Overview
South Providence is in Providence, Rhode Island. It is a largely African-American and Hispanic community and the population of people is very culturally diverse. It contains the largest park in Providence, Roger Williams Park. South Providence is well known in the area for its dining and night life.
Southern Providence has a reputation for poverty and crime; the nightclubs on Broad Street have been known for their brawls. However, there are also nice neighborhoods here.
12 sights · 4 things to do · 8 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about South Providence
Roger Williams Park
The largest park in Providence, constructed during the 1880s. It is named after Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, and was the family farm until being donated to the city in 1871. It represented the last of the…
Roger Williams Botanical Center
The largest public indoor display gardens in New England, covering approximately 12,000 square feet of indoor gardens. There is a great diversity of unique and exotic flowers and plants. A nice place to be surrounded by …
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Opened in 1872, this is one of the nation’s oldest zoos. It is one of Rhode Island’s top tourist attractions, bringing in over half a million people annually from all over the country. It is home to well over 100 species…
Cranston Street Armory
A historic, architecturally notable building.
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Founded in 1896, the Museum of Natural History is Rhode Island’s only natural history museum and houses the state’s sole public planetarium. The museum is modest in size, yet houses a wide array of local selections: bird…
Temple to Music
Hosts multiple music concerts and festivals in the summer and fall months. The building was a gift from a local olive oil merchant and is made of Vermont marble. It was dedicated in 1924, and since has served as a backdr…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 22°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Mar and Dec. (climate data from nearby Providence)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PVD Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, Providence/Warwick — 5 mi away (major hub). Directions
- NPT Newport State Airport, Newport — 19 mi away. Directions
When driving, I-95 is the most useful highway coming from the Boston or New York areas. I-95 Exit 18 will get you right into the heart of South Providence.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Roger Williams Park, Personal Tour Boat Rides, Roger Williams Carousel Village
- Lunch El Pez Dorado Restaurant
- Afternoon Temple to Music, Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
- Dinner Ada's Creations
- Evening Mi Sueno Restaurant
Day 2
- Morning South Providence Community Library, Ronnie's Tattoo, White Electric Coffee
- Lunch La Sonrisa
- Afternoon Cranston Street Armory, Hasbro Play Ground
- Dinner Carolina's Market Restaurant
Day 3
- Morning Culinary Archives & Museum at Johnson & Wales University
- Lunch Pito's Restaurant
- Afternoon The Dominican Festival
- Dinner Johnny's Chimis
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
When driving, I-95 is the most useful highway coming from the Boston or New York areas. I-95 Exit 18 will get you right into the heart of South Providence.
By bus
By taxi
Place Airport Taxi
Place Economy Cab
See
See Roger Williams Park
The largest park in Providence, constructed during the 1880s. It is named after Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, and was the family farm until being donated to the city in 1871. It represented the last of the original land grant to Roger Williams in 1638 from Canonicus, chief of the Narragansett tribe. The park covers 427 elaborately decorated acres and contains seven lakes. It houses many live musical events including the Dominican Pride Festival, every August. Located within the park are the Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, the Japanese Gardens, the Victorian Rose Gardens, the Providence Police Department's Mounted Command center, the Dalrymple Boathouse and boat rentals, historical tours, a Carousel Village for children that includes the "Hasbro Boundless Playground," and the Roger Williams Park Casino. There are picnic areas, a concession stand, and often face painting too.
*
See Roger Williams Botanical Center
The largest public indoor display gardens in New England, covering approximately 12,000 square feet of indoor gardens. There is a great diversity of unique and exotic flowers and plants. A nice place to be surrounded by color and nature.
*
See Roger Williams Park Zoo
Opened in 1872, this is one of the nation’s oldest zoos. It is one of Rhode Island’s top tourist attractions, bringing in over half a million people annually from all over the country. It is home to well over 100 species of animals, including many rare and endangered species. The zoo blends history and culture with the animals. For example, in the Marco Polo exhibit you can watch a video of his exploration on a replica of his ship before ending your journey with real live camels, like in his travels. The zoo also features a fun and exciting dinosaur exhibit (separate admission, $4 per adult and $3 per child or senior). First Saturday of the month is free for Providence residence with proof of residency.
*Enjoy half-priced admission throughout January and February. There are many heated exhibit buildings throughout the Zoo, such as the Textron Elephant & Giraffe Pavilion, the Tropical America building, and the Australasia building. *Zoobilee! Feast with Beasts is the Zoo’s largest annual fundraiser. Enjoy live music, dancing, food and drink from the area’s best restaurants, caterers and bars, and more. *Thanksgiving for the Animals - Celebrate Thanksgiving in a wild way by helping to make enriching treats for zoo residents. From paper mache prey filled with edible treats to stimulating scents hidden in an exhibit area, enriching activities help the mentally and physically challenged our animals. *Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular - Running through the month of October is the evening event of the Jack-O-Lantern trail. Open 6-11pm this event showcases many talented pumpkin carver's creations. These carvings vary between traditional Jack-O-Lantern faces to highly detailed carvings of historic figures, endangered species, and celebrities. While waiting in line there are costumed characters that stroll along, and quiet jazz to help set the relaxed, but entertaining atmosphere. From Oct 7- Oct 31, the zoo is surrounded by on hundreds of artfully carved jack-o-lanterns depicting people, places, and scenes from popular culture to old-time favorites and everything in between. Prices for admission are $12 adults, $10 seniors (62+), $9 children ages 3 – 12 (under 3 are free). This event is open from 6-10PM. *Spooky Zoo - for the last 2 weekends in October, the zoo is turned into "Spooky Zoo" which is full of activities for kids and families. Events include trick or treating, fairytale characters, and a Marco Polo maze. There are tons of games, prizes, treats, and a costume contest. Admission is $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for children, and $4.95 for toddlers.
*
See Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
Founded in 1896, the Museum of Natural History is Rhode Island’s only natural history museum and houses the state’s sole public planetarium. The museum is modest in size, yet houses a wide array of local selections: birds, marine animals, insects, floral and faunal species, minerals, and fossils. About 85% of the collection is natural history, while the other 15% is cultural materials, such as the tools and textiles of New England’s Native American populations. The building's colonial style of architecture is history lesson in itself. See the museum for a quiet and intimate learning experience. This museum is highly recommended for children, as it hosts tons of interactive activities and workshops. The Cormack Planetarium offers shows such as Cosmic Collisions, Field Trip to the Moon, Our Place In Space, and Sky Views, typically lasting approximately 35 minutes. Shows rotate often and are offered to both general and family audiences. The planetarium shows run usually for a half hour, and are available Saturday and Sunday at 2PM, and daily during RI Spring and Winter breaks . The planetarium features a state-of-the-art Zeiss star projector and an enlarged domed ceiling, which is able to show the starry sky and the motions of the planets at unprecedented detail.
*
See Temple to Music
Hosts multiple music concerts and festivals in the summer and fall months. The building was a gift from a local olive oil merchant and is made of Vermont marble. It was dedicated in 1924, and since has served as a backdrop to countless festivals, events, and wedding photos.
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See Hasbro Play Ground
A 20,000-square-foot playground that is accessible to children of all levels and abilities. Great place for parents to relax and let their children have fun. Has swings, slides, and games for children of all ages, from babies to teens.
*
See Boat Rides
Right next to the zoo, one can find paddle boats available. They only hold two people, but its lots of fun and a great way to see all the beautiful nature surrounding you. There are restrictions on how far you can go and life jackets are provided.
*
See Personal Tour Boat Rides
Located at Queen Anne-style Dalrymple Boathouse. 30-minute historical boat tours of the Park's unique waterways, statues and landmarks are available on an electric boat. One boat holds 6 people and the cost is $5 per person.
*Tennis Courts/Baseball Field - The park has 8 tennis courts and a huge baseball field open to the public except when baseball league games are being played. Great place for children to run around and have fun. *
See Roger Williams Carousel Village
The carousel is a popular attraction at the park for children. It’s a Victorian carousel that consists of all different animals like camels, lions, rabbits and other magical creatures. The cost for riding the carousel is $1. There are also arcade games available as well for the children’s entertainment.
*Horse riding - During the spring and summer time, there is a small course where children under 70 lb can ride a pony around. It is at the entrance of the carousel. Costs $5 for a 5-minute ride.
See Culinary Archives & Museum at Johnson & Wales University
This museum documents the history of the culinary and hospitality industries, which includes a diner and stove museum.
Do
Do The Dominican Festival
Every August, Broad St and the Roger Williams Park hold the Dominican Pride festival in Rhode Island. The festival includes face painting, a parade, food from local businesses and live Latin music. Thousands of people come out of their homes and hang out on broad st. every year. Actual Festival Date may vary, but is normally held on the first weekend of August.
Do Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
A Halloween event that is held every year at the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Thousands of beautifully, bizarrely, and creatively carved pumpkins are put on a dazzling display. It is an awe-inspiring attraction with Jack-O-Lanterns “depicting people, places, scenes from popular culture, old-time favorites,” such as the seven wonders of the world, and many other eccentricities, all with amazingly intricate detail. This is an event that can be enjoyed by friends, couples, and the entire family. For those running on empty stomachs, there is a specially offered Harvest Buffet. This local event has been featured on the Early Show, CNN, Associated Press, and USA Today (called, “extraordinary”). The proceeds will help support the Roger Williams Park Zoo education and conservation efforts, as well as zoo improvements.The event begins October 6 and runs through October 31st, from 6PM – 10PM (last ticket sold at 10PM, those on the trail can enjoy until 11PM when it closes).
Buy
Eat
Eat Carolina's Market Restaurant
Carolina's restaurant is well known in the community for serving delicious Hispanic cuisine. Their menu ranges from meat pies, to salad and dishes that include chicken, beef and pork.
Eat Apsara
Cambodian, Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese food all-in-one sounds too good to be true, but look no further, Apsara is the perfect restaurant. Apsara is family owned and has been open for over twenty years. Apsara has a variety of dishes to choose from for dining in or ordering out.
Eat Pito's Restaurant
Another Hispanic restaurant which serves Latin food. Pito serves an abundance of food ranging from rice to beans, chicken, spaghetti and plantains.
Eat Ada's Creations
Family owned restaurant/café and bakery. Ada’s restaurant specializes in making personal sandwiches. Also, Ada creates pastries and cakes for special events when ordered ahead of time.
Eat La Sonrisa
Best Spanish/Dominican food around with affordable daily specials. From Chicken rice and beans to seafood salad. Order in or take out.
Eat Johnny's Chimis (The Chimi Truck)
This is the most well known chimi truck on Broad street. It is the Red truck with lights and always has a line of loyal customers craving their specialty food which is the chimi. They also have the pastelitos, which are the Dominican version of meat pies, but they have them in a variety of fillings such as chicken, beef, and pizza.
Eat El Pez Dorado Restaurant
If you want to grab lunch on your break or want to kick back with your friends they have a small cafeteria to sit in or take out, then for the friends and even special someone, take them to the club/restaurant for a nice dinner and dance. Some nights they will have live bands playing tipico (typical music generally merengue or mambo). And on even more special nights they will have Latin artists come out to perform. Call ahead for table reservations.
Eat Brother's Famous Pizza
A community-based pizza shop that serves delicious pizza, wings, grinders, pasta-among other menu options-at reasonably low prices. Friendly staff, food made the way you like, and fast delivery.
Drink
Drink Ada's Creations
Café in the day, bar by night. Ada's has two floors with an intimate environment at night where friends can grab a drink and dance. Ada’s holds a small capacity and is well-known for holding private parties.
Drink Mi Sueno Restaurant
It is the second biggest club on Broad St. Capacity wise. They have a bar with a variety of beers and drinks being sold. They have bottle services and hookah service as well. It is the only club on Broad St. where you are allowed to sit outside at a table and be waited on and enjoy your drink. The club portion of the club is open Thursday-Sunday, and serve the 18+ crowd to party and 21+ to drink.
Sleep
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