Five Amazing Road Trips: Rhode Island

The New England state of Rhode Island offers many unique opportunities to experience the history, culture, and natural beauty of the area. Being the smallest state according to size comes with a few perks, such as always having a beautiful beach or ocean view a short drive away. From the historic neighborhoods in Providence and Newport to the coastal small towns and villages, Rhode Island is packed with surprises, including culinary gems, boutique shops, and unique points of interest. Families will enjoy the award-winning Roger Williams Park Zoo or witnessing an evening performance of WaterFire in downtown Providence. Look no further than the small coastal cities and towns for a romantic weekend escape to one of the many luxury hotels and resorts. There’s no bad time to visit, so check the annual events and festivals calendar and time your next trip with one of the many exciting celebrations that take place throughout the year. Our day trip recommendations are all within a one-hour drive of Providence and showcase some of the best destinations in the state.

Here are five great day trips across the Ocean State:

Bristol (Museums & Attractions)

The maritime town of Bristol, home to Roger Williams University, is a short drive southeast of Providence. From the historic downtown, location of the oldest three-story frame house in New England (Joseph Reynolds House) to Colt State Park, with its postcard-like views of Narragansett Bay, there is plenty to do in this small town. Our day trip takes you to Blithewold, the 33-acre summer estate of Augustus and Bessie Van Wickle, for a tour of the 45-room mansion still furnished with the family’s heirlooms. With the audio guide, take a casual walk through all three floors of the mansion stopping at points of interest along the way. Upon returning to the first floor, step onto the 10-acre great lawn and explore the beautiful gardens that date back to the late 1800’s. If you have a little extra time, end this day trip at the nearby Herreshoff Marine Museum. The museum showcases the boats and accomplishments of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and its involvement in America’s Cup racing history.

Narragansett (The Outdoors)

Spend a day relaxing and exploring in the small coastal town of Narragansett (known by locals as “Gansett”), a must-visit destination in Rhode Island’s South County. During the summer months the area’s main attractions are the beautiful beaches, all with views of Narragansett Bay. For this day trip, we recommend taking the short drive from the centrally located Narragansett Pier along Ocean Road to Scarborough State Beach. The wide sandy beach and adjacent boardwalk beckon, whether you plan to sunbath, picnic with the family, or catch some waves and cool off. Then head away from the central hub to do some New England sightseeing and seek out some of the hidden gem restaurants serving fresh seafood in the nearby fishing villages of Galilee, Jerusalem, and Point Judith. If you stay in town, the Coast Guard House Restaurant never disappoints and has a great outdoor deck to enjoy the late afternoon and evening.

New Shoreham (Small Town Experience) 

Located just nine miles off the coast of Rhode Island, a trip to Block Island should be on everyone’s bucket list. Ferries to the island are available year-round— the high-speed Block Island Ferry from Point Judith is a short 30–minute trip, disembarking in New Shoreham (coincidentally the smallest town in the smallest state). For this trip, you don’t need a car— we highly recommend renting a bicycle to explore the island’s hidden beauty on a casual bike ride on the lightly trafficked roads. The island is approximately seven miles by three miles with a few surprisingly steep hills, an important detail to think about while making the short walk from the ferry to Island Moped and Bike Rental and deciding between a bicycle or a moped! Grab a map just in case, and spend a few hours exploring the island.  A few of our favorite stops are the 1661 Exotic Animal Farm and Gardens to see the yak and other exotic animals, the Spring House Hotel to have a drink on the lawn, and Southeast Lighthouse at Mohegan Bluffs to take a picture. After returning the bikes and before catching a late ferry to the mainland, wander along the charming downtown area filled with grand hotels, quaint inns, unique shops, and an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars.   

Newport (Museums & Attractions)

For over a century, the small city of Newport has been a popular summer destination. Today, it’s a place to relax and enjoy the picturesque views of Narragansett Bay, tour the Gilded Age mansions along Bellevue Avenue, or meet up with friends and family for a stroll before experiencing the local culinary scene. There really is something for everyone, and visits during the shoulder seasons are just as rewarding as the peak summer months. Our day trip recommendation takes you to the Cliff Walk, a National Recreation Trail that provides public access to the beauty of the Newport shoreline, but also meanders along the backyards of Newport’s mansions. After the 3.5-mile walk (one-way), you might be interested in seeing inside one of the mansions. Luckily, tours are available through The Preservation Society of Newport County and Newport Restoration Foundation. Each one of the properties is unique, so check the websites for special tours and behind-the-scenes opportunities to upgrade your Gilded Age experience. No trip to Newport is complete without a walk along the cobblestones of Thames Street, lined with dozens of boutique stores and a wide range of culinary options before ending your day in one of the best small cities in the country.

Saunderstown (Tours & Experiences)

The small village of Saunderstown, actually a neighborhood in Narragansett, is the birthplace of the artist Gilbert Stuart. If the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, have a look at in your wallet— he painted the Athenaeum Portrait of George Washington that appears on the one-dollar bill. This day trip brings you to the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum for a guided tour that takes you to the year 1755, and possibly the oldest house you will ever step foot into, while highlighting the life and accomplishments of America’s Master Portrait Artist. The walls of the home are adorned with many reproductions of Stuart’s work. If you want to see the original Athenaeum Portrait, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Other interesting sites at the museum include the fully restored gristmill and a snuff mill in the basement of the house, the exact location of the first snuff mill in the New England colonies. After the tour, spend some time taking pictures around the property, this is as genuinely New England as it gets!

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!