These Small Towns in Rhode Island Come Alive in Summer

Revered for its stunning shoreline, beautiful parks, and abundance of unique jewelry, Rhode Island is the place to be during summer. While being the smallest state in the United States, this state makes the most of its coastal location and is an ideal tourist destination. Moreover, with some of the best food and vibrant culture in the country, there is no end to the summer fun to be had in Rhode Island. Apart from the major cities like Providence, Rhode Island is also home to stunning small towns such as Tiverton and Jamestown, which are hotspots during the summer. With everything from peaceful beaches to outdoor attractions, Rhode Island’s small towns are fun for the whole family.

Narragansett

When it comes to summer recreation, Narragansett stands out in Rhode Island. Located in Washington County, this town boasts a lively population of 14,500 residents which booms to more than 34,000 during the summer. This is thanks to the abundant array of waterside attractions perfect for cooling off in the hot sun. For example, Narragansett Town Beach is a must-visit in town. Filled with tourists, this beach spans 15+ acres with soft sand, clear waters, and small restaurants. With designated areas to swim, surf, and have fun in the water, you can spend hours at this beach without getting bored. If you are looking for more adrenaline-pumping fun, opt to visit the Narrow River instead. Here, you can rent a kayak or boat and enjoy a paddling experience through running water!

Besides the many beaches and recreational spots, Narragansett is also home to a rich history. With more than a dozen buildings and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, history lovers are in for a treat. The Point Judith Lighthouse is a great starting point as it showcases the importance of safety along Rhode Island shores. Constructed in the 1850s, this lighthouse offers panoramic views of the ocean, which you’ll rarely find elsewhere. Another spot from the same century, The Towers, is a massive structure that once served as part of the Narragansett Pier Casino. Filled with affluent tourists, this tower sadly burned down and was reconstructed into a venue for events along the beach. So, from beautiful beaches and waterside sports to coastal buildings, Narragansett is an ideal small town for a summer trip!

Tiverton

A short drive away from Narragansett is the vibrant coastal town of Tiverton. Home to more than 16,000 people, Tiverton boasts some of the most relaxing outdoor sights that can help you escape the stress of urban living. When it comes to beaches, you can enjoy some time at Fogland Beach or Grinnell’s Beach. Both spots draw tourists during summer and offer a range of amenities such as showers, picnic areas, lifeguards, and play areas. So, you can go fishing, swimming, kayaking, and have a family-friendly time out on the waves. Moving inward from the beach, Tiverton also features natural areas like Weetamo Woods which features forested wetlands for a unique outdoor experience.

Once you’ve taken in the natural beauty, many unique attractions are sprawled throughout town. The Cheese Wheel Village Market and The Butterfly Zoo offer an intriguing time that can make any summer trip memorable. The Cheese Wheel is a large market filled with high-quality cheese products. From common cheeses to artisanal masterpieces, this is the place to be if you love cheese. On the other hand, The Butterfly Zoo offers a beautiful environment with dozens of fluttering butterflies of all colors and species. With these and many other sights, you can spend hours strolling through Tiverton.

East Greenwich

East Greenwich is one of Rhode Island’s wealthiest towns, filled with vibrant culture and attractions. The town is home to 14,300 residents, but you'll always find many visitors enjoying the waterfront views, downtown district, and educational areas. Take a stroll through East Greenwich, and you can choose between a load of fun establishments to check out. If you’re hungry, have a delectable Indian meal at the famous Rasa restaurant in town. Or, grab a quick beer with snacks at the bustling Meritage Bar. You can also spend the day shopping or enjoy fun spots like the Riddle Room escape game. Overall, East Greenwich has amazing things to do, and you can spend hours roaming through town.

As the eighth oldest town in Rhode Island, East Greenwich also boasts a rich past spanning more than 300 years. If you want to learn about the local history, check out the Varnum House Museum. The Varnum House Museum is located in an 18th-century mansion with Georgian-styled architecture providing a refined appeal. Here, you can find dozens of exhibits showcasing American furniture, toys, paintings, and musical instruments from the past few centuries. So, from amazing shopping to interesting history, there is much to enjoy this summer in East Greenwich.

Cumberland

An enclave of towny charm and verdant beauty, Cumberland is a scenic town in Rhode Island. Unlike many other options, this town provides natural beauty without a coastal location. Instead, you can enjoy the outdoors by visiting quaint spots like Phantom Farms and Diamond Hill Vineyards. Both places offer miles of greenery to lift your spirits for a fun time in the sun. Grab amazing desserts and fruits from Phantom Farms for a healthy meal surrounded by nature. Or, opt for Diamond Hill Vineyards, which boasts an array of unique wines that can help you wind down and relax.

Little Compton

Preserving a rich history spanning more than three centuries, Little Compton is a historic small town that receives loads of summer visitors. Originally inhabited by the Saknnet Indians, Little Compton is still filled with historic destinations mixed in with its coastal charm. If you’re here to learn about the past, Sakonnet Lighthouse is a great place to start. This 140-year-old lighthouse sits along the coast and is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. Apart from this, you can also check out the Wilbor House on West Main Road. This house is part of the Wilbor farmstead from 1690 to 1995 and is now part of the Little Compton Historical Society. So, you can spend hours looking at unique artifacts and memorabilia and learning about the town’s unique past.

While history is interesting, no summer vacation is complete without time along the beach. Set up a lounge chair at South Shore Beach, and you can sunbathe all day, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and loads of tourists. For a more scenic environment, walk to the nearby Goosewing Beach Preserve, filled with paradisal views of Rhode Island’s coastal beauty. Whether it is wildlife watching, swimming, or hiking, you can take in the outdoors in Little Compton. End the day with wine at the popular Carolyn’s Saknnet Vineyards, and you’ll be stress-free this summer!

Westerly

An underrated wellspring of summer activities, Westerly is a small town that offers all sorts of fun. Located in Washington County, the town’s coastal location makes it the perfect destination for scenic beaches. So, head to Weekapaug Beach or Misquamicut State Beach to cool off this summer. Filled with small cafes, stores, picnic spots, and even playgrounds, these beaches are perfect for friends and family. However, with loads of tourists pouring in during the summer, book your spot early for a relaxing experience. If you’re not too keen on crowded beaches, the Napatree Point Conservation Area is a great alternative. With 1.5 miles of coastal land, this area is home to many animal species, such as herons, deer, foxes, and even falcons. So, it is the perfect place for wildlife watching or hiking along the waterside trails.

The bustling summer vibe of Westerly is not only limited to the coast but also prevalent throughout the town. Sample beer at the local Grey Sail Brewing for fun and drinks. This spot has been around for years and serves some of the best-flavored beer in the county. Or, go bowling with your friends at the Alley Kats Bowling Center for an air-conditioned and cool summertime. All in all, Westerly is a treasure trove of exciting activities.

Jamestown

Jamestown is an iconic town in Rhode Island with a wellspring of historical, natural, and cultural attractions. Home to a tight-knit community of 5,600, this town has seen many battles and major events over the past few centuries. To this end, you can find interesting historic sights like the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum and Fort Wetherill State Park throughout town. The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum was a pivotal guidance light for ships throughout the late 1800s and 1900s and is now one of the region’s most famous sights. It was recently restored and converted into a museum showcasing the lighthouse’s “beehive” Fresnel lens as the main attraction. For a more expansive experience, opt for the Fort Wetherill State Park, a 60+ acre natural area centered around Fort Wetherill. Built between 1895 and 1903, this coast artillery fort was pivotal in protecting the entrance to Narragansett Bay up until World War II. With these and many other establishments, such as the Watson Farm, there is no end to the history you can relish.

Return to the present to witness Jamestown’s positive environment and charming summer appeal. A few hours at Beavertail State Park is the perfect example, thanks to its scenic shoreline nestled along the famous lighthouse. Here you can go saltwater fishing, hike along one of the many trails, or have a picnic with your family for a peaceful time under the sun. Before having a picnic, grab freshly baked bread or pizza from the Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe in town.

New Shoreham

New Shoreham is a peaceful island town in Washington County, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban cities. Home to just 1,400 residents, the town exudes a homely vibe, and you’ll have no trouble making new friends here. Grab a seat at the local Dead Eye Dick’s bar, filled with lively conversation and amazing people. The bar also serves amazing seafood snacks like crab cake to fill your tummy. If you’re not into drinking, opt for the Beachead Restaurant, a beachside restaurant with amazing salmon and shrimp that the whole family can enjoy. After your meal, walk off the calories with a stroll through town, and you can check out the art galleries and stores.

Boasting an area of more than 100 square miles, you might be wondering what else New Shoreham has to offer. The answer is a beautiful coast, pristine forests, and majestic natural areas. Surrounded by water on Block Island, you can find 17 miles of beaches, including Crescent Beach, Surf Beach, Scotch Beach, and others. These beaches offer unlimited summer enjoyment with everything from shelling to rock hunting. Along with this, the island houses amazing trails for hiking and bicycling and opportunities for sailing and fishing. So, with its small-town vibe and range of activities, New Shoreham is a lively summer destination in Rhode Island.

From the coastal charm of Narragansett to the historical value of Jamestown, there is no end to the fun you can have in Rhode Island. With people from all over the country flocking here during summer for beautiful views and activities, many towns come alive during summer. Moreover, with so many options, you can find the best town for your interests and plan an amazing summer trip to Rhode Island!