6 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Rhode Island

Not only is Rhode Island one of the best places to visit in New England, its many small towns are consistently ranked among some of the best in the USA. In fact, it’s largely due to these vibrant smaller communities -- along with Rhode Island’s attractive scenery -- that “The Ocean State” manages to attract 27 million tourists each year.

From the pleasant coastal settings of Westerly and Barrington to the well-preserved historic districts of East Greenwich and Warren - not to mention the patriotism on display in Britsol and the beaches of Charlestown - these six charming small towns in Rhode Island are well worth a visit.

Charlestown

Its location just 40 miles south of the state capital of Providence makes Charlestown an ideal spot for a Rhode Island day trip or weekend getaway. Topping the list of fun things to do in Charlestown is paying a visit to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning over 800 acres, this scenic nature preserve is home to a variety of diverse ecosystems, including salt marshes, grasslands, and freshwater ponds, all of them providing idyllic backdrops for birdwatching, hiking along scenic trails, and enjoying picnics.

Another must-visit destination, East Beach stretches for miles along the Atlantic Ocean and is popular for its soft sands, gentle surf, and panoramic views. Enjoy history? The historic General Stanton Inn isn’t just a great place to stay in Charlestown, it also doubles as a lively flea market where visitors can browse for unique treasures and antiques. Burlingame State Park is another must-visit and features over 3,000 acres of woodlands waiting to be explored.

Bristol

While one of the larger destinations on this list, Bristol’s location on the eastern shore of Narragansett Bay and charming downtown certainly enhance its small-town feel. This cozy community feel is best experienced each July 4th when residents and tourists alike participate in one of the country’s oldest (and best!) Fourth of July celebrations. Highlights of this celebration include a colorful parade and a fireworks display to commemorate the nation's independence.

Bristol's downtown can be explored via a fun walking tour hosted by the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society. These informative tours take in the town’s best colonial-era buildings and significant landmarks such as the Bristol Train of Artillery Armory. Another must-see is the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Located on the waterfront, it features exhibits on yacht design, boatbuilding, and the history of one of the nation’s leading yacht builders.

Warren

Warren is situated between Bristol and Providence near the Massachusetts border, just off the I-195 highway. A thriving arts community, it’s home to many local artists whose work is displayed (and on sale) in downtown galleries and studios. Interested in history? The John Waterman Arnold House Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into Warren's colonial past. Built in 1693, this historic museum features period furnishings, artifacts, and exhibits that offer insights into daily life in early Rhode Island.

Warren is also home to Warren Town Beach, a scenic waterfront destination where visitors can relax, swim, or enjoy a family picnic overlooking the Warren River and Mount Hope Bay. The East Bay Bike Path is a must for cyclists and stretches for 14.5 miles along the waterfront passing through marshlands and wildlife habitats along the way.

Barrington

An easy 20-minute drive from downtown Providence, Barrington is another charming Rhode Island town with a deep connection to the sea. Fun things to do in Barrington include exploring Haines Memorial State Park, a scenic waterfront park boasting great bay views, picnic areas, walking trails, and a small beach for swimming and birdwatching. The Nathanael Greene Homestead is also fun to visit. Built in 1770, this historic homestead was once the residence of Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene, whose life and legacy can be explored via guided tours of the house and grounds.

Barrington's downtown area is also worth spending time in, with standout historic buildings, including Barrington Town Hall, which makes for great selfie spots. Barrington Town Beach is. a great place for young and old alike to relax, swim, and picnic. A good time to visit is during the Barrington Art Festival in June.

East Greenwich

East Greenwich is a charming town that’s popular among tourists for its historic architecture and scenic waterfront. After exploring the picturesque downtown area with its historic landmarks like the Old Kent County Jail built in 1796, head to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum for its fascinating glimpse into Rhode Island’s military heritage. Housed in a castle-like, red-brick historic building built in 1913, this impressive museum features exhibits on local military history, weaponry, and memorabilia (guided tours and educational programs are also offered).

For those wanting to explore the great outdoors, Goddard Memorial State Park is located nearby and covers over 490 acres along the coast. Fun activities here include hiking trails, picnic areas, and a beach for swimming and sunbathing, as well as boating, fishing, and birdwatching.

Westerly

So named for its being the westernmost community in the early days of Rhode Island’s colonial days, Westerly is a charming coastal town that spills across the Pawcatuck River into neighboring Connecticut. There’s certainly a lot to do here, so a good place to start is in Westerly's downtown area with its charming shops, eclectic restaurants, and historic architecture. Important attractions like Wilcox Park and the Babcock-Smith House Museum are also located here; built-in 1738, it was visited by both Benjamin Franklin and George Washington.

Another of Westerly's most popular tourist spots is Misquamicut State Beach. Stretching for nearly seven miles along the Atlantic Ocean, this beautiful beach offers soft sands, gentle surf, and stunning coastal views. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the nearby dunes and nature trails. If there’s time, head over to the Knickerbocker Music Center, a 1930s music venue that continues to host live performances as well as art exhibitions and film screenings.

The Final Word

There’s little doubt that Rhode Island's most attractive small towns offer a delightful and authentic New England getaway. Whether they’re visiting for a week or a weekend, or even a fun family day trip, tourists will find there’s no end of fun things to do in Rhode Island’s best small towns. From the historic streets of East Greenwich and Bristol to the beaches of Charlestown and Westerly, with stops at Barrington and Warren along the way, these six most charming small towns in Rhode Island are fun to visit.