Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but the cute towns in Rhode Island pack history and coastal beauty into every corner. Travelers seeking New England charm will find villages hosting the oldest continuous Fourth of July parade dating back to 1785, century-old carousels, and waterfronts away from summer crowds. These best towns in Rhode Island offer everything from award-winning restaurants to historic Colonial homes. The Rhode Island beach towns featured here provide a variety of places to visit in Rhode Island, each with unique attractions and accommodations perfect for a 2026 getaway.

What Makes Westerly Special
Rhode Island’s southwest corner along the Connecticut border is home to Westerly, a favorite seaside vacation spot with a population of 22,966. The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognized the town in 2002 as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations. Westerly grew as a shipbuilding center where U.S. naval officer Oliver Perry built gunboats before the War of 1812. Much of the granite used for Civil War monuments around the country was mined here. Watch Hill, a census-designated area within Westerly that spans less than one square mile, attracts visitors seeking New England coastal elegance. Taylor Swift owns a summer home in this hamlet and brings national attention to an already beloved destination.
Top Attractions in Watch Hill
The Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest operating carousel in the United States. It was installed in 1883 and has been running seasonally since then. Rides cost $2 and feature horses suspended from chains rather than poles. The Watch Hill Lighthouse Museum occupies a historic site where the earliest building was constructed in 1807, though the current lighthouse dates to 1856. The museum opens seasonally with free admission and displays exhibits on maritime history and the catastrophic Hurricane of 1938. East Beach has pristine shoreline with clean water and gentle waves that suit families well. Bay Street gives you walkable shopping and dining in just a few blocks. It features independent shops like Coppola’s of Watch Hill alongside coastal brands such as Lilly Pulitzer. The circa 1734 Babcock-Smith House showcases colonial architecture as the home of Dr. Joshua Babcock, friend of Benjamin Franklin and Rhode Island’s first doctor and postmaster.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
- Olympia Tea Room: This dinner-only restaurant has been around since 1916 and serves Italian fare and local seafood with outdoor harbor seating available first-come, first-serve
- St. Clair Annex: The family has run this quintessential New England clam shack since 1887. It serves lobster rolls and ice cream
- Ten Sandwiches: This casual sandwich shop by day transforms into a cozy cocktail spot at night
- Sift Bake Shop: Head pastry chef Adam Young earned the 2018 Best Baker in America title from the Food Network at this award-winning bakery
- COAST: This Forbes Five-Star restaurant at Ocean House offers seasonal tasting menus with locally-sourced ingredients
- Verandah Raw Bar: Ocean House’s porch hosts this al fresco dining spot that serves local oysters and lobster rolls during summer months
Where to Stay
Ocean House perches on the bluffs of Watch Hill and holds the distinction as Rhode Island’s first and only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel. Room rates start around $1,000 per night for the 49 guestrooms and 20 Signature Suites. Watch Hill Inn has been a fixture in the community since 1845 and offers residential-style suites with modern conveniences and proximity to Little Narragansett Bay’s sunsets. Guests at Watch Hill Inn access amenities at the triple Forbes Five-Star Ocean House, including the Ocean & Harvest Spa and private beach. Weekapaug Inn creates a low-key luxury resort atmosphere overlooking Quonochontaug Pond.

What Makes Wickford Special
Founded in 1709, Wickford Village celebrated its 350th anniversary in 2025 as one of the nation’s oldest preserved colonial communities. Lodowick Updike, grandson of early settler Richard Smith, platted the seaport town in a fashion reminiscent of colonial Boston and sold lots with three rods of frontage. The village has one of the largest collections of eighteenth-century Colonial and Federal-style homes remaining on their original foundations. Wickford Harbor on Narragansett Bay anchors this walkable destination where tree-lined streets showcase architectural heritage among family-owned shops and waterfront cafes. Historic Wickford, Inc., formed in 2010, partners with the town and business owners to preserve the village’s legacy through year-round events.
Top Attractions and Historic Sites
Old Narragansett Church at 60 Church Lane is the oldest Episcopal church building in the Northeastern United States. The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts founded the congregation in 1706. The Gilbert Stuart Birthplace & Museum preserves the 1750 gambrel-roofed home where America’s renowned portraitist was born. The museum has a restored interior with period antiques and a working gristmill powered by a wooden undershot waterwheel. Smith’s Castle, dating to 1678, stands on Cocumscussoc, part of the ancestral homeland of the Narragansett People. Roger Williams and Richard Smith set up trading posts there in the late 1630s.
Wickford hosts celebrated seasonal festivals. Daffodil Days each April has historical walking tours, sidewalk chalk art and the popular Daffy Dog Parade. The Wickford Art Festival, running 62 years, brings together over 200 artists each July and is one of New England’s longest-running outdoor art festivals. Wicked Weeks takes place each October and has spooky paddles and the Wickford Harbor Fire with floating fire pits. The Festival of Lights transforms the village each December with thousands of white lights, Santa’s arrival by boat and horse-drawn hayrides.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Wickford on the Water serves breakfast, lunch and dinner year-round with deck seating that overlooks Narragansett Bay. Tavern by the Sea occupies a historical building that resembles an old framed boathouse. The restaurant has operated since 2006 with waterfront outdoor patio seating where guests watch swans and ducks in the cove. Roy Boys Clam Shack earned recognition as the best clam shack in Rhode Island in a 2025 Providence Journal readers poll. Rome Point Café serves hearty breakfast and lunch dishes that include home fries, French toast and blueberry pancakes.
Where to Stay
Hamilton Village Inn sits on Scenic Route 1A, one mile from Wickford Village and ten miles from Newport. Blue Beach Motel offers budget-friendly updated rooms with proximity to the village. TownePlace Suites by Marriott in the Quonset Point area provides suites with kitchens, free internet, continental breakfast and an indoor pool.
Rhode Island puns.

What Makes Jamestown Special
You can reach Jamestown by a scenic ferry ride from Newport or a quick bridge crossing. The town occupies Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay. This 9.7 square mile island stretches nine miles long by one mile wide and reaches 135 feet above sea level at the island’s highest point. The Massachusetts Bay Colony incorporated Jamestown in 1678, and the town transferred to Rhode Island in 1746. Around 5,800 year-round residents call this island home. A quiet rural character prevails here despite the town’s proximity to Newport, just 10 minutes away. Historic farms, windmills and military fortifications connect visitors to the past. Lightly traveled roadways and abundant open space make the island perfect for walking and cycling.
Top Attractions to Visit
Beavertail State Park anchors the southern tip and is crowned by Beavertail Lighthouse, the third-oldest lighthouse in North America. The current structure dates to 1856, though beacons have guided ships since 1705. The lighthouse museum operates seasonally and displays artifacts and maritime history exhibits. Four scenic overlooks give you stunning vistas along the rocky coastline, ideal for saltwater fishing and tide pool exploration. The seasonal Beavertail Aquarium has marine education programs through catch-and-release exhibits that feature local species.
Fort Wetherill State Park has 100-foot-high granite cliffs that overlook Mackerel Cove. The abandoned military fortifications create an intriguing backdrop for exploration, while crystal-clear waters attract scuba divers year-round. Mackerel Cove Town Beach has calm, protected waters perfect for families with young children.
The Jamestown Windmill was built in 1787 and remained operational until 1896. It stands adjacent to Clancy Design Studios, a hand-blown glass studio that has operated for over 30 years. Watson Farm produces grass-fed meats and pasture-raised eggs on expansive pastoral land.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
JB’s on the Water at Bay Voyage Inn serves seasonal New England classics with expansive views of Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge. Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe opens before dawn and has scratch-made pastries, sandwiches on house-baked breads and seasonal soups. Salty Wine Bar, located at Village Hearth, has small plates and curated wines on a twinkling patio. Beech gives you coastal cuisine with an expansive patio and treehouse overlook room. Our Table uses local ingredients in a warm atmosphere, while Tallulah’s Taqueria serves seasonal tacos and fast-casual fare.
Where to Stay
Bay Voyage Inn stands as Jamestown’s only hotel and has water views from nearly every angle, an on-site pool, fitness center and full-service restaurant. Lionel Champlin Guest House has Victorian bed-and-breakfast accommodations in a three-story beach cottage that has hosted visitors for over 25 years. Guests praise the homemade breakfasts, 24/7 coffee and tea service, and beach equipment you can borrow.

What Makes Bristol Special
Bristol earns recognition as “America’s most patriotic town” through its red, white, and blue striped center line painted on the main street. Rev. Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church and Revolutionary War veteran founded the Bristol Fourth of July Celebration in 1785. It stands as the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States. The festivities begin on June 14 with outdoor concerts, soap-box races and firefighters’ musters. They culminate in the Military, Civic and Firemen’s Parade that draws over 200,000 visitors. This waterfront town features miles of pristine coastlines, bike paths, walking trails and beaches. It also has public parks among rich New England history marked by notable families including Colt, DeWolf and Herreshoff. Bristol’s manufacturing legacy held global presence through Kaiser Aluminum, Converse Rubber and Robin Rug.
Top Attractions and Activities
Colt State Park, known as the “Gem” of Rhode Island’s State Parks System, spans 464 acres. It provides panoramic views of Narragansett Bay, lush lawns and flower beds managed to keep their beauty. The Colt State Park Loop provides a paved 5.3-mile trail. You can bike, rollerblade or walk while enjoying coastal and woodland vistas. Entry and parking remain free. You’ll find opportunities to fish, kayak and picnic.
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum spreads across 33 acres. The property features a 45-room mansion with hand-painted wallpaper and family heirlooms. The gardens include trails, Japanese-inspired landscapes and the tallest redwood east of the Mississippi. Independence Park along the harbor provides boardwalk access. You can kayak and fish there. The East Bay Bike Path extends 14 miles with scenic waterfront views. Bristol Art Museum provides free entry with donations appreciated. Walking tours through Bristol Historical & Preservation Society showcase the town’s colonial heritage.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
DeWolf Tavern operates from a renovated boat house on Bristol Harbor. The restaurant blends New England ingredients with global influences. Thames Waterside Bar & Grill provides stunning Narragansett Bay views with ocean breezes and sunset vistas. Quito’s Restaurant serves relaxed seafood dining with waterfront sunset backdrops. Bristol Oyster Bar follows a farm-to-fork philosophy. The restaurant sources fresh oysters and shellfish from nearby waters. The Lobster Pot delivers traditional seafood experiences with waterfront views.
Where to Stay
Bristol Harbor Inn features 56 nautical-themed guestrooms and suites. They overlook Narragansett Bay, with DeWolf Tavern dining on-site. Bradford-Dimond-Norris House, built in 1792, provides period elegance with air-conditioned rooms and private baths. William’s Grant Inn has uniquely decorated guestrooms with regional themes. It sits one block from Bristol Harbor. The Inn at Mount Hope Farm occupies a National Register property. The grounds include arboretum gardens, walking trails and farm animals.
Beach towns in Maine.

What Makes Little Compton Special
Little Compton is Rhode Island’s Farm Coast and blends rural agricultural heritage with Atlantic coastline. Plymouth Colony incorporated the town in 1682. It became part of Rhode Island in 1747 and maintains its official town common, listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Rolling green pastures, farm stands and structures dating to the late 1600s create a country escape. The coastline here runs quieter and wilder than other Rhode Island beach towns.
Top Attractions and Scenic Spots
South Shore Beach provides beach access with parking fees of $25 weekdays and $30 weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Walk further to reach Goosewing Beach Preserve, a mile-long barrier beach that The Nature Conservancy manages. It serves as vital refuge for piping plovers, least terns and migrating songbirds. The Little Compton Historical Society operates eight outbuildings. These include a large barn and replica structures that showcase cedar-shingled farm architecture. Young Family Farm operates 300 acres with pick-your-own orchards for apples, flowers, tomatoes, blueberries and strawberries. Sakonnet Vineyard sits on 150 acres and offers wine tastings. The cafe serves cheese boards and seasonal salads. The Rhode Island Red Chicken Monument marks this farming community’s poultry heritage.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
The Barn serves breakfast in a rustic setting with favorites like homemade cinnamon buns and Eggs Sakonnet throughout the year. Art Cafe offers coffee, tea and pastries in a bohemian space adorned with local art. Outdoor lawn seating is available. Four Corners Grille in nearby Tiverton provides dinner options. A1 Pizza serves authentic Greek pizza, subs and gluten-free options.
Where to Stay
Stone House was built in 1854 as a private residence. It features 16 guestrooms and suites on 2.7 acres near Sakonnet Point with beach access and fire pit. Hotel rates in Little Compton start from $341 and average $600 during high season (December-February) and $300 during low season (September-November).

What Makes Narragansett Special
Narragansett was the summer playground for wealthy Victorians and remains a beloved beach destination that draws daytrippers and weekend visitors. The Towers, a stone archway that spans Ocean Road, stands as the last remnant of the Narragansett Pier Casino. McKim, Mead & White designed it between 1883 and 1886. This architectural landmark symbolizes the town’s Gilded Age heyday when 19 luxury hotels dotted the shoreline and prominent families from St. Louis to New York flocked here. The town divides into several villages. Narragansett Pier, Point Judith and Galilee host most attractions. Boston Globe readers voted Narragansett the best New England beach town not long ago.
Top Attractions and Beach Access
Narragansett Town Beach stretches 19 acres and has designated surf areas close to restaurants along Ocean Road. Scarborough State Beaches (North and South) have long stretches of soft sand with shady parks. Roger Wheeler Beach has gentle surf behind a breakwater barrier and is ideal for families with small children. Salty Brine State Beach in Galilee village has a pavilion with concession stands and shade structures that was completed not long ago. The Block Island Ferry departs from Point Judith to the island for day trips.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
The Coast Guard House is a restored 1800s station with wrap-around windows that overlook Narragansett Bay. George’s of Galilee sits in the Port of Galilee with six dining rooms on two floors and waterfront tiki bars. Aunt Carrie’s has been family-owned since 1920 and claims responsibility for creating the clam cake. Iggy’s Doughboys near Point Judith Lighthouse serves quintessential Rhode Island clam cakes. Matunuck Oyster Bar has farm-fresh oysters with Potter Pond views. Monahan’s Clam Shack serves classic seafood fare.
Where to Stay
The Break Hotel has 16 rooms near Scarborough Beach with Chair 5 Rooftop Bar & Bistro, outdoor heated saltwater pool and microspa. The Shore House has 31 rooms in three buildings with oceanfront views and on-site restaurant Seacraft. Narragansett Town Beach is walking distance away.
Providence puns.

What Makes Tiverton Special
Incorporated in 1694, Tiverton blends coastal beauty with agricultural heritage on Narragansett Bay’s eastern shore. Tiverton Four Corners serves as the town center, a quaint New England village where 18th century buildings house locally owned boutiques and eateries. Farm-to-table dining runs on proximity to Rhode Island’s farms. Chefs build sourcing relationships through short drives rather than long-haul distribution. The compact agricultural scene supports shellfish production and diversified small farms. This makes Tiverton one of the best towns to visit in Rhode Island to explore culinary options.
Top Attractions at Tiverton Four Corners
Groundswell anchors the Four Corners experience across three buildings that feature a European-inspired café, home and garden shop, and interiors shop. The Yellow House operates as an independent bookstore and community event space in the historic Benjamin F. Seabury house dating to 1840. It offers fiction, cookbooks, art books, and gifts. Four Corners Gallery earned recognition from The New York Times as a “standout” attraction. Grinnell’s Beach provides scenic walkways with views of the Sakonnet River Bridge. The Audubon Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge features 50 acres with 1.6 miles of trails through salt marshes and red maple swamps.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Sakonnet Vineyard spans 169 acres in nearby Little Compton with over 30 acres that produce wine. The vineyard started operations in 1975. Tastings run $13 for seven samples. The Boat House sits on a bluff over Mt. Hope Bay with panoramic waterside views and dock-to-dine access. Executive Chef Marissa Lo, a Johnson & Wales graduate, showcases local seafood and New England ingredients. Coastal Roasters serves coffee and tea drinks with bay views from colorful Adirondack chairs.
Where to Stay
Tiverton offers cozy bed and breakfasts on Narragansett Bay’s eastern shore. Stone House Inn in Little Compton provides a nearby option with beach access.

What Makes Matunuck Special
The Village of Matunuck grew from one owner’s vision to preserve history while revitalizing a coastal community. Kevin Finnegan purchased the Ocean Mist building in 1988 and created what evolved into a family of walkable businesses. These include The Pub, Matunuck Pizza Pie Co., Surfside Coffee, Matunuck Surf Shop, Point Break Cottages and Admiral Dewey Inn. Seasonal events like the Holiday Stroll in December and Spring Stroll in April support local artisans with live music, raffle prizes and festive drinks. This hidden gem balances seaside lifestyle with farm-to-table dining among Rhode Island beach towns.
Top Beach Attractions
East Matunuck State Beach spans more than 144 acres with strong surf ideal for experienced swimmers and boogie boarders. The modern beach pavilion operates in part on solar energy and features electric vehicle charging stations (4-hour maximum), outdoor showers, wheelchair accessibility and Salty’s Burger & Seafood concession. Lifeguards patrol from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during season. South Kingstown Town Beach, constructed in 1988, provides 1,300 linear feet of sand with a boardwalk, playground, two picnic areas and a pavilion available seasonally. Moonstone Town Beach offers additional coastal access. Theater by the Sea operates May through September with professional Broadway-style performances in gardens surrounding the historic playhouse.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Ocean Mist anchors the dining scene with regional and national touring artists performing year-round. The Pub serves breakfast among an extensive Irish pub menu, with rooftop and mid-deck views stretching to Block Island on clear days. Matunuck Pizza Pie Company specializes in New York-style thin crust with outdoor patio seating. After the May 2025 fire at the original location, Matunuck Atelier opened at 151 Tower Hill Road and features handmade pastas, raw bar selections and plans for an Italian-inspired food market.
Where to Stay
Admiral Dewey Inn, built in 1898 as a 15-bedroom boarding house, welcomes guests year-round with 12 rooms and common areas that include a dining room, guest kitchen and wraparound porch. Point Break Cottages offers six oceanfront units with 2-3 bedrooms, decks and beach access.
Fall in New England.

What Makes Warren Special
Warren sits between Providence and Newport along the East Bay on the east bank of the Warren River with a population of 11,000. The town was settled in 1653 and maintains one of the oldest working waterfronts in New England. The Warren Waterfront Historic District is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and covers more than half a square mile with over 300 buildings. Main Street anchors the walkable downtown and is home to Delekta’s, an old-school pharmacy and soda fountain that has been operating since 1858 and still serves the famous “coffee cabinet”.
Top Waterfront Attractions
Water Street functions as the riverfront hub where art galleries sit next to waterfront restaurants with views of the Warren River. The East Bay Bike Path runs through Warren and connects to both Providence and Bristol with paths that lead south into Colt State Park. Burr’s Hill Park provides access to the town beach and hillside picnic spots that overlook the bay. Sowams Cider Works offers flights of small-batch hard cider made from New England heirloom apples.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Bywater earned a James Beard award nomination in 2024 and serves elevated dishes with local ingredients and a popular outdoor patio. The Wharf provides waterfront cocktails and seafood on the river. Blount Clam Shack delivers giant lobster rolls and clam cakes with river views. Square Peg maintains a reputation for burgers and specialty cocktails.
Where to Stay
Warren offers vacation rentals and Airbnbs that range from waterfront cottages to downtown lofts with easy access to galleries, restaurants, and the East Bay Bike Path.

What Makes Barrington Special
More than half of Barrington’s square miles consists of water. This creates picturesque waterfront vistas throughout the coastal community. Members of the Mayflower party once called Barrington home and established a rich history that residents still honor. The town has national recognition for an enviable quality of life. This quintessential waterfront community features locally-owned restaurants with few chain establishments. The Providence River, Barrington River, Palmer River, and Mount Hope Bay surround the community. These waterways are a great way to get into fishing and boating.
Top Attractions and Activities
Barrington Town Beach operates from May 23 through September 7, 2026. Seasonal parking passes cost $40 for residents. The East Bay Bike Path extends more than 14 miles along the coastline and passes through Haines Memorial State Park. This 100-acre park has a farmers market, kayak launch, and walking paths. Osamequin Nature Trails and Doug Rayner Wildlife Refuge provide natural sanctuaries. The Barrington Arts Festival moves to September 2026 and showcases original artwork and handmade crafts.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Dining options range from cozy cafés to family-friendly establishments and celebrate the locale amongst surrounding waterways. Barrington prioritizes locally-owned gems over chain restaurants.
Where to Stay
Bristol Harbor Inn sits 4.7 miles away with 56 rooms. Hampton Inn Seekonk and Best Western Providence-Seekonk Inn offer accommodations 4.2-4.4 miles from Barrington.
Weekend getaways from Baltimore.

What Makes Pawtucket Special
Samuel Slater launched America’s Industrial Revolution in Pawtucket when his water-powered cotton spinning mill began operating in December 1790. The mill built in 1793 became the first property added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 1966. Moses Brown hired Slater in December 1789 after the English immigrant spent seven years working in textile mills. This manufacturing city transformed into a cultural hub featuring Hope Artiste Village, a renovated mill complex housing over 150 resident artisans and designers, along with the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame at 999 Main Street.
Top Attractions and Cultural Sites
Slater Mill is a museum within Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. The National Park Service acquired it in 2021. The complex has the Wilkinson Mill with a 16,000-pound water wheel and the 1758 Sylvanus Brown House. Slater Memorial Park features the Charles I. D. Looff Carousel, the oldest stander carousel in the world. The annual Pawtucket Arts Festival spans September with hundreds of artists and live music. It concludes with a Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra performance.
Best Places to Eat and Drink
Modern Diner serves breakfast from a historic train car. Foolproof Brewing Company at 241 Grotto Avenue offers tours and tastings. Rasoi serves Indian cuisine at 727 East Avenue.
Where to Stay
Hampton Inn Pawtucket connects to Azul Tequila Bar & Mexican Grill near I-95, four minutes from The Stadium at Tidewater Landing.
Enjoy Cute Towns in Rhode Island
Rhode Island may be small, but these 11 towns deliver outsized charm through their unique personalities. Watch Hill’s elegant coastline contrasts with Pawtucket’s industrial heritage, and each destination offers distinct experiences worth visiting. Beach lovers will find pristine shores in Narragansett and Matunuck. History enthusiasts can wander Wickford’s colonial streets or Bristol’s patriotic celebrations. Farm-to-table dining runs in Tiverton and Little Compton, where chefs source ingredients from neighboring farms.
The compact geography makes visiting multiple towns feasible during a single trip. Travelers can combine Jamestown’s island serenity with Warren’s waterfront culture. You might pair Barrington’s bike paths with Westerly’s luxury resorts. Start planning your 2026 Rhode Island adventure now.
FAQs
Q1. Which Rhode Island town is best for experiencing authentic New England charm? Bristol stands out as “America’s most patriotic town” with its red, white, and blue striped center line and the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration in the United States, dating back to 1785. Wickford Village also offers quintessential New England character as one of the nation’s oldest preserved colonial communities, established in 1709, featuring one of the largest collections of 18th-century Colonial and Federal-style homes.
Q2. Where is Taylor Swift’s house in Rhode Island? Taylor Swift owns a summer home in Watch Hill, a small hamlet within Westerly that spans less than one square mile. This exclusive coastal area is known for its New England elegance and has attracted national attention due to her residence there.
Q3. What are the must-see attractions in Rhode Island’s coastal towns? Don’t miss the Flying Horse Carousel in Watch Hill, the oldest operating carousel in the United States installed in 1883. Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown is the third-oldest lighthouse in North America, while Colt State Park in Bristol is known as the “Gem” of Rhode Island’s State Parks System with 464 acres of panoramic bay views.
Q4. Which Rhode Island towns offer the best commute to Providence? Bristol, Barrington, and Warren in the East Bay area provide reasonable commutes to Providence while maintaining charming New England character. Pawtuxet Village in Cranston offers a 10-15 minute commute with a walkable waterfront neighborhood. East Greenwich and Wickford Village are also good options, though Wickford is about 30 minutes away.
Q5. What makes Narragansett special among Rhode Island beach towns? Narragansett was once the summer playground for wealthy Victorians and features The Towers, a historic stone archway that’s the last remnant of the Narragansett Pier Casino designed between 1883 and 1886. Boston Globe readers recently voted it the best New England beach town, offering 19 acres of beach access at Narragansett Town Beach along with multiple state beaches.
