How to plan a summer road trip through the smallest state

Rhode Island, also known as the Ocean State, is home to 400 miles of pristine coastline with secluded beaches, wooden shacks serving up clam cakes, and sailboats rounding the next buoy during a summer regatta. The state’s strong maritime ties are matched by its charming towns that merge art, history, and freshly caught seafood.

Just 48 miles from north to south and 37 miles east to west, Rhode Island can be driven across in about an hour. Pack up the car and check out these idyllic stops within the nation's smallest state.

Stop 1: Westerly

Located in the state’s southwestern corner, Westerly blends seaside luxury with historical charm. The Margin Street Inn, a quaint bed and breakfast, overlooks the Pawcatuck River, and serves flowing glasses of chardonnay during social hour. Just beyond the inn, locals shop for picnic essentials at Windies before taking a leisurely walk in flower-filled Wilcox Park. James-Beard nominated chef Jeannie Roland prepares the finest intimate dinner at Ella’s Food & Drink, including a sweet finish of her complimentary peanut butter pavlova. 

The Cooked Goose is a Rhode Island staple, serving classic breakfast and lunch dishes. Across the street, works of New England landscapes line the walls at the Westerly Museum of American Impressionism. Passing by the summer cottages into the village of Watch Hill leads to a beach day at East Beach with stunning views of the iconic Ocean House. Take a history tour of the resort before indulging in a spicy tuna roll at Sora, or a tasting menu experience at Coast. Nearby, the Weekapaug Inn connects guests with nature through guided outdoor activities along Quonochontaug Pond and a new restaurant menu with an emphasis on local seafood.

The nation’s oldest continuously operating suspended flying horse carousel spins around for children to try and win a gold ring. If time allows, shop for a custom charm necklace at Pearls + Plaids and a Watch Hill crewneck at Jan’s Boutique.

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Stop 2: Charlestown

Outside of Charlestown is The Preserve Sporting Club and Resort in Richmond, with clay shooting courses, fly fishing, and horseback riding throughout the woods.

Enjoy the outdoors while hiking the “Troll Trail” in Ninigret Park. World-renowned artist Thomas Dambo used recycled natural items, including wood and shells, to create giant wooden trolls nestled in the woods. On the same road, you'll find Rhode Island staple Dave’s Coffee serving a Rhode Island favorite: coffee syrup in an iced latte. Browse for local artwork after at The Fantastic Umbrella Factory.

Live music at the Charlestown Rathskeller plays all summer long, or opt to spend a quiet summer night stargazing at the Frosty Drew Observatory and Science Center. 

Stop 3: South Kingstown

A seafood lover’s paradise can be found in South Kingstown, including buttery lobster rolls. Savor clam chowder at Matunuck Atelier or enjoy a plate of local oysters at Matunuck Oyster Bar while looking out over the water. If you've had your fill of seafood, try the popular, take-out only Jayd Bun, known for its bao buns and spicy noodles.

A great place to stretch your legs is at Kinney Azalea Gardens. Here you'll find over 500 species of azalea cultivars and afternoon tea in the gardens.

Stop 4: Narragansett

As the journey east along the coastline continues, you'll spot the stone Towers of Narragansett in the distance. This historic structure, the only remaining element of the Narragansett Pier Casino, now serves as a space for events and is the perfect backdrop for a summer night. Steps away, the Coast Guard House Restaurant has stunning views of the bay paired with sea-to-table dishes.

Along the docks of Point Judith, fishermen embark on their journeys to catch striped bass while the Block Island Ferry horn blows, heading toward the island. A day trip to Block Island from Point Judith includes a long beach nap, climbing the Mohegan Bluffs' 141 wooden steps, and a refreshing watermelon Del’s Lemonade.

Stop 5: Newport 

Newport is bustling with visitors soaking up the views of the Gilded Age mansions along the Cliff Walk. The Breakers, the former summer cottage of the Vanderbilt family, allows a sneak peek into what life was like for them during the late 19th century. A lunch of lobster salad on a croissant doesn't disappoint at the Elms Carriage House, either. 

The newly renovated Hotel Viking is celebrating 100 years of history this year. With lavish textures, custom furnishings, and a sailing-inspired rooftop bar best for golden hour, beauty can be found in every corner of the century-old hotel. For an intimate experience, the elegant Almondy Inn boasts New England charm and offers an exceptional homemade breakfast.

The viral cookie butter-whipped latte from the Nitro Bar and cinnamon bun from Co-Dough pair nicely with cruise down Ocean Drive or sunbathing at Third Beach.

Where Caleb Earl Street meets Broadway, Caleb & Broad is a popular neighborhood bar with great comfort food and cocktails. On America’s Cup Boulevard, the smell of freshly smoked barbecue about to be topped on nachos from Smoke House wafts down the street. Head to Stoneacre Garden for tropical cocktails and fresh sushi rolls. If time allows, try Guisto for handmade pastas, sip wine among the grape vines at Newport Vineyards, and take in the sunset on the famous Castle Hill Inn lawn.

Stop 6: Bristol

Cross the green Mount Hope Bridge into Bristol for an afternoon of exploration and history. Blithewold Manor's 33 acres bloom with daffodils. For more views of Narragansett Bay, visit Colt State Park or Independence Park with the Bristol Middle Passage Port Marker Project. Made by local artist Spencer Evans, the statue honors the lives of the Indigenous and African Americans impacted by the slave trade.

Family-owned European-style cafe Folklore's menu includes the Portuguese dish bife à café—seared prime sirloin with an espresso cream sauce, fried egg, and batatas à murro. You'll find vegan-based restaurant Basil & Bunny close by in Unity Park, a restored industrial park.

Stop 7: Providence 

The state’s capital, Providence, is an art-lover’s paradise with street murals and the famous Rhode Island School of Design Museum. With approximately 100,000 works of art, including Paul Cézanne, Winslow Homer, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, you'll find everything from ancient work to contemporary art. Check out the Broadway series at the Providence Performing Arts Center, the historical theatre downtown.

Maven’s Delicatessen serves classics like schnitzel and potato latkes. Parkside Rotisserie was the first in New England to have a Labesse Giraudon rotisserie imported directly from Paris. For nightlife, Club Frills offers a fun, innovative cocktail menu.

Spend the night at The Beatrice, a luxury boutique hotel with a craft rooftop bar experience located across the Providence River.

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