Pack the car and head on an adventure with these 5 scenic drives to take this summer in RI

Summer in Rhode Island is a time for music festivals, leisurely days at the beach and, of course, Del’s Lemonade. It's also a good season to roll down the windows and enjoy a drive around the state – even if it may require packing a lunch.

Natives will be familiar with some of the state’s best-known scenic drives. But there are other lesser-known jaunts that offer equally satisfying experiences. Here is a list of five scenic drives to take this summer and get to know Rhode Island better.

Ocean Drive in Newport

Distance: 10 miles

No list of scenic drives in Rhode Island would be complete without Newport’s Ocean Drive. The route was featured last year in Travel + Leisure’s top road trips in the U.S., and for good reason: it features Gilded Age mansions, epic ocean vistas and state parks. Visitors can treat themselves at one of Newport’s fine dining restaurants or get their caffeine fix from one of the many coffee shops in town.

Start near Bowen’s Wharf on America’s Cup Avenue, head down to the intersection with Thames Street, past The Sailing Museum, and Wellington Avenue and work your way counterclockwise along the coast. You can also start on Bellevue Avenue and work your way clockwise.

Along the way, stop for a tour of Newport’s famous mansions – like The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms or Rosecliff – or a picnic at Fort Adams State Park. If you’re feeling like stretching your legs, try walking Newport’s Cliff Walk and enjoy the ocean breeze while catching glimpses of some of the mansions.

Ocean Road in Narragansett

Distance: 6 miles

For those who want to stay away from Newport’s crowds but still enjoy the ocean, Narragansett is the place to go. This quaint town in Rhode Island’s south doesn’t boast mansions and cliff walks but offers unbeaten access to the water. Make sure to stop by Brickley’s Ice Cream for some of the best frozen desserts in the state on your way back home.

Start where Beach Street meets Ocean Road, following the road south through The Towers, Narragansett’s unmistakable landmark, and along the coast past picturesque neighborhoods with historic homes. The road ends at the Point Judith Lighthouse, originally built in 1806. Visitors will have their pick of beaches if they want to take a dip in the ocean: Narragansett Town Beach, Scarborough State Beach and Camp Cronin are all nearby.

Route 77 in Tiverton and Little Compton

Distance: 9 miles

Rhode Island may be known as the Ocean State, but that doesn’t mean it lacks country charm. Take Tiverton and Little Compton, two towns in Newport County where you can find chicken and alpaca farms. You can follow Route 77 – also known as Main Road – through both towns, taking in the countryside views. Stop at Coastal Roasters for a vanilla cardamom latte or at Evelyn’s Drive-In for a lobster roll, or check out the fresh produce at Walker’s Roadside Stand. Fogland Beach is also along the route, and if you feel like hiking, Pardon Gray Preserve has 230 acres of land with trails to get lost in.

Start at Tiverton Four Corners, where you can peruse antiques shops, grab a bite from Groundswell’s European-inspired menu and enjoy dessert at Gray’s Ice Cream. Work your way down Route 77/Main Road and veer right onto Sakonnet Point Road, following it to the coast. Take a stroll around Sakonnet Point, where you can sometimes spot harbor seals.

Block Island

Distance: Varies

Few things are more romantic than a ride on a ferry to Block Island: the ocean breeze, the waves crashing against the boat, the views of open water all around you. Once you arrive you can go straight to Ballard’s Beach, a five-minute walk from the ferry, or drive north to Mansion Beach, a less-crowded spot a few miles away – though beware, there are no bathrooms or other facilities there. If you are looking for more scenic stops, visit Mohegan Bluffs, where you can take in the ocean views as far as your eye can see, or stop by North Light or Southeast Lighthouse, two beautiful historical lighthouses. If you want to truly feel the ocean breeze, rent a bike or a moped and ride around the island.

Ferries depart daily from Point Judith starting in the morning and running until the evening. If you are planning to bring a vehicle, plan ahead: This is the only ferry that takes cars and requires reservations. A high-speed ferry – departing from both Point Judith and Newport – takes passengers to the island and back. Passengers can pay a bit extra to bring a bicycle to get around the island.

Great Road in Lincoln

Distance: 3 miles

Not all road trips need be long to be worthwhile. Take Great Road in Lincoln, a 3-mile stretch north of Providence. It is considered one of the oldest thoroughfares in the country, boasting about 300 years of history in a compact stretch of land. Its historical structures range from the Arnold House (circa 1696) to the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop (circa 1880), where you can take classes on hand-forging. The main attraction is the Hearthside House (circa 1810), a stone mansion built by Stephen Hopkins Smith – with lottery winnings, according to folklore – to woo a woman from Providence. The woman, however, rejected Smith’s gesture, leading the mansion to be known as “Heartbreak House.”

Start at Gateway to Great Road, near the intersection of Great Road and Front Street. Along the way stop by Chase Farm for an easy stroll or the farm stand at Butterfly Farm, where visitors can take pictures by the twin silos. In about half a mile, turn right to follow Great Road north. If you want to visit Arnold Bakery, founded circa 1874, turn left onto Wilbur Road followed by another left at Old Louisquisset Pike. Visitors who want to extend the trip – by car or foot – can also swing by Lincoln Woods State Park nearby.

Learn more at greatroadheritagecampus.org.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Five scenic summer drives in RI take you through Newport, Block Island