Take This Scenic Route And Drive To 4 Rhode Island State Parks In One Day
By Beth Price-Williams|Published October 25, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Living in a state as small as Rhode Island certainly has its advantages. We can, for example, pack a ton of exploration into a single day, especially with outdoor attractions so close together. When you’ve got a free day, hop behind the wheel and set off on an epic adventure that will take you to four Rhode Island state parks and a national historic district.
Drive time is short at just over one hour as you travel nearly 20 miles. You won’t burn a lot of gas or spend a lot of (or even any!) cash, unless you decide to add stops along the way. Here are the Google Map directions for this beautiful Rhode Island day trip.
Gorgeous windshield views await as you make your way to Beavertail State Park, the first stop on our daytrip. Boasting jaw-dropping views of Narragansett Bay, the state park is popular for hiking, fishing, and taking photos. You might even want to bring a picnic along. Read more about this beautiful state park in Rhode Island in our previous article.
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2. Fort Wetherill State Park – Jamestown
Fort Wetherill State Park, 3 Fort Wetherill Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835, USA
Our next stop brings us to the smallest state park in Rhode Island - and more breathtaking views. Spanning just over 61 acres, this tiny park packs a lot to do in a relatively small space. Stand atop chiseled cliffs for stunning views; set off on the single one-mile hiking trail, and explore the abandoned Fort Wetherill. Learn more about this hidden gem in Rhode Island by checking out our previous article.
Blending history and natural beauty, Fort Adams State Park is an ideal destination for exploration. Follow the 2.5-mile scenic walk that passes the fort (which you can tour at select times) and a military cemetery. Snap photos, too, of Newport Harbor. Have you been to this historic state park in Rhode Island yet?
4. Brenton Point State Park – Newport
Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840, USA
You really could spend all day at each of the Rhode Island state parks on this trip. Brenton Point State Park promises a full menu of fun, whether you want to go on a hike, have a picnic, fly a kite, or enjoy a stroll along the coast. Find out why Brenton Point State Park is an idyllic daytrip destination in Rhode Island.
5. Ocean Drive Historic District – Newport
Ocean Drive Historic District, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Let's end our daylong adventure behind the wheel and along the world-famous Ocean Drive. The 10-mile drive will lead you past some of the most breathtaking views in Rhode Island (and a few of the state parks on our itinerary). If you time it just right, you just might catch one of those glorious Newport sunsets. Do you agree that this is the most beautiful scenic drive in Rhode Island?
What are your favorite Rhode Island state parks? Let us know in the comments! Next time you need to get away from it all, go off the grid with a visit to this darling small town in Rhode Island.
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