6 Unspoiled Small Towns In Rhode Island

Rhode Island is proof that very good things sometimes come in small packages since the New England state packs a lot of punch into just over 1,200 square miles. The tiniest state in the country, Rhode Island is known for its quaint, Colonial seaside towns, miles of sandy beachfront, sailing lifestyle, and stunning Gilded Age mansions. If you are looking for an easy, breezy vacation destination where you can kick back and enjoy natural and historic attractions, check out one or more of Rhode Island's unspoiled small towns.

Little Compton

Founded by the Sakonnets in the 17th Century, Little Compton is big on historic sites, landmarks, and a unique history. The small, charming town became a part of Rhode Island in 1747 and is one of the state's unspoiled gems today. Little Compton is also home to the state's one and only official "town common," which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can sign up to take tours of the Little Compton Historic District and the Little Compton Town Common.

After you've learned all about Little Compton's history and interesting background, make a stop at the Sakonnet Vineyard for a wine tasting and tour. If coffee suits your tastes more, spend some time relaxing at the Art Cafe, which serves up fresh java and pastries in an eclectic art gallery setting. Other attractions worth checking out include the Sakonnet Lighthouse, Wilbour Woods, and the Rhode Island Red Monument. During the summer months, you can soak up the sun on relaxing South Shore Beach.

Hopkinton

Lovely Hoptinton is the quintessential New England small town. It is known for its warm, welcoming vibe, rich history, and several natural areas. The charming community is home to singer Billy Gilman and is located just over the Connecticut border, offering all that its neighboring state offers.

While in town, don't miss the Black Farm State Management Area and the Tomaquag Rock Shelters, both of which give visitors a relaxing respite from everyday life. The expansive management area features an abundance of local wildlife, flora, and fauna to view and explore. The historic rock shelters are also places where you can enjoy all that makes this unspoiled town unique and offer tours for adventurous visitors. History lovers will enjoy checking out the Hopkinton City Historic District.

Bristol

Situated on the east side of the beautiful Narragansett Bay, the sweet seaside town of Bristol has a picturesque harbor that draws visitors in from all over. Bristol also has deep roots in the maritime industry, giving it an interesting history that is evident in everything from its quaint downtown to its festive events. If you're visiiting Bristol during early July, don't miss the town's Fourth of July parade, which is known as the oldest continuously operating one in the United States.

Meander down scenic Thames Street, stopping in locally owned boutiques, antique shops, galleries, and eateries serving fresh, local cuisine as you go. The Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum is another must-see destination while you're in town, as the 33-acre estate is the ideal place to celebrate Bristol's past. If you want to spend some time outdoors, head to the East Bay Bike Path, which offers waterfront views, or Colt State Park, where you can enjoy an al fresco picnic lunch.

Warren

Scenic Warren's story dates back to 1653, when it was settled as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and has changed over the years as the town became the hub of multiple marine-based industries. The small town's working waterfront is one of New England's oldest, and its bustling downtown is filled with antique shops, cafes, eateries and boutiques, such as the Whimsies gift store.

Take a stroll through the Warren Waterfront Historic District, taking in the perfectly restored 18th-century buildings, many of which house businesses today. Burr's Hill Park is ideal for partaking in sports such as pickleball and tennis and also offers picturesque views of Narragansett Bay. If you're visiting Warren in early October, don't miss the Annual Folk at the Farm, which offers live music, art, local cuisine, and family-friendly entertainment.

North Kingstown

Although North Kingstown has a lot of things going for it, one aspect that draws tourists to this pretty seaside town is the fact that you can conveniently take the ferry to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, from it. If you decide to stay on the mainland during your visit, you'll have much to do, see, and explore, such as historic Wickford Village, which was founded in 1709. The charming village is home to a collection of period homes featuring Colonial and Federal architectural styles. Take a carriage ride or a walking tour through the village to see all it offers from a unique perspective.

If you want to spend some time relaxing on the sand, head to Blue Beach, Spink's Neck Beach, or Compass Rose Beach, where you can also launch canoes and kayaks. For the adventurous, Warzone Paintball and Airsoft Park, and Rhode Island Bay Cruises are available. West Passage Brewing Co. is the ideal way to end your day of sightseeing, as it serves up its own American pale ale brew and delicious pub food.

Lincoln

Lovely Lincoln embraces all that is amazing about the state of Rhode Island, from its numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, stunning historic architectural, one-of-a-kind historic sites, and scenic green spaces. This unspoiled small town is bordered by the beautiful Blackstone River, which is available for canoeing, kaykaing, and tubing adventures.

Lincoln Woods State Park is nearby, and is the ideal spot to go hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, boating, tubing, and even rock climbing. For history buffs, the Hearthside House, which features a stately Federal architectural style, is open for tours. The house is now a museum dedicated to recreating the ambiance from the early 1800s, and features several period pieces and furnishings.

No matter where you roam in the tiny state of Rhode Island, you're bound to come across an unspoiled, undiscovered small town just awaiting exploration. The Ocean State is home to an abundance of warm and welcoming communities that will provide the ideal base camp for your adventures. From idyllic wineries to scenic ocean beaches, Rhode Island's tiny towns have everything you need to create a memorable weekend getaway or family vacation.