One of the Most Scenic Drives In America Is Right Here In Rhode Island
Victoria W
Author
Folks have been traveling to Rhode Island to bask in its natural beauty for a long time, and one scenic road encompasses that beauty very well. In fact, it’s one of the best Rhode Island scenic drives around.
Newport’s famous Ocean Drive, on what is known as the Ten Mile Drive, received national attention in a previous year when it was named one of America’s Most Scenic Roads by Travel + Leisure.
Along the Ten Mile Drive, you’ll find beautiful Gilded Age mansions, built by families who were so rich that they called them “cottages.” This coastal neighborhood, overlooking Narragansett Bay, was a summer playground for the ridiculously wealthy titans of industry like the Vanderbilts and the Astors, who you may recall from your history books.
Not all of the mansions are open to the public, but you can tour one of Rhode Island’s most popular attractions, the Breakers, year-round. This luxurious 70-room mansion, built by railroad titan Cornelius Vanderbilt II, features rooms that were actually built in Europe and shipped to Newport. Don’t miss Brenton Point State Park either, a former estate located halfway along Ocean Drive, where the windy coastline looks out over incredible ocean views. This is a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and most of all, kite-flying.
On Ocean Drive, you’ll find homes built for kings, and a road built for Rolls Royces. This once exclusive neighborhood can now be explored by anyone with a set of wheels and an interest in history or scenery. It may take less than the time to drive from Newport to Providence, but this is a scenic drive packed with beauty. Check out some photos of this Rhode Island scenic drive below and you’ll be planning your next adventure along the Ten Mile Drive in no time:
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Want to take a drive along the Ten Mile Drive, one of the most scenic drives in Rhode Island? Have you taken this scenic route before? Feel free to reach out and tell us all about it!
If you enjoy beautiful drives in Rhode Island, here are 5 of the best road trips In Rhode Island that will lead to unforgettable places. Don’t forget to check out our road trip essentials packing list to prepare for your trip!
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Best Scenic Drives In Rhode Island
What are some other beautiful drives in Rhode Island?
If you live in Rhode Island, you know how beautiful it is. If you’re visiting the state, you’re probably here because of its beauty. And in a beautiful state, there are certainly beautiful drives.
Aside from Ocean Drive, you can travel along the 28 miles of Route 114 between Providence and Newport through charming small towns, like Bristol and Portsmouth. Driving this way to Newport also allows you to bypass the Newport Bridge and its tolls.
Then there’s Conanicut Island where you’ll find Jamestown. Take a drive along East Shore Road and North Main Road and don’t forget to stop at the breathtaking Beavertail Park.
What are some of the most scenic road trip destinations in Rhode Island?
With all the gorgeous scenery and architecture the Ocean State has to offer, just about anywhere in the state can be a scenic road trip destination:
- The Newport Cliff Walk is one of the most popular places to visit in the state.
- Lincoln Woods State Park in the northern part of the state provides an excellent hiking destination complete with a large lake and beach.
- And Narragansett Beach is one of the loveliest in the state.
What are some hidden gems in Rhode Island?
As small as the Ocean State is, there are still many places that remain relatively undiscovered. In our previous article highlighting hidden gems in Rhode Island, you may discover some new-to-you places to visit such as:
- Warwick City Park
- Prudence Island
- Green Animals Topiary Garden