New England autumns are world-famous and for good reason. Most Rhode Islanders anxiously anticipate autumn's arrival all year long, awaiting that vibrant foliage. And while some traditional events and activities will have to wait until next year, going on some of the best scenic drives in Rhode Island is never canceled. Here are a few routes that are absolutely enchanting this time of year:
The Ocean Drive Historic District is only about a 10-mile trek, but every bit of it is breathtaking, especially in the fall. The winding drive offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Newport Mansions, and the stunning Cliff Walk. This is one of the best Rhode Island scenic drives.
Is rural farmland more your style? Route 138 takes you through the Hope Valley and North Kingstown, past the University of Rhode Island. It's one of the most magical scenic byways in Rhode Island.
Conanicut Island (also called Jamestown Island) is a delightful place to visit any time of year. Driving the roads of this island town will provide you with views of Narragansett Bay, rolling fields, historic homes, and its village center. And it's all sprinkled with beautiful fall foliage. This is one of the most breathtaking Rhode Island fall color drives.
When it comes to the best scenic drives in Rhode Island, you really can't go wrong this time of year - it's all getting more colorful by the day. This season is a real stunner in New England, and it's definitely a great time to explore your own backyard. And if you'd rather have an itinerary mapped out for you, just follow the path of our Rhode Island fall foliage road trip.
My love of reading has taken me to some pretty amazing places, from the literary haven of Dublin, where I walked the streets that James Joyce described in Dubliners to Harriet Beecher Stowe's home in Hartford. However, there's nothing that sparks my imagination more than the magnificent literary history and libraries and bookshops that are found right here in Rhode Island. Whether you're looking for your next great read, want to soak up timeless literature, or need a bit of inspiration, this literary road trip in Rhode Island is sure to do the trick.
Home to such prolific authors as HP Lovecraft and Cormac McCarthy (well, for the first few years of his life), Rhode Island is a book lover's dream come true. Explore some of the many amazing libraries and bookstores on this short but sweet road trip. You can easily customize the Google Maps directions to add or remove as many stops as you like.
Let's start our literary adventure at Westerly Library & Wilcox Park in Westerly. If you have a library card, bring it. You might want to check out a book in this beautiful library that features a rotating art gallery and hosts used book sales from time to time. Save time to go for a stroll in the gardens outdoors, where you can sit down and read or soak up the natural beauty.
Our next stop brings us to Twice Told Tales in Cranston. Nestled in Pawtuxet Village, the cozy bookshop boasts an eclectic selection of new and used books and one-of-a-kind gifts. Customers provide glowing reviews for the large selection of books and the affordable prices.
We're heading to Providence and the Providence Athenaeum, an independent library that's been a city staple for more than two centuries. You can't check out books unless you're a member, but you can explore this magnificent literary treasure on a self-guided tour and marvel at its large collection. Membership allows you to check out materials and join reading clubs, so it's worth considering joining.
If you've been traveling and exploring all day, you've probably worked up an appetite. That makes our next stop, archive book + snackery, come at just the right time. Meander past rows and rows of gently-used books in search of your next read. Then grab a chair for a snack and a drink. The menu features such tasty options as lettuce wraps, marinated white beans on toast, and tinned fish. Pair your snack with a cocktail, mocktail, or glass of homemade lemonade.
Tucked in Newport's Historic District, Charter Books is an independent bookstore that beckons readers from all over Rhode Island. Stop by to browse through the large selection of books, and keep an eye on the bookshop's calendar. It often hosts author signings and storytime and crafts for the little ones.
Our final stop brings us to Wakefield Books, a classic in the Wakefield Mall. Stock up on the latest bestsellers and dig through the bargain books to find those literary gems. The popular bookshop in Wakefield also sells a variety of games, puzzles, and unique gifts.
What do you think of this literary road trip in Rhode Island? What other stops would you add? Let us know in the comments! Road-tripping in Rhode Island is so easy and so much fun. We've got you covered with more of the best road trips in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the country at 45 by 37 miles, but that doesn't mean it's not a good place for a road trip. In fact, it's a great state for a road trip! If you're looking for some of the best road trips in Rhode Island, we're here to help. Here is an extensive list that includes our best road trips in Rhode Island. So gas up the car or charge your EV and let's hit the road!
Route: Newport's Cliff Walk > Coast Guard Restaurant in Narragansett > Block Island's Mohegan Bluffs
Distance: 38.5 miles
Trip Time: 1 hour 59 minutes
It's rather easy to take a one-day road trip within Rhode Island as it is such a small state. But we put together an epic one-day road trip that starts in Newport at the Cliff Walk at sunrise. You'll then head on down to Narragansett for a delicious meal at The Coast Guard Restaurant before hopping on a ferry to Block Island where you can take in a beautiful sunset from atop a cliff. This Rhode Island road trip itinerary is simple yet gives you a great variety of locations that exemplify the best of the state. IIf you're looking for quick road trips in Rhode Island, this one is your best bet!
Route: Colt State Park > Burlingame State Park > Lincoln Woods State Park
Distance: 99.1 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours 14 minutes
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If you're looking for a road trip through Rhode Island over the long weekend, consider taking this three days at three state parks road trip. While it gives a great variety of parks throughout the state, this is an opportunity to spend time exploring each one. Begin at Colt State Park in Bristol where you can hike, bike, or picnic along the water. On the second day, you can head to Charlestown's Burlingame State Park which has a beach and a campground. This trip ends at Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln on the third day. Here, you can get in plenty of hiking or take a dip in the pond. This could be one of the best weekend road trips in Rhode Island.
Route: Point Judith Lighthouse > Beavertail Lighthouse > Lime Rock Lighthouse > Newport Harbor Light > Castle Hill Lighthouse
Distance: 147 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 58 minutes
One of the most charming aspects of the Ocean State, and New England in general, is seeing a lighthouse. So, if you're one who enjoys seeing these gorgeous historic beacons along the coast, take a Rhode Island lighthouses road trip. It's one of the best Rhode Island road trips you can take.
Route: Bristol > Neutaconkanut Hill Park > Warwick City Park > Goddard Memorial State Park Beach > Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge > Colt State Park
Distance: 85.4 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours 36 minutes
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Have you thought you've seen all there is to see in the Ocean State? Well, think again! There are quite a few places tucked away that maybe you haven't discovered yet. That's why you should take a Rhode Island hidden gems road trip. You'll start at the highly overlooked town of Bristol before driving to Neutaconkanut Hill Park to take in views of Providence. Once you've had your fill of Providence and have taken enough pictures, the next stop is Warwick City Park which sits along the water (maybe grab some clam cakes and chowder from Iggy's and have a picnic here). Then you can check out nearby Goddard Memorial State Park Beach where you can take a walk along the lovely sandy beach. Next, this road trip leads to Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown for some hiking and birding. And the sixth and final stop is none other than Colt State Park in Bristol, the end to a perfect day!
Route: Ponaganset Falls > Harrisville Falls > Round Top Fishing Area > Albion Falls > Robin Hollow Pond Falls > Slater Mill > Pawtuxet Village Falls > Kenyon Mill Falls > Shannock Horseshoe Falls > Stepstone Falls
Distance: 110 miles
Trip Time: 2 hours 54 minutes
While the Ocean State isn't really known for its waterfalls, there are quite a few to be found around the state, especially in the springtime once the snow and ice melt. Now, some of these waterfalls are manmade, but that doesn't make them any less beautiful. Here is the itinerary for the ultimate Rhode Island waterfalls road trip. Starting at Ponagansett Falls in Scituate, you'll then make your way through the towns of Burrillville, Lincoln, Cumberland, Pawtucket, Warwick, South Kingstown, Richmond, and West Greenwich to discover falls along the way.
Route: East Beach > Narragansett Town Beach > Cascade Brook Falls > Waterfall Café > Stepstone Falls > Watch Hill Beach
Distance: 138 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
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There's no way you can be in Rhode Island in the summer and not hit the beach. Discover some of the best beaches, along with a few waterfalls, on this road trip to some of the most impressive Rhode Island beaches and waterfalls. You'll start at East Beach in Charlestown then check out Narragansett Town Beach before stopping to see the lovely Cascade Brook Falls in Greenville and the falls at Waterfall Café in Harrisville. After, you'll head south to West Greenwich to see Stepstone Falls before ending the trip at Watch Hill Beach in Westerly. This is the perfect road trip through Rhode Island to take during the summer.
Route: Lincoln Woods State Park > Sprague Farm > George B. Parker Woodland > Big River Management Area > Arcadia State Park > Burlingame State Park
Distance: 123 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 37 minutes
Most of us can agree that living in New England during autumn is one of the most spectacular experiences. From apple picking to corn mazes and pumpkin patches, there are just so many fantastic things to do and see. Few fall activities compare to taking a walk through the vibrantly changing leaves and the smallest state offers some pretty breathtaking places for leaf peeping. This Rhode Island fall foliage road trip is a perfect afternoon filled with the glory of the changing leaves.
When winter rolls around, 'tis the season for a Rhode Island Christmas towns road trip! Begin in Providence before venturing off to Bristol and then Newport where you can see the mansions decked out for the holidays. Next is Wickford where you can do a bit of shopping, and then head towards Connecticut and stop in the charming town of Westerly. This road trip would put any Grinch in the holiday spirit!
Route: Adventureland Family Fun Park > Biomes Marine Biology Center > Camp Nowhere > Roger Williams Park Zoo
Distance: 43.2 miles
Trip Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Need an adventure the whole family can enjoy? Take this family-friendly road trip through Rhode Island during summer break and create memories that will last a lifetime! This trip covers a wide variety of attractions to keep things interesting and your family entertained. And while you can rush and make this a day trip, it's probably best to do this trip over the course of two or three days, especially with children in tow.
Road Trip to Rhode Island Landmarks & Natural Wonders
Route: King Benson Preserve > Ocean Drive > Ninigret Park > Wilcox Park > Stepstone Falls > Jerimoth Hill > Pawtucket Falls > Providence River Walk > Colt State Park > Mohegan Bluffs
Distance: 209 miles
Trip Time: 6 hours 13 minutes
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There's no arguing that Rhode Island is a beautiful state full of gorgeous beaches, cliffs, woodlands, and more! If you want to discover some of the gorgeous landmarks and gems of the state, consider taking this hidden wonders of Rhode Island road trip. Over the course of a few days, you will take a scenic drive in Newport, discover the highest point in the state, go for a hike through the woods, hop aboard a ferry to Block Island, and more.
Trip Time: Families With Young Kids, Couples, etc.
In many ways, the state of Rhode Island feels like one big small town in and of itself. Us locals are used to running into familiar faces at just about every corner and taking in the same sights each day. That said, there are still many wonderful small towns found across the state that each offer something unique and worth scouting out. This road trip will take you through some of the most charming places the state has to offer! Visit historic fishing villages, lovely beaches, and beautiful state parks on this picturesque small town road trip. It may just be one of the best road trips to take in Rhode Island!
Are you ready for your next Ocean State adventure? What Rhode Island road trip itinerary will you use first? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to share your Rhode Island road trip map!
