Newport, Rhode Island Weekend Escapes: 10 Scenic Short Road Trips

on

10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips From Newport, Rhode Island

If you love Newport, Rhode Island, but you’re ready to explore a little farther, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can find lighthouses, beaches, breweries, cute downtowns, and even an old‑school carousel that feels straight out of a movie. This guide covers 10 short road trips from Newport that take you outside Newport County into nearby spots in:
  • Bristol County, Rhode Island
  • Kent County, Rhode Island
  • Washington County, Rhode Island
  • Bristol County, Massachusetts
All are easy day trips, and most are less than an hour away, making them perfect for weekend getaways, family adventures, or last‑minute plans.

1. Warren, RI – Waterfront Strolls & Small‑Town Vibes

Warren, in Bristol County, RI, is one of those small New England towns that quietly wins you over. It’s about a 45‑minute drive from Newport, depending on traffic and which bridge you take. Walk down Water Street and you’ll find:
  • Cozy cafes and coffee shops
  • Art galleries and local studios
  • Views of the Warren River and working boats
If you like craft beer, the town has a growing brewery scene, and the taprooms are relaxed and friendly. On a warm day, grab a sandwich, sit by the water, and just watch the boats go by. It’s simple, but that’s the charm. This is a nice road trip from Newport if you want something slower paced than the busy waterfront crowds.

2. Bristol, RI – America’s Most Patriotic Town

Just up the road from Warren is Bristol, RI, famous for hosting the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States. From Newport, it’s roughly a 35–45‑minute drive. The main action happens along Hope Street, where you can:
  • Walk past historic homes with flag‑lined porches
  • Shop in small local boutiques
  • Enjoy the water views along the harbor
Even if you’re not visiting on the Fourth of July, Bristol still makes a great Newport day trip. The streets are walkable, the houses are pretty, and the town has that classic coastal New England feel without being overwhelming. If you enjoy photography, you’ll find lots of corners here worth a picture—weathered shingles, old churches, and boats bobbing in the harbor.

3. Colt State Park – Oceanfront Picnics & Sunset Drives

Located in Bristol, RI, Colt State Park is one of the best free outdoor spots near Newport, and it’s just a bit past downtown Bristol. Think of it as a wide‑open coastal playground. Here, you can:
  • Drive or bike along miles of shoreline roads
  • Grill out at picnic tables with water views
  • Walk along stone walls and rolling fields
On a clear evening, sunsets here are hard to beat. I once pulled in “just for a quick look” and ended up sitting on a rock wall for almost an hour, just watching the sky turn orange and pink over Narragansett Bay. If you’re staying in Newport and need a peaceful break that still feels connected to the water, this is a perfect half‑day trip.

4. East Greenwich, RI – Historic Main Street & Harbor Views

Head northwest from Newport into Kent County, RI, and in about 35–40 minutes you’ll reach East Greenwich, one of Rhode Island’s oldest towns. Main Street is the heart of it:
  • Rows of historic buildings with shops and restaurants
  • Sidewalk dining in warmer months
  • Easy parking compared with bigger cities
Down the hill, you’ll find the marinas and the waterfront, with a different set of restaurants and views of Greenwich Bay. It’s a nice place to wander, grab dinner, and stretch your legs after a scenic drive from Newport. If you enjoy small, walkable downtowns with a little history and a lot of food options, East Greenwich is an easy win.

5. Goddard Memorial State Park – Trails, Beach, & Horseback Rides

Also in Kent County, RI, Goddard Memorial State Park is only about 30–40 minutes from Newport and offers a classic New England state‑park experience. At Goddard, you’ll find:
  • Bridle trails and horseback riding opportunities
  • Picnic groves shaded by tall trees
  • A small beach area along Greenwich Bay
It’s a good choice if you’re traveling with kids or a group and want plenty of space to spread out. Unlike the more compact parks in Newport, Goddard feels wide open, with fields, forested areas, and winding roads. On a warm day, you can easily spend a full afternoon here before heading back to Newport in time for dinner.

6. Narragansett, RI – Classic Beach Town Energy

Cross over into Washington County, RI, and in about 35–45 minutes from Newport you’ll land in Narragansett, one of Rhode Island’s favorite beach towns. Even outside peak summer, Narragansett is worth the drive for:
  • The stone towers by the sea, part of the historic Narragansett Pier
  • Long sandy stretches of beach
  • Surf shops, ice cream spots, and laid‑back restaurants
If Newport feels polished, Narragansett feels more relaxed and surfy. It’s a great contrast and an easy day trip for anyone craving a little sand and salt air. One tip: if you’re visiting in summer, try to arrive early to beat beach traffic and get parking without stress.

7. Wickford Village – Storybook Harbor Town

Tucked into North Kingstown in Washington County, RI, Wickford Village is about a 40‑minute drive from Newport and feels like stepping into a postcard. You’ll find:
  • Colorful colonial‑era homes lining narrow streets
  • Small shops and galleries in historic buildings
  • A peaceful harbor with bobbing sailboats
This is the kind of place where you wander slowly, duck into a bookstore, then grab a coffee and sit on a bench by the water. If Newport is your “home base,” Wickford makes for a gentle, charming side trip that feels worlds away without actually being far. It’s especially nice in the fall, when the trees blaze with color and the air has that crisp edge.

8. Watch Hill, RI – Upscale Coastal Escape & Carousel

On the far southwestern edge of Washington County, RI, about an hour from Newport, you’ll find Watch Hill, part of the town of Westerly. This seaside village has a more upscale, quiet feel, with:
  • Oceanfront views and grand summer homes
  • The historic Flying Horse Carousel (one of the oldest in the country)
  • Little shops and ice cream stands near the beach
The drive from Newport can be half the fun—rolling roads, glimpses of water, and that slow shift from busy town to quiet coast. If you’re looking for a romantic day trip from Newport or just a more polished, peaceful spot by the sea, Watch Hill is a great choice.

9. Providence, RI – Small City, Big Personality

When you’re based in Newport, it’s easy to forget how close the state capital really is. Providence, in both Kent and Providence County’s orbit depending on which part you visit, is roughly a 40–50‑minute drive from Newport. In one compact city, you get:
  • Federal Hill’s Italian restaurants and bakeries
  • Downtown’s riverwalk and seasonal events like WaterFire
  • College Hill’s historic homes and leafy streets
If you’ve spent a few days exploring coastal Rhode Island, a day in Providence changes the pace completely. You can grab a coffee, wander along the river, explore street art, and enjoy a different side of the state. It’s also a good rainy‑day road trip option when the beach isn’t calling.

10. Fall River, MA – Battleship Cove & Maritime History

To mix things up even more, head over the state line into Bristol County, Massachusetts. About 40–50 minutes from Newport, Fall River offers a very different kind of waterfront experience. The big draw is Battleship Cove, home to:
  • Historic Navy ships, including the USS Massachusetts
  • Submarines and smaller vessels you can explore
  • A maritime museum with exhibits on naval history
Walking through the ships is surprisingly moving, and it’s a hit with kids and adults alike. If you’re a history fan, this road trip from Newport will probably end up being one of your favorite side adventures. On your way back, you can swing through nearby towns or just enjoy the drive over the bridges, watching the water stretch out below.

Tips for Planning Your Newport Road Trips

To make the most of these out‑of‑county adventures from Newport, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check bridge traffic: Some Newport routes involve bridges that can back up at rush hour.
  • Pack layers: Coastal Rhode Island and Massachusetts can be breezy, even in summer.
  • Plan meals loosely: Many of these towns have great local spots—leave room to discover a new favorite.
  • Time your sunsets: Colt State Park, Narragansett, and Watch Hill all shine at the end of the day.
These short drives from Newport let you see how varied this small corner of New England really is—beaches, harbors, parks, historic streets, and even a few battleships thrown in for good measure.

Share Your Favorite Road Trips From Newport

Have you taken a day trip from Newport to any of these places? Did I miss one of your favorite out‑of‑county spots in Bristol, Kent, Washington, or Bristol County, MA? I’d love to hear from you.
  • Drop your favorite Newport road trip in the comments.
  • Share this post with friends or family planning a Rhode Island vacation.
  • Save it for your next New England weekend getaway.
The more we share our road trip finds, the easier it is for everyone to plan a fun, easy escape from Newport—without ever needing to drive very far.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment