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Riverwalk

South Water St, Providence, RI 02903

partly cloudy (8°F)

Last Updated: 5:15am

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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Happy Father’s Day from WaterFire.

#waterfire #waterfireprovidence #goprovidence #goprov
#fathersday

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Happy Father’s Day from WaterFire. #waterfire #waterfireprovidence #goprovidence #goprov #fathersday

#providenceriverwalk #providenceriver #providencedowntown #downtownprovidence #providencerhodeisland #providence #

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#providenceriverwalk #providenceriver #providencedowntown #downtownprovidence #providencerhodeisland #providence #

Sky and Steel. Providence Rhode Island.

#sky #steel #rhodeisland #providence #riverwalk #providenceriverwalk #sunset #rhodeislandlife

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Sky and Steel. Providence Rhode Island. #sky #steel #rhodeisland #providence #riverwalk #providenceriverwalk #sunset #rhodeislandlife

If there were ever a day to open the windows for a bit and get outside for a walk this January, today was it!
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#provri #7000steps #providenceri #providenceriverwalk #dailywalk

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If there were ever a day to open the windows for a bit and get outside for a walk this January, today was it! . #provri #7000steps #providenceri #providenceriverwalk #dailywalk

3rd day of my resuming walk, leges are still sour.😅

#providence
#providenceriver
#providenceriverwalk
#sunsetwalk
#rhodeisland
#alltrails

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3rd day of my resuming walk, leges are still sour.😅 #providence #providenceriver #providenceriverwalk #sunsetwalk #rhodeisland #alltrails

Chilly date night in the city. #waterfireprovidence #newriversrestaurant #xmasinthecity #woodfiresmellsamazing

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Chilly date night in the city. #waterfireprovidence #newriversrestaurant #xmasinthecity #woodfiresmellsamazing

Waterfire: it`s fire on the water. Does what it says on the tin.

#waterfire #waterfireprovidence #providence

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Waterfire: it's fire on the water. Does what it says on the tin. #waterfire #waterfireprovidence #providence

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.

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.
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

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.
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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✨ LUMINA is back and brighter than ever ✨

Downtown Providence will once again transform into a vibrant winter wonderland for Lumina 2026, Downtown Providence’s Festival of Lights.

From Maestro, human powered illuminated musical note sculptures, to the immersive Iceberg Trail, glowing iceberg inspired installations, this year’s festival is designed to spark JOY at every turn. Explore pop culture photo moments with Taylor Swift’s World, then experience the magic of Starlight, bold illuminated star sculptures lighting up the city after dark.

This is FREE, family friendly fun and one of the best winter events in Providence, Rhode Island, drawing locals and visitors downtown to experience art, light, music, and community.

📍 Downtown Providence, RI
📅 February 19 to March 5, 2026

👉 Save this for your winter plans
👉 Tag who you are bringing
👉 Share with friends visiting Providence

We are also actively seeking community sponsors to help bring these installations to life. Join us in building something unforgettable for Downtown Providence.

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✨ LUMINA is back and brighter than ever ✨ Downtown Providence will once again transform into a vibrant winter wonderland for Lumina 2026, Downtown Providence’s Festival of Lights. From Maestro, human powered illuminated musical note sculptures, to the immersive Iceberg Trail, glowing iceberg inspired installations, this year’s festival is designed to spark JOY at every turn. Explore pop culture photo moments with Taylor Swift’s World, then experience the magic of Starlight, bold illuminated star sculptures lighting up the city after dark. This is FREE, family friendly fun and one of the best winter events in Providence, Rhode Island, drawing locals and visitors downtown to experience art, light, music, and community. 📍 Downtown Providence, RI 📅 February 19 to March 5, 2026 👉 Save this for your winter plans 👉 Tag who you are bringing 👉 Share with friends visiting Providence We are also actively seeking community sponsors to help bring these installations to life. Join us in building something unforgettable for Downtown Providence.

Save this for your next downtown day ✨

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Save this for your next downtown day ✨
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30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903

info@downtownparks.org

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