Craving coastal beauty, rich history, and easy New England charm? Head to Warwick, Rhode Island! Located on Narragansett Bay just south of Providence, Warwick offers beaches, historic villages, waterfront dining, and outdoor adventures. It’s a convenient and scenic destination for all types of travelers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Warwick is in the late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer brings beach days and festivals, while fall features crisp air, changing leaves, and quiet coastal charm. Winter is peaceful and perfect for cozy getaways near the bay.
How to Get There
- By Car: Warwick is located off I-95, about 15 minutes from Providence and 1 hour from Boston.
- By Plane: T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) is located in Warwick and offers easy access to the city and surrounding areas.
- By Train: The MBTA commuter rail and Amtrak serve the airport station, providing connections to Providence, Boston, and NYC.
Where to Stay
- NYLO Providence Warwick Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel with a riverfront setting, industrial-chic design, and outdoor firepits.
- Hilton Garden Inn Providence Airport/Warwick – Comfortable option with free shuttle service and easy airport access.
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Spacious suites with full kitchens, ideal for extended stays or family visits.
Top Attractions
⮕ Relax by the Water at Goddard Memorial State Park
Enjoy affordable horseback riding or walk along scenic trails through unusual woodlands.
© Michele Ursi/stock.adobe.com
The Goddard Memorial State Park
in Warwick, Rhode Island draws thousands of people to its numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation every year and is perhaps the most popular Metropolitan Park in the state. The state park provides a naturally beautiful environment consisting of fields, spacious lawn, and forests that include an array of trees from numerous places around the globe, including both evergreen and deciduous species. Goddard Memorial State Park also offers a performing arts center, eleven game fields, more than 350 picnic tables, eighteen miles of bridle trails, an equestrian show area, and a 9-hole golf course.
including nineteen evergreen species and sixty-two deciduous species.
1095 Ives Road, Warwick, RI 02818, Phone: 401-884-2010
⮕ Enjoy Coastal Views and Nostalgia at Rocky Point State Park
Explore exciting coastal views or discover unusual historical amusement park remains.
© jerawat sonkarmEyeEm/stock.adobe.com
The 120-acre Rocky Point State Park in Warwick opened again in 2014 after almost twenty years of being closed. The park acts as a fond memory for many residents of generations past in Rhode Island. For more than 150 years, Rocky Point served as a place for concerts, games, rides, swimming, restaurants, clambakes, hotels, an observation tower, a ferry pier, and nature trails. The coastal Rocky Point State Park is now a passive use area with much of the former amusement park now being open space. A handful of amusement park structures still remain in the park today.
33 Rocky Point Ave, Warwick, RI 02889, Phone: 401-738-2000
For Beach Fans
⮕ Soak Up the Sun and Local Flavor at Oakland Beach
Relax during affordable summer days, or savor quick bites at seaside eateries.
© evannovostro/stock.adobe.com
Oakland Beach is an inlet saltwater beach on the shores of Rhode Island’s Greenwich Bay in Warwick, Rhode Island. The beach features marinas, boat ramps, and restaurants nearby, as well as other facilities. Oakland Beach is a popular spot among locals for swimming, picnicking, playgrounds, sunbathing, simply relaxing and more. Found in the south central part of the city, the historic beach has been around since the late 1800’s when it was used as a campground for training the Rhode Island Militia. Small cottages populated the area after World War I before Oakland Beach reached its heyday during the 1930’s.
Oakland Beach Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889, Phone: 401-738-2019
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ Step Into the Past at Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum
Visit unusual historic mansion, and admire exciting Victorian architecture.
© Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum
The Clouds Hill Victorian House Museum is a non-profit organization and house museum that has been noted as one of the hidden treasures of Rhode Island. The Gothic Victorian-style granite mansion is centrally located in Warwick and was a significant part of both the history of Rhode Island and the city itself, boasting ties to three of the state’s prominent textile families. The Clouds Hill Victorian House today still features much of its original furnishings, as well as family collections and displays. A small collection of wagons and carriages can be seen in the circa 1906 carriage house.
4157 Post Rd, East Greenwich, Rhode Island 02818, Phone: 401-884-9490
⮕ Shop, Dine, and Unwind at Warwick Mall
Go shopping at affordable stores, or enjoy quick dining options with family.
© New Africa/stock.adobe.com
A premier shopping destination in the state of Rhode Island, the Warwick Mall
is home to numerous entertainment, dining, and shopping options, featuring a twelve-screen movie theater, over eighty retail shops, twelve restaurants within the Carousel Food Court, and events hosted throughout the year. The mall is anchored by Off Broadway Shoes, Target, JCPenney, and Macy’s. For families, the Warwick Mall also contains a classic carousel and the Lullaby Lounge, a designated rest area featuring soft lighting and comfortable chairs for mothers to feed babies in peace, as well as a television showing children’s programs and a diaper changing area.
400 Bald Hill Rd, Warwick, RI 02886, Phone: 401-739-7500
⮕ Stroll the Peaceful Trails of George B. Salter Memorial Grove
Walk along easy waterfront paths and enjoy exciting bay views.
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The George B. Salter Memorial Grove
is a small park along Narragansett Parkway overlooking the Bay. It’s also the site of several of the events that take place during the Gaspee Days in Warwick, Rhode Island. Salter Grove, which is protected by an extensive breakwater, has been renovated by the city and is a pleasant area to spend a few hours or a day, and visitors can even bring the four-legged family members, as long as they remain leased. While there aren’t any boat ramps at the George B. Salter Memorial Grove, the shoreline is well suited for launching most hand-carried boats.
Narragansett Parkway, Warwick, RI 02888, Phone: 401-667-6200
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Explore Local Creativity at the Warwick Museum of Art
Discover unusual exhibits and admire exciting artworks by local artists.
© Warwick Museum of Art
The Warwick Museum of Art, housed in what was formerly the Kentish Artillery Armory building, is located in the city’s historic Apponaug Village. The art museum showcases a wide array of artwork and offers a variety of different cultural experiences, such as comedy, poetry, music, and theater performances. The Warwick Museum of Art also hosts monthly exhibitions that highlight works by national, regional, and locally known contemporary artists in the visual arts. The Main Gallery is an inviting and warm space for displaying the work of unique and talented artists, with exhibits changing every four to six weeks.
3259 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886, Phone: 401-737-0010
⮕ Catch a Live Performance at The Gamm Theatre
Enjoy exciting performances, or discover affordable live entertainment nearby.
© pressmaster/stock.adobe.com
The Gamm Theatre in the city of Warwick is one of the premier professional theaters in the region and has been a cultural asset ever since it was founded in 1984. The theater is a destination for many critically acclaimed productions, which include numerous regional and world premieres, and has been a recipient of a number of Elliot Norton Awards by the Boston Theater Critics Association, in addition to several other professional recognitions. With talent of both visiting and local artists, The Gamm Theatre presents an eclectic theater season of classics and new works, ranging from naturalistic productions to epics.
1245 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, RI 02886, Phone: 401-723-4266
⮕ If You Love Charming History, Then Wander Through Apponaug Village
Explore historic streets and discover unusual architecture during an easy weekend stroll.
© Apponaug Village
Apponaug Village is one of the most important villages in Warwick, Rhode Island. Located at one of the city’s key points along the Old Pequot Path, which is now known as Post Road, the village has been a central fixture in quite a bit of activity in the area, dating back from Native American times up to present day. Apponaug Village is also considered to be downtown Warwick, since it is home to the fire headquarters, police headquarters, and the Warwick City Hall. Apponaug boasts a location on the Apponaug Cove, which holds one of the country’s richest shellfish beds.
Where to Eat
- Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House – Iconic seaside spot for fried seafood, clam cakes, and creamy New England clam chowder.
- Legal Sea Foods – Classic waterfront seafood restaurant at the airport with fresh catches and a polished vibe.
- Top of the Bay – Upscale yet relaxed dining with panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and a great local seafood menu.
Local Events
- Gaspee Days Parade & Celebration (June) – Historic event in nearby Pawtuxet Village celebrating the burning of the HMS Gaspee, a Revolutionary precursor.
- Warwick Food Truck Nights (Spring–Fall) – Family-friendly evenings with rotating food trucks, live music, and local brews.
- Ocean State Artisans Holiday Craft Show (November) – Annual shopping event featuring handmade goods and seasonal gifts from Rhode Island crafters.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Warwick, Rhode Island
- Providence (15 min) – Explore the RISD Museum, WaterFire festivals, and top-rated dining in Rhode Island’s capital city.
- Pawtuxet Village (10–15 min) – One of the oldest American villages, with quaint streets, shops, and riverside charm.
- Bristol (30 min) – Tour Blithewold Mansion, walk the harborfront, or visit America's oldest Fourth of July celebration site.
- East Greenwich (15–20 min) – Discover upscale dining, boutiques, and waterfront views in this historic small town.
- Wickford Village (25–30 min) – Browse art galleries and enjoy coffee by the harbor in this postcard-perfect seaside village.
FAQ
- Why is Warwick, RI called the “City by the Bay”?
- Known as the “City by the Bay”, the city of Warwick, RI offers things to do for both visitors and locals alike, no matter the season.
- What can people of all ages enjoy in Warwick?
- Warwick has a little bit of everything for people of all ages to enjoy along its streets and nearly forty miles of coastline.
- What attractions can visitors explore in Warwick?
- Visitors will find great state parks, beautiful beaches, golf courses, lighthouses, numerous shops, and a variety of dining options.
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