10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Greenville, Rhode Island
If you live in or around
Greenville, Rhode Island and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can hit charming small towns, coastal walks, historic villages, and fun family attractions in neighboring parts of
Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island—without ever repeating the same thing twice.
This guide focuses on
out-of-county adventures, so you won’t see anything from Providence County here. Instead, these 10 short road trips explore:
- Northeastern Connecticut
- Bristol County, Massachusetts
- Norfolk County, Massachusetts
- Worcester County, Massachusetts
- Bristol County, Rhode Island
- Kent County, Rhode Island
Pick one for a half-day escape, or string a few together for a long weekend. Gas up, grab a coffee in Greenville, and hit the road.
1. Coastal Charm in Bristol, Rhode Island (Bristol County, RI)
Driving time from Greenville:
About 35–45 minutes
If you want classic New England coastal views without driving all the way to Cape Cod,
Bristol, RI is hard to beat.
Things to do:
- Colt State Park – Miles of paved paths right along the water, big grassy fields, and stone walls. Great for biking, picnics, or just watching the sunset over Narragansett Bay.
- Historic downtown Bristol – Walk down Hope Street, pop into little shops, and grab lunch at a waterfront restaurant.
- East Bay Bike Path – Hop on the bike path from Bristol and ride along the water toward Warren and Barrington.
On my last trip, I ended up just sitting on a rock wall in Colt State Park for almost an hour, coffee in hand, watching boats drift by. It felt like a mini-vacation, even though I was barely 40 minutes from home.
2. Beach Day at Goddard Park & Greenwich Bay (Kent County, RI)
Driving time from Greenville:
About 35–45 minutes
Want a mix of beach, trails, and horses just a short drive from Greenville? Head to
Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick and East Greenwich.
Things to do:
- Goddard Memorial State Park – Wooded trails, picnic spots, a small beach, and even a public golf course. In summer, the carousel sometimes runs, and the park feels like a big, laid-back backyard for locals.
- East Greenwich waterfront – After the park, drive a few minutes to Main Street in East Greenwich for dinner or ice cream along the marina.
It’s a great spot if you’re trying to please different people: someone can flop on the sand, someone else can walk the trails, and everyone meets up later for seafood on the harbor.
3. Family Fun in Warwick & Warwick Mall (Kent County, RI)
Driving time from Greenville:
About 25–35 minutes
Sometimes you just want a simple, easy road trip with
lots of choices in one place. That’s where
Warwick comes in.
Things to do:
- Warwick Mall & nearby shopping areas – Movies, shopping, restaurants, and kid-friendly spots all in one area.
- Rocky Point State Park – Walk the paved path along Narragansett Bay where an old amusement park used to be. It’s flat, breezy, and great for strollers and sunsets.
If the weather is iffy, this is a good backup plan: start at the mall, and if the sun comes out, head to Rocky Point for a quick walk along the water.
4. Classic New England in Warren & Barrington (Bristol County, RI)
Driving time from Greenville:
About 35–40 minutes
If you like quiet waterfront streets and small-town charm, try pairing
Warren and
Barrington for a relaxed day trip.
Things to do:
- Downtown Warren – Art galleries, cafes, and quirky shops on Water Street and Main Street. The town has a laid-back artsy feel.
- Barrington Town Beach – A small sandy beach with gentle water, perfect for a low-key swim day or a sunset stroll.
- East Bay Bike Path – Another section of the bike path runs right through both towns, with pretty water views.
It’s an easy place to wander with no set plan: park once, stroll, eat, sit by the water, repeat.
5. Historic Seaport Vibes in New Bedford, MA (Bristol County, MA)
Driving time from Greenville:
About 55–65 minutes
Cross the state line into
Bristol County, Massachusetts and explore
New Bedford, a city shaped by whaling, fishing, and immigrant communities.
Things to do:
- New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park – Walk the cobblestone streets, visit historic buildings, and learn how this little city once led the world in whaling.
- Waterfront – Watch fishing boats come and go, grab seafood, or just enjoy the harbor breeze.
- Museums and galleries – The New Bedford Whaling Museum (for a deeper dive) and local art spots add some culture to your day.
If you love coastal New England history, this is one of the best day trips from Greenville—lots of stories, old buildings, and salty air.
6. Shopping, Dining, and Harbor Walks in Fall River, MA (Bristol County, MA)
Driving time from Greenville:
About 45–55 minutes
Another great out-of-county option in
Bristol County, Massachusetts is
Fall River, with a mix of history, views, and food.
Things to do:
- Heritage State Park & waterfront – A pleasant area for walking along the Taunton River with views of the Braga Bridge.
- Battleship Cove (exterior & area) – Even if you don’t go inside, the sight of huge ships along the waterfront is impressive.
- Downtown food spots – Fall River is known for hearty Portuguese and Azorean restaurants.
It’s a good pick if you want something different from the “cute coastal village” vibe—grittier, more industrial, but full of character and great food.
7. Nature Escape in Northeastern Connecticut: Putnam & Killingly
Driving time from Greenville:
About 35–45 minutes
Head west into
northeastern Connecticut—sometimes called the “Quiet Corner”—for rolling hills, farms, and small towns that feel a world away from busy highways.
Things to do:
- Putnam – A walkable downtown with antique shops, coffee spots, and a riverfront pathway.
- Quaddick State Park (Killingly) – A peaceful lake with a beach, picnic spots, and wooded areas for short hikes.
If you’re the type who relaxes the second you see open fields and old barns, this area will hit the spot. It’s ideal for slow drives down back roads and simple pleasures like ice cream and farm stands.
8. Historic Walks in Norwich, CT & the Yantic Falls Area (Northeastern Connecticut)
Driving time from Greenville:
About 50–60 minutes
Norwich sits where three rivers meet, and it’s packed with layers of history, from Native American stories to Colonial times and early industry.
Things to do:
- Yantic Falls – A dramatic waterfall area that once powered mills. There are overlooks and short walking paths with great photo spots.
- Downtown Norwich – Old brick buildings, historic markers, and a mix of local restaurants.
This is a nice option if you like quiet walks and local history more than crowds. It’s also a good spot for a “rain or shine” road trip—there are enough indoor dining options if the weather turns.
9. Big-City Energy in Worcester, Massachusetts (Worcester County, MA)
Driving time from Greenville:
About 45–55 minutes
Want a bigger city feel without driving into Boston?
Worcester in
Worcester County, MA is a solid choice: diverse food, arts, and parks all within easy reach.
Things to do:
- Downtown Worcester – Coffee shops, breweries, and a growing arts scene.
- Elm Park or Green Hill Park – Green Hill has great city views, ponds, and walking paths.
- Canal District – Trendy restaurants and bars, plus Polar Park nearby for baseball fans when games are on.
It’s a fun change of pace if you’ve been sticking mostly to small towns and beaches near Greenville and want more of a city vibe for a day.
10. Suburban Strolls in Quincy & Hingham, Massachusetts (Norfolk County, MA)
Driving time from Greenville:
About 55–70 minutes (traffic dependent)
Head into
Norfolk County, Massachusetts for a taste of Boston’s South Shore without going all the way into the city.
Things to do:
- Quincy waterfront – Marina views, walking paths, and plenty of places to grab a bite.
- Hingham’s Derby Street Shops – An open-air shopping center with higher-end stores and dining.
- World’s End (Hingham) – A coastal reservation with gentle hills and water views (parking reservations are sometimes required, so check ahead).
This is a great day trip when you want a mix of coastal walking, shopping, and good food—plus an excuse to explore a new part of Massachusetts.
Tips for Planning Your Road Trips from Greenville
To make these
easy day trips from Greenville, RI even smoother, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Check drive times – Most of these are under an hour, but traffic around Boston’s outer suburbs and coastal routes can add a bit.
- Pack a “day trip bag” – Throw in water, snacks, sunscreen, a light jacket, and maybe a phone charger. You’ll use it more than you think.
- Have a loose plan – Pick 2–3 things you’d like to do in each area, but leave some room for exploring side streets or scenic detours.
One of the best parts of living near Greenville is how fast you can go from everyday errands to watching the sun set over a harbor, hiking in the woods, or wandering a historic downtown.
Where Will You Go First?
From
Greenville, Rhode Island, you’re in a sweet spot: in under an hour you can tap into the beaches of
Bristol County, RI, the cities and harbors of
Bristol and Norfolk Counties in Massachusetts, the rolling hills of
northeastern Connecticut, and the energy of
Worcester County.
So, which road trip are you planning next?
- The coastal paths of Bristol and Warren?
- A quiet lake day in northeastern Connecticut?
- Big-city food and fun in Worcester or New Bedford?
I’d love to hear from you. Have you taken any of these out-of-county road trips from Greenville? Did I miss one of your favorite nearby spots?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are looking for new things to do near Greenville, RI. Your shares and comments help more local travelers discover simple, fun adventures just a short drive away.
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