Take This Epic Multi-Day Road Trip To Discover The Hidden Wonders Of Rhode Island
With all of its natural beauty and hidden gems, Rhode Island was practically created for road trips. Add all of those wonders to the state’s small size, and exploring is so easy and so fun. Explore some of the most amazing hidden wonders of Rhode Island on this multi-day road trip that will take you to all corners of the state.
Check out the itinerary that will take you over 200 miles to 10 amazing destinations that showcase some of the best that Rhode Island has to offer, including several incredible places to stay for the night. The first day will take you on four fun adventures that are sure to leave you happily exhausted by the end of the day. Check into a gorgeous room at a nearby Best Western hotel in Rhode Island to gear up for another day of fun in Rhode Island.
Our road trip begins at King Benson Preserve, a cozy 161-acre nature preserve that beckons nature lovers with its fairy tale tunnel of trees. Slip on a pair of comfy shoes for the three-mile trek along the King Benson Preserve Trail. Boasting an easy rating, the hike is brimming with natural beauty and lush green. However, it’s one of those hikes you can – and will want to – do in all seasons.
King/Benson Preserve, 2203 Boston Neck Rd, Saunderstown, RI 02874, USA
Get ready for some more fresh air and breathtaking scenery for our next stop, a 10-mile drive along the historic Ocean Drive in Newport. You can stay in the car for this one, or stop at one of the numerous sites along the way. The popular drive, also known as Ten Mile Drive, hugs the coastline, so you’ll be treated to stunning views of the ocean as you pass Newport’s famous Gilded Age mansions and Brenton Point State Park.
Ocean Drive Historic District, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Home to the beautiful Little Nini Pond, perfect for a dip during the summer, Ninigret Park offers a full menu of fun. Sunbathe on the sandy beach in the summer, for example. The park also features picnic areas, a hiking trail, and Frosty Drew Observatory and Nature Center, the latter of which is a must-visit.
Ninigret Park, 5 Park Ln, Charlestown, RI 02813, USA
One of the most unique stops on our road trip, Wilcox Park is home to the Westerly Library. Stop in to check out the rotating exhibits in the art gallery. Then head outdoors to explore the vibrant botanical garden. Meander along the path where you’ll pass colorful flowers, a fountain, and a pond, where you can watch the fish. Several benches dot the path, too, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. If you time it right, you might even catch a stunning Rhode Island sunset.
After a long day of exploring, head over to Best Western in West Greenwich for a luxurious night’s sleep.
After a long day of exploring, head over to Best Western in West Greenwich for a luxurious night’s sleep.
Westerly Library and Wilcox Park, 44 Broad St, Westerly, RI 02891, USA
Good morning, Rhode Island! Let’s start the day with a visit to one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful masterpieces: a waterfall. A breathtaking cascade that’s a must-see in all seasons, Stepstone Falls promises the perfect way to start our second day. Follow the 2.7-mile Ben Utter Trail that will lead you straight to the tumbling cascade. (Make sure you wear sturdy hiking shoes.)
Stepstone Falls, West Greenwich, RI 02817, USA
Catch your breath with a stop at the highest point in Rhode Island. Jerimoth Hill stands at just 812 feet. You’ll see a sign announcing your arrival at Jerimoth Hill. However, if you want to see the exact spot, pull over into a tiny parking lot. (There’s a sign.) Follow the hiking trail that’s about .03 of a mile, which will take you to a marker at the exact spot.
Jerimoth Hill, Foster, RI 02825, USA
Our next stop takes us to the adorable town of Pawtucket, where you might want to explore the darling shops and restaurants. However, we're starting at the breathtaking Pawtucket Falls. Admire the cascade from above on the nearby bridge, or head to the riverbank for a closer look. You definitely don't want to forget your camera on this hidden wonders Rhode Island road trip.
Pawtucket, RI, USA
Discover some of the best the city has to offer along the Providence River Walk, a 2.4-mile path that’s dotted with shops and restaurants. For a unique view of the city, climb aboard a gondola with La Gondola, or rent a kayak to explore.
Ready for another luxurious night’s sleep? Make your way to nearby Best Western Airport Inn Warwick.
Ready for another luxurious night’s sleep? Make your way to nearby Best Western Airport Inn Warwick.
Providence River Walk, US-44, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Gear up for a day of fun, starting at Colt State Park in Bristol, which boasts some of the state’s best shoreline. Go for a stroll along the shore, have a picnic, or sit back on one of the many benches and admire the views of the water. If you’ve got time, visit some of the charming downtown Bristol area, which is home to an assortment of adorable shops and restaurants.
Colt State Park, Route 114, Bristol, RI 02809, USA
A Rhode Island road trip wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Block Island. Hop aboard one of the ferries that will usher you from Newport or Port Judith. Both offer a high-speed ferry option or, if you prefer a leisurely ride, climb aboard the traditional ferry at Port Judith. Once you arrive on Block Island, head to Mohegan Bluffs, where you’ll be treated to some of the best views in Rhode Island, if not in the United States. Perched 200 feet above the ocean, the bluffs are absolutely spellbinding. You can view them from above or walk down the staircase to the shore to view them from below.
Mohegan Bluffs, New Shoreham, RI 02807, USA
What do you think about this Rhode Island hidden wonders road trip? What stops are looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments! After a day of exploring our beautiful state, don’t forget to check into one of the beautiful Best Western hotels in Rhode Island for a dreamy night’s sleep.