Enjoy sandy beaches and beautiful coastline, quaint beachfront homes, charming villages, butterflies and hawks in a wildlife refuge.
Although Rhode Island is the smallest state, its sandy beaches and coastline top the list for beauty. And even though the coastal drive is brief, you will find it’s long on charm and beautiful sceneries. Start your drive on Route A1A in Misquamicut and trace the coast all the way to Wickford, which is a panoramic 48-mile drive. The drive will consume additional time because you’ll find yourself stopping most of the times.
At the start of your drive is the state’s most expansive beach, the Misquamicut State Beach. Driving through the small city of Weekapaug will make you imagine you’re in a movie. The town forms a captivating backdrop for the picturesque homes anywhere. In fact, as you drive this panoramic direction, you will see many such charming small towns. Just several miles up the coast from where the drive begins is the 400-acre Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. In September, this is the place to see thousands of black and orange Monarch butterflies and flocks of migrating hawks. It’s really a good destination any time of the year.
Saunderstown will take you back to the early-1700s with its pictures of plantation life. Rhode Island was the first colony to rule out the slave trade. Explore the Silas Casey Farm’s 300 acres and stone walls. The final stop of your short drive is Wickford, one more great photo opportunity of brick buildings and quaint houses. By the end of your drive, you should be shopped out from all the stops along the way at the tempting gift stores.
Starting Point:
Misquamicut, RI
Distance of Drive:
48 miles
Must Eat:
Shelter Harbor Inn
10 Wagner Rd. Westerly, RI 02891
Phone: 401-322-8883
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Seafood
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Early spring to late fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge
Silas Casey Farm
Misquamicut State Beach
Tagged with: beach • best time:spring and fall • wildlife
Filed under: Best Road Trips