A free day offers so much promise. We can kick back, relax, and do nothing at all, or we can get out there and explore. After all, Rhode Island is brimming with fascinating and fun destinations. The following enchanting place is one of the most historic towns in Rhode Island, and provides an idyllic backdrop for a day trip. Don’t worry if you’re not a history buff; I’m confident that you will still love it!

Originally a part of the Massachusetts Colony and incorporated in 1678, Jamestown became a part of Rhode Island in 1746.
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Today, the darling coastal town beckons visitors with its quaint New England charm and rich history.
Jamestown is home to just over 5,400 residents and, if you want to learn more about its rich history...
Google/Jamestown Historical Society
... start your visit at the Jamestown Historical Society. Explore the museum as well as the Jamestown Library.
If you’re day-tripping on select days and hours between June and October, add a stop at Jamestown’s windmill.
Google/Jamestown Historical Society
You can see the windmill in action during the annual event called Windmill Day, which is usually held in July in odd-numbered years.
Add a stop at the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum, which provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of North America’s third-largest lighthouse.
Wikipedia/Juliancolton
Be sure to save time to visit the Beavertail Aquarium as well as Beavertail State Park, too.

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At Beavertail State Park, you'll find several scenic overlooks that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Google/Michele A.
The park also offers a full menu of activities – birdwatching, picnicking, saltwater fishing, and sightseeing.
For more outdoor exploration...
Google/Dave A.
...head over to Fort Wetherill State Park. A scenic hike leads to the abandoned ruins of a fort.
All that exploration will certainly help you work up a hearty appetite, and Jamestown is known for its unique restaurants.
David Wilson/Flickr
Whether you want waterfront views or a hearty seafood meal, you’ll find it in Jamestown.
renagrisa/Flickr
Carve out a bit of time also to explore the many stores, including the collection of shops along the waterfront.
Flickr/Tom McC.
Learn more on the Town of Jamestown, RI website.

I hope you can see now why I think this is one of the best small towns in RI!

Have you been to this enchanting town in Rhode Island? What did you think? What are some of your favorite RI small towns? Let me know in the comments!

If you’d like to explore hikes in and around the area, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re a fan of history, plan a visit to these historic landmarks in Rhode Island.

10 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Rhode Island

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More to Explore

More to Love About Rhode Island

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | February 11, 2024

Where can we find wineries in Rhode Island?

  • Leyden Farm Vineyard & Winery in West Greenwich is one of the most beautiful winery properties in the state.
  • Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth features gorgeous water views.
  • Mulberry Vineyards in Chepachet offers live music events during the warmer months of the year.

Read on to learn about some of the many great wineries in Rhode Island.

Where can we find flea markets in Rhode Island?

  • The Americana Expo Center Flea Market in Providence offers mostly new items and is a great place for bargain finds.
  • Big Top Flea Market in Providence is the oldest flea market in the city.
  • Old Mill Vintage Marketplace and Flea in West Warwick is cool because it is located inside of an old textile mill.

Read on to learn about some of the many wonderful flea markets in Rhode Island.

Where can we find museums in Rhode Island?

  • The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology in Providence features a  collection of over 150,000 objects from all over the world. Its original founding was with objects representative of the Native cultures of the Americas.
  • The Seabees Museum and Memorial Park in North Kingston extol the history of “The Seabee,” a unique military battalion in the Navy.
  • The Naval War College Museum in Newport is one of only 10 official museums operated by the U.S. Navy in the country. Its primary focus is on the history of naval activities and naval warfare in Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay area.

Read on to learn more about some of the many interesting museums in Rhode Island.

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Jamestown, RI, USA