You must be logged in to use this feature.

Family

Family.com Family Travel Family Vacations Rhode Island Newport Vacation Things To Do Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive

See Newport, Rhode Island family vacation

Ocean Drive

Newport Harbor

view website

Thames Street to Carroll Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
401-847-2400

You have successfully saved this Thing To Do.

See it in My Wishlist

Good-for-Kids Rating

Babies

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

Rate It | Add Your Review

Good-for-Kids Rating

Rate Ocean Drive:

Babies

Toddlers & Pre-K

School-Age Kids

Pre-Teens & Teens

submit

Beach
Bicycling

Ocean Drive Description

One of the country's most famous scenic roads, Ocean Drive parallels the coastline, with stunning views of the water and the houses lucky enough to be built along it. Bikers are plentiful here, and on a beautiful day drivers look enviously at the energetic tourists experiencing the area al fresco. To be sure, there are hills (it's New England after all), but they're not insurmountable; don't be surprised if the kids fly past you on the way up. It's roughly twelve miles around the loop, which you could do briskly. But why rush? The scenery is the kind you'll want to appreciate while standing still.

Kid Tips

Toddlers & Pre-K: If you're hearty enough to pedal for two, you can use a trailer or tandem for the kids -- provided you bring your own. Most local rental shops don't rent them, although Ten Speed Spokes has a limited number of bike seats.

Planning Notes

Rent a bike. Bikes are available for rent at Scooter World, Scooters of Newport, and Ten Speed Spokes.
Eye on the road. The path is entirely on main thoroughfares, but most folks drive it at a leisurely pace, which makes biking it seem less frightening.
A good route. Start out from the wharf area south on Ocean Drive and come back north along the mansions on Bellevue. This way, you can reward yourself with a Coldstone Creamery treat toward the end (it's near the Tennis Hall of Fame). The best news: whether you start on Bellevue or Ocean Drive, you'll get the benefits of downhill on the way back.
Vrrrrooom. Ocean Drive is just as scenic from the seat of a car. You just won't have as good an excuse to indulge in the area's great restaurants when you're done.