6 Best Towns in Rhode Island to Visit in 2024
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States, and it is also one of the prettiest. One of the original Thirteen Colonies, Rhode Island was the first state to claim independence from England in 1776. Fast forward to today, the state’s rich history is on display in the many picturesque towns located across Rhode Island, many of which are celebrating their unique cultures and traditions throughout 2024.
From beautiful Bristol with its patriotic celebrations to the wonderful beaches in Westerly, and from the historic downtown core of East Greenwich to the impressive maritime heritage of Narragansett, these six small Rhode Island towns are must-visit destinations for their tourist attractions and annual events.
Bristol
Bristol is just a 30-minute drive from Providence, the state capital, and should be included on any Rhode Island travel itinerary. The best time to visit Bristol is early July when the town hosts its famous Independence Day celebrations, a tradition that began in 1785 and is now the oldest continuous event celebrating the fourth of July in the USA. Highlights for Bristol’s Fourth of July Celebration 2024 include a spectacular parade that winds its way through the community, followed by a fireworks display over Bristol Harbor. The Bristol Oyster Festival is another great time to visit, with live shucking demonstrations and a live band.
Other fun things to do in one of the most patriotic towns in America include visiting the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum, which is a 33-acre historic Gilded Age estate. Exploring Colt State Park with its impressive views of Narragansett Bay, hiking trails, and picnic areas is also beautiful. Lastly, the Herreshoff Marine Museum is renowned for its yacht designs and boatbuilding traditions.
Little Compton
Little Compton is another small town in Rhode Island that is worth visiting. Topping the town’s list of events is the Little Compton Antiques Festival, which brings together more than 25 antique dealers from across New England. For a sneak preview of what is in store, sign up for the Friday evening Preview Party. The Little Compton Summer Fair is another great excuse to visit this beautiful small town this year. Held in July, this fun-for-the-whole-family summer celebration features over 60 artists and artisans displaying their work, along with a town-wide yard sale.
More top attractions in Little Compton include Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyards, a popular destination for wine enthusiasts that offers tastings and tours. South Shore Beach, which boasts a secluded seaside experience, is wonderful for a sunny day in the summer. Perhaps the most important landmark here, the Commons, is a picturesque corner of the town lined with quaint shops and historic buildings.
Westerly
Located roughly midway between Providence and New Haven, Westerly is an awesome Rhode Island getaway destination. The big draw for many is Misquamicut State Beach, with its scenic sandy shoreline that stretches over half a mile along the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to sunbathing and swimming, it is also a popular spot for water sports such as sea kayaking and jet skiing. History buffs will want to include the historic Westerly Armory on their itinerary, now a museum with interesting displays and collections related to the military and local history of the town.
There are also plenty of fun events lined up for 2024 in Westerly. For music enthusiasts, Westerly Summer Pops is an annual outdoor concert held in Wilcox Park that features live music performances, including classical and contemporary tunes. Those who enjoy good professional theater should check out the Colonial Theatre’s first-rate Shakespeare in the Park program, which has been entertaining audiences since 1991.
East Greenwich
Main Street is the scene of much of the tourist action in East Greenwich. In addition to its historic buildings, boutique shops, and great cafés restaurants, it is also the scene of the town's annual Main Street Stroll. Held each May, this unique event features live entertainment, sidewalk sales, and a variety of family-friendly activities, including face painting. The East Greenwich Art Festival in late summer is a perfect time to visit and features vendors displaying their artwork, crafts, and handmade goods.
For those interested in history, the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum offers a glimpse into military history and showcases artifacts from various important eras in the town's history (guided tours are available). The attractive East Greenwich waterfront overlooking Greenwich Cove has lovely scenic views as well.
New Shoreham
Located on Block Island off the coast of Rhode Island, the town of New Shoreham offers a very unique vacation experience. Accessible only by ferry, visitors would do well to plan a visit that coincides with one of the many fun events scheduled here in 2024. Leading the charge is the prestigious Block Island Race Week in June, a well-attended sailing event attracting sailors and spectators from around the world.
While on the island, visitors can enjoy some fantastic local attractions, including the historic Block Island North Light. Built in 1867, tours of this historic lighthouse are available and are worth it for the spectacular views. Other highlights include Crescent Beach, a favorite for its soft sands, and the Mohegan Bluffs, a series of towering clay cliffs overlooking the beach. The attractive Old Harbor is truly a photo-worthy setting as well.
Narragansett
Narragansett is a popular Rhode Island coastal town that is especially fun to visit for its excellent beaches. Narragansett Town Beach is the star of the show here, drawing beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts for its clean waters and stunning views. The Towers, set in an old casino, is a must-visit for those with an interest in history and culture and features diverse programming, including dance and theatre.
Those thinking of visiting the town should consider doing so during the Narragansett Art Festival. Held in June, this annual event showcases the works of local and regional artists and provides plenty of scope for folks interested in expanding their collection with new and unique pieces.
Though it is small, Rhode Island offers plenty of reasons for travelers to want to include it on their 2024 travel itineraries. Topping many lists are some of the state’s most interesting small towns, among them places such as Bristol, famous for its spectacular Fourth of July celebration, and Little Compton, which hosts a well-attended summer fair that attracts visitors from across New England. Whatever you enjoy doing while traveling, these six best towns in Rhode Island to Visit in 2024 will keep you busy.
