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As the smallest state in the United States by landmass, Rhode Island often gets overlooked in no small part due to its more famous neighbors of New York and Massachusetts. However, Rhode Island should definitely be on traveler's radar due to its many slow-paced small towns that have rich architecture, attractions, and natural wonders. Here, visitors will discover the highest point in Rhode Island, Quaker meeting houses, exquisite Gilded Age Mansions, a secret garden, and much more. Here are seven slow-paced towns in Rhode Island to explore.

New Shoreham

By taking a ferry ride from Rhode Island, visitors can reach the beautiful town of New Shoreham on Block Island. Just over 1,400 people call this town home, which maintains its gentle vibe with several picturesque beaches. Mansion Beach is known for large waves and being a great spot for cyclists to come to. In fact, cycling is a big part of New Shoreham's culture, and visitors can rent a moped or bike from Island Moped and Bike to explore the island. Visitors who like to travel on foot can also see picturesque bluffs that go 200 feet above sea level at Mohegan Bluffs. Lastly, there are multiple historic lighthouses in town such as Southeast Lighthouse, which was built in 1873 and is accessible from Mohegan Bluffs.

Foster

Just over 4,500 people live in the laid back town of Foster, sitting on the border between Rhode Island and Connecticut. There are many quaint attractions in Foster, such as Swamp Meadow Covered Bridge, a 40 foot replica built in 1994 of a 19^th century covered bridge, and the only covered bridge on a public road in Rhode Island. Foster contains another unique spot: the highest point in Rhode Island. By going for a short hike, visitors can go to Jerimoth Hill, 812 feet up. In addition to these spots, visitors can try out local wines at Nickle Creek Vineyard or pick up souvenirs at locally owned businesses such as at Chelsea's Trading Post, Old Man Mercantile & Antiques, and Ruby Rocks.

Narragansett

Named after the Native American tribe who lived in the area, Narragansett is a gorgeous beach town that's ideal to visit for a relaxing weekend getaway. There are multiple beaches in town with a variety of accommodations. Roger Wheeler State Beach has calm waters, a bathhouse, and playground, while the Narragansett Town Beach has curling waves which make for great surfing waters. The small Salty Brine State Beach is right next to seafood restaurants. Narragansett is also home to many intriguing pieces of historic architecture, such as the Towers, which are the remains of the 1880s Narragansett Pier Casino. Another interesting spot is the Kinney Bungalow, an East Indian-style two-story structure built in 1899 by real estate tycoon Francis S. Kinney, which is on the idyllic Sunset Farm.

Little Compton

First settled in 1682 under the Plymouth Colony, Little Compton is one of the oldest settlements in Rhode Island. It would officially join Rhode Island in 1747, and today has a mixture of beaches, quaint businesses, and historic Quaker buildings to explore. South Shore Beach features relaxing waves and the Goosewing Beach Preserve nearby. Speaking of nature, there's a hidden garden in Little Compton called Sakonnnet Gardens which has secret pathways, exotic plants, and various nooks and crannies to explore. There are multiple cute farms in Little Compton, including the Young Family Farm, which allows visitors to pick apples, flowers, berries and more. Lastly, Little Compton has several early Quaker buildings such as the 1815 Friends Meeting House and Cemetery, which reflects the humble style of this unique religious tradition in America.

Tiverton

Incorporated in 1694, Tiverton is another coastal town that is ideal for a relaxing day at the beach or seeing an 18^th century village up close at the Tiverton Four Corners. This village has multiple shops and well preserved historic buildings. By taking a walking tour, visitors can see a mixture of buildings such as the 1845 Amicable Congregational Church, a Greek Revival buildings with a belfry and three stained glass windows, and the 1809 Wilcox-Davol House, a two and a half story Federal house that was home to the rebellious Wilcox family. Daniel Wilcox was driven out of Plymouth Colony for leading a riot against the proposed merger of Plymouth into the greater Province of Massachusetts and settled in Tiverton. In addition to Tiverton Four Corners, visitors can go kayaking or wind surfing at the black stone Fogland Beach.

Newport

With a population of just over 24,700 people, Newport maintains a small town vibe with attractions both big and small. Newport has some of the grandest mansions every build during the Gilded Age of American history. These include the Breakers, a 125,000 square foot mansion built as a summer getaway for Cornelius Vanderbilt II in the 1890s. The area contains older structures as well such as the 1852 Chateau-sur-Mer a Victorian structure built to emulate the styles of France with luxurious furniture and stenciling. Visitors can see these mansions on foot by going on the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, which runs along a cliff next to the ocean. Speaking of the ocean, Brenton Point State Park is one of the best places to go fishing or hiking alongside Narragansett Bay.

Glocester

This charming town in northern Rhode Island maintains rich open land for hiking and a vast variety of historic buildings going back 300 years. Through the Glocester Land Trust, there are multiple town-owned woodlands for visitors and residents alike to visit including the Scotstoun Town Forest, which has underground streams and wetlands wildlife, Hawkins Pond, and the hardwood forest Garrity Woodland that hides an old cemetery. It is worth mentioning that many of these places don't have marked trails, so adventures will have to explore at their own risk. Glocester has a wide range of historic buildings such as the Job Armstrong Store, a former early 1800s store turned home of the Glocester Heritage Society, the 1821 Baptist Meetinghouse, and the Greek Revival 1860 Slocum/Farnum House, which was the home of the first female banker in Rhode Island Maude Read Farnum.

Discover the Timeless Beauty of Rhode Island's Small Towns

These small towns in Rhode Island are the perfect places to slow down and soak in the charm of both nature and history. Whether you're wandering along cliffside trails past stunning mansions, discovering secret gardens, or stepping back in time at centuries-old meeting houses, each town has its own story to tell. From the calm beaches of Narragansett to the quiet Quaker history of Little Compton, these destinations invite you to relax, explore,