The Most Underrated Towns In Rhode Island

Rhode Island is arguably one of the most underrated states in the country when it comes to popular vacation spots. So, it makes sense that even within the "Ocean State", there are small, quiet towns and villages that don't get the spotlight they should for stellar views, great food, and unforgettable activities. Because of this, we set out to find those under-the-radar towns that should definitely be on your 2025 list for the next planned vacation. Rhode Island not only has charming coastal towns, but also locations centered around agriculture, architecture, and history to keep you entertained.

Narragansett

The southern edge of the state is where you'll find the small storybook town in Rhode Island named Narragansett. Much like many of the towns you'll see on this list, Narragansett is a popular tourist destination. While it's home to around 14,532 residents yearly, during the summer the population of this charming East Coast town balloons up to 35,000 people.

A must-see of this beautiful town is at the southern tip, where you'll find Point Judith Lighthouse, a 51-foot octagonal building that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Next, head up the coastal edge of town to Black Point Trailhead, where you'll enjoy scenic hiking along the rocky coastline, and you'll even see a historical stone building. Among the outstanding Victorian architecture popular in the area, you can also appreciate The Towers, a historic castle structure that hosts public and private events throughout the year.

Little Compton

Tucked into the southeastern corner of the state, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Massachusetts border, is Little Compton, one of the most picturesque towns in Rhode Island. Situated along Rhode Island's "Farm Coast," Little Compton is dotted with farms and country living that meets the East Coast.

Make a stop at Gnome Surf, a non-profit organization offering surf and art therapy as well as yoga programs for kids and families of all abilities. There's also True Progression Kiteboarding, a business focused on gear and results-oriented lessons to help people learn what kiteboarding is all about. Head to South Shore Beach and take in the great views, ocean waves, and swimming area that this rocky beach has to offer during the summer. Later in the day, get a taste of the area's finest grapes at Sakonnet Vineyard, where you'll taste locally grown wines with flatbreads, charcuterie boards, and more.

Jamestown

Located almost entirely on Conanicut Island, Jamestown is a small yet surprisingly entertaining town with a population of around 6,000, according to the 2020 census. This small northeastern town has the classic architecture you'd expect from a New England coastal community. Take time to stroll through the small but charming Narragansett Avenue with shops and restaurants, and stop at the Wickford Collection to see curated coastal home furnishings and decor.

Feel free to explore Beavertail State Park, which offers scenic views of the Atlantic. While there, you can also visit the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum to learn about the area's history. If you want a taste of farm life next to the sea, you can visit farms like Godena, Hodgkiss, or the Jamestown Community Farm to see what the locals grow in the area.

Westerly

This next Rhode Island town is the southernmost point for the state, and a short boat ride to New York's Fisher Island. Westerly, like many towns around the area, was settled by English colonists in 1661, and is now one of the coziest small towns in Rhode Island. This underrated town has grown to around 23,000 residents as of the 2020 census.

Westerly offers a variety of fun activities to make your trip memorable all year round. Take a walk in Wilcox Park, where you'll see monuments, a fish pond, and perennial gardens. If you're yearning for more wilderness, you can head over to the Napatree Point Conservation Area for a day hike. During the summer months, take a trip back in time at the Misquamicut Drive-In Theater for an outdoor movie underneath the stars.

Wickford

Located on the western side of Narragansett Bay is Wickford, or Wickford Village, technically a small village in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. This charming village is renowned for its picturesque waterfront streets, distinctive storefronts, and historic colonial homes and churches.

You can learn about this small fishing village while taking the self-guided Historic Walking Tour, which showcases the area's legacy of entrepreneurs, eye-catching architecture, and maritime stories. Maybe you want to hit the beach during the summer for a quintessential Rhode Island summer afternoon? You can purchase a beach sticker and enjoy North Kingstown Town Beach, just a few minutes from Main Street in Wickford. If you want to travel like they did in the olden days, take a horse-drawn carriage ride to admire the picture-perfect main street and old-world architecture at a relaxing pace.

Portsmouth

Just north of Newport is Portsmouth, a town with a population of just under 18,000 residents. This New England town is known for its posh and unique activities, guaranteed to have you experience something new. Maybe you're hungry for a mystery? You can join a murder mystery theater at Murder on the Grand Bellevue Express, where you'll transform into suspects or detectives, all while you ride the rails.

Maybe you prefer the history of the automobile. Stop by the Newport Car Museum to gawk at over 95 cars, ranging from Shelbys to Corvettes to Fin Cars. Finally, if tasting some of the finest wines of the area is more your speed, head over to Greenvale Vineyards, a sixth-generation farm with many delicious wines to sample while taking in amazing scenery.

West Greenwich

While most of these underrated towns are on the shorelines, that doesn't mean Rhode Island doesn't have its own well-kept secrets inland. West Greenwich is located on the western side of the state, adjacent to the Connecticut border. A smaller town of around 6,000 residents, according to the 2020 census, West Greenwich boasts natural beauty that's worth a trip on its own, away from the coast.

In the northwest corner of town is the Tillinghast Pond Management Area, which is one of Rhode Island's most popular hiking and paddling destinations. There are 13 miles of trails to hike and a clear pond for fishing, paddling, or exploring the coves. You can also take a walk in Beach Pond, and even though it's partially in Connecticut, it's still worth the 15-minute drive. Don't forget about Stepstone Falls Waterfall and Hiking Paths, where they have trails for all skill levels and a beautiful watering hole at the end. After all the exploration, you'll probably be hungry, so you can stop at the Tavern on the Hill, a casual establishment with great bar food, drinks, and a place to socialize.

Foster

Tucked in the northwest corner of the state is the town of Foster. Home to fewer than 5,000 residents, it definitely flies under the radar, but it is still worth your time to visit. One of the cornerstones of Foster is the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge, a historical landmark that is beautiful to drive through, or stop and take in the foliage and small babbling creek.

One of the most beautiful areas to hike is Hemlock Falls. The falls are located at the southern edge of the Barden Reservoir, offering you a chance to get close to nature and take in the spectacular visual and auditory experience of the waterfall over the dam. To cap off your day, you'll want to relax with a nice glass of wine at the Nickle Creek Vineyard, take a tour of the 10-acre vineyard, and then sample some of the best varieties from Cayuga White to Chambourcin.

As you can see, these Rhode Island towns offer plenty for anyone looking for an entertaining and unforgettable trip. From Foster's charming covered bridge or its breathtaking Hemlock Falls to a horse-drawn carriage ride through Wickford or Point Judith Lighthouse in Narragansett, these Rhode Island towns will be sure to make your next trip memorable.