2024's Towns In Rhode Island That Come Alive In The Fall

Rhode Island, like many northern states on the East Coast, is an idyllic place for enjoying the fall season this year. Between its climate and deciduous forest-covered landscapes, leaf peepers are flocking to this state in 2024 to catch the magnificent colors and embark on other fall-related activities. For an easy way to plan your next trip to Rhode Island, take a deeper look at these small towns located within the state. Whether you're looking for a place to stay the night or a stop on a quick day trip, we're sure at least one of these cozy oceanside communities will appeal to you.

Wickford

During fall, Wickford’s historical charm takes center stage against a wonderful backdrop of colorful foliage and crisp coastal air. This quiet village in North Kingstown dates back to 1637 when English settlers first landed in the area. Today, you can walk through history with the village's well-preserved colonial architecture and historic sites. Poplar Point Lighthouse is probably the most popular spot to visit, as it rests on a scenic point overlooking nearby Narragansett Bay.

Wickford Harbor draws in outdoor adventurers at the nearby John H. Chafee Nature Preserve, where you’ll find a network of trails that meander along the coastline, with wildlife often visible among the changing leaves.

Fall events in Wickford, like the annual Wicked Week, embrace the spooky season with ghost tours and harvest-themed activities that appeal to families and Halloween enthusiasts alike.

Little Compton

Little Compton offers a classic New England fall experience with its lush countryside beauty. This small town, also founded in the 17th century, sits at the far southeastern corner of Rhode Island, one of the only parts of the state that is significantly covered in farmland. Be sure to pay a visit to locales like the Young Family Farm for pumpkin and other locally grown produce during this harvesting season.

The town center’s historic buildings—including the United Congregational Church and Wilbor House Museum—look even more attractive as the local maples turn brilliant hues of red. Definitely bring your camera, especially for all you architecture enthusiasts out there. For a quieter experience, head to South Shore Beach or Lloyd's Beach, where you can enjoy ocean views at the southern tip of the state.

Bristol

Known for its extensive waterfront that stretches almost completely around the town's borders, Bristol is a popular destination for sightseers pretty much all year long. This coastal gem, just s short drive from Providence, invites you to experience fall along its scenic harbor and tree-lined streets. Bristol’s Independence Park and the East Bay Bike Path showcase stunning views of Narragansett Bay, with the vivid fall colors of late September and October enhancing the landscape. Walking or cycling here, the path provides ample ways for you to explore the area.

Historic sites in Bristol to see include the Blithewold Mansion and Gardens. The estate’s extensive gardens, complete with unobstructed views of the bay, contain Japanese maples, oaks, and hundreds of other trees, a perfect place to see a rainbow of fall colors emerge this season. Blithewold’s annual Autumn Splendor event celebrates the season as well with themed tours, showcasing the estate’s horticultural legacy and ornate, historic buildings.

Jamestown

Set on Conanicut Island near the city of Newport, Jamestown is one of Rhode Island's most scenic oceanside towns. The island’s winding roads and scenic viewpoints, particularly from Beavertail State Park, give all who visit perhaps the best views in the state of Narragansett Bay. Beavertail’s iconic lighthouse, one of the oldest in the country, also adds a nice visual touch and some historic depth to the area. Nearby, Fort Wetherill State Park will give you another panoramic view over the water, and hiking trails through the park's woodlands and the fort’s historic structures can easily fill up an afternoon of adventure.

Jamestown’s small downtown, with its local shops and fresh seafood restaurants, becomes an inviting place to warm up in the chilly fall weather. JB's on the Water, located within the Club Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn (a top-tier place to stay, by the way; with many rooms that have views directly over the bay), is a highly recommended spot to grab some of the best locally caught seafood in town.

Chepachet

Moving on to Rhode Island's often overlooked interior, Chepachet brings a rustic atmosphere perfect for a fall visit to the forests of New England. With roots tracing back to the American Revolution, this historic village still features well-preserved period architecture along its Main Street, where antique shops, general stores, and small eateries create a welcoming, old-fashioned ambiance. The Tavern on Main, a renowned locale set in a structure first built in the early 1700s, is the most notable restaurant in the area to grab a tasty meal along with a beverage or two.

Get into the spirit of the season at the nearby annual Scarecrow Festival, which allows participants to display their own unique scarecrows along the town's streets. Live music is another draw at this fun event, with local musicians setting up shop side by side with the creatively designed scarecrows. Many come to this remote area for its parks and wildlands. The George Washington State Campground and Management Area, for example, is a large forested area with trails that wind through lakes, ponds, and dense woodlands; an amazing place to catch the fall colors in peace.

See The Fall Splendors Of Rhode Island In 2024

Although states like Vermont and New York may get the spotlight in terms of peak fall destinations to visit in the United States, a quieter alternative that packs almost as big of a punch in terms of things to see and do in the later months of 2024 is Rhode Island. Besides its pristine forests and oceanside landscapes, these small towns will enhance any trip to the Ocean State year-round. So, on your next excursion to Rhode Island, don't just stop in Providence and see what else this tiny New England state has to offer.