Rhode Island Tourist Attractions:

Old State House Roger Williams Park Zoo Bank of America City Center Johnson & Wales University Providence Place Mall

As one of the oldest states in the Union, Rhode Island attractions are steeped in tales of American history. Rhode Island also offers scores of attractions for modern interests including performing arts, shopping, family attractions, outdoor recreation and much more. Providence Marriott Downtown is located within a short drive to many exciting Providence attractions and exciting downtown districts such as Federal Hill.

Old State House. The Old State House is one of just five historical state buildings still standing in Rhode Island. It was the center of Rhode Island political activity from 1762 until 1895. The historic building is built of red brick and brownstone and features elaborate marble interiors. American war relics, including a Civil War cannon and battle flags are on display. Visit http://www.rihphc.state.ri.us/about/old_state_house.php.

Federal Hill. The Federal Hill district of Providence is best known for its variety of delicious restaurants, especially on Atwells Avenue, and its association as the Little Italy of Rhode Island. Fashion boutiques, hip bars, authentic bakeries, and historic buildings also make up the fabric of this eclectic Providence neighborhood. Visit www.providencefederalhill.com.  [Top]

Roger Williams Park Zoo. Roger Williams Park Zoo opened in 1872 and is the third oldest zoo in the United States. The zoo features exciting live animal exhibits that pay homage to world habitats. Themed exhibits include The Plains of Africa, Madagascar, North America, South America, Marco Polo Trail, Australasia, and Wetlands. Roger Williams Park Zoo also offers a variety of innovation conservation programs for children, adults and families. Visit www.rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org.

Providence Children’s Museum. The Providence Children’s Museum is a haven for experiments and learning in a fun, hands-on environment. Exhibits and programs focus on arts, science, history and culture, and are tailored for children ages 1 through 11. Among the museum’s exciting Interactive exhibits are TEETH, an exhibit that illustrates the human mouth, animal teeth, and the tooth’s role in world traditions; Pets & People, a mini vet hospital exhibit that helps families choose the perfect pet; and the Children’s Garden outdoor exhibit that celebrates Rhode Island’s plant life. Visit www.childrenmuseum.org.  [Top]

Bank of America City Center. Bank of America City Center is the ice skating hub in downtown Providence. The public outdoor skating oval is open daily throughout the winter season for children and adults. Lessons and rental ice skates are available. Group rates and discount skating programs such as College Skate Night are offered at Bank of American City Center. Visit www.providenceskating.com.

Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. Explore the beauty of botanical wonders at Roger Williams Park Botanical Center in downtown Providence. The Botanical Center opened in March 2007 and the largest indoor public garden in New England. Meticulously manicured gardens stretch over 12,000 square feet and feature such surprises as a waterfall and plant life from around the world. Environmental and horticulture programs are offered to the public throughout the year. Visit http://www.providenceri.com/botanical-center/.  [Top]

Johnson & Wales University. Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island is the largest campus of the Johnson & Wales University system. The Providence campus was established in 1914 and is divided between two locations. JWU’s College of Business, The Hospitality College, and School of Technology are located at the Downcity Campus location. JWU’s esteemed College of Culinary Arts, School of Education, and Alan Shawn Feinstein Graduate School are located at the Harborside Campus location. Visit www.jwu.edu.

Newport Mansions. The Newport Mansions are a collection of 11 historic mansions spanning 250 years of American history. Each of the intricately restored museum homes features elegant architecture, art, landscape design, worldly interiors, and fascinating stories of people who shaped social protocol in early America. Newport Mansions are located in Newport, Rhode Island. Tours of the mansions are available. Visit www.newportmansions.org.   [Top]

Providence Place. Providence Place mall is the cornerstone of shopping, dining, and entertainment in downtown Providence. The mall features 170 retail stores including Nordstrom, The Apple Store, Build-A-Bear-Workshop, J. Jill, and Crate & Barrel, a 16-screen cinema complex and IMAX theater, and eight restaurants. Shops, restaurants, and services are open daily at Providence Place located near Providence Marriott Downtown. Visit www.providenceplace.com.

Roger Williams National Memorial. The Roger Williams National Memorial park celebrates the life of Providence founder Roger Williams. Williams, a proponent of religious freedom, founded the colony of Providence in 1636 as a refuge for people who wanted to practice their own religious beliefs free from state restrictions. The Visitor Center at Roger Williams National Memorial features a film about the history of Williams and Providence, and other interesting historical artifacts. Ranger-led tours are available. Visit http://www.nps.gov/rowi/.  [Top]