10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Rhode Island

Little Compton is a coastal town near the Massachusetts state line that's bordered on one side by the ocean and on the other by the Sakonnet River. With this ideal location, you can enjoy seafront and freshwater entertainment at the same time. It's known for the rocky coastline at South Shore Beach, which offers outstanding swimming and crystal blue waters. You can enjoy time in Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineyard, which offers a winery as well as hosting live music and events, visit the historic Wilbor House museum, take a walk at the Dundery Brook Trail nature preserve, or see the tended flowers and rolling fields of Sakonnet Garden.

The Washington County town of New Shoreham, established in the 18th century, is named for Shoreham in England. Its Harbour Church was first dedicated in 1765 and is a major historic landmark of the town today. The town is one and the same with Block Island, which was originally inhabited by the Narragansett Indians. You'll find plenty of things to see and do here, including the South East Lighthouse, from where you get a panoramic view of the ocean and rolling green fields, the natural wonders of Mohegan Bluffs, or the wealth of beaches where you can swim or sunbathe.

Wickford Village isn't a town unto itself, but a district and historic landmark in the town of North Kingstown. This historic town was originally settled in the mid-1600s as a small trading post. Today, it's lined with small, unique independent shops, pavement cafés, interesting restaurants, and picturesque, walkable streets where you can feel like you're time travelling to the past. In Wickford Village, you can both find the perfect souvenir and relax in quaint historic surroundings that deserve to be on a postcard.

The town of Narragansett is located in Washington County and is known as Gansett to locals. The town is famed for The Towers, an architectural landmark comprising the remains of the original Narragansett Pier Casino. Today, The Towers are an attraction and centrepiece to the town as a whole. Narragansett has many points of interest to explore, including the Point Judith Lighthouse, Narraga Town Beach, Beavertail State Park, Scarborough State Beach, and Roger W. Wheeler State Beach. These offer a wide range of opportunities for fun and enjoyment on your holiday.

The village of Harrisville is a area in the town of Burrillville and comprises the town's historic district, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. On the quiet streets of this small village, you'll find plenty of picturesque buildings dating back hundreds of years as well as small, independent shops, local eateries, and historic points of interest. Just a few minutes away, you can plan a day trip to the Southwick Zoo or the Purgatory Chasm State Reservation. Many travellers like to visit Lake Chaubunagungamaug, the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, and Douglas State Forest for outdoor adventures.

The town of Hopkinton is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and dates to the year 1757. You'll find plenty of things to see and do in this area that aren't related to history, however, including a range of outdoor adventures. Whether you're into hiking, biking, kayaking, backpacking, or any other kind of back-to-nature experience, you'll find it at places like the Arcadia Management Area state park, the lake at Beach Pond, or the campsites at Yawgoog Scout Reservation. For those searching for a beautiful and scenic trail for a day hike, check out the Narragansett Trail Trailhead and the Eli Pond Trailhead.

The town of Jamestown encompasses Conanicut Island, the second largest island in the bay, as well as Dutch Island and Gould Island. If you're looking for an island getaway in the continental United States, Jamestown is the place to start. From your base of operations here, you can head to any number of gorgeous outdoor locations, like Fort Adams State Park and Brenton Point State Park, where you can enjoy the ocean waters and unspoiled coastlines. You can also visit the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum in Beavertail State Park and get panoramic views of the surrounding coast.

In Richmond, you can explore tonnes of local small historic villages, including Alton, Arcadia, Barberville, Hillsdale, Carolina, Kenyon, Tug Hollow, Shannock, Wood River Junction, Usquepaug, Wyoming, and Woodville. Each of these has its own unique joys to encounter, including plenty of museums and galleries, historical points of interest, and outdoor adventures at state parks, beaches, and lakes. Whether you're in for shopping and dining, visiting museums and historic locations, or just getting back to nature with hiking, backpacking, biking, and adventures, Richmond has everything you could ever want.

Foster is a small town with a big heart and a bit of everything. It's a charming New England spot that boasts historic buildings, a welcoming and friendly population, and plenty of things to see and do. Whether it's taking a walk along Jerimoth Hill or heading to Nickle Creek Vineyard for a bottle of local wine in elegant surroundings, you will feel at home in the charming atmosphere of Foster. Oftentimes, visitors enjoy going fishing or kayaking along Killingly Pond, or taking a romantic walk under the Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge. In this quaint town, you'll find the ideal escape for a family, an individual on a backpacking trip, or a couple looking for a peaceful weekend away.

Warren in Bristol County may be a small town, but it's one of those places where there's always something going on. Whether you're a bird-watcher visiting the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, a hiker travelling to the Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge to see native animals in their natural habitat, or a family looking to go swimming and sunbathing along Warren Town Beach, you’ll never want for new activities in Warren. You can find art galleries and museums, dining and shopping, and all manner of fun and adventure to be had.