7 Stress-Free Rhode Island Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Rhode Island, nicknamed "the Ocean State," may be the Nation’s smallest state by landmass, but it is considered one of the most beautiful states due to its wonderful coastlines, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene. The state has over 400 miles of shoreline and 100 miles of beaches to explore for a stress-free weekend, along with a lot of amazing and unique communities for those wanting to explore the state further inland. The Ocean State is a wonderful place to visit, whether looking for stress-reducing activities or exploring one of the great beauties of New England.
Jamestown
Just west of Newport is Jamestown, a town on Conanicut Island with a population of 5,559. Jamestown is known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and wonderful charm as an island community. A nice start to a stress-free weekend in town is visiting the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum in the southern part of the island. Beavertail is the third-oldest lighthouse in the nation, with a history spanning back to 1748. The Lighthouse went through fires, British Troops burning it down during the Revolutionary War, and it became a museum in the 1980s. The lighthouse tower is open for tours, offering its visitors breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
Downtown is filled with wonderful local businesses, restaurants, and shops for all to explore when looking to escape larger cities temporarily. A lovely place to spend a night or weekend in town is the East Bay Bed and Breakfast, a Victorian-style bed and breakfast built in 1892, offering cozy and comfortable rooms, and is within walking distance of downtown and the East Ferry Wharf, where people can access the ferry to Newport. Guests can also enjoy a wonderful breakfast every morning in a charming and comfortable interior.
Just east of the quaint downtown is the Jamestown Newport Ferry and the Jamestown Wood Pile Pier. The Jamestown Newport Ferry provides people with not only ferry service to Newport, but also gives everyone impeccable views of the landscape, water, and cruises around the area. As for the Jamestown Wood Pile Pier, it's right on Howard's Wharf, a dock for people's boats who are looking to explore the water on their own, and a wonderful spot to enjoy a crisp sunny day to unwind after a tough work week. Right next to the Ferry and Pier is the 1 Ferry Wharf Restaurant, where freshly prepared meals await those who have had an incredible time on the water or before heading out onto the water.
Charlestown
On the western part of the state is Charlestown, a town with a population of 7,997. Charlestown is known for its pristine beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and an unbelievable amount of natural wonders in the area. At the southern end of the town is the Charlestown Beach, which is an amazing place to visit for surfing, swimming, sailing, beach-combing, and boating. The beach is large and has plenty of space for people looking to regroup for the weekend. Another exciting part to see on the beach is the Charlestown Breachway, which gives its visitors a panoramic view of Block Island Sound and gives people one of the best saltwater fishing areas in the state.
Further inland, the town has a wonderful place for visitors to stay called A Shore Thing at Charlestown Beach, LLC, a bed and breakfast in an 1830s farmhouse with warm, welcoming rooms, a charming interior, and amazing breakfasts every morning from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., making for a perfect place to visit for a weekend getaway from the office. A Shore Thing is also located across from a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a gift shop, and is within good driving distance from the Charlestown Beach.
On the west side of town, even more inland, is the Burlingame Management Area, which has plenty of trails for those looking to escape the office for a weekend and be one with nature. Within the nature reserve is the Burlingame North Management Area trail, a 3.1-mile-long trail that is a moderately challenging trail perfect for hiking and for those looking for solitude from a long week of work. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be on leashes. Another trail to visit in the management area is the Vin Gormley Trail, which is another moderately challenging trail and is 7.8 miles long compared to the North Management Area Trail. In this trail, people will see old boardwalks and long wooden bridges in another amazing trail to explore while enjoying peace from the work week.
Little Compton
Just east of Newport is Little Compton, a coastal town with a population of 3,616. Little Compton is known for being one of the most scenic rural communities in the state, the birthplace of Rhode Island red chicken, the home of some scenic beaches, and its historic charm. A beach to explore in the community is the South Shore Beach, a popular beach known for its large waves and breathtaking coastal views. This beach is perfect for scenic beach-walking on the sand, soaking up some sun, and is a great place for surfing. However, a weekday beach pass costs $20, a weekend/holiday pass costs $25, a weekly pass costs $75, and a seasonal pass costs $250. The weekly and seasonal passes may be pricey, but visiting the beach for the day may be just the thing, and gives people access to an incredible beach.
Just two miles north of the South Shore Beach is Harmony Home Farm, a local bed and breakfast showcasing historic architecture, a beautiful interior, and an amazing spot to spend a night or weekend in after a long week of work. Harmony Home has four rooms to choose from, is near some farmsteads with freshly grown produce from local farms, and is near some wonderful local restaurants and coffee shops.
A historic landmark to visit in the community is the Wilbor House Museum, which was built in 1690 and has been preserved by the Little Compton Historical Society. Along with the historic Wilbor House, the property also has buildings preserved from the 18th and 19th centuries, and has exhibits showcasing what life was like in colonial America. Visiting the museum is a must for those who are history buffs looking to destress from a long work week and take in the sights during their visit to the Wilbor House.
Tiverton
Just in between Little Compton and Fall River, MA, is Tiverton, a town with a population of 16,359. Tiverton is known for its immaculate coastal landscape, views of the Sakonnet River, wonderful coastal vibes, and relaxed atmosphere. In the very southern end of town is Fogland Beach, a black stone beach, which is a popular spot for those looking to kayak or surf with the winds. The beach is a wonderful place for those looking for peace and solitude, and offers places for picnics, changing rooms, showers, and pets are allowed. There are also areas for hiking and exploring the wilderness in an amazing natural setting.
A naturally historic site to visit in the community is Fort Barton and the Fort Barton Woods. The site got its name from Revolutionary War hero Lieutenant Colonel William Barton, who led a raid against British forces in 1777 and captured British Major General Richard Prescott. All that remains of the fort in the wide public park are the earthworks. Fort Barton itself is a wonderful place for hiking, as there's a 2.3-mile-long trail filled with various trees and ferns and multiple wooden bridges. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash while visiting the area, as it's another amazing natural site to visit and regroup for the following weeks.
In the very northern end of town is the wonderful and luxurious Boat House Waterfront Dining, a charming restaurant overlooking Mt. Hope Bay, which honors New England's natural abundance of fresh seafood and local produce. The restaurant is incredibly beautiful inside and out, as the gorgeous views complement the amazing meals served to patrons. The restaurant also hosts private events like intimate weddings and birthdays, making it a premier destination to enjoy a stress-free night out on the town.
North Kingstown
Just south of Providence is North Kingstown, a town with a population of 27,732. North Kingstown is known for its historical charm and sites, the home of the coastal village of Wickford, and outdoor recreation. Within the heart of the community is Wickford Village, a wonderful family destination that's been around since 1709, filled with an endless number of local shops and restaurants to explore when regrouping after a long week of work. The village is also filled with well-preserved Colonial-era buildings and some of the best shorelines in the New England region.
A wonderful piece of history to see in the community is the Poplar Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1831 and is the oldest standing wooden lighthouse in the nation. The lighthouse is a private residence and not open to the public, but can be enjoyed from a distance or on the water. Poplar Point was eventually replaced by the Wickford Harbor Lighthouse in 1882, but made headlines in December 2024, when it was relit for the first time since 1882 on Christmas night.
On the southern end of town is the North Kingston Town Beach, a small, mildly rocky, yet charming spot to visit during the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Residents and visitors need beach passes to access the relaxed beach. Residents can get a beach pass for $10 per vehicle, while out-of-town residents pay $20 per vehicle. The beach is a calm place for families looking to unwind for the weekend, and it has a playground and picnic spots to add to the family fun.
Westerly
At the very southwestern end of the state, on the Connecticut state line, is Westerly, a town first settled in 1661, with a population of 23,154. Westerly is known as a tourist hotspot from May until October, with its wonderful beaches and rich history throughout the community. A natural place to visit in the very southern part of town is the Napatree Point Conservation Area, a protected 86-acre barrier split with hiking trails, and the Watch Hill Beach as a starting point. The trail at Napatree is 3.1 miles long and is considered a moderately challenging route and a great spot for fishing, birdwatching, and hiking during a day of solitude. Along the trail is Fort Mansfield, an abandoned coastal artillery installation, and the westernmost point of the state.
Downtown is very charming and historic, with Victorian-era buildings throughout, along with amazing local restaurants and shops. A lovely place to visit on a nice sunny day is Wilcox Park, a 14-acre park in the center of downtown. The park is owned and maintained by the Westerly Library, which is on the south end of the park, and is a wonderful place to visit when looking for some quiet reading. The park itself has a gazebo, a pond, and the Runaway Bunny Statue, making for a relaxing park to visit when looking to reduce stress and unwind with friends and family.
A lovely hotel to visit in the southeast end of town is the Villa Bed and Breakfast, an adults-only local bed and breakfast that gives its guests immaculate views of the water and landscape in a building built in 1850 and then rebuilt after the 1938 Great New England Hurricane ravaged the region at the time. The bed and breakfast has a pool, modern amenities, and a fresh daily breakfast to start the morning off correctly for a stress-free weekend stay. The Villa is also a short distance away from the beaches, making for a stress-free and memorable place to visit with friends and loved ones looking for some solitude for a weekend.
Newport
One of the most iconic places in the state and in the New England region is Newport, a coastal city with a population of 25,163. Newport is known for its historic Gilded Age mansions, rich sailing history, being a vibrant summer resort, and the home of the oldest active synagogue in the country, the Touro Synagogue, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. One of the most iconic mansions to visit in the city is the Breakers, the grandest of the summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilts' wealth and social status. The 19th-century mansion is one of the most visited attractions in the city and the state as of 2017. Touring the iconic manor shows people one of the most breathtaking interiors with European style in the 70-room American icon.
Downtown Newport is one of the most spectacular places in the state for anyone looking to unwind for the weekend, with the wharves filled with boats and yachts, along with an endless amount of restaurants, museums, and shops, and amazing views of the Newport Harbor. The Newport Marina is where all the action on the water begins, as it's located in the heart of downtown. The marina has a heated outdoor pool, clean showers, a laundry facility, grilling and outdoor lounges, parking, Wi-Fi, and diesel fuel by appointment. Once out on the water, the world is your oyster for exploring the harbor and coves.
Just outside of downtown is the Island House Newport Hotel, a hotel offering a very refined approach to luxury for families, groups, and business travelers visiting the iconic coastal city. The hotel has a vast amount of amenities, including amazing-looking hotel rooms and penthouse rooms ready for an incredible weekend getaway from the office. The hotel is also very close to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, local parks for some peaceful sunny days, and, of course, the iconic downtown.
Whether it's history, exploring the beaches, or going on a hike, "the Ocean State" will leave its visitors from all over the country with an incredible experience, refreshing them for the weeks ahead. There's always an endless amount of charm to see in each of these wonderful communities, along with having access to incredibly friendly local businesses, shops, and restaurants to explore while visiting these towns. No matter what town someone visits in Rhode Island, expect to be more than satisfied and potentially want to return to "the Ocean State" for the next visit on a random weekend or a planned vacation.
