7 Coziest Towns to Visit in Rhode Island in 2024

Rhode Island is a charming and historical state in the New England region of the United States. The 1,200-mile state is known for its colonial history, maritime shipping and commercial fishing, and Gilded Age mansions. Though it is the smallest state in the union with the longest name, Rhode Island has many quaint towns with walkable downtowns, hospitable people, and gorgeous beaches.

The cozy towns intertwined with the deep local history make Rhode Island one of this region's best states to visit. From the long strips of sandy beaches along the coast to the historic downtown areas and homes, these seven towns make the perfect destination. Here are the seven coziest towns to visit in Rhode Island.

Bristol

Bristol is a small town with many cultural attractions, such as museums and historical sites. The tree-lined streets accentuate the 17th—and 18th-century homes, many designed by Russell Warren, a notable architect. It is also home to Roger Williams University, which overlooks eloquent Mount Hope Bay.

The Bradford-Dimond-Norris House is one of the many enchanting homes for guided tours. Built in 1792 for the governor, it proudly stands as Bristol's most significant piece of architecture. Another gorgeous example is The Blithewold. This breathtaking 33-acre estate is a garden treasure with views of Narragansett Bay. There is also a 45-room room mansion with family heirlooms. Several other photographic properties exist for a serene photo opportunity, making Bristol one of the coziest towns in Rhode Island.

Westerly

Westerly is on the southeastern coastline and was settled in 1661 by English colonists. Though known for its shoreline, the beachfront town also has a bustling downtown area with shops, events, and eateries. Vesta Bakery offers cream puffs for breakfast, and you can finish the day off at Tapped Apple Cider and Winery.

Several gorgeous parks, like Wilcox, offer pleasant strolls through nature. Hikers will enjoy the Napatree Point Beach and Conservation Area. Visitors enjoy the avian scenery with Hawks or shorebirds, depending on the season. Westerly is a quaint, serene town with a relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal destination.

Narragansett

Narragansett is a popular summer destination because of the famous Point Judith Lighthouse and Narragansett Point Beach. The beach has thrilling views of the old "towers," remnants of the late Victorian-Era Narragansett Pier Casino, and some of the best surfing in New England.

The South County Museum is another pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Through exhibits and a living history farm, it aims to blend the histories of farming, the sea, and villages. A former mansion, the museum boasts over 20,000 exhibits that preserve the history and tell the history of Southern Rhode Island throughout the state's history.

Little Compton

Founded in 1682 by English Pilgrims, Little Compton is a fun and quirky place known for its preserve and South Shore Beach. The famous Rhode Island Red Chicken was developed here, and the fishing fleet can be seen departing Sakonnet Wharf every morning.

A must-see location is the Sakonnet Vineyard, the oldest in New England. Over 30 acres of the 169-acre vineyard is dedicated to the wine industry and has produced numerous award-winning wines. If exploring historic homes in the downtown area is your preference, tour the Wilbor House. The restored mansion housed the Wilbor family from 1690-1740, and the grounds include two barns, built in the 17th and 18th centuries, and a peaked schoolhouse.

Wickford

The charming village of Wickford in North Kingstown was named after Wickford in Essex, England. The historic sea village was founded in 1709, and many vintage buildings remain. It is also home to the country's oldest wooden lighthouse, Poplar Point, constructed in 1831 and on the south end of Wickford Harbor.

Wickford has the oldest Anglican meeting house and a runestone with inscriptions that may date back to 800 years. The village is also famous for its festivals, primarily the art festival in July and the Nights of Lights in December. The small roads and classic architecture make it easy to spend a day exploring this historic village.

Tiverton

Tiverton is a small town founded in 1747, initially in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. It was pivotal in the Battle of Freetown during the Revolutionary War. Many historic homes from this period exist, such as the Chace-Cory House and Fort Barton.

Another point of interest is the Ruecker Wildlife Refuge. The sanctuary includes over 1.5 miles of hiking trails on the 48-acre wooded property. Four Corners is a historic downtown area with cute shops and shady trees in a 19th-century village. Tiverton is ideal for walking around, discovering antique sites in their natural setting, and spending a day at the beach.

Jamestown

Jamestown, on Conanicut Island, is a coastal treasure with historic farms and award-winning restaurants, among other attractions. One such attraction is the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum. Sightseeing is the number one attraction because visitors can see beautiful vistas from the comfort of their vehicles.

The Windmill Hill Historic District is centered around the Jamestown Windmill, built in 1787 and stands in the middle of the island on Windmill Hill. The history of the island, the windmill, and other significant structures can be learned with a visit to the Jamestown Historical Society. The most charming thing about Jamestown is the amalgamation of classy restaurants, unique history, and breathtaking coastline.

Rhode Island is a historical and charming state packed with cozy towns. The towns are easy to walk around and have plenty of notable sites to explore. A stroll through Tiverton's 19th-century village or the Windmill Hill Historic District is but two examples.

Many of these cozy towns are along the famous coastline that Rhode Island is known for. Some towns, like Little Compton, were established nearly one hundred years before the United States was founded. The towns also include quaint shops and sophisticated dining options to complete your visit to one of these cozy Rhode Island towns.