As the capital city of the smallest state in the United States, Providence is an exciting place to visit. It features prestigious universities, well-established museums, and stately government buildings to explore. You will also find unique shops and plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food. Our Providence itinerary will allow you to see the best of what the city offers in just two days.
Renting an RV can be a strategic way to see many of the sites in Providence and the surrounding areas. You can prepare your own meals in the RV’s kitchen and avoid paying for an expensive hotel room. In addition, staying in a campground allows you to bond with friends or family around a campfire surrounded by Rhode Island’s outdoors.
Search RV rentals in the Providence area.
Preparing for Your Providence RV Trip
If you have an SUV or a truck, consider a towable RVshare rental, an option offering the advantage of being able to drop off your travel trailer at your campsite and having a personal vehicle along for your trip. Alternatively, Class A motorhomes boast luxuries like full kitchens, a living room area with an entertainment center, and a main bedroom with a private bathroom. Smaller and more maneuverable Class C rigs are a good choice for those new to RVing and a budget-friendly option for families. Class B RVs are the most compact option, and couples may prefer this campervan for a more intimate experience and to make it easier to drive into town to enjoy Providence’s nightlife.
Several of our guides offer helpful information when preparing for your RV trip:
• How to rent an RV
• Parking tips
• Packing tips
• RV rental deliveries
With an RV rental, you’ll have many choices regarding where to stay. To find your perfect campground, think about what kinds of amenities you’d prefer. For instance, Bowdish Lake Campground has a playground and organized family activities for those traveling with kids. On the other hand, Worden Pond Family Campground features a large freshwater pond for those interested in fishing.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Providence.
Day 1: A Tour of the City’s Prominent Places
Morning: Brown University
As a member of the Ivy League, Brown University is one of the most prestigious colleges in the country. Take a campus tour or walk around the grounds on your own. Highlights of your visit can include the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology and the List Art Center.
Lunch: Thayer Street
The many Thayer Street eateries are popular with Brown students and staff. If you’d like something different from the usual offerings, try an Indian dish at Kabob and Curry. Their menu includes ground lamb turnovers and vegan options like vegetables and steamed tofu.
Afternoon: Rhode Island State House
The Rhode Island State House is one of the most iconic buildings in Providence. Its self-supported marble dome is one of the largest of its kind. It offers free weekday tours at 1:00 p.m., or you are welcome to explore on your own until 4:30 p.m.
Setting Up Camp
Check in with the staff once you arrive at your Providence campground. Then, make your way to your campsite, chock your wheels, and hook things up. Alternatively, if you opt for delivery service, your RV will be waiting for you when you arrive. If this idea appeals to you, filter for delivery options when searching for a rental for your trip.
Dinner: Visit the Market
Urban Greens is a co-op where anyone can shop. If you’d like to cook in your RV or grill outdoors at your campsite, you’ll find all the ingredients for a delicious dinner at this market. Urban Greens also offers ready-to-eat meals, including pasta, soups, entrees, sandwiches, and more.
Day 2: Spend Time Outside
Morning: Roger Williams Park
Start the day by taking a stroll around Roger Williams Park. Named after the founder of Providence, this park has over 400 landscaped acres. It’s home to walking trails, lakes, a botanical center, and the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium.
Lunch: Il Massimo Ristorante
Make your way to the historic Federal Hill neighborhood, where you’ll find several Italian restaurants. A good choice is Il Massimo Ristoranti, which has a seasonal Italian menu along with an extensive wine list.
Afternoon: Roger Williams Park Zoo
After eating, you can head to Roger Williams Park Zoo to learn about interesting animals from all over the world. Consider booking a Wild Connection Encounter with a sloth, otter, porcupine, armadillo, or tortoise.
Evening: Waterplace Park
Have a relaxing evening and enjoy the scenery at Waterplace Park. It is a beautiful, well-maintained area with walking paths, benches, and a great view of the Woonasquatucket River.
Day 3 and Beyond in Providence
Consider extending your two days in Providence to see more sights. The nearby community of Newport offers must-see attractions as do other sites closer to the city.
• A Peak Into the Lives of the Rich and Famous: The Breakers and other Newport mansions, situated along the Cliff Walk, are awe-inspiring. They give you a glimpse into how the elite lived during the Gilded Age.
• Climb Aboard: At Battleship Cove, tour five US Naval ships and other craft, learning about the Navy’s role during World War II and the Vietnam War. The USS Massachusetts is the main attraction here.
Summer Activities
Summer can be an ideal time to visit Providence because of the long days and warm weather. Plus, you’ll get a chance to check out WaterFire Providence. The primary feature of WaterFire is a series of bonfires set in iron braziers along the Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, and Providence rivers. Its events include live performances, evening canoe outings, and Food Truck Fridays.
Indoor Activities
If the weather is not cooperating with your outdoor plans, consider hanging out at Providence Place, which is the state’s largest shopping mall. In addition to stores and restaurants, it has a movie theater and a Dave & Buster’s arcade. Alternatively, you could visit the Museum of Art at the Rhode Island School of Design to view sculptures, paintings, and other artwork.
An RV trip to Providence, RI, offers your group a unique opportunity to explore an Ivy League university, public parks, popular restaurants, and historic buildings in two days. Find the perfect RV from RVshare, gather your supplies, and embark on a memorable journey!
