8 Charming Rhode Island Towns For The Perfect Getaway
The 13th State of the Union, Rhode Island, is one of the New England region’s southernmost states. Spotlighting about 400-mile-long stunning tidal shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay, out-of-this-world oceanfront beaches, a strong colonial past, seafaring traditions, and a kindhearted populace, Rhode Island attracts tourists from every corner of the world. Although urban agglomerations, including Providence, the state capital and the most populous city, Cranston, Warwick, and Pawtucket, are predictably the definite favorites of all, the countless charming Ocean State towns are excellent travel destinations, gifting all visitors with memorable getaway souvenirs.
Charlestown
Christened after King Charles II of England, this Washington County community, situated in the southwestern portion of Rhode Island, is rimmed by the towns of Richmond in the north, South Kingstown in the east, Westerly in the west, and Hopkinton in the northwest. Frequently publicized as ‘Rhode Island’s best-kept secrets,’ the endless miles of immaculate sand beaches, such as the town-managed Charlestown Town Beach and Blue Shutters Town Beach, and the state-controlled Charlestown Breachway State Beach and East Beach State Beach, are ideal for taking part in plentiful open-air activities or simply lounging in the sun. The Frosty Drew Observatory & Science Center in Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, the Fantastic Umbrella Factory - a shopper’s paradise, and the Ninigret Park - the venue of annual community festivals like the Charlestown Seafood Festival (August 1 to August 3, 2025) are not to be missed, aside from relaxing peacefully at Phil and Ann’s Sunset Motel.
Jamestown
Home to 5,559 inhabitants as per the 2020 US Census, Jamestown, named for King James II and VII, is a tranquil Newport County settlement situated predominantly on Conanicut Island. This coastal wonderland captivates vacationers with its pristine beaches, sweeping green areas, and meticulously preserved properties. Whilst on a tour to this seaside settlement, do explore the Jamestown Windmill - a 1787-built smock mill in Windmill Hill Historic District, the Beavertail Lighthouse - a 64-foot-tall Rhode Island’s premier lighthouse in Beavertail State Park, and the World War II facilities at the 61.5-acre Fort Wetherill State Park overlooking the Narragansett Bay. Also, inspect the town’s unnumbered gift shops like Conanicut Gift Shop, restaurants like Our Table Jamestown, homey daytime cafes like Slice of Heaven, and accommodations like Club Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn.
New Shoreham
Coextensive with the pear-shaped Block Island, located approximately 9 miles south of mainland Rhode Island, across Block Island Sound, this Washington County town holds the distinction of being ‘the smallest town in the smallest state.’ This unique island community is a must-visit for all who wish to marvel at the mind-boggling marine scenery, 17 miles of sandy beaches, 300 freshwater ponds, and over 30 miles of hiking trails. Excursionists touring New Shoreham gotta unwind at Champlin’s Marina & Resort after sightseeing the North Lighthouse, the 1661 Farm & Gardens, Mohegan Bluffs, and the Spring Street Art Gallery.
Foster
This idyllic community of 4,469 inhabitants in Providence County, named after US Senator Theodore Foster, encompasses the state’s highest point - the 814-foot-high Jerimoth Hill, a popular spot for highpointers. When in Foster, trek the 0.3-mile-long trail leading to Jerimoth Hill, peer in wonder at the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge - the single public road covered bridge in Rhode Island, spend some time at Dyer Woods - the Ocean State’s sole nudist campground, taste an appetizing spread at Shady Acres Diner, and rest for the night at the Stateline Campresorts & Cabins, located about 7 miles from Nickle Creek Vineyard.
Little Compton
Populated originally by the native Sakonnet people, who titled the settlement ‘Saughonet,’ this waterside retreat in Newport County was subsequently retitled after the Little Compton hamlet in England’s Warwickshire County. Bounded by the mighty Atlantic to the south, the Sakonnet River to the west, Tiverton to the north, and Westport, Massachusetts, to the east, Little Compton is an outstanding summer holiday destination, owing to its picturesque shoreline, the existence of copious stonewalls, cool maritime climate, and unspoiled Goosewing and South Shore beaches. Travelers swarming to Little Compton on a summer break need to lodge at the historic Stone House Inn, apart from visiting one of the three surviving ‘Town Commons’ of the state, the Wilbor House Museum, the Sakonnet Point Lighthouse, and the Young Family Farm.
Tiverton
Set on the Narragansett Bay’s eastern shores across the Sakonnet River is the attractive Newport County town of Tiverton, incorporated initially within the Province of Massachusetts Bay’s Bristol County in 1694 by the English colonists. This onetime agricultural community has, through the years, developed as a waterfront sanctuary with its central boulevard full of art galleries like Four Corners Gallery, gift shops like Courtyards Ltd, eateries like Four Corners Grille, and hotels like Bally’s Tiverton. Sightseers must not overlook the First Baptist Church of Tiverton, the Thomas Osborn Homestead in the Osborn-Bennett Historic District, and multiple historic buildings in the Tiverton Four Corners Historic District. Furthermore, engage in windsurfing and kayaking activities at Fogland Beach and feel at one with nature at the Weetamoo Woods & Pardon Gray Preserve.
Wickford
Labeled after its homonymous town in East England’s Essex County, this teeny resort village in North Kingstown town sits around one of the Eastern Seaboard’s most well-defended natural harbors, on the westerly side of the Narragansett Bay. When on a trip to Wickford, stroll the tree-lined streets and stare in wonder at the massive collection of wonderfully preserved 18th-century residences found in the American Northeast, tour the Smith’s Castle Museum, browse the assorted gift shops like Different Drummer, family-owned dining establishments like Wickford on the Water, and accommodations like Blue Beach Motel. Annually, join in for the Wickford Art Association’s Wickford Art Festival scheduled on July 12th and 13th, 2025, at Wilson Park, and from December 1st to 4th,2025, for the Wickford Village Festival of Lights Celebration.
East Greenwich
East Greenwich, an affluent municipality and the 8th oldest town in the state, named for Greenwich, England, is situated on the Narragansett Bay’s western banks. This Kent County seat highlights a significant number of historical landmarks, such as the Clement Weaver-Daniel Howland House (Rhode Island’s second oldest home), in addition to the Main Street art galleries like New England Contemporary Fine Art, gift shops like The Current, and first-class restaurants like Union & Main. Do pay a visit to the New England Wireless & Steam Museum and the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, participate in a wide array of recreations at the Goddard Memorial State Park, and de-stress after a frenzied day at the Extended Stay America Suites Providence - West Warwick.
From attending yearly community events like the Wickford Art Festival in Wickford to taking in incessant ocean views from Little Compton’s South Shore Beach, there are plenty of enchanting destinations in the seventh-least populous and smallest state of the nation. If you are keeping an eye out for pretty places that boast mind-blowing coastal scenery, fascinating historic points of interest, multitudinous recreational activities, lively annual celebrations, and foodie havens serving unbelievably fresh seafood, these magnetic Rhode Island towns are worth additions to your long holiday or weekend break itineraries.
