Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island Day Trip

Welcome to Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island

Along Narragansett bay in Bristol, Rhode Island, Colt State Park is one of Rhode Island’s most scenic (public) waterfront parks and a MassDayTripping favorite for easy evening and sunset walks.

This blog focuses on the part of Colt State Park I enjoy most at the end of a Bristol area day trip; it’s a favorite destination for beautiful, sweeping bay views whether you want to walk, bike ride, picnic or find a bench to relax at looking out over the water.

How to Get to Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island |

Located at Route 114 in Bristol, I recommend plotting directions to the John H. Chafee statue on Colt Drive and parking in the designated, paved spots right by it. This is the best spot for starting your walk along the bay or simply enjoying the views on a bench or in your vehicle.

What to See at Colt State Park

My favorite thing to do is walk out onto the fishing pier boardwalk for the best views of Narragansett Bay. When the sky is vibrant or dramatic, the views are spectacular.

Whether you want to fish or simply linger as the sky transforms over the bay, the views here are some of the best in all Rhode Island.

This is also my favorite spot for starting your evening or sunset walk. There’s a wide, paved walking trail following the western shoreline that extends from just before the boardwalk (as you drive to the Chafee statue) ataking you a ways by the bay.

There are benches along the way to relax and take in the views, and some people simply hang out on lawn chairs or at their vehicles.

With lots of space including large grassy lawns, it’s easy to find a spot to enjoy the views here, and you can reserve picnic sites with three or four tables to spend an afternoon (many have open views of the bay).

Even if you only have time for a quick stop, it’s worth it to top off your Bristol or coastal Rhode Island adventure.

Walking out on the Colt State Park fishing pier boardwalk as the vening bue sky transforms into a warm golden hour sunset.

Sunset hits right over the bay from the fishing pier boardwalk and on nights with vibrant skies, it’s definitely worth slowing down for.

In this section of Colt State Park, there’s plenty of room to spread out for the views and easy access to the Narragansett Bay shoreline walking and biking path.

It’s stroller-friendly, flat and also great for walking your dog on leash.

Have you seen sunset at Colt State Park? What’s your favorite thing to do or see here or other Rhode Island State Park you enjoy?

Leave a comment below to share your experience and tips.