Colt State Park Bristol
A 464-acre coastal gem in Bristol, RI, offering stunning bay views, scenic trails, picnic spots, and a historic farm museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful walks, fewer crowds
Colt State Park Bristol
Best Time
Peaceful walks, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 464-acre coastal gem in Bristol, RI, offering stunning bay views, scenic trails, picnic spots, and a historic farm museum.
"This park is an absolute gem, teeming with life and offering breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay."
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the bay, but be mindful of park closing times.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Miles of paved and wooded paths are perfect for walking, running, and dog-friendly adventures.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Narragansett Bay Views
Waterfront paths
Stunning panoramic views of Narragansett Bay, perfect for reflection and soaking in coastal beauty.
East Bay Bike Path
Connecting to the park
A paved, scenic path ideal for biking, running, or leisurely strolls with family and pets.
Picnic & Play Areas
Open lawns and designated spots
Spacious lawns and picnic tables offer a perfect setting for family gatherings and birthday parties.
Coggeshall Farm Museum
Within the park
A living history museum showcasing 18th-century farm life, offering an educational experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Sunset
Navigating Park Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the bay, but be mindful of park closing times.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Miles of paved and wooded paths are perfect for walking, running, and dog-friendly adventures.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Reserve a gazebo or picnic table for a memorable outdoor meal with loved ones.
🚲 Bike the Bay
The East Bay Bike Path offers a smooth ride with beautiful water views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the bay, but be mindful of park closing times.
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Miles of paved and wooded paths are perfect for walking, running, and dog-friendly adventures.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Reserve a gazebo or picnic table for a memorable outdoor meal with loved ones.
🚲 Bike the Bay
The East Bay Bike Path offers a smooth ride with beautiful water views.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for furry friends to explore.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer walks, and enjoy the famous Dell's Lemonade.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Colt State Park is widely praised as a beautiful and versatile destination in Bristol, RI, offering stunning bay views, well-maintained trails for walking and biking, and ample space for picnics and family gatherings. Visitors appreciate its dog-friendly atmosphere and the scenic beauty. However, some have noted that restroom facilities can be sparse, and park closing announcements during sunset can detract from the experience.
"We love Colt state park. We go running with a running group in the summers through the woods and through the paths during the spring. The whole place is very bike friendly and a great place to reserve a last minute picnic table for parties, typically there are lots available. We reserved one of the gazebos for our son’s birthday party and had a blast. It’s always a beautiful place to visit! Also very dog friendly."
Kaitlin DeAngelis
"This is an absolute gem in the heart of beautiful Bristol, RI. The park is teaming with life, bunnies, birds, deer, and of course people.
Bristol, in itself is a quaint New England town filled with an interesting history, which is a must visit destination. If you are ever in the area, Colt State Park in all of its glory is not to be missed."
Karen Cirillo
"Rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2/5)
Title: Let Families Enjoy the Sunset in Peace
Rhode Island doesn’t offer a ton of great places to catch a sunset, so when the weather finally cooperates, it should be a chance for families to enjoy the moment.
Unfortunately, park staff started announcing closing time right as the sun was setting—just loud enough to break the mood and rush everyone out. It wasn’t aggressive, just poor timing. The announcements felt more like checking a box than caring about the experience of the people there.
What could’ve been a perfect family memory turned into a scramble to pack up and leave, right in the middle of something beautiful.
It’s a shame. The park is gorgeous, the vibe was calm and respectful, but the early push to leave ruined what could’ve been the highlight of the week.
All we're asking for is a little flexibility—let the sunset finish before clearing the place out."
Michael Mangan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Colt State Park is located at 150 Colt State Park Rd, Bristol, RI 02809. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find the park. +1
Yes, there are parking lots available within the park. During peak times, especially on weekends, parking can fill up, so arriving earlier is recommended.
Public transportation options to Colt State Park are limited. It is primarily a destination best reached by private vehicle.
The park features wide, paved pathways, making it generally friendly for wheelchairs and strollers.
From Providence, take I-195 East towards Fall River. Take exit 7 for US-4 S towards South County. Merge onto RI-138 E and then take the exit for RI-114 S towards Bristol. Follow RI-114 S into Bristol, and the park entrance will be on your right.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Colt State Park is generally free to enter. However, specific events or activities within the park might have associated fees.
Colt State Park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. It's always a good idea to check the official Rhode Island State Parks website for any seasonal changes or specific hours.
While some picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis, it's highly recommended to reserve gazebos or popular picnic spots in advance, especially for larger gatherings or parties.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the park's picnic areas.
Generally, you can bring standard picnic items. However, amplified music may be restricted, and always be mindful of park rules regarding alcohol and open flames.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, running, biking on the East Bay Bike Path, picnicking, bird watching, and visiting the Coggeshall Farm Museum. The waterfront offers scenic views and opportunities for relaxation.
Yes, Colt State Park is very family-friendly. It has open spaces for kids to play, picnic areas, and the Coggeshall Farm Museum offers educational fun. +1
Yes, dogs are allowed in Colt State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. +1
Restroom facilities can be spread out throughout the park. It's advisable to locate them upon arrival or be prepared for a walk to find them.
The late afternoon and early evening offer beautiful golden hour light for photography, especially for capturing sunsets over Narragansett Bay.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly inside Colt State Park. However, the park is adjacent to Bristol, which has numerous dining options.
While there aren't permanent food vendors, you might find seasonal lemonade stands, like the popular Dell's Lemonade, offering refreshments.
Bristol offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. You can find seafood, Italian, American cuisine, and more.
Yes, you can arrange for catering for events like birthday parties held at the park's picnic areas or gazebos.
Classic picnic fare like sandwiches, salads, and finger foods are popular. Many visitors also enjoy bringing local Rhode Island specialties.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront along Narragansett Bay offers stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The park's rolling lawns, stone walls, and wooded areas also provide picturesque backdrops.
Drone usage may be subject to park regulations and FAA guidelines. It's best to check with park authorities or local drone laws before flying.
You might spot various birds, bunnies, and deer within the park. Keep an eye out for marine life along the bay.
Yes, during the autumn months, the park's trees display beautiful fall colors, making it a great location for seasonal photography.
The hour leading up to sunset, known as the golden hour, provides soft, warm light that is ideal for capturing stunning sunset photographs over the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that restrooms can be a bit spread out, so it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with their locations upon arrival. Leashed dogs are welcome, so your furry family members can join in on the fun too!
🏃♀️ Active Visitors & Runners
The wide, paved pathways are also excellent for cycling and rollerblading, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience.
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Waterfront and Bay Views
The waterfront paths are perfect for leisurely strolls, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the coastal scenery, watch boats, and feel the sea breeze. Whether you're seeking a moment of quiet reflection or a picturesque backdrop for a walk, the bay views are a major draw. During certain weather conditions, the bay can become quite rough, adding a dramatic element to the landscape. This can be particularly striking for photography enthusiasts.
Activities for Active Visitors
Canicross, a sport where dogs run alongside their owners, is also popular here, showcasing the park's suitability for dog owners and their active pets.
Family Fun and Gatherings
Dog owners also find Colt State Park to be a great destination, as leashed pets are welcome throughout the park.
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