Newport is a city of captivating contrasts. It’s where the immense architectural splendor of the Gilded Age meets the raw, untamed beauty of the Atlantic coast. Nowhere is this powerful duality more apparent than on Ocean Drive. More than just a road, this celebrated scenic route is a quintessential Newport experience, a journey through history, nature, and breathtaking vistas. To truly make the most of it, you need a plan. Consider this your definitive, step-by-step guide.
The Official Route: A Turn-by-Turn Look The full circuit is roughly 10 miles and is entirely on public, two-way roads. While you can drive it in either direction, the following route is the most popular and logical for first-time visitors.
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Start: Begin at the southern end of famed Bellevue Avenue, at the intersection with Coggeshall Avenue.
First Leg: Follow Coggeshall Avenue for a short distance as it curves and merges seamlessly onto Ocean Avenue. This is where the main event begins.
Main Stretch: You will stay on Ocean Avenue for several miles as it winds along the Atlantic shoreline, passing all the major natural landmarks.
The Turn: The road eventually curves sharply north and becomes Harrison Avenue. The scenery shifts here, with views of the entrance to Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor.
Finish: Follow Harrison Avenue until it ends, where you can turn toward Fort Adams State Park or head back toward downtown Newport via Wellington Avenue.
Can’t-Miss Stops & The Best Pull‑Offs Driving Ocean Drive is an experience of discovery. Here are the key stops and photo opportunities in the order you’ll encounter them.
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The Gilded Age Estates As you first turn onto Ocean Avenue, you are greeted by stunning private estates. While you can’t enter, there are a few small gravel pull‑offs on the right (ocean side) perfect for a quick, safe stop to admire the view where land meets sea.
Gooseberry Beach This private beach is open to the public via a paid daily parking pass (around $30 for non‑resident vehicles) during the peak summer season. It’s a great spot to get out and feel the ocean breeze.
The Green Bridge Shortly after Gooseberry Beach, look for the small pedestrian “Green Bridge” spanning Gooseneck Cove. It’s a beloved photo spot thanks to its graceful arch and water views. There’s limited space to pull over just before or after the bridge—exercise caution and watch for traffic.
Hammersmith Farm Views Keep an eye out for the sign marking the long drive to Hammersmith Farm, Jacqueline Kennedy’s childhood summer home. While the property is private, the surrounding fields burst with wildflowers in summer, offering another lovely photo opportunity.
Brenton Point State Park This is the crown jewel and the most important stop on the drive. It’s the halfway point and the best place for facilities. Parking is free, and public restrooms are available seasonally. The park’s vast, open fields are perfect for flying a kite, having a picnic, and enjoying 180‑degree views of the Atlantic.
The “Secret” Lighthouse Pull‑Off Just before you reach the Castle Hill Inn, look for a small, unofficial pull‑off on the right. From here, you can walk a few feet to capture the iconic photo of the Castle Hill Lighthouse with the Newport Pell Bridge in the distant background. It’s one of the best viewpoints on the entire drive.
Castle Hill Inn For a touch of luxury, stop at the Castle Hill Inn. Its Lawn Terrace is open to the public for cocktails and food, offering a world‑class view in a spectacular setting. It’s the perfect place to watch the sailboats go by.
Harrison Avenue Harbor Views As you turn onto Harrison Avenue, the view changes from open ocean to the bustling Newport Harbor. You’ll have fantastic vistas of Fort Adams, the harbor filled with yachts, and the Newport Bridge.
Fort Adams State Park Toward the end of the loop lies Fort Adams, one of the largest and most complex coastal fortifications in the country. The park offers free public parking and no general admission fee; a temporary parking pass is only required during special events like the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals. You can explore the fort’s tunnels and ramparts on free tours, stroll the Bay Walk along the harbor, and—if you visit in July—experience the world‑renowned music festivals.
Essential Pro‑Tips for Your Visit
Best Time to Go: For fewer crowds and beautiful light, go on a weekday morning. For sunsets, the Harrison Avenue side of the drive is best, as it faces west over the harbor. In peak summer months (July–August), the road is very busy; the shoulder seasons (May–June and September–October) are often more pleasant.
Food & Facilities: Plan ahead. The only public restrooms are at Brenton Point and Fort Adams. Dining options directly on the drive are limited to the upscale Castle Hill Inn. Your best bet is to pack a picnic to enjoy at Brenton Point or plan to eat in downtown Newport before or after your drive.
Navigating Safely:
Car: Always use the designated pull‑offs. Do not stop in the middle of the road, as it is narrow and winding.
Bicycle/Scooter: These are fantastic ways to see the drive, but be extremely cautious. There are no dedicated bike lanes. Ride single‑file, and if you’re not an experienced cyclist, consider going very early in the morning before traffic picks up.
What to Pack: Always bring a camera. A jacket or sweater is essential, as the ocean wind can be surprisingly cool, even on a summer day. Binoculars are great for spotting distant ships and mansions.
