The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving From Barnstable, Massachusetts to Bristol, Rhode Island

Driving from Barnstable, Massachusetts to Bristol, Rhode Island is an fantastic way to appreciate beyond the boundaries of each city. Following the coastline, this drive gives you a glimpse of some of the most beautiful spots of the Northeastern coast. This route is packed with beautiful scenery, world-class beaches, historical sites, and unique coastal towns.

Are you ready to hit the road for some adventure? Here are the top places to see when driving through the dazzling Rhode Island coastline.

1. Sandy Neck Beach

Sandy Neck Beach is bordered by Cape Cod Bay and Barnstable Harbor. It is an ideal destination for those who are seeking some surf and sand. This six-mile-long beach provides you ideal facilities like picnic tables, changing rooms, and concession stands. The beach is popular for saltwater fishing, camping and hiking experiences. Don't forget to bring your binoculars to observe the magnificent maritime life, including hawks, shorebirds, and Ospreys.

2. Heritage Museums & Gardens

Start exploring Barnstable by visiting the Heritage Museums and Gardens. The museum features three galleries showcasing several artifacts and exhibits, including vintage American art, military memorabilia, and antique automobiles. The Heritage Gardens are equally impressive, covering over hundred acres of spectacular horticultural offerings. Highlights include hidden avenues, hydrangeas, and a rhododendron garden which is breathtakingly beautiful.

3. The Breakers

Get your eyes on one of the most renowned Newport's mansions; The Breakers. This mansion was constructed during the Gilded Age in the late nineteenth century for the Vanderbilt family. Its 70 rooms are adorned with frescoes, marble columns, intricate woodworking, and custom-made furniture. The mansion covers twelve acres of ground, so its vast gardens provide you stunning ocean views. The Breakers mansion should be on everyone's list of Rhode Island bucket lists, and it is among the well-preserved mansions in the world.

4. Colt State Park

One of the best escapes in Rhode Island, Colt State Park, provides stunning coastline views. The park comprises panoramic views of Narragansett Bay, waterside picnic areas, bike paths, and fishing spots. Enjoy a family picnic by the seaside or rent a kayak and paddle through the calm waters. You will fall in love with Colt's State Park scenic beauty.

5. Newport Cliff Walk

Tour one of Rhode Island's most beautiful and popular scenic walks, Newport Cliff Walk. The Newport Cliff Walk stretches over 3.5 miles along the Newport coast and gives you breathtaking views of both the ocean and several mansions. Tourists come to wander, jog, and picnic while enjoying the crashing waves. Do not forget to bring your camera, as the ocean views form a stunning backdrop, especially during sunrise and sunset.

6. Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology

The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, housed in Brown University, is known for its expansive archeological and ethnographic collections. The museum presents a variety of items from around the world, including textiles, utensils, tools, and objects of religious and cultural importance. It is also home to a variety of objects from indigenous American cultures and ancient civilizations.

Conclusion

This article presents the top places to visit when driving between Barnstable, Massachusetts, and Bristol, Rhode Island. We hope these places motivated you to embark on this journey, pave the way for unforgettable experiences, and create long-lasting memories. By exploring these locations, you will acquire a deeper appreciation for the stunning Rhode Island coastline. Don't forget to bring your sense of wonder and adventure as you travel alongside the breathtaking Atlantic seaboard. Safe travels, and bon voyage!