8 Prettiest Rhode Island Towns to Visit in 2024
Rhode Island is the smallest State in America by total land area, and it boasts a population of just over 1 million residents state-wide. But for what the Ocean State may lack in size, it makes up for it by providing an abundance of awesome natural splendor and plenty of fascinating histories. A part of the famed New England region in the northeastern part of the nation, the charming, scenic, and welcoming towns of Rhode Island offer great snapshots of what makes this part of the country an alluring place to experience. From stunning Atlantic Ocean views to colonial communities, the pretty and breathtaking towns of Rhode Island are treasures waiting to be discovered. These are eight of the prettiest Rhode Island towns to visit!
Warren
Situated on the eastern banks of the river of the same name, the town of Warren can trace its modern history way back to the 1680s. Today, this Bristol County community is home to over 11,000 residents, and it continues to be a most splendid place of natural beauty and quiet contemplation. Enjoy relaxing afternoons at the Warren or Kickemuit Rivers, respectively, where chances to see wildlife like foxes, deer, and an assortment of bird species make it a delightful excursion.
Meanwhile at the Waterfront Historic District, one can get a real sense of time travel by exploring the many preserved 18th and 19th century edifices. Warren's historic character is on full display, including the United Methodist Church (1844) and many others listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With its friendly assortment of local shops and restaurants, the pretty New England charm is on full display.
Richmond
Just some 35 miles from Rhode Island’s capital Providence, the charming town of Richmond is a great place to explore for anyone in Washington County. Home to just over 8,000 inhabitants, this naturally beautiful and historically charming community offers genuine Americana in a beautiful New England setting. Explore the nearby historic villages of Kenyon, Shannock, Arcadia, Tug Hollow, and Usquepaug where you can fully embrace 19th and early 20th century life for a most unique holiday experience. And with a beautiful, forested frame, the charming rustic mood of Richmond is difficult to deny. Additionally, cute local shops and restaurants like Alaina’s Ale House round out one’s trip to this cute community, where all ages can appreciate the natural and cultural allure.
Foster
Established in the late 1600s, Foster is indeed one of Rhode Island’s prettiest places. With a humble population of nearly 4,500 residents, this pleasing town, just some 20 miles from the city of Providence, combines historic allure and natural beauty to create a most splendid vacation experience. Explore several sites on the National Register of Historic Places, like the Mount Vernon Tavern (1761) and the Captain Dorrance House (1720), or stroll through the Clayville Historic District to get a sense of the critical formative years of the United States.
From there, take some time to relax outdoors at spots like the pretty Killingly Pond and the unique Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge, which is perfect to drive or walk across. Add in cute eateries like the Shady Acres Diner, and a wonderful dose of New England culture and charm will reveal itself in Foster.
Hopkinton
Named for a Founding Father and Governor of Rhode Island, the historic town of Hopkinton was formally established in 1757, and today, just over 8,000 people call it home. With much of the town included on the National Register of Historic Places, Hopkinton is a special place to get better acquainted with America’s Colonial past. Visit the Bradford Village Historic District and its assortment of 18th and 19th-century properties, including the Black Farm from the mid-1700s and the Upper Rockville Mill (1844).
Meanwhile, outdoor lovers can also appreciate this lovely town, and time spent at the nearby Arcadia Management Area State Park is a great way to be engaged with nature. Enjoy cycling, hiking, and camping opportunities while breathtaking views at the Narragansett Trail Trailhead offer tranquility and raw beauty. So whether it is learning more about early America or simply taking in the quiet splendor of nature, Hopkinton delivers a most delightful holiday experience.
Narragansett
Narragansett was formally established in the early 1900s, and today, this Washington County town boasts a modest population of just over 14,500 inhabitants. Beautifully situated along the Pettaquamscutt River, the town’s population more than doubles during the summer months when tourists flock to enjoy the area’s splendid natural beauty. Indeed, with inviting golden, sandy beaches and awesome opportunities for swimming, sailing, and sunbathing, this picturesque Atlantic Ocean bay town is a real delight that all ages can appreciate. And do not forget about the nearby Fishermen’s Memorial State Park and Beavertail State Park for more breathtaking ocean-side panoramas!
Furthermore, the history aficionado can also appreciate Narragansett, where several important landmarks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Including the Point Judith Lighthouse (1857) and The Towers (1883), a castle-like entrance gate, a slice of historic New England is palpable in this pretty town.
Jamestown
With a colonial history dating to the mid-1600s, Jamestown is one of Rhode Island’s oldest European settlements. Home to a humble population of nearly 6,000 residents, this pretty community is beautifully situated on Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay. Known for its stunning Atlantic Ocean vistas and island breezes, Jamestown’s area also includes the inviting islands of Dutch and Gould. Indeed, photo and video opportunities are never in short supply, and visitors here will surely leave with a special set of vivid memories.
Meanwhile, the town also boasts a number of beautiful historic landmarks that span several centuries and are part of the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Jamestown Windmill (1787), the Beavertail Lighthouse (1856), the Windmill Hill Historic District, and Fort Getty (1901), amongst many others that create a sense of travelling through time.
Bristol
A fascinating historical center, the town of Bristol serves as the seat of the same named county and can trace its modern history to the 1680s! Home to a population of nearly 23,000 inhabitants, Bristol is a place where America’s past comes to life through its many landmarks that span several centuries. Explore such places as the Ferry Lighthouse (1855), the Mount Hope Farm (1745), and the County Jail (1828), amongst many others that are included on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile, even just a casual afternoon down at the Waterfront Historic District is a great way to fully embrace historical New England.
In addition to its historic allure, guests can also appreciate Bristol’s natural beauty, and stunning vistas are never far away in this town. Enjoy breathtaking Atlantic Ocean panoramas and pretty public parks like the Blithwold Gardens and Arboretum that will undoubtedly create some very photogenic memories. And with fun opportunities to go sailing, swimming, and cycling, a scenic adventure is always on hand when in Bristol.
Harrisville/Burrillville
The village of Harrisville is uniquely listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located within the larger town of Burrillville, where a humble population of just under 1,800 inhabitants calls home. A picturesque community that features a variety of edifices spanning the 18th to early 20th centuries, guests can explore such landmarks as the Bridgeton School (1897) and the Moses Taft House (1786), amongst others. And with warm summer and mild winter temperatures, enjoying the outdoors is always popular here. Go cycling, hiking, and picnicking at any of the town’s pretty green spaces and simply take in the quaint sights of a relaxing Rhode Island town.
While Rhode Island, or the “Ocean State,” does not cover a large geographic area, what it lacks in size, it compensates for with great charm, fascinating history, and natural beauty. The pretty towns of Rhode Island are thus awesome places to enjoy genuine New England flavors, where beautiful Ocean views and welcoming locals are never far away. From the colonial island beauty of Jamestown to the oceanside splendor of Narragansett and Bristol, these and other awesome, pretty Rhode Island towns are indeed great American treasures waiting to be discovered. Do not wait then, take to the road, pack your bags, and experience the “Ocean State” and its wonderful communities first hand!
