10 Rhode Island Road Trip Ideas With Hidden Gems

Though it’s the smallest state in the U.S., Rhode Island packs in an incredible mix of coastal charm, colonial history, scenic drives, and lesser known natural escapes. Whether you’re looking for seaside views, cliff walks, or quiet forest trails, these 10 Rhode Island road trip ideas will give you a taste of the Ocean State’s best known attractions and quite a few secret spots as well to explore.

1. Newport Coastal Drive & Ocean Avenue Hidden Stops

Newport is famous for its Gilded Age mansions and cliffside trails, but venture beyond the tourist path and you’ll discover quiet coves, secret beaches, and hidden turnouts with panoramic ocean views. Drive Ocean Avenue, stop at Brenton Point for kite flying, and seek out the tucked away Castle Hill Lighthouse trail. Finish with a walk along the famed Cliff Walk at golden hour and this makes for a very memorable spot to explore not just in this state, but also if you’re doing a bigger New England road trip.

Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring through early fall for warm weather and open mansion tours.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Thames Street, tour The Breakers Mansion
Day 2: Drive Ocean Avenue, walk Cliff Walk, visit Castle Hill Lighthouse
Day 3: Relax at Gooseberry Beach and explore Fort Adams State Park

2. Block Island Escape

A hidden gem just 12 miles offshore, Block Island feels like a secret world with its dramatic bluffs, winding bike trails, and peaceful beaches. Once you ferry over, you’ll find places like Mohegan Bluffs, hidden coves near Black Rock Beach, and scenic dirt roads few tourists venture down.

Ideal Time to Go:
Summer and early fall (June–September) for ferry access and beach weather.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Ferry to Block Island, rent bikes, visit Mohegan Bluffs
Day 2: Explore North Lighthouse, hike Clay Head Trail
Day 3: Beach day at Mansion Beach, shop in Old Harbor

3. South County Coastal Towns Loop

South County is where Rhode Island slows down. This drive winds through charming beach towns like Narragansett, Wakefield, and Watch Hill. Discover the secret trails at Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, local ice cream stands, and less-crowded beaches like East Matunuck.

Ideal Time to Go:
June–September for warm beach weather.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Narragansett Beach, Point Judith Lighthouse
Day 2: East Matunuck, hike Trustom Pond refuge
Day 3: Explore Watch Hill and visit the Flying Horse Carousel

4. Providence Art, Parks & Riverwalk

Rhode Island’s capital is full of creative energy and hidden green spaces. Beyond the RISD Museum and WaterFire events, you’ll find secret art alleyways, Prospect Terrace Park with skyline views, and local gems like India Point Park for a peaceful sunset picnic.

Ideal Time to Go:
Spring through fall for events and outdoor exploring.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: RISD Museum, lunch on Federal Hill
Day 2: Walk the Riverwalk, visit Prospect Park
Day 3: Kayak the Providence River, see WaterFire

5. Route 102 Backroad Journey

Take the scenic backroad Route 102 from North Kingstown to Burrillville for a slow, countryside cruise past farms, old mills, ponds, and hidden historic villages like Chepachet. Stop by Wright’s Dairy Farm or hike Pulaski State Park for a breath of fresh air.

Ideal Time to Go:
Fall for foliage or spring when wildflowers bloom.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive Route 102, stop in Exeter and Chepachet
Day 2: Hike Pulaski State Park, visit Wright’s Dairy
Day 3: Explore Burrillville’s lakes and forest trails

6. East Bay Bike & Brew Tour

Ride the East Bay Bike Path from Providence to Bristol with stunning coastal views, picnic spots, and waterfront breweries along the way. Seek out hidden shoreline parks like Haines Memorial and secret beach nooks near Colt State Park.

Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring to early fall for biking weather.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Bike from Providence to Barrington
Day 2: Stop at breweries in Warren, explore Colt State Park
Day 3: Chill in Bristol and visit Blithewold Mansion Gardens

7. Charlestown & Secret Salt Pond Trail

Charlestown offers peaceful retreats along the shore, but one of its hidden gems is the Kettle Pond Visitor Center and Salt Pond Trail, a boardwalk loop with a surprise panoramic overlook of Ninigret Pond. Add in a beach stop and stargazing at Frosty Drew Observatory.

Ideal Time to Go:
May–September for trail access and observatory hours.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Visit Ninigret Wildlife Refuge, hike Salt Pond Trail
Day 2: Stargaze at Frosty Drew Observatory
Day 3: Relax at Charlestown Beach

8. Jamestown Island Adventure

Jamestown is often overshadowed by nearby Newport, but it’s home to some of Rhode Island’s best-kept secrets. Drive Beavertail Road to the lighthouse, explore hidden tide pools, and enjoy peaceful coves like Mackerel Cove Beach without the crowds.

Ideal Time to Go:
Spring to fall for coastal weather.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Visit Beavertail Lighthouse and tide pools
Day 2: Kayak in the bay, picnic at Fort Wetherill
Day 3: Sunset at Mackerel Cove

9. Northern Forest & Waterfall Drive

Yes, Rhode Island has waterfalls! This trip explores the lesser known northern woods, Harrisville’s Stepstone Falls, Blackstone River Bikeway, and Lincoln Woods State Park. These tucked away gems are perfect for fall foliage and forest solitude.

Ideal Time to Go:
Late September to October for peak foliage.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Stepstone Falls and forest picnic
Day 2: Bike the Blackstone River trail
Day 3: Hike Lincoln Woods or visit Albion Dam

10. Little Compton & Sakonnet Coastal Drive

Drive the quiet Sakonnet coast through Tiverton and Little Compton, where ocean views meet farmland and hidden art galleries. Don’t miss the secret South Shore Beach, Sakonnet Point Lighthouse views, and a walk through the historic Commons.

Ideal Time to Go:
Late spring through fall, especially during harvest season.

Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Tiverton Four Corners and art studios
Day 2: Drive to Sakonnet Point, walk Goosewing Beach
Day 3: Visit Little Compton Commons and local farms

Packing List

Reusable water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen & bug spray
Lightweight rain jacket
Camera or phone with storage
Beach gear (towel, umbrella, flip-flops)
Picnic blanket and snacks
Portable charger
Binoculars (for lighthouses and wildlife)

Things to Know Before You Go

Parking can be limited in beach towns and popular spots, arrive early.
Many hidden gems are not well-marked, download offline maps or save directions.
Check ferry and observatory hours in advance (especially for Block Island and Frosty Drew).
Some trails and beaches may be seasonally closed or have limited access during high tide.
Always leave no trace and respect wildlife and nature preserves.

Final Thoughts

Even though it’s small, Rhode Island offers an incredible variety of road trip experiences, from famous mansions and beaches to hidden forest trails and quiet villages. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week long adventure, this list gives you a perfect mix of the iconic and the unknown. If you have any questions about planning your own Rhode Island road trip, drop them in the comments below, I’d love to help!