Rhode Island might be the smallest state, but it’s also considered the best state to live in if you prioritize the natural environment.
Also ranking high for its health care and low crime, there are a lot of reasons that moving to Rhode Island might be the choice for you.
Are you interested in starting a new chapter in life and living in a town on the ocean?
Here’s a look at the best beach towns in Rhode Island.
Narragansett
When you think of New England beach towns, Narragansett might be the first one that comes to mind.
With the most popular beaches in Rhode Island, Narragansett is home to gorgeous views and long scenic routes. A small town of almost 16,000 people, the population more than doubles during the summer months.
The town runs to the shore of Narragansett Bay and along the Pettaquamscutt River.
Known for its beaches and summer recreation activities, this is one of the best towns to live in Rhode Island if you want to prioritize time in the natural environment. The three beaches that are most famous in Narragansett are the Narragansett Town Beach, Scarborough State Beach, and Roger Wheeler State Beach.
There are so many fun activities to do here whether you are visiting or settling into the next chapter of your life. You can visit The Towers, check out the beautiful hiking trails, relax on the beach, go sailing, take up fishing, eat delicious seafood, and drive around to view the scenic routes.
Jamestown
The town of Jamestown is almost entirely situated on the second largest island in Narragansett Bay, known as Conanicut Island. The town also includes both Gould Island and Dutch Island, both of which are uninhabited.
If you’re looking for a place to live among the creme de la creme, this might be the beach town in Rhode Island you’re looking to be a part of. Ranking as the 444th wealthiest place you can live in the United States, the median home price in the town is over $1.2 million.
One of the most historic towns in Rhode Island, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautifully preserved historic architectures that stretch back into 18th century American history. With a beautiful park, impressive architecture, rich history, and a famous lighthouse, it’s hard to think of a more peaceful and interesting place to live.
Little Compton
If you’re looking for a tiny Rhode Island beach town, check out Little Compton. With a little over 3,500 people in 2018, this rural town is a quieter beach town in the state.
Bounded on the west by the Sakonnet River, on the south by the ocean, on the east by Westport, Massachusetts, and on the west by the town of Tiverton, Little Compton is a quintessential quaint New England town.
You’ll find this town refreshing compared to the rest of increasingly developed New England. You won’t find any Walmarts, stop lights, or traffic jams in Little Compton.
New Shoreham
Even smaller than Little Compton, New Shoreham is home to only 1,051 residents. If you’re looking to live in the least-populous municipality in Rhode Island, we’ve found your spot.
The southernmost town in all of Rhode Island, New Shoreham is on Block Island.
Here you can check out the Mohegan Bluffs, which are impressive and dramatic 150-foot clay cliffs on the south side of the island. While you’re there, you can descend a long wooden staircase while witnessing breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views.
There are 17 miles of ocean beach on Block Island, so you’ll have plenty of spots to relax by the ocean. All of the beaches on Block Island have no admission fee, and the island and beaches are very dog-friendly.
Charlestown
Charlestown, Rhode Island is located in Washington County, with ocean frontage on the south side of the town.
In this small town of over 7,000 people, you can hit the beaches, educate yourself at the Frosty Drew Nature Center and Observatory, check out the expansive wildlife refuge and parks, and eat fresh seafood. Need we say more?
North Kingstown
A town of over 26,000 people, North Kingstown is located in northeastern Washington County.
You can find all kinds of historic spots to explore in this town. The small village of Wickford was settled in 1637. Unfortunately, much of the town was ruined during the late 1600s war known as the King Phillip War. However, many of the buildings that were built in place of those destroyed are still intact.
In North Kingstown, you’ll also be able to visit the birthplace of Gibert Stuart, the famous portraitist who is known for painting the famous George Washington portrait. Having spent the first six years of his life in a town in what is now North Kingstown, his birthplace has been turned into a museum. On the property, there are 23 acres and a number of different nature trails you can explore.
This is also a great place to take a high-speed ferry ride. You can cruise around to view the ten different lighthouses in the region and watch the sunset. You can even charter these ferries for private events if you so choose.
There’s also a privately owned marine education center known as Biomes. This is a great place for both adults and children. Hosing programs for seniors, schools, and scouts, this is a wonderful trip to make if you’re interested in the aquatic features of the Narragansett Bay and the North Atlantic Ocean.
One of the first settlers in the area, Richard Smith, constructed what is known as Smith’s Castle. The home was offered to the colonialist militia during the King Phillip war, and it was burnt down in the war. There are forty soldiers buried right on the premises.
In the place of Smith’s Castle, a saltbox house was built. Later, the home was modified into a two-family. This is a popular spot for private functions and wedding photographers, and the grounds and house can be toured between May and mid-October.
If you’re interested in some agricultural history, you can check out the Casey Farm. The Casey family lived there until 1955 when it was given to Historic New England. For 300 years, this 300-acre property has never been split up.
Westerly
Located in the southwestern portion of Washington County, Westerly was first settled in 1661 by English colonists. Home to over 22,000 people, Westerly is bounded by the Pawtucket River on its southern border.
During the summer months, the population of Westerly nearly doubles as it is a popular tourist destination.
Some of its most well-known beaches include East Beach, Watch Hill Beach, Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly Town Beach, and Weekapaug Beach.
The historic downtown is home to art galleries, shops, and restaurants, along with a Victorian strolling park that spans 15 acres.
If you are moving to Rhode Island and choose Westerly as your new home, you’ll find plent of things to do there. You can stroll along the seashore at Napatree Point Conservation Area, check out the Watch Hill Light, explore one of the oldest continuously operating carousels in the U.S., and even go on a site-seeing helicopter tour.
If you’re looking for a beach town where you can relax by the beach but also enjoy a vibrant town with shops and restaurants, Westerly is worth checking out.
Middletown
With a little over 16,000 residents, Middletown lies in between Newport and Portsmouth on Aquidneck Island.
Known as the farming community of the island in the past, Middletown is now mostly developed on the western side of town. If you’re looking to explore the rural heritage here, you’ll find that in the east side of Middletown. As with many other beach towns in Rhode Island, there are a number of interesting historic sites to explore if you end up settling here.
Bristol
The major industries in Bristol include marine industries such as boat building, tourism, and manufacturing. With a long history including the Pilgrims and the American Revolution, this is a wonderful spot for any history buff to explore.
Portsmouth
After Providence, Portsmouth is the second-oldest municipality in all of Rhode Island. Most of the town sits on Aquidneck Island, though some of it is located on smaller islands including Hope Island, Patience Island, Hog Island, and Prudence Island.
Settled by a group of religious dissenters from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1638, this is another Rhode Island beach town with a rich history. Here you can check out a bunch of historic sites, golf courses, antique shops, marinas, and restaurants.
If you’re considering moving to Rhode Island, it’s important that your home is outfitted with the best windows. Check out Renewal by Andersen of Greater Rhode Island to learn about the area’s premier choice for home window and patio door installation services.
The Best Beach Towns in Rhode Island: Which One Is Right For You?
There are so many great beach towns in Rhode Island that it can be hard to choose. Whether you want a small, quiet town or a bustling tourist-y beach town, there’s something for everyone in this small state.
Did you find this article about the best beach towns in Rhode Island helpful and interesting? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for more content!
