Scenic Drives in Rhode Island
Routes
11
Avg Distance
54 mi
Avg Drive
1h 17m
Destinations
10
Rhode Island's scenic drives offer a range of experiences, from the gently rolling terrain reaching up to 1508 feet to mostly flat stretches under 500 feet. With 11 routes averaging 54 miles and just over an hour, you can explore a variety of landscapes. The drive scores here range from 7 to 9, indicating consistently enjoyable routes. For EV drivers, excellent charger coverage is available on many of these shorter trips, with some routes featuring over 20 DC fast chargers.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.49/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$5–$25
One-way, ~54 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~19 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
Climate through the year: Rhode Island
Rhode Island peaks at around 84°F in Jul and cools to 38°F / 22°F in Jan. Wettest month is Mar at ~4.9 in of rain.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38 | 22 | 4 | 10.3 |
| Feb | 41 | 24 | 3.4 | 10.5 |
| Mar | 48 | 30 | 4.9 | 6.4 |
| Apr | 59 | 40 | 4.3 | 0.6 |
| May | 69 | 49 | 3.4 | — |
| Jun | 78 | 59 | 3.8 | — |
| Jul | 84 | 65 | 2.9 | — |
| Aug | 82 | 64 | 3.6 | — |
| Sep | 75 | 57 | 4.2 | — |
| Oct | 64 | 45 | 4.2 | 0.2 |
| Nov | 53 | 36 | 4.3 | 1 |
| Dec | 43 | 28 | 4.7 | 7.6 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for RI — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
- Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
- Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Scenic Routes
Editor's pick
Woonsocket, RI → Williamstown, MA
Through: Springfield → Pittsfield
This route stands out with its highest drive score of 9 and the most significant elevation gain, reaching 1508 feet across its 139 miles. The gently rolling terrain provides a distinct visual experience compared to the flatter options within the state.
Editor's pick
Westerly, RI → Woonsocket, RI
Boasting a strong drive score of 8, this 57-mile trip offers excellent EV charger coverage with 21 DC fast chargers. The mostly flat terrain keeps the focus on the scenery without demanding strenuous driving.
Editor's pick
Woonsocket, RI → Bradford, RI
Through: Boston Massachusetts
With a drive score of 7, this 56-mile option is a solid choice for a relaxed drive. It features excellent EV charger availability, including 14 DC fast chargers, making it convenient for electric vehicle travelers.
New Shoreham, RI → Pawtucket, RI
Through: Massachusetts
Westerly, RI → Smithfield, RI
Cumberland, RI → Narragansett Pier, RI
Through: Warwick
Newport, RI → Chepachet, RI
Through: Smithfield
Foster, RI → Kingston, RI
Smithfield, RI → Narragansett Pier, RI
North Kingstown, RI → Cumberland Hill, RI
Through: Cumberland
Bristol, RI → Exeter, RI
Through: Wickford