Riding Bikes in NewportWe had a mini staycation this week. I used to hate that word, staycation, because I love to travel and don’t get to do it enough. But as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned to appreciate the days you can just “be” in your home and the opportunity it presents to become a tourist in your own town.

One day, we drove down to Newport to ride bikes.  I’ve created a map of our bike route here, but I can also direct you the Bike Newport website. They are a great organization and a helpful resource for riding in Newport, RI.

Here are few photos I took along the way.

Riding Bikes in Newport

Riding Bikes in NewportOur first stop was at Fort Adams State Park. You can swim and picnic here, and restroom facilities are available during the summer. There is also a boat launch, sailboat rentals, and tours of the historic Fort Adams. It offers one of the best views of Newport Harbor and all the interesting vessels that come and go from it.

I also love riding by the unique heritage livestock breeds being cared for by the SVF Foundation, some are located in the fields next to the park’s entrance.

Riding Bikes in Newport Our next stop was along Ocean Drive aka Brenton Point State Park. It’s another perfect place for a picnic and though it’s not advertised as a beach, I did see lots of people camped out with blankets and umbrellas below the road. It’s also a great place to fly a kite, there’s almost always a breeze and you will have plenty of room to run on the giant open lawn.

Riding Bikes in NewportWe continued on for our final stop of the tour, Gooseberry Beach. Because we had bikes, we could just walk onto the beach for free (car parking is $20) and there is something so gratifying about that. Gooseberry is set back in a cove so the water is very shallow and calm, it’s great for families. They have restroom, changing, and shower facilities available, and the snack bar had plenty of delicious options such as grilled cheese, gazpacho, and ice cream.

Riding Bikes in NewportAfter a quick snooze and a dip in the Atlantic, we pedaled back to our car past the elegant mansions on shady Bellevue Avenue.