6 Best Rhode Island Towns For A Weekend Trip

Rhode Island is one of the nation's oldest and most scenic states, so it only makes sense that it is riddled with picture-perfect locales for a cozy weekend getaway. Harbor towns like Little Compton and Tiverton offer marina access, restored historic buildings, and compact main streets that fit easily into a two- or three-day stay. Rather than resort sprawl, these communities focus on shoreline views, preserved architecture, and small-scale lodging. This list highlights six towns that make efficient, self-contained weekend bases.

Tiverton

Tiverton, a town with roots going back to the 1600s, is inviting for all ages. Founded as a farming village, the commerce surrounding the production of menhaden oil was a chief driving point of the Tiverton economy until 1900. Nowadays, its shoreline tranquility offers prospective visitors endless experiences no matter how short or long the duration of their stay.

Some of Tiverton's many highlights include Fort Barton, a Revolutionary War redoubt, and the Tiverton Four Corners, which is a village within a village, providing shops, galleries, food, and even accommodations in a refurbished and remodelled 19th-century schoolhouse. One can appreciate the local history on the grounds of this dream Airbnb stay. Visitors to Tiverton may also enjoy the expansive Tiverton Farmers Market, which operates every Sunday, including during the winter.

Little Compton

Located in the southeastern corner of Rhode Island is the windswept paradise known as Little Compton. Built on the shores of the Atlantic, the rugged-but-beautiful town has miles of hot beaches in the spring and summer, many local produce stands in the fall, and an untamed wilderness in the post-tourism winter solitude. Ideal for a weekend getaway, that solitude is perhaps best seen at Sakonnet Point, where a lighthouse dating back to 1884 stands vigil at the entrance to the Sakonnet River. Not open to the public, the lighthouse is best seen by boat. Sprawling into the waters nearby, the Sakonnet Point Marina is both scenic and busy, with many public access points.

Two miles away from Sakonnet Point is a quiet and modern farmhouse available for rent. Close to both the ocean and downtown Little Compton, guests at Karen's Beach House are poised to have a flawless weekend retreat. Not far away and just outside of town, Goosewing Beach Preserve is an ecological paradise: here, visitors can explore miles of dunes, coastal ponds, and untouched stretches of sandy beach. Those who travel there should be prepared to see hundreds of migrating birds in a variety of species: piping plovers, terns, herons, and more.

Westerly

While Little Compton resides in the southeast, Rhode Island's southwestern corner is home to the historic town of Westerly. People of all ages can find something that suits them best in Westerly: Misquamicut State Beach is a popular destination for families, while the beach in the oceanic Watch Hill neighborhood, much like Goosewing Beach Preserve, is a haven for birding, photography, and hiking.

In town, one will find the old Westerly Armory, which offers exhibits displaying Westerly's most formative years, and the Westerly Library, founded in 1894 to commemorate volunteer soldiers and sailors who fought in the Civil War. A weekend retreat to Westerly, with its pastoral landscapes and historic buildings, is well worth the splurge. And there is nowhere better than to spend a night at the Margin Street Inn, right in the heart of town. This riverfront Bed and Breakfast is luxury personified, and traces its roots back to 1849.

North Smithfield

North Smithfield is a town with both modern amenities and historic attractions. The North Smithfield Library provides services and community-based events for all residents of the town, making this slice of New England a great place for retirees looking for long-term change. However, it is no less ideal for families looking for a weekend getaway chock-full of lasting experiences, as well. Perhaps more than any other town on this list, North Smithfield's collection of extant sites is as impressive as it is varied. The Second Battle of Nipsachuck Battlefield, a site from King Philip's War in 1676, can be found in what is now Mattity Swamp. Even some of North Smithfield's opulent and Colonial-style houses are not only historic preserves, but available to be booked for your weekend stay.

For those interested in exploring some of the bountiful nature surrounding North Smithfield, a day spent at the Slatersville Reservoir is well worth it. With acres of space around, one can experience the waterway, which once powered the Slatersville Mill and which dates back to the mid-1800s.

East Greenwich

East Greenwich, located along the west shore of Narragansett Bay, is as beautiful and charming as anywhere else in Rhode Island. The bulk of its lively atmosphere is in its waterfront entertainment: among several restaurants to choose from is Finn's Harborside, a family-friendly spot right on the water's edge, serving some of the best local seafood. Water Street Kitchen and Bar is another excellent option with stunning views of the bay. Here, guests can be treated to a fine dining experience right in the heart of the marina.

If one should fancy a post-meal stroll, nearby Goddard Memorial State Park stretches along the shoreline and extends deep inland. Wild, wide, and wondrous, this stretch of land is a great microcosm of Rhode Island as a whole.

One can stay at Extended Stay America Suites, conveniently located minutes from the heart of town in one direction and the airport in the other. Several amenities are nearby, including (but not limited to) a trampoline park.

Woonsocket

Woonsocket is as affordable as it is welcoming. A perfect town for a young-and-old family seeking old-and-new experiences, Woonsocket hosts several events that celebrate its past, including the annual Autumnfest, which takes place on Columbus Day weekend and offers carnival rides, arts and crafts, and fireworks. For a slower pace, the Woonsocket Harris Public Library, which dates back to 1868 (and which was the first public library in the state), offers a range of programs, including children's knitting classes, computer classes, and book clubs. A cozy stay can be booked at multiple Airbnb locations in Woonsocket proper, all of which are situated to provide access to everything the town has to offer, and beyond. Woonsocket comes with a plethora of outdoor recreational activities as well. Among them are a scenic bike path along the Blackstone River and the River Island Arts Park, which hosts a variety of art-based events throughout the year.

Plan Your Rhode Island Weekend Retreat Today

Perhaps it is the militaristic history surrounding North Smithfield that one might want to explore; maybe it is the wildlife that can be found and photographed just outside of Little Compton. Maybe it is the miles of beaches that stretch all along Rhode Island's coast. Whatever the allure, the six towns on this list are each a delight unto themselves and make for perfect weekend retreats. Whether it is an Airbnb, hotel, or historic venue, one thing is certain: you are in for some of the most scenic accommodations that the nation has to offer.