7 Undiscovered Small Towns in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is a tiny New England state with a rich history combined with miles of natural beauty, making it the perfect weekend getaway or family vacation destination. What the small state lacks in size, it makes up for interesting attractions and landmarks, including beautiful Gilded Age mansions, sandy Atlantic Ocean beaches, sweet seaside towns, and sprawling modern cities. One way to immerse yourself in all that Rhode Island has to offer is by exploring its undiscovered small towns, such as these charming seven.

While some of these towns, like Newport and Woonsocket, may be familiar names, they each harbor lesser-known treasures that make them feel like hidden gems in their own right.

Little Compton

If you love being on the water or just being surrounded by peaceful water views, the quaint town of Little Compton may be the perfect place for you. It’s blessed with the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the scenic Sakonnet River to the west, as well as plenty of places to rent kayaks, canoes, and even yachts for the day. Get hooked up with everything you need for a day on the ocean or river at Sakonnet Charters or Islander Charters. You could also bring your own personal watercraft and dock it at the Sakonnet Point Marina.

If just relaxing on a sandy beach or splashing in the water is more your thing, you’re in luck in Little Compton, which boasts five beaches, including South Shore Beach, Goosewing Beach, and Tappens Beach. Take in the view of the historic Sakonnet Point Lighthouse, which can be viewed from the beach on Sakonnet Point. Learn more about the region’s history by visiting the WiIlbor House and Museum, which dates back to the late 1600s.

Glocester

With a population of just under 10,000, gorgeous Glocester offers the best of both worlds. It has no shortage of modern conveniences, including a mix of casual and gourmet easters, quaint cafes and interesting historical and natural atttractions, yet still retains plenty of small-town charm. One of area’s most popular destinations is the Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area, which is a 100-acre park complete with a pond for kayaking and canoeing, and trails for hiking and biking.

Nature lovers can also spend time at the Durfee Hill Management Area, another great place to hike among lush forests and wildlife habitats. Anglers can even cast a line at the onsite Burlingame Reservoir. History buffs won’t want to miss a trip to the Job Armstrong Museum, which offers an introspective look into the region’s unique past through several exhibits.

New Shoreham

If you’re looking to get away from it all during your next getaway or vacation, tiny New Shoreham is calling your name. The seaside destination has the distinction of being the smallest town in the smallest state, as well as Block Island’s only town. What the town lacks in size, however, it makes up for in beautiful scenery, fun attractions, and a warm and welcoming community. New Shoreham offers two man-made harbors, more than 17 miles of beachfront and 30 miles of hiking trails, and 300 freshwater ponds.

While you’re in the area, check out impressive Mohegan Bluffs, a set of 200-foot cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean for once-in-a-lifetime views. If you’re visiting during the summer months, take tours of the Southwest and North Lighthouses, each known for their historical significance and unique architectural details. The town is also home to several beaches for relaxing or boating, including the pretty Mansion Beach.

Tiverton

Tiverton may be a small town, but it’s not lacking anything when it comes to amenities, cultural and historical attractions, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Located on the shores of Narragansett Bay in beautiful Newport County, Tiverton is also situated across the Sakonnet River, making it a water-lovers paradise. You can take a scenic walk over the Skaonnet River Bridge or explore the waterways by boat, which can be rented from local outfitters such as Riverside Marina.

If you want to go swimming or just relax on the sandy shores, spend a day on the beautiful Fogland Beach, a local summer hotspot. You can also go kayaking or canoeing, surfing, or boating, depending on where your passions lie. You could also go hiking or biking along the almost 2-mile trail at the Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge or check out the Tiverton Four Corners Historic District, which features historic buildings dating back to the 1800s.

Jamestown

As interesting as it is beautiful, historic Jamestown dates back to 1678 when it was incorporated as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The town is situated on Conanicut Island and is filled with scenic farms and parks and miles of coastline for boating, fishing, surfing, or just relaxing in the sun. In addition to all of the natural beauty, Jamestown also has a charming downtown filled with art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, eateries, and cafes.

Another notable place to visit is the Jamestown Archaeological District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places because it’s home to New England’s largest American Indian cemetery. History lovers also won’t want to miss the Beavertail Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1856. Tour the lighthouse and the adjacent museum to learn about its fascinating history at the entrance to Narragansett Bay.

Newport

Newport, though one of Rhode Island’s more famous towns, still has hidden corners and lesser-known experiences that capture the essence of small-town New England charm. Newport is also home to several famous museums, such as the Naval War College Museum, the Herreshoff Marine Museum, and the unique Newport Car Museum. Sign up to take a historic mansion tour to view the town’s abundance of turn-of-the-century summer “cottages” of the rich and famous.

Get acquainted with the town quickly by strolling down Thames Street and through the Brick Market Place, which features almost 30 charming shops, restaurants serving local fare, and cafes. Don’t miss The Breakers, which was once the home of the Vanderbilts, the wealthiest family in the country at the time. Also, check out the town’s 3.5-mile Cliff Walk or visit Newport Vineyards if you’re a wine enthusiast.

Woonsocket

While Woonsocket is one of the larger and more recognized destinations on this list, it offers a surprising blend of small-town charm and unique attractions that often go unnoticed by visitors. Rhode Island’s northernmost city, Woonsocket, is blessed with both historical and cultural attractions and has no shortage of natural beauty. The town is known for the Museum of Work and Culture, an interactive attraction operated by the Rhode Island Historical Society. It tells the story of the French Canadians who first worked in the New England factories.

Nature lovers will delight in Woonsocket’s abundance of city parks, including Bernon Park, Cold Spring Park, and Costa Park, where they can participate in activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing, and fishing. If arts and culture are more your thing, the Stadium Theatre is the place where visitors and locals alike enjoy taking in all types of live entertainment, such as plays, music and dance concerts, and bands.

Experience the Authentic Charm of Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be a tiny state, but it has no shortage of appealing small towns to call home for a few days or even several weeks, depending on what type of trip you’re taking. While the state’s big cities and more well-known towns, like Newport and Woonsocket, have their charms, it’s in these towns—whether famous or lesser-known—where you can truly experience life in the small New England state. Whether you want to lounge on a sunny beach all day or tour historic mansions, lighthouses, and more, these small towns offer a unique blend of attractions that make them perfect for any getaway.