A salty breeze whispers through the open car window, carrying with it the scent of the Atlantic and the promise of stunning vistas. This is the quintessential experience of Ocean Drive, Newport’s famed 10-mile (roughly) coastal route that has been beckoning travelers for generations. More than just a road, it’s a journey through a landscape where Gilded Age grandeur meets the raw beauty of the New England coastline.
For the uninitiated, a drive, bike ride, or even a leisurely stroll along this public roadway is an essential Newport experience, and best of all, it’s completely free. The route, often referred to as “The Drive” by locals, formally begins at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Coggeshall Avenue, at the southern tip of Bellevue Avenue., though many visitors start their scenic tour from downtown Newport, following Thames Street to Wellington Avenue. From there, the road winds along the southern shoreline of Aquidneck Island, offering a breathtaking panorama of the ocean’s expanse.
As you meander along the drive, you’ll pass a collection of landmarks that tell the story of Newport’s rich history and natural allure. One of the first major points of interest is Fort Adams State Park, a massive coastal fortification that once guarded Narragansett Bay. Further on, you’ll catch a glimpse of Hammersmith Farm, the idyllic childhood home of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and the site of her 1953 wedding reception to then-Senator John F. Kennedy, earning it the moniker of the “Summer White House.”
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Continuing your journey, Brenton Point State Park offers a perfect spot to pause and drink in the dramatic coastal scenery. Here, the open lawns are a popular spot for kite flying, picnicking, and simply watching the waves crash against the rocky shore. The drive also passes by the historic Castle Hill Inn, perched on a cliff with commanding views of the ocean, before looping back towards the grand mansions of Bellevue Avenue.
Whether you’re behind the wheel, on a bicycle, or on foot, Ocean Drive provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the dramatic beauty and historical significance of Newport. It’s a sensory feast that is sure to leave a lasting impression and, as the title warns, may have you clearing your calendar for an impromptu coastal getaway.
