Rhode Island has its fair share of charming small towns to explore. With several on the National Register of Historic Places and many offering a plethora of fun things to do, deciding where to go can be difficult. Multiple online publications have named Little Compton one of the best small towns in America, and it would be an excellent choice for a vacation. Little Compton has a total area of just under 30 square miles, nearly ten of which is covered by water, and a population of just over 3,500 people. The town's coastline is breathtaking, and there are two beaches to explore: Goosewing Beach and South Shore Beach.

While these beaches are ideal for swimming during the summer, they should not be overlooked during the cooler months. You can still have a great time walking around and watching the waves crash. Quicksand Pond, a beautiful freshwater pond ideal for birding and fishing, is also nearby. The town commons, one of only three of their kind in the state, are also well worth your time. This plot of land is on the national register of historic places. And there is no shortage of excellent dining options in town.

Architecture enthusiasts will delight in Little Compton's Wilbor House, which is now home to the Little Compton Historical Society. A visit to the "spite tower" is also worthwhile; originally built as a water tower, rumors persist to this day that its true purpose was to obscure views of a disliked neighbor's home! Make sure to plan some time for shopping during your trip! There are some great thrift shops to explore, as well as Grays, one of America's oldest general stores.

A day trip is an excellent way to get away, especially if you don't have much time or money for a longer vacation. Fortunately, there are numerous locations throughout the state that make ideal Rhode Island day trip destinations, such as New Shoreham on Block Island. The charming small town is the perfect setting for a day of relaxation and exploration. Take a ride on one of the ferries that transport visitors from a variety of towns, including Newport, to New Shoreham on Block Island. If you want to bring your car, you'll need to take the ferry from Port Judith, which requires reservations.

With a population of just over 1,000 people, the adorable small town is the smallest town in the smallest state in the United States. During the summer, however, Block Island can become extremely crowded, with up to 20,000 visitors per day. There's plenty to do in this small town surrounded by natural beauty. Mohegan Bluffs offers some of the most breathtaking views in Rhode Island. To get to the sandy beach, walk down 141 steps. It's a bit of a hike, but the spectacular views are well worth it. One of the best ways to explore Block Island is on one of the island's more than a half-dozen hiking trails, which range in difficulty from easy to moderate and take you all over the island.

Wickford is a small village in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, named after the town of Wickford in Essex, England. Wickford is located on the west side of Narragansett Bay, about a 20-minute drive from Newport, Rhode Island, across two bridges. This historic town was founded as a small trading post in the mid-1600s. Some people prefer bustling cities, while others prefer smaller towns. One thing is certain: Wickford Village is a tiny coastal gem in the Ocean State. This harborside spot, founded in 1709, has a rich history, a strong community, and unrivaled charm. Wickford has an old-fashioned charm about it. Main Street is a joy to walk down because there are no fast-food restaurants or chain stores in sight. Walk the tree-lined streets and admire the historic architecture. The village has the most owner-occupied Colonial and Federal period homes in the country.

The village has a long and illustrious maritime history, but the sunrises and sunsets haven't changed and still provide picture-perfect views of the harbor. Throughout the year, there are numerous community-sponsored events. This village celebrates with vigour and zeal that is contagious to visitors. Santa Claus arrives by boat every year at Christmastime to greet the residents and participate in the Elf Parade. Halloween attracts trick-or-treaters dressed in creative costumes who roam the streets in search of holiday treats. Restaurants and shops are hidden gems that provide warm hospitality. This tiny village is a one-of-a-kind destination that you'll want to return to.

The smallest state in the union is home to what is arguably the best beach vacation spot in the northeastern United States. Narragansett, Rhode Island is the ideal beach destination, complete with easily accessible shops and restaurants serving traditional New England fare and offering stunning views of the coast. With beaches as large and accessible as Narragansett Town Beach, scenic destinations like Point Judith, and day trip destinations like Block Island, Narragansett rivals and even outperforms destinations like the Cape and Long Island.

Four of Rhode Island's four most popular state beaches are located in Narragansett. It is a popular summer destination for both Rhode Island residents and visitors from throughout New England. The two main attractions for visitors to Narragansett are Narragansett Town Beach and Scarborough State Beach. The architecture, which includes towers and scenic arches that line the coastline, reflects the town's history as a wealthy community that rivaled nearby Newport. Today, visitors to Narragansett can enjoy a relaxing and aesthetically pleasing seaside experience.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the beach is open. The beach has two pavilions, each with restrooms, showers, and a concession stand. Tree lightings, concerts, and festivals are among the events held on the beach. Seasonal parking passes for the beach are available to town residents. To obtain a pass, you must provide proof of residency as well as the registration number of your vehicle. You can also buy a beach season pass, which gives you unlimited access to the beach throughout the year. These passes, however, are not transferable.

Rhode Island may be small, but it has plenty of interesting places to visit. If you're looking for a fun day trip with friends and family, look up a list of towns in the state and choose one; you're sure to find something new and interesting that you haven't seen before. Harrisville is a charming town that is ideal for a day of exploration. Harrisville is a small village in the Burrillville municipality. The majority of the village is comprised of a historical district that is on the National Register of Historic Places.

There are a couple of lovely churches to visit, numerous historical homes to see, and some lovely shops to browse in while traveling. This small town was designed for walking, and if you get tired of walking, there are plenty of great restaurants to visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Harrisville also has some spectacular natural attractions. Visit the Round Top fishing area for great views and good fishing if that's your thing. The Harrisville Mill Bridge is also a lovely little walk for leaf viewing. There is a historical cemetery nearby, and this town is home to the house featured in the infamous horror film The Conjuring.

The one benefit of being a small state is that nothing is very far away. Rhode Island is ideal for weekend road trips because you can easily travel from one side of the state to the other. Foster is a small rural town near the Connecticut border. It's one of the smaller towns in the Ocean State, with a population of just over 4,500 people. While it is small and rural, it should not be overlooked. This location has a lot to offer its visitors. Drive across the state's only covered bridge on a public road. Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge spans 40 feet and is modeled after early nineteenth-century covered bridges. This charming landmark, built by a volunteer crew from locally cut lumber, is well worth a visit.

On Central Pike, look for the bridge. A Bee's Buzz is a unique shopping experience. A Bee's Buzz is a two-story treasure hunter's haven. Look through antiques, vintage tools, jewelry, handcrafted items, gifts, seasonal items, fudge, and much more. This entertaining marketplace offers a wide range of merchandise. At the picturesque Nickle Creek Vineyard, unwind with a glass of wine. This winery specializes in handcrafted, small-production wines. Sip a Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon while taking in the scenery. The family-run business welcomes visitors with open arms and excellent service. The highest point in Rhode Island is only a 0.3-mile walk away. Ascend Jerimoth Hill without climbing because the trail only gains ten feet in elevation. Shady Acres Restaurant and Dairy is the best place in town for breakfast. Since 1975, this long-standing establishment has been satisfying hungry diners. This is the place to go if you enjoy a good down-home breakfast in a charming setting.

Warren is proud to be the smallest town in the smallest county in the smallest state. The tiny downtown neighborhood of slightly more than 1,200 people is an all-hands-on-deck effort, with a highly involved community that brings life to a small Rhode Island town. From politics to community development, the local community is dedicated to preserving its heritage. The voluntary historic district has a large number of property owners who are committed to preserving the community's historic fabric and dense development patterns from the past.

Warren's sleepy downtown is defined by its well-kept standalone bike trail, the East Bay Bike Path, which runs right through the middle. It is not only a central feature of the active neighborhood, but it also connects Downtown Warren to the rest of Rhode Island, connecting north and south to Providence and Bristol. The bike path and recreational facilities, such as Jamiel's Park, formerly a landfill and now an active community hub, have been planned for expansion and improvement. For residents who prefer not to ride a bike, downtown provides easy public transportation access to and from Providence, Newport, and Bristol, as well as prioritizes walking as a mode of transportation.

The neighborhood economy revolves around a plethora of farm-to-table restaurants, marine-related businesses, and local shops. A local foods campaign launched in 2010 resulted in the establishment of Hope & Main, a food startup and incubator space in town for new restaurants. Discover Warren, Hope & Main, and other community organizations have worked to revitalize the business district. Food systems have provided the foundation for delicious economic revitalization in this small New England town.

There is no doubt that Rhode Island has some incredible coastal communities with so much beautiful shoreline. Some are busier than others, but there is one untouched beach town where time seems to stand still. Watch Hill is one of New England's most charming towns, with a quaint downtown and a picturesque shore. Watch Hill is a 629-acre village in Westerly, Rhode Island. Beautiful homes dot the rolling landscape along the shore. Watch Hill's Napatree Point is a barrier beach. It has no roads or houses and a half-mile stretch of soft white sand, rolling waves, and natural beauty.

A charming little harbor can be found on the back side of Napatree Point. Observe the boats coming and going from this coastal paradise. Downtown is packed with interesting shops and restaurants. Spend some time walking down the street and seeing what catches your eye. The Olympia Tea Room is a long-standing establishment with nostalgic decor and delectable food. This quirky restaurant serves your favorite New England cuisine. If you'd rather have a picnic on the beach, Ten Sandwiches is the place to go. Delicious sandwiches and salads make the ideal picnic lunch. The seasonal Flying Horses Carousel is also located on Watch Hill. This amusement ride, built in 1876, exudes old-world charm.

Charlestown is a wonderful blend of nature, small-town charm, and quirkiness. Charlestown is located in Washington County, along Narragansett Bay. This charming town is brimming with fantastic beaches and coastal attractions. When it comes to the great outdoors, you'll have a great time soaking up the rays at Town Beach or East Beach. Burlingame State Park is also a great place to camp in town while still being surrounded by wilderness, such as the Watchuaung Pond. The Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory, as well as the National Wildlife Refuge, are both worthwhile stops. Because of the well-preserved colonial style architecture, the town center has over ten buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The main unusual attraction is the Fantastic Umbrella Factory, which sells various plants, trees, and flowers while animals such as goats, emus, and chickens roam the premises. This multifaceted location includes vintage shops, beautiful gardens, a cafe, and even live emus. It's a zoo of natural oddities with a fun souvenir and café to visit. Each summer, Charlestown also hosts a number of exciting festivals, including the Seafood Festival and Rhythm and Roots. Make a point to visit this summer for an unforgettable experience!

If you're taking public transportation through Rhode Island, you should get off the Amtrak train in Westerly. This small town is located on the beach and offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities. It's also breathtakingly beautiful, with more than ten buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Westerly is located on Washington County's southwestern shoreline, approximately 40 miles from Newport. Westerly is named after Rhode Island's westernmost town. While this isn't exactly glamorous, the town itself is incredibly charming. Westerly is a classic New England town that is a popular summer tourist destination.

There are a lot of amenities in this relatively small town (population around 23,000). Wilcox Park is beautiful, and the arboretum is vibrant and well-kept. Westerly is a great place for outdoor recreation when the weather permits. And sometimes that outdoor recreation is as simple as a post-dinner stroll along the beach. There's truly something for everyone here, with sandy beaches, boating, fishing, golfing, sailing, swimming, shopping, and dining, and the sunrises and sunsets are absolutely stunning. Of course, beauty is subjective, and you may have a different opinion of the Rhode Island town that has received this honor. Having said that, Westerly's population doubles in the summer, so it's safe to say many Rhode Islanders appreciate its beauty.