8 Delightful Towns To Visit In Rhode Island

Rhode Island is easy to explore. We are talking about the smallest state in the country. This means one can drive almost anywhere in under an hour or less. Although the Newport mansion tours are deservedly popular, Rhode Island plays host to numerous other delightful spots. Look ahead to white-sand beaches, beautiful local parks, unique coffee spots, arcades, malls, and, of course, some tongue-tingling seafood, whether salmon or lobster rolls. Starting with Charlestown, discover below eight small towns in Rhode Island ready to woo you with their charm and aura.

Charlestown

One of Charlestown’s most delightful features is the fact one can be lounging on the beach one minute — and the next minute hitting up miles of secluded hiking trails. That is how the beach is close to the country here. If eating is on the agenda, start the day at Jitter’s Cafe, known for delectable bagels, muffins, and scones. Alternatively, work your way to The Nordic, a family-run establishment known for seafood and specialty desserts. Whether one wants to pick up a memento, explore a neat bamboo forest — or wander through garden sculptures — Fantastic Umbrella Factory is often a must-do. There is also the Charlestown Moraine Preserve, where tree-dappled ridges fill a pristine landscape. Check out the Tucker Woods Preserve as well, and enjoy a welcome disconnect from the grind.

New Shoreman

Established more than a hundred years before the Declaration of Independence, New Shoreman boasts an atmosphere that looks frozen in time. It is on Block Island, a popular vacation destination that provides a world of outdoor adventure opportunities, including biking, hiking, sailing, and fishing. Describing it as “a place of ethereal beauty,” Nature Conservancy named Block Island — also called “Bermuda of the North” — among the “Last Great Places” in the Western Hemisphere. Block Island features pretty beaches, several hiking trails, and some of the most awe-inspiring views in the world. Eat at Ballard's Beach Resort, catch some big strippers aboard a luxurious charter boat, lounge on the beach, and then spend the night at Old Town Inn, known for its tranquil vibe and tasteful decor. A stone's throw away, South East Lighthouse is among the most architecturally sophisticated 19th-century lighthouses in the United States. Don't miss the views from Mohegan Bluffs, either.

Bristol

A picturesque seaside community where salty breeze chops the air, sailboats cruise over the waves, and former rum distilleries soak up sunlight along a swoon-worthy waterfront — Bristol is hands-down among the most delightful towns to visit in Rhode Island. Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature has a boardwalk perfect for an easy stroll. It features an aquarium, a tasty boardwalk, lovely views of the bay, and interactive wildlife models. Bristol hosts Roger Williams University, which is named for one of the most underappreciated figures in the history of the nation. Roger Williams paid a heavy price for his conviction that the church should be separate from the state, and his beliefs, especially the concept of “a wall of separation,” are thought to have influenced many founders, including Thomas Jefferson. For some finger-licking salmon, typically served with nicely cooked vegetables, Le Central is a must-do. Other attractions include Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum, Colt State Park, and Juniper Hill Cemetery, the final resting place for famous Bristol residents.

Woonsocket

Rhode Island's northernmost city was once one of the largest textile manufacturing hubs in the United States. A plaque at the entrance to the city hall honors Abraham Lincoln and commemorates his visit to the town in March 1860. The visit was at the invitation of Edward Harris, who, in the plaque, describes Woonsocket as “most prominent industrialist, abolitionist, and philanthropist.” Work your way to the train station, where a bronze statue of the dog Hachiko stands. The story of the Japanese dog Hachiko is evocative. One will appreciate why dogs are called “man’s best friend.” The grave of Little Rose, who had wounds ostensibly resembling those of Jesus Christ, is at the Precious Blood Cemetery. In between a schedule, hit up Ye Olde Fish & Chips, especially if you are looking for the best fish and chips in Rhode Island.

Newport

A buzzy town of about 2,000 residents known for its historic mansions, Newport is as delightful as any town can be. A curated collection of 11 historic properties, including The Breakers, where the Vanderbilt family once lived, draws more than a million visitors to the town every year. Along the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, which winds across coastal Newport, manmade grandeur vies with nature’s beauty for the best painter award. For those who love wine, Newport Vineyards and Restaurant is a low-key version of California’s Napa Valley. That said, Newport's soul is the harbor — where atmospheric cobblestones sway the eyes. Shop for a Gilded Age-inspired souvenir at the Newport Mansions Store, a pretty spot with lots of great merchandise, including books, knick-knacks, and a variety of home items.

Westerly

As the name implies, Westerly is Rhode Island’s westernmost town. It reclines along the Pawcatuck River across from Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Once a shipbuilding hub, Westerly has quietly morphed into one of the most sought-after vacation spots in Rhode Island. A first-time visitor will want to drive through Watch Hill, a quaint coastal village with three pristine beaches. Walking through downtown Westerly, one gets introduced to classy but casual restaurants, including The Malted Barley, known for soft pretzels and rotating craft brews. Alternatively, work your way to Grey Sail on Canal Street, where wood-fired pizza is prepared on-site. Wahaneeta Preserve, a heartbeat from downtown Westerly, features delightful trails and rolling woods. One often feels she is in another world.

Jamestown

Incorporated in 1678, when the area was still part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Jamestown is today a peaceful coastal gem with stunning parks, historic farms, and inviting restaurants. This town features an adorable main street with just one blinking red light, a picture definition of the word “delightful.” Fort Wetherill, an abandoned fort atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, provides views that will leave a first-time visitor completely blown away. It dates back to the American Revolution. Grab some lobster rolls or smoked salmon at Zeek's Creek Bait & Tackle Inc., a quaint little eatery that offers far more than one would expect at first glance. Alternatively, J22 Tap and Table strikes the sweet spot between upscale and divey and is particularly known for local oysters. Beavertail Lighthouse Museum, at the southern point of the island, offers some of the most heart-warming vistas along the New England coastline.

Little Compton

Little Compton — where the famous Rhode Island Red chicken was developed — has Whitehead Preserve at Dundery Brook, which features lovely trails and wooden walkways. This delightful space also has a boardwalk that leads to many paths, one of which goes to a beautiful pond. The lovingly maintained Sakonnet Garden is another not-miss. With its wooden walkways and an amazing collection of plants, stonewalls, and trees — a first-time visitor will feel transported to another world of quiet beauty. A short drive from town is Goosewing Beach, a rocky but unspoiled barrier beach that is a vital refuge for thousands of migrating birds. Grab a yummy meal at Art Cafe, then take some time to admire the art pieces here, including some eye-catching paintings. Crown this with a stroll through the gardens, especially if the season is right.

The Takeaway

Filled with quaint suburbs and charming cities, America’s smallest state is an underrated pleasure spot. One can go from the city to the country to the ocean — all in one day. What’s more? History comes alive here, especially via attractions such as Newport’s Gilded Age mansions. Still, many other towns dot Rhode Island, many of which are just as tasty, heart-warming, and delightful.