Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!
Are you planning a trip to Rhode Island and looking for the prettiest small towns to visit? You’ve come to the perfect place!
Rhode Island might be the smallest state in America, but it more than makes up for it in charm.
Its coastline is dotted with quaint seaside villages, historic harbor towns and little communities, all packed into an area you can explore in just a few days.
I visited a good chunk of Rhode Island on my New England road trip and completely fell for its laid-back, coastal charm.
Here are 8 of the most beautiful small towns to visit in Rhode Island.
🚗 Good to know: Although small, Rhode Island is still best explored by car so if you don’t have one, make sure to hire one. I recommend using Discover Cars to find the best deals.
🏄 1. Narragansett
Narragansett is a lovely, lively seaside town known for its gorgeous beaches and surfing.
You can park downtown or near the beach and explore most of the town on foot.
The main beach is fantastic and an excellent place to spend the afternoon (or the full day).
There were plenty of surfers out when I visited. It’s a great place to swim, surf or just relax.
Beyond the beach, don’t miss The Towers, a stone landmark that looks like something you’d find in Europe.
You can also walk to Veterans Memorial Square from the Towers.
⚓ 2. Wickford Village
Wickford Village is one of my favorite villages in the whole of New England.
It’s a small, historic harbor village with a walkable center, full of little shops, pottery studios, delis and cafes.
The best way to explore is on foot. I’d recommend doing the self-guided Wickford Walk (there’s a sign in the center) to see all the highlights.
It’s a great place to just slow down and take your time browsing the shops.
💡 PRO TIP: If you love cheese as much as I do, I would recommend going to Wickford Cheese & Sundry. They have amazing cheese and deli products.
🧌 3. Charlestown
Charlestown is a laid-back coastal town that’s a little more spread out than the others, but well worth exploring.
Start with a coffee at the wonderful Dave’s Coffee just off Route 1, one of the best roadside coffee shops in New England.
The big draw is the beautiful Charlestown Beach, and I loved driving along Charlestown Beach Road, lined with lovely houses on stilts.
Don’t miss Ninigret Park either, home to the famous giant trolls hidden among the trees. It’s peaceful, scenic and a real hidden gem.
🎆 4. Bristol
Bristol is a historic harbor town with a lovely waterfront and a big claim to fame.
It hosts the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States, going all the way back to 1785. If you visit around Independence Day, the whole town is decked out in red, white and blue.
Beyond that, enjoy the pretty downtown and the sweeping shoreline at Colt State Park.
Don’t miss the beautiful Blithewold Mansion and Gardens overlooking the bay.
🏝️ 5. Jamestown
Set on Conanicut Island between Newport and the mainland, Jamestown is a peaceful, scenic town that often gets overlooked (which is exactly why you should go).
The highlight is Beavertail State Park at the island’s southern tip, which is home to one of the oldest lighthouses in the country.
🍦 6. Tiverton
Tiverton, in the southeastern corner of RI, is a charming coastal town centered on the historic crossroads of Tiverton Four Corners.
Here you’ll find lovely art galleries, boutiques, farm stands and antique shops.
Don’t leave without a stop at the beloved Gray’s Ice Cream, a local institution that’s been scooping since the 1920s.
🌾 7. Little Compton
Little Compton is one of the most peaceful and unspoiled towns in the state.
It’s bordered by the Sakonnet River on one side and the Atlantic on the other, offering a perfect mix between rural farmlands and coastline.
Make sure to go to Sakonnet Point and if you like wine, Sakonnet Vineyard is for you!
🏚️ 8. Chepachet Village
For something completely different, head inland to Chepachet Village in the town of Glocester.
It’s a delight for antique lovers, with wonderful shops set in centuries-old buildings.
🗺️ Map of the best Small Towns in Rhode Island
🚗 Rhode Island Small Towns Road Trip
📍 Chepachet Village
📍 Bristol
📍Tiverton
📍Jamestown
📍Wickford Village
📍 Narragansett
📍 Charlestown
🚗 Distance: Approx. 100 miles
🔗 You May Also Be Interested In:
