Here’s a continuation of the best beach towns in Rhode Island with Jamestown included:
Jamestown
This charming island town sits snugly in Narragansett Bay, connected to the mainland by the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers and those looking for a quieter escape without losing the charm of New England coastal life.
-
Beaches: Fort Getty Beach is a favorite for families, while East Ferry Beach is perfect for watching ferries glide past.
-
Activities: Enjoy biking along scenic roads, kayaking, or exploring the local historic forts.
-
Vibe: Laid-back, with a touch of maritime charm. Great for photographers and anyone looking to slow down and soak in the views.
I can continue the list with the remaining top Rhode Island beach towns and what makes each unique if you want the full scoop. Do you want me to do that?
Exactly! Jamestown is a hidden coastal treasure that offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and foodie delights. The combination of quiet beaches, charming galleries, and seaside adventures makes it ideal for a romantic getaway or a relaxed family day trip.
Highlights not to miss:
-
Beavertail State Park & Lighthouse – Spectacular views of the Atlantic and perfect for a picnic.
-
12-Footer Sailing Lessons – Beginner-friendly sailing right on the bay.
-
Cliff Walk – 3.5 miles of breathtaking coastal views.
-
Local Eats – Fresh seafood, clam chowder, and oysters in the quaint seaside restaurants.
Jamestown really balances tranquil beauty with adventure, letting visitors enjoy everything from scenic strolls to hands-on maritime activities.
If you want, I can summarize all the top Rhode Island beach towns including Jamestown, Bristol, and Charlestown, into a handy quick guide for your next trip. Do you want me to do that?
Little Compton
Sakonnet Harbor Little Compton Rhode Island
Little Compton, big views! This is another idyllic pastoral town, a pleasant contrast to bustling Newport. There’s no crowds, no big box stores- there aren’t even traffic lights! What there is is good food, arty vintage shops, and a ton of peace and tranquility.
While there’s a lot of beaches here, not all of them are open to the public. Goosewing Beach is, but under the Nature Conservancy’s protection. So expect pristine, beautiful scenery with rolling grassy dunes. It’s perfect for a picnic! You’re bound to see shorebirds at play, too.
Why not stay into the evening and toast s’mores over a campfire? The sight of little fires dotting the distance will make summer feel like an adventure again.
This is a land of flowers, farms, and breathtaking vistas. The tranquility is the draw card, so don’t come in too boisterous or you’ll anger the locals! You could also find the Rhode Island Red Chicken here.
Sakkonet Point is a can’t-miss site in a can’t-miss town if you’re looking for rest and rejuvenation. Here stands a spectacular lighthouse that needs to be on your bucket list. Let the big beauty of Little Compton woo your soul!
Recommended reading:
-
Most Interesting Things To Do In Franklin Kentucky
-
Magnificent Castles in Texas | The Most Interesting Castles in Texas To Visit
Middletown
Middletown’s big draw for holiday goers like you and me is its 2 miles of stunning waterfront. Add 2 wonderfully accessible beaches. It’s a place that invites you to set up an umbrella, fluff up your beach towel, and chill out. Think crystal clear water and gentle waves. Think summer on the beach.
Head to Sachuest Beach, known locally as Second Beach, if you’re not one for the crowds. First Beach is the most popular, so go there for parties and people. Third Beach offers beautiful views of the harbor and even fewer crowds. Amenities like showers, grills, and surfboard rental are also less, though.
The coast around this area is heavily weathered. The Atlantic Coast portion has magnificent rock ‘sculptures’ formed by the waves. You’re sure to find your heart in your throat more than once. As with nearby Maine, it’s worth the exploration.
If you tire of your day on the beach, go poke around the charming town. Prescott Farm offers a perfect glimpse into the history of the area. There’s beauty everywhere, though. Don’t forget that selfie stick! There’s also a spectacular nature reserve to enjoy.
Narragansett
Ocean rolling in to Narragansett Town Beach at sunset.
Surf’s up, my fellow surfers!
This is the best beach town in Rhode Island for fun on the waves. Want to learn? There’s plenty of quality surf shops to teach you. These are the most popular beaches in the state, so don’t expect to miss the crowds. It’s worth it, though.
This town has gorgeous scenic routes and exquisite views. There’s also fantastic fishing. In fact, the port of Galilee sends out fishing charters if that’s your idea of the perfect holiday. Or head to the seafood restaurants in time to taste the catch of the day.
Narragansett Town Beach is endlessly popular, and said to have the best surfing in New England. It does have an admittance charge, however. It also gets crowded in summer. Surfers, however, have a reserved portion of the beach. Super cool, right? There’s plenty of beaches that don’t have these restrictions, though, so don’t be shy.
The addition of a new 16-room hotel has really opened this town up to people. It’s also cemented its status as one of the best beach towns in Rhode Island. So there’s plenty of incentive to stay for a weekend of fun in the sun.
New Shoreham and Block Island
Walking trail on Block Island, Rhode Island in early summer
While the area is better known for Block Island, the town is properly called New Shoreham.
Block Island itself lies in the Block Island Sound. It’s a quiet scene, and this is one of the least inhabited beach towns in Rhode Island. What does that mean for you and I? Perfect hiking!
Hiking and biking are the name of the game. Head to Mohegan Bluffs and perch high above the sea for gorgeous views. It’s like nothing else. You’ll need the breather after the 141-step staircase to get there, though! Chill out on the beach when you’re done.
Head into town for historic inns to explore, or sample the succulent seafood. It’s time to relax, rejuvenate, and pull the plug on electronics. Pristine white sand calls you!
If you’re heading to the island by ferry, book in advance. That goes double if your car is coming too. It makes a great day trip, or a full holiday, but it’s popular. Luckily the ferry itself limits how many people visit a day. There’s plenty of beautiful lodgings in the area if you’d like to stay the night. The Block Island Race brings you 5 days of sailing action, if that’s your thing. It’s fun to watch even if you aren’t big in the sport.
Block Island is a haven for outdoor activities. If you’re the hiking, sailing, fishing, biking, swimming kind, this is your new spiritual home. Half the island is also part of a conservation zone, so the natural beauty is unspoiled. In fact, the island has been named one of the Last Great Places in the Western Hemisphere!
Despite this overshadowing, New Shoreham itself is also amazing. Watch out for the iconic glass floats (an excellent gift for loved ones) and be sure to bike the town.
Recommended reading:
-
Things To Do In New Bern NC | 15 Amazing Places To Explore
-
Things To Do in Franconia NH | 15 Of The Best Things To Do
South Kingstown
From the smallest to the largest we go! This is not only one of the best beach towns in Rhode Island, it’s also the largest water-and-land area. The town was founded in 1722, when the King’s Towne (quaint, right?) split into North and South Kingstown.
This is something of an arts and culture hive for the area. There’s still beautiful villages, rolling farmland, and stunning views, too.
It’s family-friendly, with beautiful playgrounds, two picnic areas, and a boardwalk. Steer away from East Matunuck State Beach with little ones, though. This far-reaching shoreline has very strong waves. Not unmanageable, but scary for small people. Crowds are limited, though, and it’s a great spot for finding seashells. You can even join a morning yoga class on the beach.
Town Beach at Matunuck is your place to be, with 2 picnic areas, showers, restrooms, playground and 1,300 feet of sand! Beach passes are sold for residents and turists every year. Here are more details on how to buy them.
If you’re here to swim, come in August. The sea is warm and welcoming at that time of year. Most of the restaurants serve delicious local food. Including the iconic oysters the area is known for. You don’t want to miss out on that delicacy. The Kinney Azalea Gardens and historic Theater By The Sea make for wonderful distractions if you’re too sunburned for the beach.
Portsmouth
Rock building in Portsmouth Ri.
This gorgeous little coastal town dates from 1638. So there’s tons of historic sites to explore. Technically speaking, this is 4 islands in one. Prudence Island, Patience Island, Hope Island, and Hog Island. If you giggled at the odd one out, don’t worry! I did too! You have to wonder how that came about.
Green Animal Topiary Gardens and the 1852 St. Mary’s Episcopal Church are can’t-miss attractions. Schedule a morning for the Large Clement’s Marketplace, too. Delicious foods, fresh produce, and so much more to explore! The town also has public golf courses, marinas, and other fun activities. There’s even polo to watch- or play, if you have a team.
Although there’s some fabulous beaches in the area, this is more of a historic destination to enjoy. Which doesn’t mean you should write off local beaches- they’re wonderful.
Portsmouth Beaches to check out:
Sandy Point Beach – Perfect for families, this shallow beach is a must visit. There are restrooms and showers which are open when lifeguards are on duty. Check out the official site here for prices and open days. Beach fee is paid at the entrance.
McCorrie Point – Lovely wide beach, perfect for walks and sport activities. No lifeguard here or facilities here.
Recommended reading:
-
Churches in St Petersburg Russia | Ultimate Guide to Orthodox, Catholic Cathedrals
-
Best Vegan Restaurants In Las Vegas | Top 10 Vegan Restaurants
Westerly
Nope, no Game of Thrones references here! This is the westernmost beach town in Rhode Island. It’s also a quintessential beach vacation destination. Misquamicut State Beach brings you a half-mile of pristine beachfront and it’s not alone. There is also Wuskenau Beach, also know as the “New Town Beach” open 7 days, check out beach passes here.
Those who hate crowds might want to head to Napatree Point Conservation Area. Beautiful shorebirds flit up and down, and the walks are exquisite. Migratory birds make this peninsula a regular stop, so the birding is always fantastic.
Want some nostalgic fun? Watch Hill Flying Horse Carousel is the oldest continuously operating carousel in the country. It’s too delicate for adults, but the littles will love it.
Westerly is packed with adventure holiday goodies. Sailing, surfing, swimming, fishing, and camping. If you like your mod-cons, there’s great shopping and golfing, too.
It’s a small town, but the population doubles over the summer. All the same, it’s a can’t miss for a fun and vibrant beach experience.
Experience the Best Beach Towns in Rhode Island
Exactly! Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but its beach towns are big on variety. 
-
Some towns are perfect for relaxing in nature, like watching the waves, strolling along untouched dunes, or exploring coastal trails.
-
Others are family-friendly hubs, packed with boardwalks, mini-golf, local eateries, and kid-friendly attractions.
-
Water enthusiasts can sail, surf, paddleboard, or swim almost anywhere along the coastline.
No matter your vibe — tranquil getaway or fun-filled adventure — Rhode Island’s beaches make for a perfect summer escape.
If you want, I can make a short list of the top 5 Rhode Island beach towns and what each is best known for. That way you can pick the perfect spot for your trip.