Tours & Activities in Providence

Hunt for the ghosts of famous writers, doomed artists, and a strange founder on this history-packed haunted tour by US Ghost Adventures.

Join us for this elegant stroll through time! Allow our historically costumed, local guides to lead you down the most beautifully preserved street in all of Providence, RI- Benefit Street! Guests will learn the history of some of Providence's most prominent residents and families, including the Dorr family, Roger Williams, and the Hoppin family. See architectural icons including the John Brown House, the First Baptist Church, the Fleur de Lys Building, and the original State House. Learn about the events that shaped our state and nation, including the suffrage movements (yes, there were two!) and the Civil War. This tour will leave you feeling more connected to the city's past and with a greater appreciation for Providence. Benefit Street is a mostly flat street and is suitable for people of most levels of health and fitness.

Explore Rhode Island's capital city of Providence with the fun bus. Your expert guide will show you around the historic city, highlighting interesting facts, landmarks, and areas throughout the tour.

Celebrate Dad with a Memorable Father's Day Cruise! Make this Father’s Day unforgettable with a narrated tour along the picturesque Providence River! Perfect for the whole family, this special outing is a fun and unique way to celebrate Dad. Family-friendly fun! All ages welcome. BYOB to toast Dad your way Unique river views and engaging narration from our Captains! Seats are limited — book now for an unforgettable Father's Day celebration!

Enjoy a food tour with a felonious twist. Come take a taste of Providence's Italian neighborhood while also learning about its historical characters who didn't always play by the rules.

From pivotal social justice movements to the personal narratives of unsung heroes, Voices of Resilience offers a deeper understanding of Providence’s identity and legacy of courage, resistance, and triumph. We'll take a closer look at how Rhode Island's tremendous profit on the international slave trade powered the Industrial Revolution, how the state barely overcame revolution in defiance of rebellious suffragists, all the way through how the state fought but failed to prevent the first Gay Pride parade from taking place in Providence in 1976. ​ Providence has been home to diverse, courageous, and resilient people who were able to achieve incredible feats despite the deck being stacked against them in every way. Learn about Edward Bannister, a 19th-century Black barber who overcame prejudice to become a painter of national acclaim; Princess Red Wing, a Narragansett and Pokanoket activist; and the 1902 labor strike that stopped Rhode Island's urban core in its tracks.

Explore historic Rhode Island during this full-day guided bus tour. Discover the Ocean State and see historic towns, scenic islands, beaches, lighthouses, and mansions.

Avoid the stress of waiting for taxis or shuttle transfers and instead ensure peace of mind with this convenient private transfer from your hotel to the Providence TF Green Airport (PVD). This airport transportation service operates from Newport, Providence, Warwick, Smithfield, North Kingstown or Bristol accommodations. Reach the airport relaxed and with plenty of time before your flight!

Discover Providence's beauty in all its forms. Admire Providence's architecture and murals while learning about how art catalyzed the city's turnaround from urban decay to a regional arts center.

View the fireworks from the best seat in town! The fun begins at 8:15pm when we will take you and your guests for a casual cruise of the downtown Providence waterways before heading out to India Point for the fireworks display. Our experienced Captains will anchor our vessels in a prime location in the harbor, where you'll experience the heart-pounding sights and sounds of the Providence fireworks directly above! Come have some fun with us this on July 2nd! You may BYOB, this tour is ages 21+ only.

Join us for a tasting tour of Providence's local libations, including delicious beer and spirits produced right here in Rhode Island's capital city.

Experience 300 years of architectural history as you cruise the Providence waterways! This 75-minute boat tour, led by Providence preservation experts, highlights the stories, sight lines, and subtle details that define Providence. From the most eye-catching landmarks on the city skyline to hidden architectural gems, come discover historic Providence from the best seat in town. Historic Buildings: Explore Providence’s storied past through its well-preserved architecture. ️ Modern Marvels: Admire the blend of old and new with contemporary additions to our iconic skyline. Scenic Views: Enjoy picturesque water-level perspectives of landmarks like the Rhode Island State House and the Michael Van Leesten Memorial Bridge. Cultural Insights: Learn about the city’s art, design, and the influence of prominent architects. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a relaxing, informative outing, this tour is a must-do in Providence!

Providence has also been home to courageous and resilient people who were able to achieve incredible feats despite the deck being stacked against them in every way.

Explore the Mysteries of Green Jacket Shoal! Join Captain Tom and special guest David Robinson, Director of the Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources, for an unforgettable 75-minute boat tour through the historic Providence waterways & Green Jacket Shoal at Bold Point! What You’ll Discover: Sunken maritime history beneath the waves Fascinating stories of Providence’s waterfront past Expert insights into underwater archaeology Reserve your seat today – space is limited! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Providence’s hidden history from the water!

Embark on a 2-day journey from NYC to discover the iconic sights of Boston, Rhode Island and New Haven. Roundtrip transportation and 1 night hotel accommodation are included on this tour.

Walk through Providence's dark side! The eerie writings H.P. Lovecraft- one of the most significant supernatural horror fiction authors of the 20th century- are inexplicably bound to his hometown of Providence. This tour walks in the tortured author's footsteps through his traumatic upbringing and favorite haunts; guests also meet some of the fictional characters that Lovecraft wrote into the city's fabric through dramatic retellings of his creepiest tales. But Lovecraft isn't the only author that ambled the city's centuries-old sidewalks: Sarah Helen Whitman was an eccentric local spiritualist and poet who was briefly engaged to master of the macabre Edgar Allan Poe. This tour also explores her life and relives the couple's whirlwind- and doomed- romance.

Walk through Providence's dark side! Discover the dark and mysterious tales of H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe on a walking tour of Providence.

Our company has been a member of the Providence community for nearly two decades. Our company is a walking, haunted history tour of Providence's College Hill neighborhood. Our guides lead guests by lantern light as we explore the history, mystery, legends, and lore of our city. Learn about different types of hauntings, our spirits' most current activities, and the dark tales that have been forgotten over time. Our tour is a wonderful blend of history and mystery, perfect for believers and skeptics alike! The tour includes a portion of College Hill. We have chosen the most walkable route, but it is indeed a hill and our streets are old. Please wear shoes that are comfortable and stable. It is also outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather.

Join this 3-hour small-group food tour to savor 6+ food tastings in one of America's top food cities with a professional guide. Sip on alcoholic beverages (if option selected) at select locations. Explore this historic capital city's architecture while listening to fascinating stories about the history and view the art and culture as you walk through the Downcity Arts District. Tour is limited to a maximum of 14 people to ensure personalized service and includes a guide offering recommendations for you to further explore on your own.  

Tour the Providence River with us! We're thrilled to kick off our 34th season of boat tours along the beautiful shores of Downtown Providence on May 10, 2025 Join us for an award-winning, historic journey through the heart of Rhode Island's capital. Learn about Providence’s rich history, stunning architecture, and fascinating landmarks from our expert guides. Whether you're a local or visiting from out of town, our tours are the perfect way to experience Providence from a whole new perspective. Book your spots in advance and discover why our award-winning tours have led Providence tourism for over three decades!

A food tour with a felonious twist! The Federal Hill neighborhood of Providence is one of its hottest destinations, home to some of the best Italian food in the world. This tour will give you a smorgasbord of its best bites and drinks, from fine wines to family recipes passed down through generations. Come hungry! Every guest will also get a memento from their time on the Hill to take home with them. Spoiler alert: it's delicious! The Hill was also home to some historic characters who dabbled on the wrong side of the law. Follow the intrigue of State v. Patriarca, when a future mayor took on a mob boss; learn about the corruption which brought Rhode Island's banking system to its knees in the '90s, and about a raid on an illegal dice game that sent a Providence Police Officer through a second-story window. Guests under 21 will not be served alcohol on this tour.

Vineyard Voyages is an exceptional experience for wine lovers, offering a unique floating wine-tasting adventure through the waterways of downtown Providence, RI. Here's what you can look forward to: Local Wines: Enjoy selections from Gooseneck Vineyards, Rhode Island’s renowned vineyard, featuring fresh, high-quality wines. Scenic Cruise: Drift through the Providence River and canals while taking in picturesque views of the city’s historic and modern architecture. Expert Pairings: Learn about the wines’ origins and flavor profiles with insights from knowledgeable guides or sommeliers. Relaxed Ambiance: A serene setting perfect for unwinding with friends, family, or a romantic date.

Join us for this delightful tour of one of America’s favorite cities! As you relax comfortably on our climate-controlled tour bus, we will take you to the most exciting neighborhoods in Rhode Island’s capital city, and tell you the story of this special place and its most famous citizens. From America’s first hero to the mafia to the mayor, this city is filled with intriguing tales. As we travel from College Hill to Federal Hill, and Brown University to the State House, you will admire the loveliest settings in the city, and discover places you will want to go back to and explore on your own. Along the way, there will be opportunities for you to get out, take pictures, and see things up close. Enjoyed by all ages, get ready for one of the most enjoyable tours you have ever taken!

We want to show what’s great about the Ocean State! If you would like to experience the culture, cuisine, scenery, and story of America’s smallest state in one amazing day with an expert guide, then this is the tour for you. Only 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, Rhode Island is full of big surprises! As we take you on this enlightening journey, you will enjoy the things that make Rhode Island so attractive and unique. Beginning in our capital city and traveling by tour bus around our beautiful Bay, you will take in breathtaking views, and learn what this state has contributed to America. On this trip you will visit the things Rhode Island is most known for including picturesque beaches, colonial architecture and history, lighthouses, islands, quintessential New England towns, and stunning mansions. Going from Providence to Newport, and exploring many beautiful towns in between, this tour will show you Rhode Island in a Day!

Bathed in the serenity of a softer light, the city's architecture, picturesque bridges and cobblestone walkways take on a whole new life beneath the setting sun. Climb aboard and wind down with a selection of complimentary wine and Prosecco from RI's own Gooseneck Vineyards while you experience unparalleled views of the evening skies! This is the perfect way to spend a relaxing date night, a fun girls night out, or an unforgettable after-dinner adventure in downtown Providence. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind boating experience in Providence — your summer memories await! Additional Info: - This is an evening cruise ONLY. There is NO NARRATION offered during this boat ride. - This tour is ages 16+ - Not a wine drinker? You may BYOB in a small cooler.

Embark on a spine-tingling journey through Providence’s shadowy streets with our walking ghost tour! Led by a seasoned local guide, this tour takes you to some of the city’s most haunted and historically significant sites. As you stroll through the district, spine-chilling tales of ghostly encounters and eerie happenings will unfold, revealing the dark secrets that linger in Providence’s past. Prepare to uncover the spectral stories behind legendary figures, from renowned authors and influential politicians to brave Revolutionary War soldiers whose spirits still roam these haunted streets. While the tour doesn’t enter private buildings, standing on this haunted ground is enough to send shivers down your spine. From the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial to Brown University’s University Hall, each stop offers a unique glimpse into the city’s eerie history. Join us for an evening of mystery, history, and the supernatural, and feel the presence of those who walked these streets long ago!

A Historic Haunted Ghost Boat Tour in downtown Providence offers a spine-tingling way to explore the city’s darker history! Here’s what to expect: Ghostly Tales: Hear stories about Providence’s haunted landmarks, infamous figures, and eerie past. Nighttime Adventure: Glide along the moonlit Providence River framed by the Providence skyline. ️ Historic Insights: Learn about the city’s history through its ghostly legends and paranormal lore. Unique Views: Enjoy the city’s illuminated architecture and hauntingly beautiful scenery from the water. Season-long Fun: Offered June thru October for our year-round ghost enthusiasts.

Get ready to unleash your inner explorer with Let’s Roam, the top dog in app-led scavenger hunts! Picture this: wandering through city streets, uncovering hidden gems, and tackling brain-teasing trivia and challenges along the way. Whether you’re collaborating with your crew or igniting friendly competition, every twist and turn promises new knowledge and unforgettable moments. From casual hangouts to wild bachelorette bashes, epic birthday blowouts, or team-building escapades, Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are your go-to for fun-filled adventures. Each player gets to choose their interactive role, with challenges designed to keep the excitement soaring. Ready to dive in? Grab your squad, lace up your adventure shoes, and let’s roam through a scavenger hunt experience like no other! Adventure awaits—let’s make it epic!

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case... murder on the streets of Providence. Throughout this crime-solving audio adventure, visit each of the 10 mapped locations. You'll have the option to explore the downtown area using the Walking Map or follow a Driving Map on the city's outskirts. Once you choose, the exact starting point will be revealed. *See images for route. Park or stop at each location, listen to the audio story, and put your detective skills to the test by gathering clues and piecing together the evidence. Finally, make your deductions and issue an arrest warrant. Your overall detective skills will be evaluated, culminating in a Case Performance Score to measure your sleuthing prowess. This game is suitable for solo detectives, dynamic duos, or groups of mystery enthusiasts, offering an immersive audio tale filled with intrigue.

The Providence scavenger hunt players will use an app to find objects around the city to collect points, and complete fun challenges for points. Players will be able to see their score live on the app rankings. All our Scavenger hunts have a live remote host to help along the way. Come and explore with us in Providence.