Rhode Island has 15 state parks, and every single one of them is beautiful with its own special amenities. However, when it comes to choosing our favorite, most of us have the same answer: Colt State Park. Known affectionately as the Gem of the State Park System, Colt State Park has been stealing our hearts for decades, and it’s still as enchanting as ever.

Colt State Park is located in Bristol, and it’s surrounded by history.

Ron S / TripAdvisor The park lies minutes away from the historic center of town, and it’s adjacent to Coggeshall Farm Museum.

The park spans 464 acres, including access to some of the state’s most spectacular shoreline.

Management / TripAdvisor The park is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Grab a picnic table and host an impromptu picnic, or reserve one of the designated areas for your next gathering.

glitterqueen1975 / TripAdvisor You can even get married here, at a gorgeous spot known as Colt’s Chapel by the Sea.

The entire western border of the park borders Narragansett Bay. The fishing pier, built in the 1980s, was reconstructed and expanded in 2014.

DGandSag / TripAdvisor The park’s bike trails happen to intersect with the East Bay Bike Path, which runs from Bristol to Providence.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day.

Celia G / TripAdvisor No one will mind if you stay a few extra minutes to catch the last of the sunset. It’s worth it.

Despite its abundance of amenities and activities, it’s the unparalleled bay views that make this park such a popular place.

Ron S / TripAdvisor Of course, the stone walls, groomed fruit trees, carefully nurtured flowering bushes, winding trails, and manicured lawns don’t hurt.

When was the last time you visited Colt State Park?

Jrdp / TripAdvisor If these photos are making you feel nostalgic, it’s time for another trip.

While most Rhode Islanders will list Colt State Park as their favorite, many would also agree that Roger Williams State Park is a close second.

Ron S / TripAdvisor

The park lies minutes away from the historic center of town, and it’s adjacent to Coggeshall Farm Museum.

Management / TripAdvisor

The park is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

glitterqueen1975 / TripAdvisor

You can even get married here, at a gorgeous spot known as Colt’s Chapel by the Sea.

DGandSag / TripAdvisor

The park’s bike trails happen to intersect with the East Bay Bike Path, which runs from Bristol to Providence.

Celia G / TripAdvisor

No one will mind if you stay a few extra minutes to catch the last of the sunset. It’s worth it.

Of course, the stone walls, groomed fruit trees, carefully nurtured flowering bushes, winding trails, and manicured lawns don’t hurt.

Jrdp / TripAdvisor

If these photos are making you feel nostalgic, it’s time for another trip.

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Address: Colt State Park, Bristol, RI 02809, USA