3-Day Rhode Island Road Trip
Embark on a 3-day road trip along Rhode Island’s U.S. Route 1, from the southern shores near Westerly to the northern border at Pawtucket, weaving through the Ocean State’s coastal charm and industrial past. This itinerary spans about 50 miles of scenic highways with urban stretches, featuring 1-3 hours of driving each day, exploring a blend of sandy beaches, historic mansions, and a culture of clam cakes amid creative enclaves.
Inspired by Rhode Island’s colonial defiance and Gilded Age opulence, this journey mixes well-known landmarks with off-the-beaten-path discoveries like abandoned lighthouses and hidden coves, combining maritime heritage, art, and seasonal delights like quahog chowder. Ideal for summer seaside escapes or fall foliage, pack sunscreen for beaches, comfortable shoes for estate tours, and a taste for local brew.
Navigation via latitude and longitude coordinates will guide you, with detours to Newport for yachting vibes.
Day 1: Southern Rhode Island – Westerly to Charlestown to Narragansett
Trace Route 1’s southern entry along Washington County’s coastal edge, where the road reveals sandy stretches and quiet villages.
Westerly, RI (Seaside Gateway)
Image suggestion: Watch Hill Lighthouse Westerly Rhode Island
Dive into sandy shores and lighthouse lore where Route 1 enters Rhode Island’s southern tip.
Begin your Ocean State Route 1 in this Washington County town, known for its beaches and Victorian charm near Connecticut. Duration: 2-3 hours.
For an off-the-beaten-path find, seek the hidden Napatree Point Conservation Area, a barrier beach with tidal pools and osprey nests, accessible by a quiet hike from Watch Hill.
Activities include photographing Watch Hill Lighthouse, strolling Misquamicut State Beach for swimming, exploring the Flying Horse Carousel for vintage rides, visiting the Babcock-Smith House Museum for history, and tasting clam cakes at a seaside shack.
Charlestown, RI (Nature Retreat)
Image suggestion: Ninigret Pond Charlestown Rhode Island
Immerse in salt ponds and wildlife sanctuaries where Route 1 skirts tranquil nature reserves.
Continue north on Route 1 to this Washington County town, a haven for birdwatchers and beachgoers. Duration: 3-4 hours.
Uncover the lesser-known Burlingame State Park’s back trails, leading to secluded campsites and forgotten fire pits amid pine groves.
Another hidden spot: the Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge’s observation tower, offering panoramic marsh views with rare piping plovers, away from main crowds.
Activities include hiking Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge trails, kayaking Ninigret Pond, visiting the Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum for Native history, swimming at East Beach, and picnicking with ocean breezes.
Narragansett, RI (Surfing Haven)
Image suggestion: Narragansett Pier Rhode Island
Ride the waves in this Washington County resort town where Route 1 meets Atlantic swells.
End the day in this coastal gem on Route 1, famed for its surfing beaches and Victorian towers. Duration: 2-3 hours (overnight recommended).
Activities include surfing or swimming at Narragansett Town Beach, touring the Towers for photo ops, exploring the Narragansett Pier Marketplace, visiting the South County Museum for local lore, and dining on seafood with ocean views.
Day 2: Central Rhode Island – Narragansett to North Kingstown to East Greenwich
Navigate Route 1 inland through coastal-adjacent towns, uncovering maritime history and Gilded Age grandeur.
North Kingstown, RI (Maritime Heritage)
Image suggestion: Quonset Air Museum North Kingstown Rhode Island
Sail through naval history and aviation relics where Route 1 nears Narragansett Bay.
Head north on Route 1 to this Washington County town, blending maritime roots with military aviation. Duration: 2-3 hours.
Off the main path, explore the abandoned Quonset Point Naval Air Station ruins, with weathered hangars for a gritty, off-limits adventure if accessible.
Activities include touring the Quonset Air Museum for vintage planes, visiting Smith’s Castle for colonial history, hiking the Gilbert Stuart Museum trails, exploring Wickford Village for artisan shops, and sampling local oysters.
East Greenwich, RI (Harbor Charm)
Image suggestion: East Greenwich waterfront Rhode Island
Anchor in this Kent County port where Route 1 offers quaint docks and historic homes.
Continue on Route 1 to this scenic town, known for its waterfront and colonial architecture. Duration: 3-4 hours.
Uncover the hidden Buttonwoods Beach Cove, a lesser-visited inlet with calm waters and driftwood for a peaceful swim or sketch.
Activities include strolling the East Greenwich Historic District for shops, visiting the Varnum House Museum for Revolutionary War insights, exploring Goddard Memorial State Park for trails, cruising Greenwich Bay if equipped, and dining on waterfront seafood.
Day 3: Northern Rhode Island – East Greenwich to Providence to Pawtucket
Push Route 1 into Providence’s urban pulse and Pawtucket’s mill legacy, with detours to forgotten waterways and artistic nooks.
Providence, RI (Creative Capital)
Image suggestion: WaterFire Providence Rhode Island
Immerse in arts and rivers where Route 1 enters Rhode Island’s vibrant capital.
Navigate Route 1 into this Providence County city, a hub of education and cultural innovation. Duration: 4-6 hours.
Off the beaten path, seek the Providence River’s Waterplace Park secret tunnels, old sewer conduits now art-lit walkways under bridges.
Another hidden gem: the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology’s storage rooms, with tribal artifacts rarely displayed, accessible by special tours.
For a quirky find: the Benefit Street “Mile of History” back alleys, with overgrown gardens and forgotten plaques of 18th-century trades.
Activities include strolling WaterFire events at Waterplace Park for floating bonfires, touring the Rhode Island State House for gold dome views, exploring the RISD Museum for art collections, visiting the Providence Athenaeum for Poe history, and dining on Italian in Federal Hill.
Pawtucket, RI (Mill Revival)
Image suggestion: Slater Mill Historic Site Pawtucket Rhode Island
End at the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution where Route 1 exits to Massachusetts.
Finish your Rhode Island Route 1 in this Providence County city, home to the nation’s first textile mill. Duration: 3-4 hours (extend for MA crossing).
Uncover the abandoned Pawtucket Canal System’s overgrown locks, a silent testament to mill power now a haven for kayakers and photographers.
Activities include touring Slater Mill Historic Site for textile history, exploring the Pawtucket Arts Festival venues if in season, visiting the Daggett House for colonial life, strolling the Riverwalk for Blackstone River views, and sampling craft beers at Foolproof Brewing.
This compact yet rich jaunt along Rhode Island’s Route 1 captures the Ocean State’s coastal and industrial soul—from lighthouse beams to mill wheels—with iconic stops and secret coves beyond the highways. Whether surfing swells or historic looms linger, this trip decodes the state’s salty heritage. For a leisurely close, revisit Narragansett or head to Boston—coordinates and your Ocean State curiosity will sail on. For deeper dives, consult our All About Rhode Island guide.