8 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Rhode Island

Considering Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States, it seems only fitting that today's article stays with the theme and explores some unforgettable small towns. From historic seaside villages and walkable harbors to quiet farming communities and windswept coastal landscapes, these destinations prove that size has little to do with character. Each town offers its own blend of history, natural beauty, and local flavor, perfect for a weekend escape or a slower-paced getaway that captures the essence of the Ocean State.

New Shoreham / Block Island

Ready for a town teeming with history, outdoor adventure, and good old-fashioned island living? Look no further than New Shoreham, a small town on Block Island, located about 9 miles south of Rhode Island's mainland. Lovers of the great outdoors will be thrilled to know that across the island, there are 28 miles of nature trails, about 17 miles of beautiful beaches, countless lanes for biking, and a mass of opportunities for boating, sailing, and parasailing.

Those looking to combine the outdoors with luxury should stop by Ballard's Beach on Water Street, a fabulous beach resort where visitors can rent a space for the day and enjoy delicious drinks and dishes. A visit to the island would not be complete without exploring the stunning Mohegan Bluffs. At about 200 feet above sea level, this incredible work by Mother Nature offers incredible views of the sparkling waters below. Pair your visit to the cliffs with one to the Southeast Lighthouse, a historic 19th-century delight offering even better views of the entire island.

Wickford Village

Often overshadowed by Rhode Island’s bigger coastal names, Wickford Village is a quietly charming waterfront hamlet where colonial history and small-town New England character take center stage. Located on the outskirts of North Kingstown, Wickford is one of the oldest villages in the state, with roots dating back to the 17th century. Today, its preserved architecture, scenic harbor, and walkable streets make it an ideal destination for travelers. The village is home to one of the largest collections of 18th-century homes in New England, many of which line tree-shaded streets just steps from the water.

Wickford Harbor is the heart of the community, and it's especially nice in summer when the harbor is buzzing with activity. History lovers won’t want to miss Smith’s Castle, a well-preserved 17th-century plantation house that offers insight into Rhode Island’s colonial past through guided tours and seasonal events. For a different perspective on the area’s heritage, the Wickford Village Historic District itself is a landmark, compact, intact, and refreshingly free of chain stores, making it feel unlike many historic villages elsewhere in the U.S.

Narragansett

Best known for its beaches and iconic seaside landmarks, Narragansett is a classic Rhode Island coastal town where ocean views, maritime history, and laid-back summer energy come together. Located along the southern shore of the state, Narragansett has long been a beloved destination for surfers, beachgoers, and anyone drawn to life by the water. One of Narragansett’s most recognizable sights is The Towers, the grand stone arches that once served as the entrance to the luxurious Narragansett Pier Casino in the late 19th century. Perched dramatically above the ocean, The Towers have become the town’s defining landmark and are unlike anything else in New England, hosting concerts, events, and weddings with the Atlantic as a backdrop. Just steps away, the Narragansett seawall offers a scenic walkway for visitors to soak up the sun.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Narragansett Town Beach is a must. Stretching along the coastline near the pier, it’s one of the most popular beaches in the state, known for its consistent surf and wide sandy shoreline. Surfers flock here year-round, while summer visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sun dip below the horizon. Nearby Scarborough State Beach offers a more expansive, open feel, perfect for long beach days and sunset strolls. To round out your visit, head to Point Judith, a working fishing port where lobster boats, seafood shacks, and sweeping ocean views showcase Narragansett’s maritime roots.

Jamestown

Tucked between Newport and the Rhode Island mainland, Jamestown is a pint-sized island community that manages to feel both timeless and uniquely its own. This seaside village blends scenic harbor views, historic charm, and a close-knit local flavor that’s easy to fall for. One of the most distinctive experiences here is Beavertail State Park and Lighthouse, perched at the southern tip of Conanicut Island with panoramic views of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic—a rugged coastal setting rarely matched elsewhere in the U.S. and one of Rhode Island’s most iconic maritime landmarks.

Wander Narragansett Avenue to browse boutique shops, galleries, and nautical gift stores that give Jamestown its quietly vibrant heart. For a slice of pastoral Rhode Island life, visit historic Watson Farm, one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating farms, or stop by Windmist Farm for fresh produce, cider, and expansive countryside views that feel surprisingly tranquil for an island setting. Art lovers and makers shouldn’t miss Clancy Design Studios, where hand-blown glass creations are born amid cheerful chaos, paired perfectly with photo ops at the adjacent Jamestown Windmill, a preserved 1787 landmark that symbolizes the town’s enduring history. Beyond the village core, outdoor adventurers can explore acres of parks, including Fort Wetherill State Park, offering rugged cliffs, historic coastal defense sites, and sweeping sunset views over the bay.

Bristol

Bristol is one of New England’s most picturesque small towns, where colonial history, scenic waterfront views, and community come together to create a uniquely memorable destination. Nestled along the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay, Bristol has played a notable role in America’s past since its founding in the late 17th century, and today it charms visitors with its historic downtown, beautiful parks, and rich cultural offerings. One of the most distinctive experiences in Bristol is its Fourth of July Celebration, home to the oldest continuous Independence Day parade in the United States.

For history and maritime enthusiasts, the Herreshoff Marine Museum offers an unparalleled look at yacht design and sailing heritage, featuring a remarkable collection of classic boats and artifacts from the legendary Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, makers of numerous America’s Cup defenders. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore at Colt State Park, a 464-acre waterfront oasis with panoramic views of the bay, miles of bike and walking paths, picnic areas, and open fields perfect for kite flying or a lazy afternoon by the water. Just a short ride away, the East Bay Bike Path connects Bristol with scenic shorelines, marshes, and parks, offering one of the most beautiful paved bike routes in Rhode Island. For a quieter but equally rich experience, visit Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, a 33-acre estate overlooking Narragansett Bay where historic architecture meets stunning gardens and rare plant collections.

Newport

Newport is one of New England’s most iconic coastal cities, celebrated for its mix of maritime heritage, Gilded Age opulence, and stunning natural scenery. A quintessential Newport experience is the Newport Cliff Walk, a nationally recognized 3.5-mile public trail that perfectly marries rugged ocean views with architectural splendor. No visit is complete without exploring Newport’s famed Gilded Age Mansions along Bellevue Avenue, where the Vanderbilts, Astors, and other industrial titans built lavish summer “cottages” in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Highlights include The Breakers, a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style estate that stands as Newport’s most celebrated mansion, Marble House, inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles, and The Elms, known for its beautifully restored gardens and behind-the-scenes tours. For a unique way to view the coastline, hop aboard a rail bike, a pedal-powered contraption that offers sweeping seaside views with a side of exercise. If exercise isn't your thing, the town also offers rides aboard its old-fashioned trolley, where visitors can learn history and take in the scenery.

Little Compton

Not to be confused with the much larger Compton in Los Angeles, Rhode Island's small town of Little Compton is a place packed with New England history and charm. This picturesque seaside community is ideal for travelers drawn to laid-back ocean vibes and farm-to-table experiences. Here, you can start your morning catching waves and end your day with a glass of locally grown wine at Sakonnet Vineyard, New England's oldest vineyard.

Dubbed the "Farm Coast" for good reason, the area invites you to spend the afternoon filling your arms with fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers from beloved local spots like Young Family Farm, Small World Farm, and Wishing Stone Farm. When it comes to getting outside, Little Compton has no shortage of distinct natural sights. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning, windswept peninsula where rocky shoreline, salt marshes, and sweeping ocean views collide. It's also one of the best places in the region for birdwatching, especially during migration, when snowy owls, harriers, and hundreds of other species make appearances. For a deeper look into the town's historic past, visit the Wilbor House Museum, a meticulously restored 17th-century home, offering an intimate glimpse into early colonial life. Lastly, a visit to Sakonnet Gardens, a beautiful, privately owned natural retreat, is a must-visit.

Tiverton

Tiverton is a quintessential Farm Coast town where pastoral landscapes, coastal scenery, and historic sites define the experience. Set along the Sakonnet River, Tiverton offers a slower pace and an abundance of outdoor and cultural activities that highlight the area’s deep roots and natural beauty. One of the town’s standout attractions is Fort Barton, a former Revolutionary War site turned scenic park. Today, it features wooded walking trails and a stone observation tower that rewards visitors with sweeping views of the Sakonnet River, Mt. Hope Bridge, and Portsmouth.

Nearby, Fogland Beach offers a different kind of outdoor escape, known for its wide-open shoreline and breezy conditions that make it popular for kayaking, windsurfing, and peaceful waterfront walks. For a glimpse into Tiverton’s creative and historic side, spend time at Tiverton Four Corners, a small but vibrant village center filled with art galleries, craft studios, and locally owned shops housed in beautifully preserved 18th-century buildings. Be sure to check out the beautifully laid out Sculpture Garden, located just behind the Four Corners Art Center. To round out your visit, head to Grinnell’s Beach, a calm, riverfront spot ideal for swimming, fishing, or simply watching the boats drift by on the Sakonnet.

Why the smallest state packs a punch

Although it is the smallest state, Rhode Island knows how to pack a punch when it comes to a relaxing seaside escape. From windswept coastal villages to harbor-side towns steeped in history, this state and its small towns prove that unforgettable destinations don’t need a lot of square mileage. From farm-fresh landscapes, dramatic ocean cliffsides, preserved colonial streets, and iconic seaside landmarks, each of these communities showcases the charm, character, and diversity that make these eight Rhode Island small towns well worth exploring, one coastal road or historic main street at a time.