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Rhode Island is not only the smallest state in the USA; it鈥檚 one of the prettiest. As one of the original 13 colonies to join the Union, it鈥檚 also one of the oldest. Having played a role in shaping the destiny of the USA that鈥檚 undeniably disproportionate to its size, Rhode Island now boasts many quaint small towns with well-preserved historic districts that tell tales of the people and events that helped shape the country.

Whether you鈥檙e a history buff or a tourist looking for cool things to do in Rhode Island, the stories preserved in these communities paint a fascinating portrait of the past. Some of the best destinations, like Newport and Wickford Village, do such an excellent job of preserving their unique stories that they now rank among the top tourist attractions in the United States.

To find out more, read through our list of small towns in the 鈥淥cean State鈥� that have the best historic districts.

Newport

Widely considered one of the prettiest places to visit in New England, coastal Newport was established in 1639 and has witnessed many pivotal moments in American history. Newport Historic District is home to many of the best examples of colonial and later 鈥淕ilded Age鈥� architecture, including marvelous 19th- and early 20th-century mansions built for wealthy families such as the Vanderbilts, whose opulent Breakers 鈥渃ottage鈥� can today be toured.

Other important historical attractions in Newport include Fort Adams, a coastal fortress active for nearly two centuries, and the Touro Synagogue, built in 1763 and the oldest such building in the United States.

Westerly

On the southwestern shoreline of Rhode Island, Westerly was founded in 1669 and now boasts two intriguing historic districts. The Westerly Downtown Historic District covers most of the town鈥檚 commercial and civic buildings, including the Old Town Hall from 1874 and the Westerly Train Station, built in 1912 with a distinctive neoclassical styling.

Westerly's Main Street Historic District encompasses 19 of the town鈥檚 most attractive residential buildings and is worth exploring. In addition to these stunning Second Empire- and Italianate-designed homes, you鈥檒l also see the Pawcatuck Seventh Day Baptist Church built in Greek Revival style in 1847.

Bristol

Named after the port city in England, Bristol was established in 1680 and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rhode Island. The town's historic waterfront district is where much of the appeal lies and is home to the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame, which celebrates the achievements of the famed yacht builder and the 海角社区鈥檚 most prestigious sailing competition.

Could you include the Linden Place Mansion on your Bristol travel itinerary? Built in 1810, this Federal-style mansion features ornate architecture and interiors and can be toured. Bristol鈥檚 also where you can enjoy the country鈥檚 oldest Fourth of July celebration, initiated in 1785 and attracting crowds from across the state and beyond every year since.

East Greenwich

On the west shore of Narragansett Bay on the outskirts of Providence, the state capital, East Greenwich is the eighth oldest town in Rhode Island. Founded in 1677, much of the town鈥檚 Main Street is included in its preserved historic district. Highlights include the Varnum House Museum, constructed in 1773 in Georgian style and once home to General James Mitchell Varnum, an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and the East Greenwich Free Library, a Romanesque Revival building dating from the 1890s.

The Old Kent County Jail is another must-see attraction in East Greenwich. Built in the early 19th century, it served as a jail until the 1950s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Wickford Village

Take a short drive south of East Greenwich, and you鈥檒l find yourself in Wickford Village, a delightful coastal hamlet established in the late 17th century and one of the most picture-perfect settings in New England. Wickford鈥檚 historic district comprises over 170 structures, many dating from the 1700s and displaying a mix of Colonial, Federal, and Victorian-era styling.

Wickford Harbor, with its wooden docks and sailboats, is fun to explore and has, for centuries, served as a vital trade and transportation hub. Close-by attractions include Smith's Castle, a 17th-century plantation house and former military command post, and the Old Narragansett Church, built in 1707 and one of the oldest Episcopal churches in the Northeast. 聽

Warren

Along the shores of the Warren River, the town of Warren dates back to 1747 and was originally a popular colonial-era place of residence. A critical historic landmark here is the Warren Town Wharf, which has been a hub for shipping, shipbuilding, and fishing for centuries. Maxwell House, built around 1750 as a tavern and later where British General Prescott was kept after being captured during the American Revolution, is another must-see Warren landmark.

Other highlights include the Warren Armory, constructed in the late 19th century with Romanesque Revival styling, and the Baker Street Museum, which features a substantial collection of local artifacts.

Pawtuxet Village

Strategically located at the confluence of the Pawtuxet River and Narragansett Bay midway between the cities of Cranston and Warwick, Pawtuxet Village was established in the early 17th century and is home to a number of important Rhode Island attractions of historic significance. Topping our list is Governor Sprague's Mansion. Built in the 1790s, and the former home to two governors of Rhode Island, it鈥檚 now an interesting museum that offers public tours.

The Pawtuxet Rangers Armory is another worthy landmark. Established in the late 18th century, the Rangers played a role in the Revolutionary War, notably in the burning of the British ship, HMS Gaspee, an event commemorated annually as the Gaspee Days celebration.

Tiverton

Between the Sakonnet River to the west and the border with Massachusetts to the east, Tiverton was founded in 1694 and has been of strategic importance ever since. This fact led to the construction of Fort Barton, which was instrumental during the Revolutionary War (its foundations can still be visited). The Tiverton Four Corners district is a historic village center, that dates from the 18th century and is home to many well-preserved colonial buildings, many now repurposed as artisan shops and galleries.聽 Chace-Cory House, built in 1730 and one of the town鈥檚 oldest buildings, is also worth visiting. 聽聽

Rhode Island's Historic Tapestry

Despite being the smallest state in the USA, Rhode Island offers no end of opportunities for historic sightseeing. Here, you鈥檒l find numerous beautiful coastal towns that feature a mix of colonial, Federal, Victorian, and early 20th-century architecture, all just waiting to be explored. Use our list of these small towns in Rhode Island with the best historic districts for travel ideas and inspiration.聽