Rhode Island's Coastal Community Is An Artsy Paradise Packed With Parks And Award-Winning Restaurants

Some coastal towns try to impress you right away. This one doesn't need to. With cliffside trails, studios full of hand-thrown ceramics, and menus that lean on whatever was caught that morning, it quietly earns your attention. You can spend the day kayaking, gallery-hopping, or doing absolutely nothing with a view. Welcome to Jamestown, Rhode Island.

Jamestown has been around since 1678, but it's not stuck in the past. You'll feel the history in the architecture and the way locals talk about the land, but this waterfront town stays current with food that's bold and arts that actually spark something. Beech isn't just good — it's officially Restaurant of the Year, according to the Rhode Island Hospitality Association. What was started by a group of friends who wanted a place that felt like home, it now draws regulars for sunset cocktails and just-caught seafood. Over at the Jamestown Arts Center, creativity runs the show. The Jamestown Arts Center was founded by local artists and continues to be a space where creativity, community, and hands-on learning meet. From indie film nights to sculptural exhibits to their annual Summer Soirée, there's always something going on that feels uniquely local.

Cradled between Newport and the Rhode Island mainland, Jamestown is an island that keeps things simple, in the best way. Once on the island, Jamestown's mix of coastline, local art, and relaxed dining makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking both escape and accessibility.

Expect seaside views, small shops, standout meals, and just enough adventure to keep it interesting. Jamestown delivers a refreshingly low-key seaside experience. You can spend your day wandering galleries like Fuller Gallery for fine art, and Out of the Box Gallery tucked along Narragansett Avenue. Meals here focus on quality and seasonality — whether it's a seafood plate at iconic JBs on the Water or a quaint breakfast filled with postcard views at East Ferry Deli. Fort Getty Park blends picnic areas, hiking trails, and kayak-friendly bays for a full day of outdoor fun. The island's outdoor offerings include gentle hikes and paddleboarding, inviting you to explore without rushing. You won't find crowds or noise here, just calm, natural beauty paired with a community that welcomes you like a longtime friend.

Whether you're into vintage charm or modern design, Jamestown delivers. The Lionel Champlin Guest House is classic and cozy; The Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn is sleek with oceanfront views of Narragansett Bay. Both set you up for an easy island escape, close to everything but never rushed.

If you're calling Jamestown home for a few days, consider carving out time for Newport. It's right over the bridge, and the mix of Gilded Age glamour and salty New England charm makes it an easy crowd-pleaser. Stroll along Rhode Island's coastline on a breathtaking trail with beaches and natural beauty or if you're lucky enough to visit during the winter holiday season, expect to be treated to extravagant mansions home to spectacular Christmas displays. Back on Jamestown, Beavertail State Park is non-negotiable. The third-oldest lighthouse in the U.S. calls this untamed park home — a spot made for adventurers who love a mix of trails, shoreline fishing, hidden nooks, and lighthouse tours filled with history. The best part? You're close enough to enjoy both, easy day trips in either direction, no stress required.

T.F. Green Airport in Providence is the gateway to exploring Jamestown, with just a short drive separating the two. Grab a rental car and enjoy a peaceful ride over the Newport Bridge, passing quiet harbors and green hills. Getting here is easier than you'd expect, and the reward is well worth it. This tiny state is full of surprises beyond Jamestown's shores. There are many incredible places in Rhode Island you need to visit at least once. Keep exploring and you'll find plenty more to fall in love with.