10 Easy Road Trips Near Narragansett Pier, RI (All Outside Washington County)
If you’re staying in
Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island and you’ve already walked the sea wall, hit the beach, and tasted your way through town, you might be itching to hop in the car and explore a bit farther.
The good news? You’re in a perfect spot for
short road trips to other parts of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and even New York. All of the ideas below are
outside Washington County, but still close enough for an easy day trip.
Most of these drives are about 30 minutes to 2.5 hours from Narragansett Pier, so they’re very doable as quick getaways.
1. Newport Mansions & Cliff Walk (Newport County, RI)
If you only take one road trip from Narragansett Pier, make it this one.
In about
35–40 minutes, you can be walking past some of the most famous historic homes in the country in
Newport, Rhode Island.
- Newport Mansions: Tour grand “summer cottages” like The Breakers, Marble House, or The Elms. The architecture and details feel straight out of a movie set.
- Cliff Walk: A mostly easy coastal path (about 3.5 miles one way) with ocean views on one side and mansions on the other.
- Thames Street: Shops, ice cream, casual seafood spots, and classic New England vibes.
If you love history, architecture, or just pretty views, this is a must-do road trip near Narragansett Pier.
2. Sailing & Fort Adams State Park (Newport County, RI)
You could easily turn Newport into a two-part adventure. On a separate day, focus on the
water and the
fort.
- Fort Adams State Park: Explore the old coastal fort, walk along the grounds, and enjoy views across the bay to downtown Newport.
- Sailing Tours: Hop on a harbor cruise or a sunset sail. You don’t have to know a thing about boats to enjoy it—just sit back and watch the light on the water.
- Brenton Point State Park: A short drive away along Ocean Drive, perfect for kite flying, picnics, and photo stops.
On a clear afternoon, that combo of sea breeze, history, and sailboats is hard to beat.
3. Historic Wickford Village (Kent County, RI)
Looking for something quieter than Newport, but still charming? Head about
25–30 minutes north to
Wickford Village in North Kingstown (Kent County).
This little waterfront village is ideal for a slow-paced day:
- Stroll the streets lined with 18th- and 19th-century homes.
- Pop into local boutiques and art galleries.
- Grab a coffee, then sit by the harbor and watch the boats.
It’s a great place if you enjoy
small-town New England charm without big crowds. Think of it as a low-key, mini coastal escape from your coastal escape.
4. Providence: Food, Art & WaterFire (Kent County / Providence nearby)
From Narragansett Pier, you can reach
Providence in about
35–45 minutes, driving up through Kent County. While Providence itself isn’t in the list of counties you gave, the route and nearby suburbs in Kent County make it an easy, logical road trip.
Once you’re in the city area, you’ll find:
- Federal Hill: A well-known neighborhood for Italian food—perfect for a long lunch or dinner.
- Downtown Riverwalk: A pleasant place for an evening stroll.
- WaterFire (select nights): Bonfires lit on the rivers running through the city, usually with music and vendors. It feels almost magical.
If you’re a foodie, don’t skip this one. Plan ahead if you want to catch WaterFire; dates vary through the season.
5. Mystic, Connecticut: Aquariums & Old Ships (Southeastern CT)
When you’re ready to cross state lines, aim your car west. In about
1 hour 15 minutes, you can be in
Mystic, CT, one of the classic
New England coastal towns people dream about.
Highlights in Southeastern Connecticut’s Mystic area include:
- Mystic Seaport Museum: A recreated 19th-century seafaring village with historic ships, costumed interpreters, and hands-on exhibits.
- Mystic Aquarium: Beluga whales, sea lions, and family-friendly exhibits.
- Downtown Mystic: Cute shops, fudge and ice cream, and the famous drawbridge.
If you grew up watching ocean documentaries, Mystic might feel a little like stepping into one.
6. New London & Ocean Beach Park (Southeastern CT)
Just a bit down the coast from Mystic,
New London (about 1 hour 15–30 minutes from Narragansett Pier) makes another easy day trip in Southeastern Connecticut.
What to do:
- Ocean Beach Park: A long, sandy beach with a boardwalk, small rides, a pool, and mini golf. It has a relaxed, old-fashioned beach-town feel.
- Fort Trumbull State Park: Explore the historic fort and admire the views of the Thames River.
- Downtown New London: Murals, local restaurants, and a bit of a creative arts vibe.
If you’re traveling with kids, Ocean Beach Park can easily fill a full day.
7. Quiet Corner Towns: Putnam & Woodstock (Northeastern CT)
If you’re craving
country roads, antique shops, and peaceful scenery, head to the “Quiet Corner” of
Northeastern Connecticut. It’s about
1.5 to 2 hours from Narragansett Pier, depending on your route.
You can string together a few towns:
- Putnam: Known for antique shops, small cafes, and a walkable downtown.
- Woodstock: Rolling farms, stone walls, and classic New England countryside views.
- Pomfret: Scenic back roads and historic inns.
This is more of a
slow-drive, stop-when-something-catches-your-eye kind of trip. Think Sunday drive, windows down, maybe a farm stand stop for fresh pies.
8. Casinos & Entertainment: Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods (Southeastern CT)
Looking for nightlife, shows, or just something totally different from the beach? In about
1–1.5 hours you can reach the massive casino resorts in
Southeastern Connecticut:
- Mohegan Sun: Huge gaming floor, restaurants, shops, and concerts.
- Foxwoods Resort Casino: Another giant complex with shopping, entertainment, and even an outdoor adventure park.
Even if you’re not into gambling, these places can be fun for:
- Concerts and comedy shows
- Bowling, arcades, or indoor attractions
- Endless people-watching and late-night dining
It’s an easy way to add a bit of Vegas-style energy to a coastal Rhode Island vacation.
9. Long Island’s North Fork via Ferry (Suffolk County, NY)
Ready for a slightly bigger adventure from Narragansett Pier? Head to
New London, CT (about 1 hour 15–30 minutes), then take the ferry to
Orient Point on Long Island’s
North Fork (Suffolk County, NY).
Once you’re on the North Fork, you’ll find:
- Wineries & Vineyards: Scenic tasting rooms and rolling grapevines.
- Farm Stands: Fresh corn, tomatoes, baked goods, and local specialties.
- Small Harbors & Beaches: Quiet spots to relax away from the crowds.
It does take some planning—checking ferry schedules, ticket prices, and crossing times—but it turns your simple road trip into a mini coastal journey through three states: Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York.
10. Fire Island Lighthouse & Beaches (Suffolk County, NY)
If you’re up for a longer drive (and maybe an overnight), consider exploring parts of
Fire Island off Long Island’s south shore in Suffolk County, New York.
From Narragansett Pier, you’d typically:
- Drive about 2.5–3 hours (depending on traffic) toward the South Shore of Long Island.
- Use one of the access points to visit the Fire Island Lighthouse area.
Around the lighthouse, you can:
- Climb to the top on certain days for sweeping views of the Atlantic and the barrier island.
- Walk along long stretches of sandy beach.
- Look for wildlife in the dunes and maritime forest.
If you’ve only known Rhode Island beaches, Fire Island feels familiar but different—wider stretches of sand, long boardwalks, and a distinct New York coastal feel.
Tips for Planning Road Trips from Narragansett Pier
To make these
out-of-county road trips from Narragansett Pier as smooth as possible, keep a few things in mind:
- Check drive times: Summer traffic, especially on weekends, can add 20–40 minutes easily.
- Book tickets ahead: For Newport mansions, Mystic attractions, casinos shows, and ferries, advance planning helps.
- Pack layers: Coastal areas can feel breezy, even in July and August.
- Bring cash for tolls & parking: Some spots still prefer cash, especially small lots and certain bridges.
A simple day bag—water bottle, light jacket, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes—goes a long way on any of these trips.
Where Will You Go First?
Staying in
Narragansett Pier puts you within easy reach of:
- Historic mansions in Newport County
- Quiet villages in Kent County
- Classic coastal towns in Southeastern Connecticut
- Country drives in Northeastern Connecticut
- Wine country and beaches in Suffolk County, New York
Whether you’re into food, history, lighthouses, or just exploring new roads, there’s a day trip here with your name on it.
Have you tried any of these road trips from Narragansett Pier?
- Which one was your favorite?
- Did I miss a great stop in these nearby counties?
Share your tips, stories, and questions in the comments—and if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend who’s planning a Rhode Island getaway. Your ideas and experiences help other travelers discover new places to love.
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