Scenic Drives in Rhode Island
Routes
11
Avg Distance
54 mi
Avg Drive
1h 17m
Destinations
10
Rhode Island's scenic drives offer a compact exploration of varied landscapes, with routes averaging 54 miles and taking about 77 minutes to complete. The drive scores range from 7 to 9, highlighting enjoyable routes across gently rolling and mostly flat terrain. You'll find good EV charger density on some routes, with one featuring 14 DC fast chargers. The maximum elevation on these drives reaches up to 1508 feet, providing glimpses of the state's subtle topography.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.99/gal
Diesel: $4.80/gal
Typical trip cost
$5–$22
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 2026-07-13
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 longer route, at 139.7 miles, boasts the highest drive score of 9 and reaches an elevation of 1508 feet, traversing gently rolling terrain. It's the most substantial option for exploring beyond the immediate Rhode Island landscape.
Editor's pick
Westerly, RI → Woonsocket, RI
Covering 57.4 miles with a drive score of 8, this trip navigates mostly flat terrain. It provides a solid scenic experience within the state, offering access to parks along its 1.2-hour duration.
Editor's pick
Woonsocket, RI → Bradford, RI
Through: Boston Massachusetts
With a drive score of 7 and excellent EV coverage including 14 DC fast chargers, this 56.8-mile route is ideal for electric vehicle travelers. It stays within predominantly flat terrain for its 1.2-hour journey.
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