Ocean Drive (Ten Mile Drive)
A picturesque 10-mile scenic loop along Newport's coast, featuring stunning ocean vistas and grand historic mansions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Ocean Drive (Ten Mile Drive)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque 10-mile scenic loop along Newport's coast, featuring stunning ocean vistas and grand historic mansions.
"Ocean Drive is a magnificent place to visit and admire a beautiful sunset or simply a beautiful place to relax."
🚗 Drive the Ten Mile Drive
Enjoy the full scenic loop, often called the Ten Mile Drive, for stunning coastal views.
🌅 Catch a Newport Sunset
Ocean Drive is renowned for its incredible sunset views. Don't miss it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Atlantic Ocean Vistas
Breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, crashing waves, and rugged coastline. Perfect for a scenic drive.
Historic Mansions
Glimpse the grandeur of Newport's Gilded Age mansions lining the scenic route.
Gooseberry Beach
A beautiful beach along Ocean Drive, ideal for a stroll, a swim, or simply enjoying the ocean breeze.
Sunset Spectacle
Witness spectacular sunsets painting the sky over the ocean. A truly magical experience.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Scenic Drive
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive the Ten Mile Drive
Enjoy the full scenic loop, often called the Ten Mile Drive, for stunning coastal views.
🌅 Catch a Newport Sunset
Ocean Drive is renowned for its incredible sunset views. Don't miss it!
📸 Stop for Photos
Plenty of pull-offs to capture the mansions and ocean scenery.
🏖️ Beach Access
Access beaches like Gooseberry Beach for a break from the car.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive the Ten Mile Drive
Enjoy the full scenic loop, often called the Ten Mile Drive, for stunning coastal views.
🌅 Catch a Newport Sunset
Ocean Drive is renowned for its incredible sunset views. Don't miss it!
📸 Stop for Photos
Plenty of pull-offs to capture the mansions and ocean scenery.
🏖️ Beach Access
Access beaches like Gooseberry Beach for a break from the car.
💰 Free Scenic Activity
Enjoy this beautiful drive and its views without any admission fee.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Ocean Drive's stunning coastal scenery, historic mansions, and beautiful sunset views, calling it a magnificent and relaxing experience. While some find it a bit plain compared to other coastal drives, most agree it's a worthwhile and free activity for anyone visiting Newport.
"Beautiful coastal road. Incredible homes. Worth a drive and some area can be walked."
carol lebold
"Ocean Drive is a magnificent place to visit and admire a beautiful sunset or simply a beautiful place to relax. I recommend it, you will love it ❤️"
Alexander Colon-Cruz
"Ocean drive is a free activity and nice to look! Beautiful Mansions and ocean view. We had done all our activities and just want to get to know more what is in the area. There are some stops you can make and take great pictures."
Priscila Goldsmith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ocean Drive is easily accessible by car in Newport, Rhode Island. It's a scenic loop that starts and ends within the city, often referred to as the 'Ten Mile Drive'. Many visitors drive their own vehicles, and it's about a 2-hour drive from Connecticut. +1
Parking is available at designated pull-offs and beach access points along Ocean Drive. However, parking can become challenging, especially during peak season and weekends.
While renting a Vespa is a fun idea, it's not as common for Ocean Drive itself. Most visitors opt to drive their cars. Parking can be tough on busy weekends, so consider arriving early.
Ocean Drive is a scenic loop, meaning it's not strictly one-way. You can drive it in either direction, but the most popular route follows the coastline.
The drive itself can take about 25-30 minutes without stops. However, to truly enjoy the views and make stops at beaches or viewpoints, plan for at least an hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ocean Drive itself is a public road and is free to drive. There are no tickets or admission fees required to experience the scenic route.
While the drive is free, parking at beaches like Gooseberry Beach or Easton's Beach may have associated fees, especially during the summer season.
Ocean Drive is a public road and is accessible 24/7. However, the best times to visit for views and safety are during daylight hours and sunset. +1
While there aren't specific 'Ocean Drive' tours, many Newport trolley tours and private car services include this scenic route as part of their itinerary.
You can walk or bike along parts of Ocean Drive, especially near the beaches. However, be mindful of traffic, as it's primarily a driving route.
📸 📸 Photography
Key photo spots include the pull-offs overlooking the Atlantic, the entrances to historic mansions, and the beaches like Gooseberry Beach. Sunset offers particularly dramatic lighting.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and mansions. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on distant homes. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant skies and water.
Drone usage regulations can vary. Always check local ordinances before flying a drone. Some areas might have restrictions, especially near beaches or private properties. +1
The 'golden hour' around sunrise and sunset provides the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good opportunities for capturing the mansions.
Look out for the iconic stone bridges, the grand estates, and the dramatic cliffside views. The entrance to Gooseberry Beach is also a popular photo spot.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Ocean Drive itself is primarily a scenic route with limited dining options directly on the drive. However, Newport has a vibrant culinary scene with many restaurants located a short drive away.
Yes, you can enjoy a picnic at designated spots along Ocean Drive, especially near the beaches. Pack your own food and drinks to enjoy the coastal scenery.
Newport offers a wide range of dining, from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants. Consider exploring the waterfront or Thames Street for diverse options.
You'll find charming cafes and coffee shops in downtown Newport, perfect for a pre-drive coffee or a post-drive treat.
Newport is known for its fresh seafood, particularly lobster and clam chowder. You'll also find classic American cuisine and international flavors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make sure to plan stops at beaches like Gooseberry Beach for playtime and a break from the car. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options directly on the drive are limited. The open spaces and ocean breeze offer a refreshing experience for everyone.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
The route is well-maintained and provides continuous stunning vistas, making it a joy to navigate. Consider combining it with other scenic drives in the region for a longer road trip adventure.📸 Photography Buffs
+1 Utilize the numerous pull-offs to capture unique angles and compositions. Remember to bring your wide-angle lens for sweeping ocean panoramas and a telephoto for mansion details.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ten Mile Drive Experience
As you cruise along, you'll pass by several beautiful beaches, including Easton's Beach (First Beach) and the popular Gooseberry Beach, providing opportunities for a refreshing dip or a leisurely stroll. The route is dotted with numerous pull-offs, allowing you to safely stop, admire the scenery, and capture stunning photographs of the coastline and the opulent summer homes of America's wealthiest families.
Many visitors find the drive to be a peaceful and rejuvenating experience, especially during the quieter hours. The ever-changing light, from the soft glow of morning to the dramatic hues of sunset, makes each visit unique. It's a perfect way to soak in the natural beauty and historical grandeur of Newport.
+1Navigating Newport's Coastal Roads
Parking can be a consideration, particularly during peak tourist seasons like summer and holiday weekends. While there are numerous pull-offs along the drive for quick photo stops, parking at popular beaches like Gooseberry Beach can fill up quickly. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can increase your chances of finding a spot.
For those seeking alternatives to driving, exploring options like renting a scooter or bicycle might be appealing for shorter segments, though the full 10-mile loop is best experienced by car for convenience and to cover more ground. Public transportation options are limited directly along Ocean Drive, so a car remains the most practical choice for most visitors.
Capturing the Magic: Photography on Ocean Drive
When photographing the historic mansions, consider using a mid-range zoom lens to pick out architectural details or a wider lens to frame the entire estate against the backdrop of the ocean. The interplay of light and shadow on these grand homes can be particularly striking. Don't forget to experiment with different angles and perspectives to find unique shots.
The sunset is undoubtedly a highlight for photographers. The sky often explodes with color, casting a warm, golden glow over the ocean and the coastline. Arrive early to secure a good vantage point at one of the many pull-offs or beaches. A tripod can be beneficial for capturing long exposures during twilight or for sharper images in lower light conditions.
+1
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