The 6 Can't-Miss Towns In Rhode Island

Do you think small states are boring, with just small towns? Think again. Rhode Island is situated between Connecticut and Massachusetts, with over 400 miles of coast along the Atlantic (not bad for a state fewer than 50 miles wide). Originally founded as a haven for religious dissidents, it was one of the first American colonies to declare independence and one of the last to ratify the Constitution. Today, the towns embody Revolutionary War heritage, working waterfronts, and local customs that have not changed in decades. All six towns do more than just check a box. They form the essence of Rhode Island. Whether you’re after seafood, shorelines, or stories of the past, this is a good place to get going. Travel light. Drive slow. The towns are small, and unlike many things small, they stick with you.

Jamestown

Jamestown delivers charm without trying. Whether you arrive by ferry or by car, begin with breakfast at East Ferry Deli, a relaxed, local dining spot with waterfront views to enjoy while you eat. Afterward, walk the rocky paths of Beavertail State Park, where the ocean crashes against the edges and the views stretch for miles. Windmist Farm comes next. This open field has sheep and horses grazing, and the farm inspired a scene in The Silence of the Lambs. Creepy, right? Finally, head to Jamestown Arts Center, located in an old boat repair shop. It’s a space for exhibitions, classes, and local events.

Westerly

This town mixes beaches, beer, and sharks. Start at Watch Hill Beach, with open access and calm surf, perfect for kids and low-key beach days. Just around the bend, the Flying Horse Carousel has thrilled kids since the 1870s. It’s one of the oldest in the country. Back in town, the Living Sharks Museum uses rare artifacts to tell stories about sharks in media, biology, and conservation. End your day at Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island, a craft brewery inside a repurposed 1920s building. In September, the Misquamicut Fall Festival takes over the beach with concerts, carnival rides, clam fritters, and a car show.

Bristol

This town lives and breathes flags, boats, and salt air. Start with Herreshoff Marine Museum, home to America’s Cup yachts and interactive exhibits. Then paddle the Narrows and Mt. Hope kayaking trail, a route near bridges and old estates. You’ll get a close look at Rhode Island’s historic shoreline. Pro tip: morning paddles are best; a predictable southwest wind picks up every afternoon. Walk the gardens at Blithewold Mansion, then step inside the preserved Gilded Age home. And if you’re in town for the Bristol Fourth of July Parade, arrive early. It’s the oldest Independence Day celebration in the country, and Hope Street fills with bands, floats, and seafood stands.

New Shoreham (Block Island)

Block Island may be the name everyone knows, but officially, it’s called New Shoreham. It's the smallest town in the smallest state. Start your visit at Mohegan Bluffs, where clay cliffs drop 150 feet to a quiet beach. A long staircase leads down, but the view is worth the trek. Nearby, Southeast Lighthouse still lights the way along the rocky shore, though it was moved inland to escape erosion. For a breath of fresh air, visit 1661 Farm & Gardens, which lets you interact with camels, llamas, emus, and other animals. The gardens showcase flowers from around the world. Then head into town for lunch at Aldo’s Restaurant, known for seafood and Italian fare.

Warren

Warren is about trail walks, shellfish, and local artists. Begin at IMAGO Gallery, a volunteer-run space that rotates art from Rhode Island creators. Then walk Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, where birds and quiet salt marshes give you a real break from the noise. Grab lunch at Blount Clam Shack & Market, where stuffies, chowder, and casual waterfront seating make it a seasonal favorite. End at Imagine Gift Store, a converted church full of oversized displays and Rhode Island goods. It’s the kind of store where you leave with something you didn’t plan to buy.

Wickford

Wickford sits inside North Kingstown, but the village holds its own identity. Start with Smith’s Castle, built in 1678 on the site of Roger Williams’s trading post. The house museum holds early colonial exhibits and preserved architecture. Wickford also has one of the largest collections of 18th-century homes in the region. To the west, Wickford Harbor is lined with marinas and calm waters. Walk the block of craft shops and stop at Green Ink, which specializes in Rhode Island-made goods. In July, the Wickford Art Festival fills the waterfront with art booths, food vendors, and visitors.

If You’re in Rhode Island, These Towns Are Non-Negotiable

From coastal towns with serious art scenes to island farms with camels and kangaroos, these places surprise you. Rhode Island may be small, but it leaves a big impression. The towns are quiet and compact, but they linger in your memory. Grab a local beer, scan the salt marsh for wildlife, or walk streets older than America itself. That’s the side of New England you can feel. Each one leaves its own mark, whether it’s a beach town or a historic harbor. So don’t rush through. Park the car. Stroll a while. In Rhode Island, everything good is nearby, and every stop matters.