Rhode Island Road Trip Itinerary
The Rhode Island Road Trip is the perfect way to explore the wonders of this small state. Starting in the city of Warwick, the 315 km route takes you through Westerly, Charlestown, Narragansett, Newport, and Portsmouth, winding through some of the most beautiful beaches and landscapes in the region. The best time to take this trip is during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and the days are long. With stunning views and excellent road conditions, this road trip offers an unforgettable experience that can be enjoyed by drivers of all levels. However, it should be noted that this trip requires a high budget, so plan accordingly. With the right planning, you can make the most of this road trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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315 km
route length
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family
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START
Warwick
Distance 315 km
Driving time 5.7 h
Pace: modest
81.9 kWh
Airports
PVD
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Warwick is a city in Kent County, Rhode Island, United States. It is the second largest city in the state, with a population of over 81,000 people. Warwick is situated close to the border of Massachusetts and Connecticut, making it an ideal starting point for the Rhode Island Road Trip.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is T.F. Green Airport (PVD). Car rentals are available from the airport, making it easy to explore the sights of Warwick and beyond.
Warwick has plenty to offer visitors, from its gorgeous beaches to its vibrant art scene. The Warwick Museum of Art is a great place to start, with an impressive collection of contemporary and traditional art. The Warwick City Park is also worth a visit, with its lush green lawns and tranquil ponds.
For a taste of history, the Governor Francis Farmhouse is a must-see, with its original colonial-era architecture. The historic Apponaug Village is also worth a visit, with its distinctive brick buildings and cobblestone streets.
For those who want to get out on the water, the Warwick Yacht Club is the perfect spot to rent a boat and explore the bay. For a unique experience, take a tour of the Warwick Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in the country.
Whatever your interest, Warwick is sure to have something for everyone. So start your Rhode Island Road Trip in Warwick and explore the many sights this beautiful city has to offer.
1
Warwick
- Westerly
Distance 61 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
18.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Warwick to Westerly? This 38-mile journey will take you less than an hour to complete and offers some of the most interesting sites to explore.
Start your journey in Warwick, where you can visit the Warwick Museum of Art and the Aldrich Mansion. The museum features a wide range of exhibits from the historical to the contemporary, while the Aldrich Mansion is an amazing example of a 19th century estate.
Continue your journey to Westerly, where you can explore the Watch Hill Lighthouse, the Flying Horse Carousel, and the Misquamicut State Beach. The lighthouse is a beautiful historic landmark, while the carousel is the oldest in America. The Misquamicut State Beach offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is great for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
Throughout your journey, be sure to take in the beautiful sights that Rhode Island has to offer. Keep an eye out for historical sites and other attractions along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Westerly - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Westerly
- Charlestown
Distance 35 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
9.1 kWh
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Are you ready for a fun road trip from Westerly to Charlestown? This 22-mile journey will take you less than an hour and you'll get to explore some of the most interesting places in the area.
Start your adventure in Westerly and visit the beautiful Wilcox Park, a great place for a picnic, or take a stroll along the trails for a peaceful walk. Then, head to the Westerly Armory to learn about the history of the region.
When you arrive in Charlestown, you'll find plenty of interesting sites to explore. Check out Ninigret Park, a great spot to relax and take in the views, or the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge for a nature lover's paradise.
For a more educational experience, visit the Charlestown Breachway, a historic site that is home to some of the area's most beautiful beaches. Finally, don't forget to visit the Charlestown Historical Museum for an insight into the area's past.
As you make your way through this stage of your road trip, be sure to pay attention to the historical sites along the way. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Charlestown - United States - North America - Road Trip - Flickr
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3
Charlestown
- Narragansett
Distance 39 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
10.1 kWh
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Welcome to the Charlestown-Narragansett road trip! This stage of the tour is a 24mi journey that will take you less than an hour to complete. You will be able to see some of the most interesting places in the area, such as the Charlestown Breachway, the Charlestown Town Beach, and the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge.
In Charlestown, you can visit the Charlestown Breachway, a great spot for fishing, swimming, and bird watching. The Charlestown Town Beach is the perfect place for a picnic and for sunbathing.
As you drive to Narragansett, you will pass through the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, a great place to observe wildlife and enjoy nature.
Once you arrive in Narragansett, you can visit the Narragansett Town Beach and the Narragansett Pier. The Town Beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The Pier is great for fishing and for taking in the views of the Atlantic Ocean.
To get the most out of this stage of the tour, please check the "Itinerary" section for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your Charlestown-Narragansett road trip!
Narragansett - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Narragansett
- Newport
Distance 23 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
6.8 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Narragansett to Newport? This 14mi journey takes less than an hour to complete, and you'll be able to explore the historical sites of two of Rhode Island's most famous cities.
As you drive along the picturesque coastline, keep an eye out for the mysterious towers of the historic Fort Adams, a 19th-century coastal defense fortification. Further down the road, you'll find the charming colonial-style houses of the Point neighborhood, and the breathtaking views of the Narragansett Bay.
Once you arrive in Newport, you'll be able to explore the city's many attractions, including the breathtaking views of the ocean from the Cliff Walk and the impressive mansions of the Bellevue Avenue Historic District. Don't forget to check out the many shops, restaurants, and galleries that make up the vibrant downtown area.
This is just one of the many stages of this incredible road trip, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the itinerary. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Newport - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Newport - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Newport - United States - North America - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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5
Newport
- Portsmouth
Distance 36 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: modest
9.3 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! Let us take you on an exciting journey from Newport to Portsmouth. This 22mi drive will take you less than an hour and you will be able to experience some of the most interesting places in the area.
Start your journey from Newport and visit the Breakers, a magnificent mansion which was the summer home of the Vanderbilt family. Explore the 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palace and its breathtaking gardens.
Continue your tour to Portsmouth, a beautiful coastal town. Here, you can see the oldest house in Rhode Island, the Quaker Meeting House, and the Portsmouth Historical Society.
This is just a small part of the larger tour, but it will offer you a great taste of the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Portsmouth - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Portsmouth
- Pawtucket
Distance 97 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: modest
25.1 kWh
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Start your journey in Portsmouth, a beautiful city located in Rhode Island, and take a 60mi drive that will take you less than 2 hours to complete. Your first stop will be Tiverton, a town known for its historical buildings, beautiful landscapes, and a variety of outdoor activities. Here, you can visit the Tiverton Four Corners, a historic district with a rich cultural heritage, and the Fogland Beach, where you can take in the stunning views of the Sakonnet River.
Continue your journey to Sakonnet, a picturesque town with a maritime history. Here, you can explore the Sakonnet Point Lighthouse, a stunning piece of architecture, and the Sakonnet Vineyards, where you can taste some of the finest wines in the region.
Finally, end your journey in Pawtucket, a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. Here, you can visit the Slater Mill Historic Site, a world-famous museum that tells the story of America's industrial revolution, and the Slater Memorial Park, a beautiful park with a variety of attractions.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Pawtucket - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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7
Pawtucket
- Providence
Distance 10 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: modest
2.5 kWh
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Welcome to the Pawtucket-Providence road trip! This 6mi stage of your journey will take you less than an hour to complete. Start your journey from Pawtucket, a city with a rich textile history, and make sure to visit the Slater Mill, the first successful water-powered cotton spinning factory in the US. Don't forget to check out the Blackstone River State Park, where you can go kayaking and fishing.
Continue your journey to Providence, the capital of Rhode Island. Here you can explore the historic sites like the John Brown House Museum and the Rhode Island State House. The Waterfire Providence is a must-see, a public art installation of over 80 bonfires that light up the three rivers of the city. Also, don't forget to take a stroll through the city's many parks, like Prospect Terrace Park, to enjoy the views.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along this route, please check the Itinerary section of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Providence - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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8
Providence
- Warwick
Distance 16 km
Driving time 0.3 h
Pace: modest
4.1 kWh
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Welcome to the Providence-Warwick road trip! This 10-mile drive will take you less than an hour and will be filled with plenty of historical sites and fun activities.
Start your journey in Providence, the capital of Rhode Island and the third-oldest city in the United States. Here you can explore the city’s many historic attractions such as the Rhode Island State House, the John Brown House Museum, and the Providence Athenaeum.
Continue your journey to Warwick, a city with a rich history and plenty of attractions. Here you can visit the Warwick Museum of Art, the Aldrich Mansion, and the Warwick Neck Lighthouse.
Don’t forget to take in the beauty of the Narragansett Bay as you drive through Warwick. Be sure to take a few photos of the gorgeous coastal views.
As you travel along this road trip, you’ll be able to take in some of the best sites Rhode Island has to offer. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Warwick
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Warwick is the perfect ending point for your Rhode Island Road Trip. Located in Kent County, Rhode Island, and just a few miles south of Providence, Warwick is a city of adventure, culture, and history.
Start your Warwick adventure at the Warwick Museum of Art. Located in historic Apponaug Village, the museum offers both permanent and rotating exhibits of fine art, as well as lectures, workshops and special events. For a more active adventure, take a trip to Goddard Memorial State Park. With its two-mile beach, fishing, camping, and hiking trails, there's something for everyone.
Don't miss out on the historical sites such as the Governor Sprague Mansion and the Warwick Historical Society, both of which offer interesting and educational tours. If shopping is more your speed, Warwick Mall offers a variety of stores, from national chains to local boutiques. And for outdoor fun, try exploring the Warwick City Park system, which includes more than 1,000 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces.
When it's time to leave, Warwick is conveniently located near the T.F. Green International Airport (PVD). This airport offers daily flights to and from major cities in the United States and Europe.
Warwick offers something for everyone and is the perfect way to end your Rhode Island Road Trip. Whether you're looking for culture, history, or just some fun in the sun, Warwick has it all.
Rhode Island Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Warwick
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End:
Warwick
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Distance:
315 km
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Stay:
7 days
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Getting there:
Theodore Francis Green State Airport (PVD)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the captivating Rhode Island Road Trip, a journey that stretches across approximately 196 miles (315 km) of the nation's smallest state, starting from Warwick. This adventure will take you through Rhode Island's quintessential New England landscapes and along its enchanting coastline. Discover the unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and coastal charm that this tiny gem of a state has to offer.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- The picturesque towns of Westerly, renowned for its stunning beaches and the summer Shakespeare in the Park performances;
- Charlestown, a peaceful haven with pristine natural preserves;
- Narragansett, boasting beautiful beaches and the historic Point Judith Lighthouse;
- Newport, a treasure trove of Gilded Age opulence with its historic mansions, like The Breakers and Marble House, and the world-famous Cliff Walk offering breathtaking ocean views;
- Portsmouth, symbolizing a fusion of history, with sites like the Portsmouth Abbey, and coastal allure.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal seasons for this Road Trip are spring and summer, when travelers can enjoy mild weather, longer daylight hours, and witness Rhode Island's flora and fauna in full flourish. These seasons also coincide with many of the state's festivals and outdoor events.
Potential Risks:
Visitors should plan their budgets carefully, as expenses can accumulate, especially in upscale areas such as Newport, where luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and high-end shopping are the norm. Always check for seasonal price fluctuations and book in advance to secure better rates.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
Rhode Island may be small, but it packs a punch with its well-maintained Roads and panoramic views. The state's compact size means that even a short drive can lead to a rich variety of attractions, allowing for a comprehensive exploration without spending excessive time on the Road. Additionally, Rhode Island is the only state where all the beaches are free to the public, adding a budget-friendly aspect to your coastal adventures.
A good choice for:
With thoughtful planning and a suitable budget, a Rhode Island Road Trip can be a remarkable journey, full of captivating sights and experiences. Whether it's the state's sandy shores, colonial towns, or cultural landmarks, the memories made here are sure to be as enduring as the lighthouses dotting its coastline.