8 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Rhode Island This Summer
Rhode Island is a small state with even smaller towns that are lovely, serene, and charming with the ocean’s air and beauty. In summer, very few places compare to the warmth, sunshine, peace, nature, culture, and atmosphere that Rhode Island offers across these small towns. From Block Island and its only village of New Shoreham to the gorgeous Narragansett Bay and its islands, a summer in these towns is full of sunshine, adventures, scenic sights, and unforgettable moments. This summer, make these 8 lovely towns in Rhode Island a vacation destination and be filled with blissful memories.
Warren
Warren is one of the most adorable small towns on Rhode Island, positioned along the east bank of Warren River. In summer, the town tempts less adventurous vacationers with some of its laid-back outdoor attractions like Burr’s Hill Park. This scenic recreational area overlooks the river with picnic benches and shelters for relaxation, including a sandy area that serves as a beach. Warren Town Beach is another great destination in town, with more benches and picnic areas, a playground, restrooms, and a lifeguard on duty for swimmers on the Warren River. For those who love arts, grace the Imago Gallery on Market Street, while history buffs can check out attractions such as the North Burial Ground (dating to 1700) and Historic Armory Hall (established in 1842). Meanwhile, Rod’s Grill is a great place to have lunch in town after exploring.
Foster
Foster is a quaint small town in Providence County, rich in history, natural beauty, and serenity - the perfect elements for a laid-back or adventurous summer vacation. For starters, the town is home to Swamp Meadow Bridge, the only authentic covered bridge on a public road in the state. A walk through this iconic bridge is highly recommended, and be sure to come with a camera. Elsewhere, the town hosts the highest point in the state - Jerimoth Hill at 811 feet, where tourists can ascend via a short hike for stunning views of the town alongside its surroundings. History buffs can check out the Mount Vernon Tavern (circa 1760), Breezy Hill Site (dating to 500 - 1000 AD), and Captain George Dorrance House (circa 1720) for sensational trips to the past. Don’t fail to partake in the town’s culinary offers at the Woodland Meeting House, Shady Acres Diner, and Lucky’s Bar & Pizza.
Little Compton
There is nothing little about the town of Little Compton when it comes to tourism. This gorgeous town has many draw cards - the Atlantic Ocean on its south end and the Sakonnet River on its west side. As a result, it is home to five irresistible beaches - South Shore Beach, Goosewing Beach, Briggs Beach, Tappens Beach, and Lloyd’s Beach. However, only two - South Shore and Goosewing are public beaches, and they are just enough to sunbathe, build sand castles, hold picnics, swim, kayak, boat, and watch the sunset. Visitors can also admire the magnificent Sakonnet Point Lighthouse, a sparkplug lighthouse built in 1884 and visible from the beach at Sakonnet Point. History fans can enjoy a blast from the past at the Wilbor House and Museum, built in 1690 and serving as the headquarters of the Little Compton Historical Society. Elsewhere, the Barn Restaurant on Main Street is always open for delicious breakfast and lunch.
Glocester
Summers in Glocester are always inspiring, fun, thrilling, and memorable as the small town flaunts a handful of intriguing natural and historic attractions. For outdoor enthusiasts, spend some time at the Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area, a 100-acre park within the Chepachet Village, which is also a part of the town. The park features a charming beach around its 13-acre Peck Pond for sunbathing, hiking, and picnicking, while the pond is great for swimming, kayaking, and paddling in summer. More adventures are available at the Durfee Hill Management Area, where outdoor lovers can hike its forested areas and diverse habitats and fish on its Burlingame Reservoir. Glocester also features the Job Armstrong Museum, which offers more than a glimpse into the town’s past through exhibits and artifacts. Elsewhere, Tavern on Main and Hill’s Tavern and Grill are ever ready to offer mouth-watering dishes.
Narragansett
Narragansett is an authentic beach resort town that is so lovely and popular that its population doubles from around 15,000 to more than 34,000 in summer. The town’s popularity is attributed to its location on a strip of land along Pettaquamscutt River on the shore of Narragansett Bay, where plenty of beaches await year-round for fun and relaxation. Some of the town’s most popular beaches include - Roger Wheeler State Beach, Salty Brine State Beach, Narragansett Town Beach, and Scarborough State Beach. These beaches are havens for sunbathing, kayaking, picnicking, swimming, boating, surfing, and promenading boardwalks. The town also features the iconic Point Judith Lighthouse, which is worth visiting to see a magnificent beacon that has guided sailors for years. The Point Judith Fishermen’s Memorial is near the lighthouse and is a great stop as it honors lives lost at sea and offers breathtaking coastal views. More historical attractions worth checking out in town include - Greene Inn (built in 1887) and The Towers, a remnant of the Narragansett Pier Casino built in the 1880s. Visiting families and friends can proceed to Adventureland to have fun with carousels, pools, and go-karts. When it’s time to eat and drink, visit Aunt Carrie’s for sensational seaside dining experiences.
New Shoreham
New Shoreham is, perhaps, the most remarkable town in Rhode Island because it is the smallest town in the smallest state and the only town in Block Island. But don’t mind its pint-sized geography and population; this town is a captivating summer destination with plenty of attractions to enjoy. History buffs can start the summer by touring the Southeast and North Lighthouses - two architectural masterpieces that have survived through time and remain open to the public. Outdoor enthusiasts can head to the Mohegan Bluffs - a series of imposing 200-foot cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with a beach below for relaxation. Great Salt Pond is another great outdoor destination in town worth visiting for boating and cruising, while Mansion Beach also invites visitors to enjoy quiet moments and astonishing sunsets. Elsewhere, art lovers can kick back at the Spring Street Gallery to shop and admire local art.
Tiverton
Tiverton is a famous and scenic town in Newport County, located on the east shores of Narragansett Bay, across the Sakonnet River. The river is one of the town’s highlight attractions, and in summer, visitors are welcome to walk or bike across the Sakonnet River Bridge for great views and to also explore the nearby Portsmouth. Tiverton also features Fogland Beach, where summer vacationers can bask under the sun, swim, kayak, windsurf, and boat and catch the sunset. For nature lovers, hike the 1.6-mile trail in the Sakonnet River in Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge to explore various habitats and spot birds and wildlife, such as deer and foxes. For history lovers, head to the Tiverton Four Corners Historic District to see historic buildings dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. Next, visit the Fort Barton Site to see Revolutionary War ruins and views of Narragansett Bay from a hill.
Westerly
Westerly is one of the most naturally beautiful towns on Rhode Island for a summer vacation. The beachfront town is home to many water bodies to get wet in summer and enjoy water sports. These include four main beaches on the Atlantic Ocean - Westerly Town Beach, East Beach, and Misquamicut State Beach. Meanwhile, the town also has three ponds - Maschaug, Winnapaug, and Quonochontaug ponds, while the Pawcatuck River flows along its Western border. Hence, summer here can be all about fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, canoeing, paddling, floating, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sunbathing. Away from the endless water adventures, visitors can learn about the town's epic past at the Babcock-Smith House Museum and also explore some artworks at the Lily Pad Gallery. When it comes to fine dining, the town offers great options like Ella’s Fine Food and Drinks and Two Little Fish.
The small towns of Rhode Island are just slices of paradise nestled along the banks of rivers and the Atlantic Ocean, with charms and surprises. In summer, these towns reflect the sun's glory and set the perfect landscape for adventures or laid-back recreation. What's more? Tourists would likely have some of nature’s best landscapes to themselves without the crowd, which is an unusual setting in summer, and that’s one of the draws to the state. Don't forget to come with a camera and an open mind because experiences will be sensational and memorable in these lovely towns on Rhode Island.
