8 Cutest Small Towns In Rhode Island To Visit In 2024
Rhode Island is a small state that punches above its size when it comes to tourism. This charming state in the New England region is famous for its extremely long coastline, art scene, and sailing culture. Historically, it is famous for being the first colony to renounce allegiance to the British Crown, and it was also one of the first Union states to send in troops during the American Civil War. Today, Rhode Island is home to a long list of charming small towns that preserve its rich history and serve as launch pads for its numerous offerings. From Jamestown to East Greenwich, here are the cutest towns in the Ocean State to visit this year.
Foster
Foster is a cute little town that charms every visitor with its natural scenery and attractions like the iconic Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge, surrounded by greenery. The Covered Bridge is the most authentic in the state and the only kind situated on a public road. Savor its views with the eyes and a camera, and proceed to Jerimoth Hill - the state's highest point. Enjoy the views while ascending. Afterward, chill at the Nickle Creek Vineyard, where the views are as satisfying as the wine. Before leaving, be sure to shop till you drop at Foster Plaza Shopping Center.
East Greenwich
East Greenwich is a beautiful town on the west end of Narragansett Bay where visitors can relax, promenade, fish, boat, and kayak. The town also features Scalloptown Park, another great place to fish, bike, and hike trails, and enjoy picnics. Additionally, Goddard State Memorial Park is near the town, featuring large lawns, beautiful trees, hiking trails, a swimming beach, and a lot of picnic tables. While here, be sure to stroll through the town’s charming main street and shop for jewelry at Harbour Galleries, get inspired at YJ Contemporary Fine Art, and enjoy lunch at Dante’s Kitchen. For history lovers, East Greenwich features the Varnum Memorial Armory, featuring a military museum with exhibits and relics of past wars.
Middletown
Middletown is a laid-back town on Aquidneck Island featuring gorgeous beaches and open recreational spaces. Here, tourists can relish the town's beauty by exploring its main beaches, like the Third Beach and Sachuest Beach, both featuring picnic benches, grills, and sugar-white sands. Kayak and boat rentals are also available to immerse in the waters while hiking around for sightseeing, which is relaxing. Otherwise, spend time unwinding in the town's numerous parks like - Dunlap-Wheeler Park (featuring gorgeous ocean views) and Paradise Valley Park (featuring a historical windmill and trails). For nature lovers, Middletown is home to Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, featuring a rocky coastline, salt marshes, and three miles of trails. The refuge is also famous for being an important stopover for migratory birds and hosting one of the largest winter populations of harlequin ducks in America. History buffs in this town will also have a field day exploring attractions like Boyd's Windmill (built in 1810) and Lyman C. Joseph's House (built in 1882).
Jamestown
Jamestown is a pretty small town in Conanicut Island where island vacation dreams come alive. Once here, visitors can relish the town's charming scenery at the Beavertail State Park, featuring adorable ocean views, well-paved trails, and opportunities to spot migrating whales, seals, and birds. Move to the town’s top beaches, like East Ferry and Mackerel Beaches, to enjoy picnics, build sand castles, and engage in water sports. History buffs are invited to explore the 18th-century Jamestown Windmill or enjoy impressive views of Narragansett Bay at the historic Conanicut Battery. For more adventures, head to Fort Wetherill State Park to enjoy scuba diving, boating, fishing, and hiking. Before leaving, be sure to check out some of the top lighthouses in and around Jamestown, such as the Rose Island Lighthouse (built in 1869) and the Conanicut Island Lighthouse (built in 1886).
Bristol
Bristol is a cute town on the eastern part of Narragansett Bay steeped in history and natural beauty. Here, visitors will be greeted with an engulfing maritime aura, and the Bristol Harbor features several boat moorings and docks, offering endless opportunities for sailing and boating. For beach lovers, the town features Bristol Town Beach and Poppasquash Point Beach. Bristol is also home to Colt State Park, featuring unobstructed views of Narragansett Bay, picnic tables, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and hiking trails. For history buffs, the town hosts Bristol Ferry Lighthouse (built in 1855) and Bristol County Courthouse (built in 1816). Nature lovers can head to Mount Hope Farm to enjoy walking trails and picturesque views of Mount Hope Bay.
Westerly
Westerly is a charming town in Washington County famous for its miles of beautiful shoreline offering endless adventures. An unforgettable vacation in this town can start from the downtown area where visitors can explore the beautiful wall artworks at Eagle’s Nest Gallery and enjoy some delicious meals at Cooked Goose or Bridge Restaurant. Next, head to Wilcox Park to marvel at the gorgeous scenery characterized by gardens, a fountain, a large pond, monuments, and trees. Take the adventures a step up and visit the town’s beaches for some water adventures and ocean scenery. The top beaches in town include - East Beach, Watch Hill Beach, and Misquamicut State Beach. For a blend of history and scenery, visitors are invited to the Watch Hill Lighthouse Museum, which features photographs and documents about the area’s maritime history.
Narragansett
Narragansett is a lovely town on the bay of the same name with so much to offer. Typical of a quintessential Rhodes Island town, this town’s beaches are undeniably alluring, and Narragansett Town Beach is the most beautiful. Scarborough North State Beach is another fine option, featuring an observation tower, picnic areas, pavilions, and a boardwalk. While in this town, stroll around The Towers to marvel at their stunning architectural splendor and the waterfront scenery, and then proceed to Point Judith Lighthouse to marvel at stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Before leaving, immerse in some local history at the South County Museum and embark on a shopping spree at the Salt Pond Shopping Center.
Charlestown
Charlestown is a small, gorgeous town in Washington County peppered with impressive natural and historic attractions. While here, visitors would be stunned by its array of mind-blowing beaches, often regarded as Rhode Island's best-kept secrets. Some of the finest to explore include East Beach, Charlestown Town Beach, and Blue Shutters Town Beach, all brimming with swimming, fishing, sunbathing, picnicking, and water sports activities. Ninigret Park is another scenic area in this town for leisure and recreational pursuits, featuring a small beachfront and sports facilities. For nature lovers, visit the 858-acre Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, consisting of wetlands, freshwater ponds, and diverse bird species. Proceed to Burlingame State Park to enjoy fishing, picnicking, boating, camping, hunting, and hiking. Elsewhere, history buffs can visit the District Schoolhouse No. 2 (built around 1838) or the Joseph Stanton House (built around 1739).
Rhode Island may be small compared to other states in the country, but what it lacks in size is that it makes up for touristy allure. From expansive coastline to historic and natural attractions and picturesque lighthouses, this state is blessed with so much. Fortunately, its small towns are great places from which to experience its best. In these towns, visitors will be greeted on all sides by charming coastal scenery while attractions line up to offer endless adventures. Whichever season you choose to visit, these towns in Rhode Island will make you lose track of time.
