8 Of The Quietest Rhode Island Towns
While Rhode Island might be the smallest US state, it is home to some of New England's most charming small towns with the biggest personalities. It is easy to see the draw to larger municipalities like Providence or Newport for their numerous attractions and amenities, but this also brings in noise, crowds, and congestion. To truly experience the quiet and relaxing environments that Rhode Island can often offer, this is done in the small towns along the coast, the towns providing historic charm, or the towns with unwavering community spirit that welcome all travelers to stay as long as they like without overwhelming them with noise pollution.
Narragansett
One element that makes Narragansett so relaxing and quiet is its position along miles of serene beach. The ocean views of this coastal retreat provide a year-round, peaceful ambiance, especially when you are not visiting during peak tourist season. Exploring the coast and the ocean views should begin at Narragansett Town Beach, as this is the best destination for clean sands and water recreation along gentle waves.
You can also dive into the town's history for a more relaxing and alluring look at the community. Start your tour at the Towers of Narragansett, which is what is left of a grand 19th-century casino that was once the prominent commercial property of the city. Similarly, you can get the vibe of Narragansett鈥檚 welcoming and tranquil atmosphere by checking out some of the local favorite restaurants, like the Coast Guard House, which offers fresh seafood dishes, or The Crazy Burger, whose menu is as wild as the name.
Portsmouth
Despite having around 17,000 residents, Portsmouth is one of the more relaxing towns in Rhode Island. With its position along the Sakonnet River, this charming community offers a lot for those interested in nature and history. Some locations even fuse these elements, such as the historic Glen Manor House, providing remarkable architecture with manicured gardens and a breathtaking waterfront view. Nature enthusiasts should also explore the trails of the Green Animals Topiary Garden, one of the country鈥檚 oldest of its kind. The garden is most busy and readily open during the heavy blooms from May to October. These types of attractions offer a peaceful retreat from the bustle of city life.
Like many locations in New England, Portsmouth has a colonial history, as evidenced by landmarks like Prescott Farm and the Portsmouth Historical Society Museum. After discovering the city鈥檚 highlights, local businesses are eager to please. There is never a shortage of places to sit and recharge your batteries with a filling meal, but the most popular of these stops might be 15 Point Road. This location serves comfort food made with locally sourced fresh seafood.
Tiverton
Nature is a big part of why Tiverton is one of the most relaxing towns in Rhode Island. With its position along the coast, the water view and shore alone can provide a tranquil backdrop for your visit. Many locals suggest Fogland Beach is the best quiet spot for whatever you wish, from kayaking to bird-watching. With natural wonders like the Weetamoo Woods nearby, a 750-acre nature preserve loaded with hiking trails and lush growth, Tiverton becomes a paradise for the nature enthusiast in your group.
Those taking time to explore Tiverton understand its promotion of the arts. Inside the city, tourists can see the Tiverton Four Corners, a village area loaded with galleries like Dina Doyle Art, antique shops, and boutiques like Cabana Collective. Your quiet and peaceful day should include some food, including the popular establishment The Red Dory, best known for its farm-to-table cuisine.
Jamestown
Nothing says tranquil and peaceful quite like life on an island, so Jamestown is a small town that lives up to this reputation. Positioned on Conanicut Island, the entire community is surrounded by a beautiful spread of Narragansett Bay. The scenic views alone are worth a visit, but most nature enthusiasts travel to the island to see Beavertail State Park, which offers miles of trails, lighthouse tours, and memorable overlooks.
Some of the structures in the historic district can feel like you stepped back to the 1700s, especially some of the shops in the high-traffic areas like All Ashore Cottage Outfitters or Purple Door. Even the dining in Jamestown is on the peaceful side, with locations that feature lush garden backdrops like Simpatico Jamestown.
Little Compton
Rhode Island has several small towns seemingly untouched by widespread commercial development, making them more of a laid-back, rural setting for travelers. A prime example of a village accentuated by both farmland and coastline is Little Compton. Travelers and locals migrate to South Shore Beach, as this offers the best look at the ocean among the dunes for a tranquil day away from the bustle of everyday life.
The local store, Wilbur's General Store, is a nod to the laid-back and less commercialized feel of Little Compton. It sells everything from groceries to clothing and hardware. The Wilbor House is a museum which is a popular attraction that should not be confused with the general store, is operated by the Little Compton Historical Society and provides insight into the town鈥檚 colonial past. For those looking to enjoy some food with the quiet, rural charm of Little Compton, begin at The Commons Lunch, a restaurant known for its comfort dishes, johnny cakes, and clam cakes.
Glocester
Nature is often the destination for those seeking tranquility and peace from the bustle of life in major cities like Providence and Newport. This can be found by peeling back the commercial properties to explore places like Glocester. Here, travelers stand at the gateway of Pulaski State Park, a destination known around the state for its incredible fishing, cross-country skiing, and miles of nature trails.
As with many New England states, small towns like Glocester still maintain several buildings dating back to Colonial America, predominantly in the historic district found in the Chepachet neighborhood. Today, these buildings remain homes and small shops, such as The Hen House or The Town Trader. You can even get another dose of this colonial charm by visiting the local favorite Tavern on Main for a quiet meal that is ideal for any appetite.
Richmond
Buried in the quiet, rural sections of Rhode Island, you will find Richmond. Through its vast, open spaces, there is a wealth of potential for outdoor recreation. The greatest example of this natural tranquility exists at the Arcadia Management Area, the largest recreational space in the state, boasting miles of bike trails, walking paths, hiking treks, and areas for fishing and camping.
Being away from the metropolis centers of Rhode Island, Richmond is best known for its agricultural history. Many of the region鈥檚 farming plots, like the Shady Tree Maple Farm, produce much-needed resources for Richmond鈥檚 lumber yards and farm-to-table eating experiences like Double Barrel Steak or Alaina鈥檚 Ale House. To further explore the rural feel of the whole community, check out the combination shop of Jules Antiques and General Store, offering everything from collectibles to vintage video games.
Hopkinton
If you are heading to the state's southwest corner looking for peace, you will likely find it in Hopkinton. This hidden gem is only home to a little over eight thousand residents and is praised for its history and natural wonders. The latter can best be seen at the Rockville Management Area, where you can hike to beautiful overlooks or canoe or kayak along the Wood River.
To immerse yourself in the quaint community of Hopkinton, history buffs should begin with the Tomaquag Museum, a location famous for depicting all of Rhode Island鈥檚 indigenous peoples throughout the region鈥檚 extensive past. When you are ready to embrace the tight-knit spirit of the village, visit around autumn for the Hopkinton Fall Festival or during the Christmas season for the Holiday Stroll in the Villages.
Rhode Island is the smallest state in America, but when you factor in the very life and spirit of the coastal communities and small rural towns, it is much bigger than it first appears. For those looking for a break from the bustle and noise of life in a larger city, countless communities throughout the Ocean State offer such a respite with a tranquil dive into natural wonders, historical sites, and welcoming festivals. Whether you are visiting Conanicut Island for Jamestown or scoping the sights of Narragansett Town Beach, there is a place for you to relax in Rhode Island.
