Recreation

Beaches

Located in the sprawling Colt State Park, Bristol Town Beach (401/253-7482, www.riparks.com [1]) is the most accessible beach in the East Bay [2], but tends to be somewhat rocky and crowded in the summer.

Hiking and Biking

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island (1401 Hope St./Rte. 114, Bristol, 401/245-7500, www.asri.org [3]) runs an excellent environmental center and wildlife preserve on the bay coast. Along with nature exhibits (including a 33-foot-long whale model), it maintains boardwalks and paths to nearby marshes.

The 15-mile East Bay Bike Path (www.riparks.com [1]) offers beautiful views of the bay as it meanders from East Providence [4] to Bristol [5]. Bikes can be rented from Your Bike Shop (51 Cole St., Warren, 401/245-9755).

Sailing and Boating

Cygnus Sailing Adventures (401/413-8109, www.sailcygnus.com [6]) offers narrated sails in Bristol harbor on the gaff-rigged sloop Cygnus. The East Bay Sailing Foundation (Bristol Yacht Club, Poppasquash Rd., Bristol, 401/253-0775, www.bristolyc.com [7]) offers sailing instruction in 15-foot Mercurys.

Bay Queen Cruises (461 Water St., Bristol, 401/245-1350, www.bayqueen.com [8]) provides narrated tours of the bay on a 114-foot cruise boat. Ocean State Adventures (99 Poppasquash Rd., Bristol, 401/254-4000, www.kayakri.com [9]) rents out sea kayaks as well as leading nature tours and moonlight paddles in the bay.