10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips from Newport East, Rhode Island
If you’re based in or visiting
Newport East, Rhode Island and you’ve already hit all the local spots, it might be time for a little change of scenery. The good news? You’re surrounded by great day trip options just outside
Newport County.
Let’s hit the road and explore
10 short out-of-county road trips to nearby places in:
- Bristol County, Rhode Island
- Kent County, Rhode Island
- Washington County, Rhode Island
- Bristol County, Massachusetts
All of these are doable in a day, and most are within an hour or less of
Newport East.
1. Bristol, RI – Harbor Walks, History & Ice Cream
From Newport East, it’s an easy ride over the bridges and up the bay to
Bristol, Rhode Island. Plan about a 30–40 minute drive, depending on traffic.
What’s fun about Bristol is that it feels like a quieter cousin to Newport, but with its own personality.
- Stroll the waterfront and watch boats come and go.
- Walk through the historic downtown lined with flag-themed crosswalks and older homes.
- Visit the Independence-theme attractions and small museums scattered around town.
- Grab an ice cream and sit on a bench overlooking the harbor.
If you like New England harbor towns but want something less crowded than Thames Street back in Newport, Bristol is a perfect road trip from Newport East.
2. Colt State Park, RI – Breezy Bay Views & Picnic Spots
Also in
Bristol County, RI,
Colt State Park is often called the “gem” of the Rhode Island state park system, and it’s only about 35–40 minutes from Newport East.
Think wide-open lawns, stone walls, and big bay views.
- Pack a picnic and grab a table or spread a blanket on the grass.
- Bike or walk along the paved paths that hug the shoreline.
- Catch a sunset over the water – the sky can really light up here on a clear evening.
If you’ve ever wished you could take the Cliff Walk’s ocean setting and just stretch it out into picnic fields and bike paths, Colt State Park is probably as close as it gets.
3. Warren, RI – Small-Town Vibes & Waterfront Eats
Just a few minutes north of Bristol,
Warren in Bristol County, RI feels cozy and artsy, and it’s still a quick drive from Newport East, usually under 45 minutes.
You can easily pair Warren and Bristol in one day trip.
- Walk along the waterfront and peek at the working boats.
- Browse small shops and local art spaces.
- Find a spot for seafood or a casual meal right near the water.
If you’re the type who loves to “walk a little, eat a little, repeat,” Warren makes for a simple, relaxed escape from Newport East.
4. East Greenwich, RI – Main Street Charm & Marina Views
Head west from Newport East into
Kent County, and you’ll run into
East Greenwich, a classic small New England town with a lively main street. Expect a drive of about 25–35 minutes.
Along the hill, you get that traditional main-street feel. Down by the water, you’ll find marinas and casual spots to hang out.
- Stroll Main Street and check out boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants.
- Walk down to the waterfront and watch the sailboats.
- Grab dinner and stay to see the town light up after dark.
If Newport East is your home base, East Greenwich is close enough for a weeknight dinner road trip when you want something different than your usual local spots.
5. Goddard Memorial State Park, RI – Forest Trails & Beach Time
Also in Kent County,
Goddard Memorial State Park gives you a nice mix of open lawns, wooded trails, and a beach area along Greenwich Bay. It’s usually about a 30–40 minute drive from Newport East.
This is a great road trip if you want a classic “park day.”
- Walk or jog the trails under tall trees.
- Hit the small beach area for some sun and a bay breeze.
- Bring a frisbee, a soccer ball, or just a good book.
On weekends, you’ll see families, couples, and groups of friends all doing their own thing. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a couple of hours or the whole day, depending on your mood.
6. Wickford Village, RI – Storybook Harbor Streets
Drive about 35–45 minutes southwest into
Washington County and you’ll find
Wickford Village, part of North Kingstown. If you’ve ever wanted to step into a postcard, this is pretty close.
The streets are lined with historic homes, small shops, and glimpses of the harbor everywhere you turn.
- Wander the village and duck into local gift shops and galleries.
- Pause along the piers and watch the boats bob in the water.
- Grab a quick coffee or snack and just people-watch.
If you like Newport’s historic charm but want something a bit quieter and more compact, Wickford makes a very satisfying day trip from Newport East.
7. Narragansett, RI – Beach Town Energy
From Newport East, you’re about 40–50 minutes away from
Narragansett in Washington County, RI. Think wide sandy beaches, classic shingled houses, and the smell of salt in the air.
Narragansett is a popular beach destination for Rhode Islanders, and it’s easy to see why:
- Relax on one of the town’s long stretches of beach.
- Walk along the seawall and watch surfers ride the waves.
- Check out the stone arch landmark that overlooks the water.
If you’re craving a full-on beach day that’s outside your own county, this is one of the best short road trips from Newport East.
8. South County Coastal Drive, RI – Scenic Road, Hidden Beaches
“South County” is the local nickname for much of
Washington County, and it’s made for road trips. From Newport East, you can reach this area in about 45–60 minutes, depending on where you go.
Instead of just one stop, think of this as a
coastal cruise:
- Drive through beach towns and farms, with ocean views popping up along the way.
- Stop at smaller, quieter beaches that feel more local.
- Pick a roadside seafood shack and dig into fresh clams or fish.
If you love rolling the windows down, turning up the music, and just seeing where the road leads, this South County coastal drive is a great out-of-county adventure from Newport East.
9. Providence, RI – Arts, Food & City Streets
Looking for a bit of city energy after hanging out in coastal Newport East? Head about 40–50 minutes northwest to
Providence, which sits at the edge of both Kent and Providence-area counties.
While Providence is its own thing, it’s still an easy hop from the smaller shoreline towns.
- Walk along the riverfront paths and over the pedestrian bridges.
- Explore different neighborhoods, each with its own flavor.
- Try new restaurants, cafes, or dessert spots you can’t find at home.
You can do a quick afternoon visit or turn it into a full day. Either way, Providence gives you a city-style road trip without having to drive hours from Newport East.
10. Fall River, MA – Bridges, Battleships & Bay Views
Cross the state line into
Bristol County, Massachusetts, and you’ll hit
Fall River, usually about a 45–60 minute drive from Newport East, depending on your route and traffic.
Fall River has a very different feel from the Rhode Island villages. It’s more industrial and historic, with big bridges and harbor views.
- Drive over the bridges for sweeping views of the water and skyline.
- Walk along the waterfront and take in the ships and harbor activity.
- Explore local neighborhoods and grab a bite at a casual eatery.
If you want an out-of-state road trip that still doesn’t take all day, Fall River is a solid pick from the Newport East area.
Tips for Planning Your Newport East Road Trips
To make your out-of-county adventures smoother, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check traffic and bridge status: The routes in and out of the Newport area can back up, especially on sunny weekends.
- Pack a small “day bag”: Sunscreen, a light jacket, water, and snacks go a long way.
- Bring cash or a card for parking: Many coastal towns and parks have paid parking lots or meters.
- Have a backup plan: If one beach or park is too crowded, it helps to know a second choice nearby.
Road trips from Newport East don’t have to be complicated. Most of these places are close enough that you can decide in the morning and be there before lunch.
Where Will You Drive Next from Newport East?
Living in or visiting
Newport East, Rhode Island means you’re in a perfect spot for short, easy road trips. In under an hour, you can be in:
- A classic harbor town in Bristol
- A quiet village in Wickford
- A lively beach scene in Narragansett
- A small city or a bigger one, from East Greenwich to Providence
- Or even across the border in Fall River, MA
These
10 out-of-county road trips are just a starting point. Once you hit the road a few times, you’ll probably discover your own favorite stops, side roads, and hidden corners.
Have you taken a great day trip from Newport East?
Share your favorite spots, routes, and tips in the comments. If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who are planning things to do near Newport East. Your ideas and stories can help other travelers make the most of their own Rhode Island road trips.
Comments
Post a Comment