7 Small Towns In Rhode Island With Big Charm

Small in size but mighty in spirit, Rhode Island is a treasure trove of coastal beauty, rich history, and irresistible charm. From the windswept beaches of Westerly to the quaint harbors of Little Compton, the scenic farms of Coventry to the waterfront views in Tiverton, and the historic streets of East Greenwich, Foster, and North Smithfield, this little state offers something for every explorer. Whether you’re strolling sun-drenched shores, wandering charming downtowns, or uncovering hidden landmarks, these seven standout towns showcase why Rhode Island proves that big experiences often come in small packages.

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 seasonal appeal down to a science. There are miles of beaches in the spring and summer, many local produce stands in the fall, and an untamed wilderness in the post-tourism winter solitude. 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 available for admittance, the lighthouse is best seen by boat. Sprawling into the waters nearby, the Sakonnet Point Marina is scenic and bustling, with many public access points.

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, including piping plovers, terns, herons, and more.

Westerly

A perfect counterpoint to the southeastern Little Compton, the southwestern town of Westerly has so much to offer. Misquamicut State Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, while the beach in the oceanic Watch Hill neighborhood, much like Goosewing Beach Preserve, is a haven for birding, photography, and hiking.

In town, you’ll find the historic Westerly Armory, which hosts exhibits on the town’s early history, and the Westerly Library, founded in 1894 to serve the community and preserve its heritage. Big enough to offer these historic buildings and more, yet small enough to surround itself by the same pastoral and untamed nature of Rhode Island's most secluded towns, Westerly's boundless charm can make anyone feel at peace from the moment they step foot on its historic streets.

Tiverton

A town with roots going back to the 1600s, Tiverton is located at the mouth of Mt. Hope Bay in the easternmost part of the state. 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 visitors endless experiences no matter how short or long the duration of their stay.

Consider a visit to nearby Fort Barton, a Revolutionary War redoubt. Here tourists can enjoy a 3.5-mile hike through the lush New England wilderness, while also appreciating the sobering extant fortifications used in 1778. One may also wish to visit the Tiverton Four Corners, which is a village within a village. Here guests may enjoy a variety of shops, galleries, food, and even accommodations in a refurbished 19th-century schoolhouse.

In addition to the Four Corners visitors can explore the expansive Tiverton Farmers Market, which operates every Sunday, including during the winter. Dozens of different vendors, each representing local artists and farmers, rotate throughout the weeks.

Coventry

Named after its British counterpart centuries ago, Coventry has retained a touch of European flair while developing a character all its own. The town combines the best of nature and city life, offering something for every explorer. Outdoor enthusiasts can fish in local rivers and ponds, stroll or cycle the Coventry Greenway’s miles of scenic trails, or wander through the George B. Parker Woodland, where walking and hiking paths wind through serene forests.

Coventry has many buildings on the National Historic Register, as well. Included among the smaller, historic homes that are still lived in today are larger sites such as the Interlaken Mill Bridge, more than worth a detour to visit. This structure is a lenticular pony truss bridge which spans the Pawtuxet River, and which was once used to provide quicker access between the town's original mill sites.

North Smithfield

Speaking of historic locations, perhaps more than any other town on this list, North Smithfield's collection of extant historic sites is as impressive as it is varied. Peleg Arnold Tavern, which dates back to 1690, is one of the oldest homes in the area. During the American Revolution, the house served as a base of operations for the American army. Though it is closed to visitors, this beautiful and imposing home is still a sight to behold from afar.

For any history buffs interested in touring the town, the Second Battle of Nipsachuck Battlefield, a site from King Philip's War in 1676, can be found in what is now Mattity Swamp. The Todd Farm, dating back to 1740, is a wonderfully preserved look into life some centuries ago; the main block of the house is a two-and-a-half-story wood-frame structure with a gable roof and large chimney. The sloping grounds around the property, and the tall trees rising throughout the yard, give a pastoral glimpse into the past.

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 can be found in its waterfront entertainment. Among several restaurants to choose from is Finn's Harborside, a family-friendly experience right on the water's edge, serving some of the best local seafood one can find. 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.

Foster

The rural, inland town of Foster is a quiet getaway saturated with local history and acres of nature waiting to be explored. What sets this town apart, though (and makes it so darn charming), is the preservation of its past. Its original winding roads are bookended by classic farmhouses, Colonial-era stone walls weave their languid way throughout the town, and even at its heart, town meetings are held in the historic Foster Town House, still in use all these centuries later.

There are plenty of modern amenities, too. With no congested downtown to worry about, roadside markets offer fresh fruit in the spring and summer. The Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge is a local highlight, and even a place for seasonal decoration at holiday time. Now a replica of the original bridge from the early 19th century, the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge is the only covered bridge on a public road in the state.

Visitors may also choose to pay a visit to the Nickle Creek Vineyard, where tours and tastings are available in season. Family-owned and growing steadily, this winery has received many accolades in recognition of its superior product.

Experience Rhode Island's Charm Today

It is hard to know where to begin when planning a route through Rhode Island. 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. The many waterfront restaurants of East Greenwich that provide culinary experiences every bit as grand as the scenic views. Rhode Island offers many charming towns and experiences. In fact, in this delightful state, you are never more than a few miles from something extraordinary.