Newport’s Ocean Drive: The Scenic Ride That Will Take Your Breath Away!

Newport, Rhode Island. The name alone conjures images of Gilded Age mansions, sleek yachts, and salty sea air. But to truly capture the essence of this iconic coastal city, you absolutely must experience Ocean Drive. Forget about ticketed tours for a bit; this is about wind in your hair, stunning vistas at every turn, and that “wow” feeling as you round a bend to yet another incredible view. Whether you’re a nature lover, a biker, or just someone who appreciates a darn good scenic drive, Ocean Drive delivers in spades.  

Getting Your Bearings: The “Ten-Mile Drive” Deconstructed

So, what exactly is this legendary drive? Ocean Drive, or the “Ten-Mile Drive” as it’s affectionately known, is a roughly 10-mile loop that showcases some of Newport’s most spectacular coastal scenery and historic landmarks. The beauty of it lies in its accessibility and the freedom it offers. You can tackle it by car, which is the most common way, allowing you to cover the distance comfortably and stop at various points of interest. For the more active, biking Ocean Drive is a fantastic option, letting you soak in the views at a slower pace and really feel that ocean breeze. Scooter rentals are also popular for a fun, zippy way to explore. You can even find self-guided audio tours, like the one available through the VoiceMap app, which provides turn-by-turn directions and historical context as you drive.  

Starting Your Journey: There are a couple of main ways to hop onto Ocean Drive:

1. From Downtown Newport: Head southwest on Thames Street, then bear left onto Wellington Avenue. This route quickly brings you to harbor views and your first major landmark, Fort Adams State Park.  
2. From Bellevue Avenue: You can also access the drive from the southern end of Bellevue Avenue, where it meets Coggeshall Avenue and Ocean Avenue.  

The drive itself is free and open to the public year-round. While you can complete the loop non-stop in about 25-45 minutes, that would be missing the point! Plan for at least 2 to 4 hours, or even a half-day, to truly enjoy the stops along the way.  

Key Landmarks & Must-See Stops Along the Drive

Ocean Drive is more than just pretty views; it’s dotted with significant landmarks and natural attractions. Here’s what you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

• Fort Adams State Park: Your first major landmark if starting from downtown, this sprawling 19th-century coastal fortress once guarded Newport Harbor. It’s America’s largest, most sophisticated coastal fortification. You can take guided tours of the fort, explore its ramparts and underground tunnels, and peek at Eisenhower House (the former ‘Summer White House,’ now an event venue; it opens to the public only during special open-house days or private tours). The park also offers stunning panoramic views of the harbor and the Pell Bridge, a family-friendly beach, and is home to Sail Newport and famous summer folk and jazz festivals. Parking is generally free at the park itself, though tour fees apply for the fort. Official site: fortadams.org.  
• Hammersmith Farm Overlook: As you continue, you’ll pass by the area of Hammersmith Farm, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s childhood summer home and the site of her wedding reception with JFK. While the farm itself is now privately owned and not open for tours, there are overlooks where you can glimpse the estate and appreciate its historic significance and beautiful setting on a hill sweeping down to the water’s edge.  
• Castle Hill Inn & Lighthouse: This iconic spot offers luxury accommodations and dining, but the real draw for many drivers is the picturesque Castle Hill Lighthouse (pictured below). Built in 1890, it still guides ships into Narragansett Bay. While the lighthouse tower is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard, the inn maintains it and permits free footpath access to the lighthouse area. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity, especially at sunrise.  

• Brenton Point State Park: Situated where Ocean Drive bends sharply at the island’s southwestern tip, this 89-acre park is a former estate transformed into a public haven. It’s the kite-flying capital of the region, thanks to constant on-shore winds (prime kite season is May-September, with the Newport Kite Festival is held the second weekend of July (July 12–13 in 2025). The park is perfect for picnicking, fishing, walking, bird watching, and simply soaking in the commanding ocean views where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic. Don’t miss the Portuguese Discovery Monument here, honoring early navigators. Restroom facilities are available seasonally (May 1 to October 31). Park entry is free. Official site: riparks.ri.gov/parks/brenton-point-state-park.  
• Gooseberry Beach: This beautiful cove offers calmer waters for swimming, protected by offshore boulders, making it a family favorite. Though it’s technically a private club, the beach itself is open to the public. There’s a classic snack shack (cash only) and facilities like restrooms, showers, and changing rooms for daily visitors. Daily parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for $30 per car (up to 5 people) and $10 for bikes, e-bikes or scooters; walk-ins and ride-share drop-offs are not permitted.. Bikes and scooters can also park for a fee ($10). Official site: gooseberrybeach.com.   

Planning Your Drive: Making the Most of It

A little planning goes a long way in making your Ocean Drive experience perfect.

• Best Times to Visit: Weekdays and off-season will generally mean fewer crowds. Be sure to check it out for sunset!  
• Duration: As mentioned, allow 2-4 hours with stops. The self-guided VoiceMap audio tour is about 45 minutes of narration, but you can pause and explore at your leisure.  
• Fees: Driving Ocean Drive itself is free. Fort Adams State Park entry is free, but fort tours have a fee ($20 adult, with discounts). Gooseberry Beach parking is $30 per car in season.  
• Parking: Ample free parking is available at King Park (start of the drive downtown), Fort Adams State Park, and Brenton Point State Park. Gooseberry Beach has paid parking that can fill up. There are also smaller pull-offs along the route where you can safely stop for photos. Be mindful of “No Parking” signs in residential areas or restricted zones. The City of Newport uses the Passport Parking App for some metered areas, which might be relevant if you’re combining your drive with downtown exploration.  
• What to Bring: Camera (obviously!), sunscreen, water, snacks (especially if picnicking), kites for Brenton Point, and maybe some good tunes for the ride. If you’re planning on scrambling on rocks, wear treaded shoes.  
• Self-Guided Audio Tour: The popular Ocean Drive Historic District audio tour on the VoiceMap app lasts about 45 minutes of narration and covers roughly 12 miles; it begins near downtown (close to the Gateway/Visitor Centre lot) and ends back by Bellevue Avenue.

Insider Tips for an Epic Ride

• Photo Opportunities: Beyond the main landmarks, look for unnamed pull-offs with dramatic cliff views, especially between Castle Hill and Brenton Point. The Ida Lewis Yacht Club, seemingly perched on a rock in the harbor near the start of the drive, is also very photogenic.  
• Picnic Spots: King Park at the start offers harbor skyline views for a picnic. Brenton Point State Park is ideal with its open lawns, picnic tables, and ocean backdrop. You can also find smaller, more secluded spots along the drive to lay down a blanket.  
• Safety First: While the views are captivating, always drive attentively. Stick to marked pull-offs for stopping. If exploring rocky shorelines, be aware of slippery algae-covered sections and wear appropriate footwear.  
• Scooter & Bike Rentals: Several local shops offer bike and scooter rentals if you prefer a more open-air experience. Companies like Island Adventures and Scooter World are options in Newport. Biking is a fantastic way to experience Ocean Drive, with designated paths in some areas. For mopeds, Rhode Island rental companies require drivers to be 18 or older with a valid driver’s licence; state law sets 16 as the minimum to own a moped, but rentals set the bar at 18.

An Unforgettable Newport Highlight

Newport’s Ocean Drive is far more than just a scenic route; it’s an immersive experience that beautifully encapsulates the city’s unique blend of natural splendor, Gilded Age opulence, and maritime history. From the historic ramparts of Fort Adams to the windswept fields of Brenton Point and the exclusive shores of Gooseberry Beach, every mile offers something new to discover. Whether you have a couple of hours or an entire afternoon, make sure this breathtaking drive is on your Newport itinerary. You won’t regret it!