When it comes to Rhode Island tourism, Newport and Providence tend to be the most popular picks — and for Rhody locals, Block Island is the summer destination of choice. And while those places are all fantastic, those who call the Ocean State home know that it’s also full of small towns and villages that happen to be wildly underrated. And since this happens to be a time when sticking close to home and exploring your own backyard is encouraged, we highly recommend checking out these spots.
- Warwick
Wikipedia
enjoiskate8 / Flickr Warwick is actually the third-largest city in Rhode Island, but it still maintains a historic small-town charm. This little Kent County city is home to two state parks, several beaches, farms, and even part of the historic Pawtuxet Village.
- Tiverton
Phillip Capper / Flickr
Julian Colton / Flickr The town of Tiverton sits in the East Bay part of the state, in Newport County. Along with the adjacent town, Little Compton, this area of Rhode Island is disconnected from the rest of the state. This little town is loaded with history, and the Tiverton Four Corners village is on the National Register for Historic Places.
- Little Compton
Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikipedia
Peter Rintels / Flickr If you’re visiting Tiverton, you may as well spend some time in Little Compton. This is definitely a place to visit when you want to relax — it’s full of peaceful vineyards, beaches, and friendly people.
- Middletown
Wikipedia
Christine Riggle / Flickr Located in Newport County, Middletown is full of unspoiled nature preserves and sandy beaches. It also has some fantastic restaurants, so you can expect a well-rounded trip when you visit.
- Westerly
Doug Kerr / Flickr
Doug Kerr / Flickr There’s so much to love about Westerly, which happens to be an underrated summer destination. Between the stunning state beaches, the historic downtown area, and the iconic Watch Hill Lighthouse, you certainly won’t be bored here.
- Pawtucket
Doug Kerr / Flickr
Wikipedia The little city of Pawtucket definitely doesn’t always get the love it deserves. Once known as a forgotten shadow of Providence, Pawtucket has really reinvented itself. Don’t miss exploring the Old Slater Mill.
- East Greenwich
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Marc Choquette / Flickr We all know that East Greenwich is a wonderful place to live, but it also happens to be a fantastic day trip destination. The downtown restaurants and shops are always worth visiting, and Goddard State Park is simply stunning.
Do you have a favorite off-the-radar town in Rhode Island?
Wikipedia
enjoiskate8 / Flickr
Warwick is actually the third-largest city in Rhode Island, but it still maintains a historic small-town charm. This little Kent County city is home to two state parks, several beaches, farms, and even part of the historic Pawtuxet Village.
Phillip Capper / Flickr
Julian Colton / Flickr
The town of Tiverton sits in the East Bay part of the state, in Newport County. Along with the adjacent town, Little Compton, this area of Rhode Island is disconnected from the rest of the state. This little town is loaded with history, and the Tiverton Four Corners village is on the National Register for Historic Places.
Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikipedia
Peter Rintels / Flickr
If you’re visiting Tiverton, you may as well spend some time in Little Compton. This is definitely a place to visit when you want to relax — it’s full of peaceful vineyards, beaches, and friendly people.
Christine Riggle / Flickr
Located in Newport County, Middletown is full of unspoiled nature preserves and sandy beaches. It also has some fantastic restaurants, so you can expect a well-rounded trip when you visit.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
There’s so much to love about Westerly, which happens to be an underrated summer destination. Between the stunning state beaches, the historic downtown area, and the iconic Watch Hill Lighthouse, you certainly won’t be bored here.
The little city of Pawtucket definitely doesn’t always get the love it deserves. Once known as a forgotten shadow of Providence, Pawtucket has really reinvented itself. Don’t miss exploring the Old Slater Mill.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Marc Choquette / Flickr
We all know that East Greenwich is a wonderful place to live, but it also happens to be a fantastic day trip destination. The downtown restaurants and shops are always worth visiting, and Goddard State Park is simply stunning.
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Address: Warwick, RI, USAAddress: Tiverton, RI, USAAddress: Little Compton, RI, USAAddress: Middletown, RI, USAAddress: Pawtucket, RI, USAAddress: East Greenwich, RI 02818, USAAddress: Westerly, RI, USA
