Everyone that visits Rhode Island in the summertime knows how wonderful the state’s coast is and the awe that it brings. With dozens of amazing beaches to choose from in the state and across several of its islands, there is just so much beauty to go around. What not everyone realizes is that the towns where these beaches are located are some of the most charming small communities to live in year-round! Here are what we think are 10 of the greatest beach towns in Rhode Island.

1. Jamestown
Jamestown, RI, USA
Flickr/renagrisa
First up on our list of the best Rhode Island beach towns is Jamestown. It is a stunning small town with beaches galore! It also offers amazing restaurants and other seasonal attractions in the summertime, along with one of the state's most magical places known as Beavertail State Park.
2. Narragansett
Narragansett, RI, USA
Flickr/Chuck D
Narragansett might be the epitome of beach towns in New England. It not only possesses the most popular beaches in the state but also one of the longest scenic routes and loveliest of views.
3. Little Compton
Little Compton, RI, USA
Flickr/Jennifer Macaulay
The small beach community of Little Compton boasts beautiful sites, small vintage shops, and even its very own vineyard. Sakonnet Point is found here and is more beautiful than one can imagine.
4. Charlestown
Charlestown, RI, USA
Flickr/Alex Bellink
Charlestown is a small town with a whole lot of wonder. It is found in Washington County and has a population of just over 7,000.
5. New Shoreham
New Shoreham, RI 02807, USA
Roger Williams/Flickr
Though New Shoreham comes alive with tourists in the summertime, it has the smallest populated municipality in the entire state! It comprises the island of Block Island and is one of the best trips to take in Little Rhody.
6. Westerly
Westerly, RI, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Westerly borders Connecticut in Washington County and offers an outstanding town beach and fun town center.
7. North Kingstown
North Kingstown, RI, USA
Peter Rintels/Flickr
North Kingstown is not only known as a beachside town but is also legendary for its very own charming historic village known as Wickford. Vintage shops, clothing boutiques, stunning harbors, and so much more are found in this wonderful town.
8. Middletown
Middletown, RI, USA
Flickr/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Aren't you loving our list of the best Rhode Island beach towns so far? Well here's another: Middletown is scenically located between the city of Newport and the town of Portsmouth on Aquidneck Island. It has its very own nature reserve and a stunning coastline.
9. Portsmouth
Portsmouth, RI, USA
Flickr/Jeff Giles
The small town of Portsmouth is also found on beautiful Aquidneck Island and ranks high in both safety and education. Along with its beauty and charm, this place is an ideal place to live in the state.
10. Bristol
Bristol, RI 02809, USA
Flickr/Roger LeJeune
The historic deep water seaport of Bristol has a delightful town center, stunning scenic walking routes, and a wonderful town beach.

Have you ever been to any of these exciting charming beach towns in Rhode Island? If so, which ones were your favorites? What are your favorite memories from your visits there? Would you agree that these are among the most spectacular Rhode Island coastal towns? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

If you’re interested in making a weekend trip to Rhode Island, you might start in Providence with a stay at the Aloft Providence Downtown.

Want more information and what to do and experience in Rhode Island? Check out these 9 waterfront restaurants that have the best views in the state.

If you’re still in the mood for more Rhode Island adventures, take a look at this video:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

More to love about the Ocean State

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 29, 2023

What are some fun facts about Rhode Island?

  • The Rhode Island state rock is the Cumberlandite and can be found in large numbers near Narragansett Bay.
  • Rhode Island is the home of the Watch Hill Merry-Go-Round in Westerly, which is the oldest carousel in the United States.
  • The story, "Twas the Night Before Christmas," was written in Rhode Island by a writer from Newport.

Read on to learn about some of the many other fun facts about Rhode Island.

Where can we find swimming holes in Rhode Island?

  • Olney Pond in Lincoln Woods State Park is one of the most popular and features a bathhouse and picnic tables.
  • Spring Lake Beach in Burrillville encompasses over 700 feet of sandy beach, which leads into a freshwater lake.
  • The Watchaug Pond in Burlingame is a beautiful freshwater pond and also a great place to go fishing.

Read on to learn about some of the other beautiful swimming holes in Rhode Island.

Where can we find haunted cemeteries in Rhode Island?

  • The Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Exeter is the final resting place of Mercy Brown, the state’s legendary vampire who is said to spook visitors at night.
  • The School Street Graveyard (also known as the Chadsey-Gardiner Cemetery) in North Kingstown is where folks have reported seeing unexplained flashes of light and dark figures in the woods at night.
  • The Elder Ballou Cemetery in Cumberland is reportedly one of the most active paranormal sites in Rhode Island.

Read on to learn about some of the other haunted cemeteries in Rhode Island.

Related Articles