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Drive To 6 Incredible Summer Spots Throughout Rhode Island On This Scenic Weekend Road Trip

Explore Rhode Island's charming towns and scenic spots on a summer weekend road trip.

Published Jun 28, 2021

Written by 

Jessica Wick

Weekends and road trips were made for each other, and they're especially magical in the summer. And even though Rhode Island is small, you can still enjoy a beautiful weekend road trip without ever leaving the state...in fact, you'll have plenty of time to experience the full bliss that is the Ocean State in the summertime.

Pack an overnight bag, map out some ice cream stops along the way, and prepare to play tourist at home for awhile.

Map of Rhode Island highlighting a summer weekend road trip route from Point Judith to Bristol, with key stops marked.
Google Maps

1. Bristol

A scenic waterfront path with a flag, cyclists, and a view of a building along the shoreline.
JJBers / Flickr

Start your weekend in beautiful Bristol, our deep-water seaport named after Bristol, England. Grab a latte from Empire Tea & Coffee and take a morning stroll down the waterfront.

Bristol is home to Blithewold, which was once the summer home of the Van Wickle family.

A stone archway surrounded by vibrant flowers and lush greenery in a serene garden setting.
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum / Google

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum span about 30 acres, and you can take yourself on a self-guided tour beginning at 10 a.m. each day.

2. Newport

A rocky coastline under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds, waves crashing against the shore.
Adrian Scottow / Flickr

You could easily spend a few days simply exploring Newport. But of you only have an afternoon, just take a walk at the Cliff Walk, enjoy some lunch at the Black Pearl or one of the other iconic eateries, and enjoy some shopping.

3. Jamestown

A serene harbor scene at sunset, featuring boats, wooden buildings, and a rope coiled on a dock.
Garen M / Flickr

There's so much to love about charming Jamestown. Named after James, the Duke of York, this little town played a big role in planning the American Revolution. The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum is a must-see.

4. Narragansett

A serene sunset over a harbor filled with sailboats, with a bridge silhouetted in the background.
Mr. Nixter / Flickr

Next, head over to Narragansett to enjoy some dinner and an incredible sunset. We don't know what it is about sunsets over Naragansett Bay, but they're absolutely enchanting. Spend the night at one of the little seaside hotels to get the full tourist experience.

5. Point Judith

A tall lighthouse beside a small white building, set against a clear blue sky and calm ocean. Green grass in the foreground.
Rawpixel LTD / Flickr

Before you leave Narragansett, you'll definitely want to check out the Point Judith Lighthouse. Located on the west side of the entrance to Narragansett Bay, this lighthouse dates all the way back to 1816. The original structure, which was destroyed by a hurricane, was built in 1810.

6. Charlestown

A serene shoreline with calm water, sandy beach, and lush greenery under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Kristy Lee / Google

Charlestown is home to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, which holds 858 acres of preserved wetlands. This is the perfect peaceful place to come on a warm summer day.

Where else would you go on a Rhode Island road trip like this?

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