Rhode Island’s waterfront towns are absolutely made for daytrips. For one thing, we have plenty of them – for another, they’re each charming in their own unique ways, with history and seaside views in equal measure. It’s all too easy to get trapped in the habit of constantly visiting Providence and Newport when we have so many great towns to discover. Check out this list to plan your next weekend daytrip!
1. Jamestown
With farms, windmills, and lighthouses, Jamestown has it all. It also has a thriving downtown. It's pretty hard to top this place in terms of sheer charm.
2. Wickford
This historic village within the town of North Kingstown is almost unbelievably picturesque. It's home to some of the most beautiful old colonial homes anywhere in America, and a sheltered and peaceful harbor.
3. Tiverton
This charming town on Mount Hope Bay is cut off from most of the state by water, and its history goes back all the way to the 17th century. The village of Tiverton Four Corners in the center of town is home to many sweet shops and eateries.
4. Charlestown
This beautiful town is home to Burlingame State Beach, which is a perfect place to go for a long stroll on the sand without the crowds of many of the other state beaches.
5. Point Judith
If you want to go to Block Island, you'll need to head first to the village of Point Judith - it's where the ferry leaves from. It's worth a visit in its own right though, with a beautiful lighthouse and plenty of history. The last Allied ship to sink in the Atlantic during WWII was brought down by a German U-boat in the waters off Point Judith in 1945.
6. New Shoreham
People tend to just talk about Block Island, but if you're visiting the island you're also visiting the town of New Shoreham. It's no secret that Block Island is one of the treasures of Rhode Island, and you'll love a daytrip to bike around the island and stop for ice cream and some shopping in the small downtown.
7. Westerly
This beachy town gets plenty of tourists, but in the off season you can enjoy its beauty and all of its great restaurants and shopping without the crowds.
8. Saunderstown
The village and historic district of Saunderstown straddles Narragansett and North Kingstown, and it's famed for being the birthplace of artist Gilbert Stuart, who drew the portrait of George Washington we all look at every day on our dollar bills. The historic district is home to a number of shipyards and old summer homes of the New England elite.
9. Barrington
The tiny town of Barrington often ranks among the best places to live in the United States, and for good reason. It's absolutely beautiful, and home to a number of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
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