The Most Picturesque Small Towns in Rhode Island

At just 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country and one of the most densely populated. The Atlantic Ocean borders the south side of the state, and about half of the land mass is covered in forest. The state is known for its extensive, long coastline as well as its pristine bays and marshes that hug the outskirts of little towns.

Rhode Island has some of New England's oldest towns, dating back to the 17th century. The historic communities are adorned with cobblestone sidewalks and wood-shingled storefronts, while old ports hold memorabilia of the shipbuilding days. Iconic seaside mansions have been well-preserved in the state, and visitors travel from afar to see where some of the wealthiest families once lived. From the historic architecture to the beautiful beaches and bays, discover the most picturesque towns in Rhode Island.

Newport

Once referred to as America's first resort town, Newport has welcomed visitors for hundreds of years. The town is surrounded by spectacular ocean scenery on the southern end of the state in Narragansett Bay. Newport is well-known for its era as a summer destination for the nation's wealthiest residents, who built the famed Newport Mansions. 11 houses illustrate 250 years of history with their luxurious architecture, manicured gardens, and detailed design. The Breakers is the most significant of the summer homes and symbolizes the Vanderbilt family's influence and fortunes. You can learn about the mansions on several walking tours and hear how some are now backdrops for popular shows like The Gilded Age.

Some of the impressive mansions make up the 18 National Historic Landmarks in Newport. Another notable one is the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States. It's the only surviving synagogue dating back to the colonial era and is the most historically significant Jewish building in the country.

Taking the scenic route along Ocean Drive Historic District is an ideal choice to indulge in the natural beauty here. The stretch of road goes by Hammersmith Farm, where Jackie Kennedy spent her childhood. It also passes Fort Adams State Park, which served as the summer White House for President Dwight Eisenhower. The mansion has impressive views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay that visitors can take in.

Bristol

Bristol is the quintessential New England town on a tiny peninsula near the east side of Narragansett Bay. The town is considered a sailing and shipbuilding hub, and its history spans over three centuries. You can learn about this at the Herreshoff Marine Museum, which highlights the Herreshoff brothers' contributions to boatbuilding. The museum highlights the region's most famous boatbuilders, including the Herreshoff brothers, who built some of the fastest steam yachts and torpedo boats.

Another interesting fact is that Bristol hosts the oldest continuous Fourth of July Celebration in the country, which began in 1785 and has grown ever since. The patriotic celebration now spans three weeks long stretching from flag day to Independence day.

As far as experiencing the natural beauty here, Colt State Park has phenomenal coastline views. There are beautiful sections of open lawn for picnics and gorgeous sandy beaches where you can relax on a warm summer day. About 12 miles of hiking trails stretch through the park, including the Colt State Park Loop, which is about 5 miles long.

Tiverton

With adorable wood-shingled homes and thoughtful stone walls that meander along roadways, Tiverton is a picturesque New England town you don't want to miss. The little gem is in the coastal countryside in the East Bay section of the state. Adorable barns can be found just about anywhere, and the deep history dating back to the 18th century has been well-preserved. An excellent place to start is the Cook-Bateman Farm, a colonial-era farmstead. The farm is on 63 acres of open land and includes several outbuildings and a gambrel-roofed barn.

To see how people lived long ago, travelers can take a walking tour of Tiverton Four Corners, a quaint New England village with 18th-century buildings. The space includes the town's oldest library, a historic schoolhouse, a horse barn, and old homesteads. Some of the spaces have been converted into shops and galleries, which you can explore.

Tiverton has its fair share of greenspace, too. Sapowet Marsh is a breathtaking 138-acre wildlife preserve at the mouth of the Sakonnet River, which pours into the Atlantic Ocean. The 138 acres include a sandy beach, saltwater marsh, and grassland you can explore. You will likely see egrets and other wildlife, and this is an idyllic place to watch the sunset.

Narragansett

Narragansett is a beautiful seaside town that's home to four top beaches. Surfers come here to catch waves and hang out at eclectic bars and restaurants. A good one to check out is the historic Coast Guard House, known for its excellent oysters. There's a robust seafood industry here, given the town is home to Port of Galilee, an authentic working New England fishing village. It's one of the largest commercial fishing ports on the East Coast, where 10 million pounds of fish are processed yearly. Besides excellent seafood, a ferry system operates at the port and takes visitors on day trips to Block Island.

Besides a bustling seafood industry, much like the rest of Rhode Island, Narragansett has a storied past as a resort destination. This is evident when you initially drive into town and see the historic Towers, a piece of architecture that brings you back to another time. It is the only part of the Narragansett Pier Casino that remains, which was a central place where people would go for entertainment and socializing. The main casino was destroyed by fire on September 12, 1900, leaving only the granite walls of The Towers standing.

Jamestown

Some describe Jamestown as a mini-Nantucket. It's a peaceful seaside community with historic farms on Conanicut Island. One point of interest is the Jamestown Windmill, which sits on a hill in the middle of town. The three-story structure was used to grind corn meal to feed farm animals and people. Visitors will see how the sails capture the wind from multiple directions.

Another great stop is Beavertail Lighthouse, the third oldest lighthouse in the country. A museum on the property gives insight into Narragansett Bay and how the shipping industry played a significant role in shaping Rhode Island. The lighthouse is at Beavertail State Park, which offers stunning vistas of the New England coastline. A great way to see the landscape is by hiking the Beavertail Lighthouse Loop. It's a little over two miles long, has exquisite coastline views, and is a memorable way to see the lighthouse.

Little Compton

Little Compton is a raw and authentic town in the rural part of Rhode Island. It's in an area nicknamed the farm coast and for a good reason. The town was the center of an international poultry industry. Farmers started breeding the Rhode Island Red in response to a need for a meatier bird with reliable egg-laying capacity. The chicken became an overnight sensation and is a poultry favorite at East Coast meat counters. The Rhode Island Red Monument in town pays tribute to the chicken, which also happens to be the state bird.

To step back in time, visitors can head to the Wilbor House, which has historic barns, a carriage house, a schoolhouse, and an herb garden. The entire town commons is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Goosewing Beach Preserve is an excellent place to escape and go bird-watching after a day of exploring. It is a barrier beach and a refuge for piping plovers, herons, and migrating songbirds. You can expect plenty of walking trails to meander on while you enjoy the glory.

East Greenwich

In the middle of the state of Rhode Island, East Greenwich is an adorable town teeming with a rich military history. In fact, the township proudly claims that East Greenwich is the birthplace of the United States Navy. The Varnum Memorial Armory Museum showcases Rhode Island's military history with a weaponry collection and exhibits that tell stories about different wars.

The Hill and Harbor Historic District is a darling place to get a feel for the town's history. The harbor was once the state's leading trade and shipbuilding center and became a hub for shell fishing later on. The neighborhoods here have a large concentration of the town's earliest homes, some built before the Revolutionary War. The street names even given hints to the British influence in the region.

Goddard Memorial State Park Beach is Rhode Island's most popular metropolitan park, and it is sprawling with beautiful green space. A forested area with over 62 deciduous trees surrounds a golf course and a performing arts center. There's also a beach area to swim in or go canoeing.

New Shoreham

New Shoreham is the smallest town in the smallest state. It's on Block Island, a short ferry ride from the mainland. Gorgeous coastal views surround the island, and the laid-back vibe makes the town a great place to escape.

There are two historic lighthouses here that are well worth a visit. The North Light is built from imported stoned blocks and is over 150 years old. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the first floor has been converted into a museum to tell its history. Another great stop is the red-brick Southeast Lighthouse, known for its impressive architecture. While there, you can see sweeping views of the coastal bluffs and Block Island's wind farm. It's the first commercial offshore wind farm in the United States.

Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is a phenomenal place for nature lovers. The refuge has 46 acres of sandy beaches and rolling dunes and is a critical habitat for wildlife and migratory birds. The island is home to the largest gull colony on Rhode Island, and the refuge is also a crucial breeding ground for seals.

Exploring the Charm of Rhode Island's Small Towns

From amazing long stretches of coastline to historic towns that date back hundreds of years, the adorable state of Rhode Island is a picturesque place with plenty to do. You can explore the Newport Mansions that exemplify the region's riches or head to historic sites such as the Towers that symbolize the resort town reputation the state has. You can also learn about the seafood and shipbuilding industry at old ports or head to the countryside to hear the colorful story about the Rhode Island Red. Rhode Island is a gorgeous part of New England to explore, and the picturesque towns here will make you feel right at home.