Bristol, Rhode Island
About bristol
Being so close to Newport could give any sailing town an inferiority complex. But few ports are as comfortable in their own skin as this seaside village in Upper Narragansett Bay. Perhaps it’s due to spirit of favorite nautical son Captain Nathanael Herreshoff, the taciturn grandfather of American yacht design and construction, who churned out winning America’s Cup yachts, one-design sailboats and innovative powerboats and naval ships at the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company from 1878 into the middle of the 20th century.
There’s great sailing on Bristol Harbor, while Mount Hope Bay to the east is one of Narragansett Bay’s least utilized race arenas—and home to the nationally-ranked Roger Williams University Sailing Team. Bristol is a small town, so hotel and restaurant options are limited, but that also means fewer suffocating summer crowds and a more authentic experience. And if you hanker for bright lights and big yachts, Newport is only a 30-minute drive away.
Getting There
T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Providence is the closest. Boston International Airport (BOS) is also an option.
Approximate Travel Times
Local Tips
4th of July
The 4th of July in Bristol is a celebration like no other. The whole town gets involved and it is a very fun experience.
KNow the Current
Make sure to check the current when racing in Bristol. It can be different strengths and directions at different places on the racecourse.
Sailing tips
Great sailing on Mt Hope Bay. Expect an afternoon seabreeze in the summer months.
Local Breweries
There are two great breweries that always have things going on. Pivotal and Ragged Island (Portsmouth).
weather links
SAILING CLUBS
MARINAS/Boat Ramps
Marine Stores
SaiLS/RIGGING
Boat SERVICES
Fuel
Boat Storage
LAUNDRY SERVICES
HARDWARE STORES
Grocery stores
RESTAURANTS
Breakfast
This cozy little bagel shop offers a wide selection of fresh bagels and cream cheese, pastries, and a large selection of lunch and breakfast bagel sandwiches. Bristol Bagel Works offers both indoor and outdoor seating, but note that it can still get quite crowded, especially on weekend mornings. A good plan may be to take your bagels and coffee to go and enjoy a short walk down the street to the beautiful park along the water.
Address: 420 Hope St. Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401)254-1390
Prices: $
WIth a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, huge portions and an eclectic menu, this cute little corner cafe is a popular local breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot. Everything is made fresh and from scratch at Bristol Sunset Cafe- local favorites are the unique varieties of eggs benedict, the cinnamon roll (ask for it grilled!), the homemade corned beef hash, and their fabulous fresh coffee- it is known to be strong and extra good! WIth both indoor and outdoor seating, this family owned cafe may just offer the best breakfast in the East Bay.
Address: 499 Hope St. Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401)253-1910
Prices: $$
Lunch and Pick-up
Papa Joe's Wrap Shack
Conveniently located near the water and with plenty of street parking, this funky and eclectic NYC style pizza and ‘wrap shack’ is known for large slices and excellent wraps. Try a fresh authentic greasy- in- a- good- way NYC style pizza, or go for a fresh wrap- the Kung Pao Chicken and Fried Calamari Wrap are local favorites. Keep in mind that everything is made to order in this tiny spot, so when it is busy, it can take a few minutes for your order to come up. Vegetarian options are available.
Address: 567 Hope St. Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401)253-9911
Prices: $$
Family owned since 1971, Riccotti’s Sandwich Shop is known as a Hometown Bristol Favorite for a quick sub or grinder. While the shop is almost always busy, the service is fast and friendly, and the bread and ingredients are always fresh. The Spinach Pie and Italian Grinder are local favorites, as is the rotating Daily Special, and the Steak and Cheese Sub.
Address: 11 Gooding Ave. Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401)253-1614
Prices: $$
Located on Franklin Street, across from Independence Park and just steps from the water, The Beehive Cafe is an awesome breakfast and lunch cafe that serves up some of the best food and coffee in the Bristol area. WIth a menu that focuses on fresh and locally sourced seasonal cuisine, freshly baked pastries, and carefully crafted coffee, this thoughtful and delightful cafe is the perfect spot for a bright and fresh breakfast or lunch, or maybe a boozy “Beemosa” filled weekend brunch. The Beehive offers many types of egg dishes, pancakes, salads, sandwiches, and pastries, as well as plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options- locals rave about the Butternut Squash Sandwich and the Classic Grilled Cheese! Pay at the counter, grab your drink, and seat yourself inside or out, in this hip, friendly, and convenient gem of an early day cafe.
Address: 10 Franklin Street Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401)396-9994
Prices: $$
Dinner
Located downtown, this Italian restaurant and cafe features authentic traditional Italian cuisine with fresh pasta and locally sourced ingredients. For dinner, the restaurant offers a traditional Italian fine dining menu with all of your Italian favorites, and note that Roberto’s is known to serve the best Pasta Bolognese in the area! Locals also love the meatballs, strong craft cocktails, and extensive wine list.
A newer addition, the Cafe, is open for breakfast and lunch, and offers espresso drinks, paninis, subs, and Local Favorite: the Italian Egg sandwich.
*Dinner reservations are recommended.
Address: 450 Hope St. Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401)254-9732
Prices: $$$
Located on the waterfront, Aidan’s Irish Pub first opened its doors in 1992- it made its debut as a cozy neighborhood gathering spot in Bristol Harbor. More than just a pub, Aidan’s is a genuine Irish-style establishment, dedicated to delivering the perfect pint of Guinness, classic cocktails, and a diverse menu inspired by the Emerald Isle. Offering traditional Irish favorites, as well as your all-American faves, Aidan’s Pub is a great spot for a Guiness and an authentic Irish experience.
Address: 5 John St. Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401)254-1940
Prices: $$
Located on Wood St in a super cool restored industrial building at Unity Park, Brick Pizza is known and loved for their excellent brick oven pizzas, but also has great craft cocktails, pastas, sandwiches and more. Try the Crab Rangoon Pizza and the Calamari starter- both solid local favorites! The atmosphere at Brick Pizza is lively and fun- and they offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
Note for beer lovers: Next door is Pivotal Brewery- maybe make a day of it!
Address: 500 Wood St. Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401)396-5200
Prices: $$$
The Wave is a family-friendly style restaurant that offers all of your American classic favorites. The menu features brick oven pizza and calzones, wings, burgers, grinders, seafood, salads, and mains- all made fresh with high quality ingredients. The large menu at The Wave offers something for any appetite. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a good assortment of vegetarian and gluten free options.
Address: 400 Metacom Ave. Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401)253-8811
Prices: $$
Located right on Narragansett Bay, the Lobster Pot offers both land and sea dishes, inspired by classic New England recipes. They have a spacious indoor dining room, and a waterfront patio to dine on, as well as a large indoor bar with award-winning cocktails and plenty of room to enjoy a meal. The view from the patio is spectacular- may we recommend a lobster roll and a cocktail, while taking in a beautiful sunset.
Address: 119 Hope St. Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401)253-9100
Prices: $$$
This old-fashioned saloon/restaurant sits directly across from the Bristol boat ramp, and has a great view of the harbor. With a dark wood and brick interior, this comfortable neighborhood favorite serves classic American comfort food- burgers and fries, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, etc.- and offers excellent happy hour and house specials. They often have live music- so it can get quite loud inside, especially in the evening- but there is also a small selection of tables outside for those who prefer a quieter outdoor atmosphere.
Address: 1 State St. Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: (401)253-7400
Prices: $$
SIGHTS
The Herreshoff Museum is a captivating maritime museum dedicated to the legacy of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, which played a pivotal role in yacht and boat design. The museum showcases a remarkable collection of historic vessels, including sailboats and motor yachts, as well as an array of artifacts and exhibits detailing the history of boat design and construction. Visitors can explore the rich heritage of nautical innovation and craftsmanship that made the Herreshoff name legendary in the world of sailing. The Museum boasts over sixty significant boats, ranging from the 8½’ dinghy NATHANAEL to the 75′ DEFIANT, built-in 1992 for the successful defense of the America’s Cup. The museum is also home to the America’s Cup Hall of Fame, where you can learn about over 90 sailing legends who are inducted into the Hall. There are restored boats you can step aboard to experience their finely appointed interiors, and to gain a sense of what it is like to cruise aboard these historic vessels. Don’t leave without exploring the Nathanael Greene Herreshoff Model Room, which holds a collection of over 500 models that are stunningly made, and a testimony to the genius of Captain Nat’s designs as a naval architect. The Herreshoff Museum is a must-visit destination for maritime history enthusiasts and those seeking to appreciate the art and science of boat building.
*Docking available mid-May thru mid-October
East Bay Bike Path
The East Bay Bike Path is a 14.5-mile paved trail that begins in Providence and India Point Park, crosses the Seekonk River via the George Redman Linear Park and Washington Bridge, and continues southeast to Bristol along the shoreline of Narragansett Bay. The trail ends along Bristol Harbor, just past the entrance to Colt State Park. This path has spectacular maritime views and an abundance of coastal wildlife- as well as plenty of shady spots and a very smooth, well-kept paved trail. There is parking near Independence Park, with restrooms and water fountains in the building on Hope Street. Please note that there are no public restrooms along the path, but there are places that offer food, snacks, coffee, and ice cream along the way.
This living history museum is located in Colt State Park in Bristol. The eighteenth century coastal tenant farm is located on 48 acres of land and features interpreters and authentic reenactments of farm life in the year 1799. Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience the life of Rhode Island’s salt marsh farmers in the late 18th century, with both guided tours and programs, as well as self guided explorations. They often offer blacksmithing and woodworking demonstrations, as well as many other interesting educational experiences and events. Book tickets online on their website for private tours and other experiences.
Colt State Park
Known as the gem of Rhode Island state parks, Colt State Park is a public recreation area that occupies 464 acres on Poppasquash Neck. Named after a descendant of the DeWolf family that built the town of Bristol surrounding it, Colt State Park offers panoramic Bay views, trails, picnic groves, boat ramps, an observation tower, and an open air Chapel-by-the-Sea. There is also a fishing pier at the park, and the Coggeshall Farm Museum is located on the premises as well. The park Intersects with the East Bay Bike Path and borders Narragansett Bay- it is extremely well-kept and clean, with plenty of parking. Dogs are welcomed, as long as they are on a leash.