which is named after one of the state's founders. With Edgewood and Cunliff lakes as a backdrop, it makes the visit to the greenhouse even better. The center provides docent-led tours with reservations in advance and during the summer, the center organizes field trips for elementary school students and other events for adults.
The winding sculpted paths of this park named after one of Rhode Island's founding fathers will allow you to see more than 900 different zoo animals. There are giraffe, zebra and cheetah habitats as well as an open-air aviary which allows visitors an up-close look at the birds. Some of the animals with more exotic names include the Babirusa, the Binturong, the Aoudad or the amphibious and endangered Axolotl. The exhibits also feature different geographical regions and environments, such as Australasia and North America or a Wetlands Trail and a Marco Polo Adventure Trek. The zoo is always hosting events that focus on conservation, environmental stewardship and an overall zoological education for schools throughout the greater Providence area.
Cliff Walk is an iconic 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) path that stretches along breathtaking views of the roaring, azure ocean on one side and the historic Newport Mansions on the other. Aptly named, Cliff Walk skirts the periphery of a stunted cliff, atop an embankment of rocks. Strap on your walking shoes and tread along the scenic path to take in unmatched views and learn about some of the historic buildings and abodes of the town—a must-have experience for all.
The Watson Farm was established in the late 18th century and has been operational ever since. Take a walk through the lush green farmlands as you watch the cattle graze and enjoy a beautiful view of the bay and Jamestown bridge. The grounds and heritage farmhouse is very well maintained and the staff is friendly and welcoming. Watson Farm is a beautiful natural sanctuary and is worth a visit when in Jamestown.
Located at the tip of Newport, this state park is surrounded by water with small patches of beach for wading and swimming. Most of Brenton State Park consists of flat rock jetties that visitors use for sunbathing or fishing. Restrooms and parking are easily accessible, making it convenient for visitors to picnic or camp for the day. Its large grassy turf in the middle of the park is a favorite venue for avid kite flyers that can sail their kites high over the ocean. Admission: Free. Call for timings.
Riverwalk & Waterplace Park is pegged against the confluence of the Woonasquatucket and Providence rivers in a little corner of downtown Providence. It's best known for its WaterFire events, which are mini-bonfires that bob atop the water to the beat of world and classical music. The city revitalized the entire area in 1994 and the walk makes an otherwise droll stroll into a pleasant one when walking to College Hill over the Washington Street bridge. The park's bridges are fashioned after those classical ones in Venice, and it's not uncommon to see gondoliers gliding under them.
The Norman Bird Sanctuary is the perfect venue in Newport for bird watching, hiking and family outings. Located just beyond Newport's Third Beach, the park blends ponds and woodlands with ocean breezes and sandy terrain. Trail maps and public restrooms are available at the entrance to the park, along with ample parking spaces. There are over seven miles of trails, allowing visitors to bird watch from designated posts or enjoy views of the sea from the rocks and hills.
Purgatory Chasm is a tiny strip of State Park enveloping a gorgeous view of the open ocean just steps from the park entrance. In the park, visitors can stand on a wooden bridge and admire a deep chasm and the rushing waters from the safety of distance, or take a brisk nature walk along the trail. The other trails at Purgatory Chasm end on the rocky cliffs, which forces hikers to turn back quickly.