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Riverwalk

South Water St, Providence, RI 02903

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Last Updated: 7:15pm

The Providence Riverwalk stretches 2.4 miles along the Providence River waterfront, encompassing the walkways, parklets, and public art that lies between Point Street Bridge and the Waterplace Park basin.

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#providenceriverwalk #waterfireprovidence

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✨ Just a short walk from our rentals, you’ll find the Providence Riverwalk — the perfect spot to stroll, relax, and take in the city 🌊🏙️
Walk along the water, explore the nearby shops & restaurants, or catch a WaterFire lighting when the city comes alive with flames and music 🔥🎶. Whether it’s a morning coffee walk or a romantic evening out, the Riverwalk is a must-do during your stay in Providence.
Book your stay with Jennifer’s RI Rentals and explore it all just steps away 🍂✨
#JennifersRIRentals #ProvidenceRI #ProvidenceRiverwalk #FallInProvidence

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✨ Just a short walk from our rentals, you’ll find the Providence Riverwalk — the perfect spot to stroll, relax, and take in the city 🌊🏙️ Walk along the water, explore the nearby shops & restaurants, or catch a WaterFire lighting when the city comes alive with flames and music 🔥🎶. Whether it’s a morning coffee walk or a romantic evening out, the Riverwalk is a must-do during your stay in Providence. Book your stay with Jennifer’s RI Rentals and explore it all just steps away 🍂✨ #JennifersRIRentals #ProvidenceRI #ProvidenceRiverwalk #FallInProvidence

Wish I could have been around for WaterFire. Ah well, next year. #providence #pvd #providenceri #providenceriver #providenceriverwalk #providenceriverpark #downcity #downcitypvd #downcityprovidence #cityscape #river #city #urbanphotography #photography #travel #travelphotography

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Wish I could have been around for WaterFire. Ah well, next year. #providence #pvd #providenceri #providenceriver #providenceriverwalk #providenceriverpark #downcity #downcitypvd #downcityprovidence #cityscape #river #city #urbanphotography #photography #travel #travelphotography

#providenceri #waterfireprovidence #waterfire waterfireprov Thank you for my purchase. 🌊 🔥

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#providenceri #waterfireprovidence #waterfire waterfireprov Thank you for my purchase. 🌊 🔥

‘Supergirl’ ilibbyyoung with Superman (not really) building in background. #providenceskyline, #providenceriverwalk

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‘Supergirl’ ilibbyyoung with Superman (not really) building in background. #providenceskyline, #providenceriverwalk

Waterfire. Providence, Rhode Island. #blackrocknaturereserve #waterfire #waterfireprovidence #providence #rhodeisland #jadanruiz #aateconference #eastcoast #fusetheatre #thaishadowpuppet

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Waterfire. Providence, Rhode Island. #blackrocknaturereserve #waterfire #waterfireprovidence #providence #rhodeisland #jadanruiz #aateconference #eastcoast #fusetheatre #thaishadowpuppet

History

The “Washington Buildings” once occupied the spot where the Hospital Trust Building is now, so we’re looking at what is today the northwest corner of Westminster and Memorial Blvd. Above the building, you can see the tower tops for the original Union Station, so we know this photo was taken before 1896, probably in the late 1880s or early 1890s.

Historical context courtesy of @pvdnowandthen.

Map

Riverwalk is owned and managed by the City of Providence.

La Gondola Providence, Inc.

La Gondola Providence, Inc.

<p>La Gondola Providence, Inc. offers private Venetian-style gondola rides along the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers, featuring romantic outings, family-friendly trips, and customizable group tours. Guests can choose from trip packages that may include historical narration, live Italian music, and special event options such as weddings, reception cruises, and photo sessions. The company operates seasonally, weather permitting, and provides gift certificates for memorable experiences on the water.</p>

People of Difference (POD)

People of Difference (POD)

Wild Canary aka Chris Cox’s “POD” sculpture, installed in Providence in 2016, is a monumental work built from weather-resistant fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Composed of flat, monolithic panels arranged to evoke the form of a sperm whale, the piece reflects Cox’s background in boat building and his vision of adapting marine fabrication techniques for public art. The title, POD—short for People of Difference—carries a deeper meaning, symbolizing solidarity among marginalized groups facing extinction pressures similar to those endured by whales. Located along the riverwalk at 345 South Water Street, the sculpture embodies Cox’s commitment to creating large-scale public art rooted in themes of coexistence and resilience. When posting a photo of this artwork use #PODpvd to share it with the artist.
Providence Kayak

Providence Kayak

<p>Providence Kayak offers single and tandem kayak rentals on the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, letting paddlers explore Riverwalk, Waterplace Park, and scenic downtown waterways under historic bridges. Rentals start at 45 or 75 minutes, with staff assistance for easy launch and landing plus route and safety guidance. Seasonal operations also include a second location at Lincoln Woods State Park for freshwater paddling on Olney Pond. Booking and gift cards are available online.</p>

Textual Gear

Textual Gear

Textual Gear is a kinetic public artwork that integrates gear-like forms with engraved text to celebrate the city’s industrial heritage and literary culture along the Riverwalk. Situated in Waterplace Park, the piece invites viewers to consider the interplay of movement, language, and urban history, serving as both a visual landmark and a contemplative pause within the park’s pedestrian landscape.

Contact Information

Providence Parks Department

1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence RI 02905
Roger Williams Boathouse
providenceri.gov
(401) 680-7201

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Providence, clear your calendars NOW😉 The PVD Holiday Festival everyone will be talking about is almost here. ✨
From December 4-7, downtown will impress with lights, music, skating, markets, and that festive energy you can feel the moment you step outside. It is the kind of weekend that makes the whole city come alive. 🎄⛸️🎶
Nonprofits, local businesses, city partners, and the Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism are all coming together to make this weekend unforgettable. When our community joins forces, the magic becomes electric. Everyone belongs downtown. 🎁🤝✨
A little taste of what is waiting for you
• Skating under the lights at The Providence Rink ⛸️✨
• A spectacular ice performance by Le Patin Libre ❄️💫
• WaterFire illuminating the river with holiday glow 🔥🌊
• The iconic City Hall tree lighting 🎄🌟
• Holiday markets filled with local makers and downtown shops 🛍️❤️
• Art, music, and cheerful surprises around every corner 🎶🎭
Put this on your radar. Tell your friends. Do not miss it. Providence is ready to celebrate all weekend long. ✨🎄💛 repost @pneuhaus

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Providence, clear your calendars NOW😉 The PVD Holiday Festival everyone will be talking about is almost here. ✨ From December 4-7, downtown will impress with lights, music, skating, markets, and that festive energy you can feel the moment you step outside. It is the kind of weekend that makes the whole city come alive. 🎄⛸️🎶 Nonprofits, local businesses, city partners, and the Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism are all coming together to make this weekend unforgettable. When our community joins forces, the magic becomes electric. Everyone belongs downtown. 🎁🤝✨ A little taste of what is waiting for you • Skating under the lights at The Providence Rink ⛸️✨ • A spectacular ice performance by Le Patin Libre ❄️💫 • WaterFire illuminating the river with holiday glow 🔥🌊 • The iconic City Hall tree lighting 🎄🌟 • Holiday markets filled with local makers and downtown shops 🛍️❤️ • Art, music, and cheerful surprises around every corner 🎶🎭 Put this on your radar. Tell your friends. Do not miss it. Providence is ready to celebrate all weekend long. ✨🎄💛 repost @pneuhaus

What do you think of the transformation?

The Memorial Boulevard tunnel in Waterplace Park, across @track15ri, was once a dark tunnel that could not support activations. Today it is illuminated with dynamic lighting that strengthens our You Belong Here network from the Basin to the Point St Bridge and through Greater Kennedy Plaza.

The lighting program changes throughout the year with curated color palettes that reflect holidays, seasons, and cultural moments, creating moments of connection for everyone who moves through downtown.

With significant investment by @pvdmayor, DPPN grant from @ricommerce and partnership with @sitespecificllc , and the City of Providence, this previously underused passage is now a welcoming and engaging part of the Downtown Parks.

Project support:

• $200K from the Providence capital budget
• $125K CommerceRI grant via Downtown Providence Park Network
• $76K in in-kind contributions from the City’s Parks Department and the RI Dep. of Corrections

📸Justin Case

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Open post by downtownpvdparks with ID 18539420326023516
What do you think of the transformation? The Memorial Boulevard tunnel in Waterplace Park, across @track15ri, was once a dark tunnel that could not support activations. Today it is illuminated with dynamic lighting that strengthens our You Belong Here network from the Basin to the Point St Bridge and through Greater Kennedy Plaza. The lighting program changes throughout the year with curated color palettes that reflect holidays, seasons, and cultural moments, creating moments of connection for everyone who moves through downtown. With significant investment by @pvdmayor, DPPN grant from @ricommerce and partnership with @sitespecificllc , and the City of Providence, this previously underused passage is now a welcoming and engaging part of the Downtown Parks. Project support: • $200K from the Providence capital budget • $125K CommerceRI grant via Downtown Providence Park Network • $76K in in-kind contributions from the City’s Parks Department and the RI Dep. of Corrections 📸Justin Case

Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities transformed downtown Providence into a powerful, immersive dialogue between Florence and Providence. Together with @splendorofflorence, we filled our waterfront with art, history, and the shared story of two cities shaped by water, resilience, and creativity.
And now the journey continues.
In November 2026, A Tale of Two Cities will come to life once again — this time in Florence.
We can’t wait!

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Open post by downtownpvdparks with ID 18062259197194761
Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities transformed downtown Providence into a powerful, immersive dialogue between Florence and Providence. Together with @splendorofflorence, we filled our waterfront with art, history, and the shared story of two cities shaped by water, resilience, and creativity. And now the journey continues. In November 2026, A Tale of Two Cities will come to life once again — this time in Florence. We can’t wait!

🎄 The countdown is on! From December 4-7 join us in celebrating community, light and joy at the PVD Holiday Festival in Downtown Providence. Stay tuned for details and special events!

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Open post by downtownpvdparks with ID 18096811612654227
🎄 The countdown is on! From December 4-7 join us in celebrating community, light and joy at the PVD Holiday Festival in Downtown Providence. Stay tuned for details and special events!
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30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903

info@downtownparks.org

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