7 Perfect Destinations For A Long Weekend In Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but there’s a lot of beauty and charm within its modest border. With over 400 miles of coastline and small, historic towns, it’s hard not to fall in love with The Ocean State. If you need a fun getaway to spend a long weekend, Rhode Island has plenty of options! From casual beach retreats to historical towns that feel like stepping inside a postcard, there’s something here for just about anyone. So, let's get ready to travel to some of Rhode Island's small and delightful towns to shake off your stress!
Narragansett
Beautiful ocean scenery, historical landmarks, and a walkable downtown district dotted with cozy shops make Narragansett one of the top-tier summer vacation destinations in the entire state. During the bustling summer months, the population of this humble city doubles in size, as many inlanders choose Narragansett as their preferred summer retreat- and for a very good reason. With charming accommodations like the Shepherd's Run or the OceanCliff Hotel, you’re bound to feel like a local in no time!
Beachgoers looking to soak up some rays can head to Narragansett Town Beach, one of the most popular public beaches in the state. With an oceanside boardwalk and an observation tower, it’s a great place to take in the view after you go for a swim in its clean, calm waters. And if you love amazing historical sites, Narragansett has two sites that are a must-see. The Point Judith Lighthouse offers isolated views of the ocean (perfect for pictures!) and the Black Point Trailhead takes you through the eerie ruins of the Original Scarborough Beach. This trailhead is truly unique, which starts wooded and then gives way to rocky ocean views and the ruins of the Windswept estate. It’s for these reasons that Narragansett is one of the best stops for a long weekend in the state!
Tiverton
Nestled on the northern banks of the Narragansett Bay (across the Sakonnet River) is Tiverton, a hidden gem of Rhode Island. Tiverton exudes classic New England charm with its cozy downtown district and black stone beaches. Fogland Beach (also known as Tiverton Town Beach) is famous for its calm shores that are perfect for swimming or kayaking and the relaxed, unfussed vibe. It’s a one-of-a-kind spot where you don’t have to get up early to claim your spot on the beach! This beach even has hiking and walking trails along the water and a nature preserve.
Beyond its amazing beaches, Tiverton offers a cozy shopping experience at the Tiverton Four Corners. With 18th-century stone buildings and a walkable downtown with brick sidewalks, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon. All the shops at Tiverton Four Corners are locally owned, like The Copper Pelican and Courtyards. To maintain its old-world vibe, there aren’t many hotels in Tiverton. However, there are cottage rental options near Fogland Beach (some right on the water!), and hotels less than 30 minutes away in Newport.
Westerly
The humble hamlet of Westerly offers a prime Atlantic coastline with scenic views of the Pawtucket River on the border of Connecticut. It seamlessly blends old New England architecture and charm with quirky beach retreats and breathtaking beauty. There really is something for everyone in Westerly! You can soak up the sun on the south side on one of their famed beaches, like Westerly Town Beach or Watch Hill Beach. These beaches offer soft sandy shores, calm ocean waves, and perfect opportunities to relax and listen to the waves crash along the shore. Watch Hill Beach is perfect for families and even has an iconic flying horse carousel that was built in 1876!
Westerly has many affordable hotels in the area, but the Ocean House will make your stay truly special. This iconic New England seaside resort is the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel in the state and lives up to its reputation. Towering on the bluffs of Watch Hill, the ocean views are almost as spectacular as the modern rooms! With a cozy downtown area and quaint community events like the Westerly Farmer’s Market, there’s no doubt that a weekend in Westerly will make you forget all about your problems!
New Shoreham
With over 17 miles of coastline and 30 miles of walking trails, New Shoreham offers isolated peace and quiet, far removed from traffic and the bustle of bigger vacation spots. New Shoreham encompasses all of Block Island and is only accessible via ferry or the Block Island State Airport. Located 12 miles from Rhode Island mainland, it’s a unique respite for travelers looking for a serene escape.
Over 43 percent of the island is dedicated to preserved open space, with peaceful beaches like Block Island State Beach and Frederick J. Benson Town Beach. If the sandy shores and the sound of waves crashing on the shore aren’t enough to help you relax, the Sacred Labyrinth will help you achieve your inner peace. Visitors can walk the stone-lined circular walkway with breathtaking views of the ocean, Sachem Pond, and the North Lighthouse. For classic New England accommodations, Avonlea, Jewel of the Sea is one of the most amazing inns in the state. Built in 1885, this Victorian Era Inn has bright and airy accomodations with fantastic views of the water! If you need a long weekend to remove yourself from the noise of daily life, there’s no better place than New Shoreham!
Little Compton
Situated on the Massachusetts border on the coastline of the Atlantic is the charming hamlet of Little Compton. Incorporated by the Plymouth Colony in 1682, it’s likely that it was named after the village of Little Compton in Warwickshire, England. While there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun or go for a beach walk along the rocky shores of South Shore Beach, Little Compton is also home to unique historical sites that pay tribute to its founding over 300 years ago.
The Little Compton Commons Historic District (also known as Little Compton Commons) hosts stunningly beautiful Greek Revival and Victorian-era buildings like the United Congregational Church, Little Compton Town Hall, and the Brownell Library. It’s also where you will find the original town common, which is one of the only remaining in Rhode Island. Little Compton is small and cozy and doesn’t have commercial hotels like larger resort destinations. However, the Stone House offers visitors the perfect place to stay, situated on almost 3 acres on Sakonnet Point. Located less than an hour’s drive outside of Newport, it’s a great place to relax over the weekend.
Wickford
Looking for a Rhode Island hidden gem with a little bit of everything? Wickford is a marriage of robust sandy beaches, excellent dining (like the fresh seafood at Wickford on the Water), and a walkable downtown area dotted with quiet shops. You can walk picturesque streets and pop in shops like Different Drummer or Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage. The classic Colonial and late-Victorian era buildings in Wickford feel like stepping into a postcard! To maintain its old-world vibe, there are not a lot of commercial hotels in Wickford. Visitors can rent a seaside cottage or take a short drive to the nearby town or the neighboring city of North Kingston to stay at the Sheppard's Cottage Bed and Breakfast.
For a lazy day on the beach, North Kingston Town Beach is a popular spot among locals and visitors alike. If you want to spend the day out on the water fishing or in a kayak, be sure to check out the Wickford Harbor! It provides stunning views of the area and is a great spot to relax. Wickford really comes alive in the summer with eager tourists, and one of the area’s most popular summer events is the annual Wickford Farmers Market, held from June through October. With sandy shores and great shopping, make sure to add Wickford to your Rhode Island road trip list!
Jamestown
While eager tourists often flock to Newport for its thriving downtown and popular beaches, just west of Narragansett Bay on Conanicut Island is the hidden gem of Jamestown. If you hate walking up at the crack of dawn to reserve your spot on the beach, you’ll love the easy vibe of Jamestown's beaches. East Ferry Beach, Mackerel Cove, and Potter’s Cove are some of the popular spots in the area that offer visitors a relaxing view of the shallow waves crashing on the sandy shore.
While Jamestown is small, there are plenty of options for staying the night. Club Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn is a surprisingly affordable option with updated rooms and views of the ocean. If you want something a little more cozy, the East Bay Bed and Breakfast provides warm natural light, friendly accommodations, and amazing views! When you want an easy ocean-side retreat sans the traffic and crowds, Jamestown is a wonderful option.
Discover These Ocean State Treasures
Rhode Island may be small, but the opportunities for adventure are mighty! When you need a long weekend to escape your problems, these small retreats are sure to cure whatever ails you. From the rocky shores of South Shore Beach in Little Compton to the isolation and solitude in New Shoreham, each of these small getaways puts New England charm on full display. So pack a bag, and get ready to make it a long weekend to remember. The hardest part is deciding which of these getaways to visit first!
