20 Towns Similar to Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a beautiful town on Rhode Island in New England. There are several lovely little towns on Rhode Island, just like Newport, where Gilded Age mansions line the streets, and sailing is the order of the day. This article looks at towns similar to Newport, where you can hop on a schooner or kick off your shoes and relax on one of the rugged beaches.

The spectacular town of Newport, with its beautiful harbors, sandy beaches, and sailing scenes, is perfect in every way. Towns similar to Newport to explore are; Barrington, Kingston, Jamestown, Blackstone, Hope, Narragansett, Fox Point, Portsmouth, Essex, New Castle, Bar Harbor, and New Shoreham.

With their waterfront hamlets, fresh seafood, and bustling harbors, these scenic coastal towns are perfect for your next getaway weekend. Let’s take a look at them, and you decide if you agree.

Twenty Towns Similar to Newport

The beautiful town of Newport is full of old-world charm with many historical buildings, fresh seafood, and scenic coastline with many outdoor activities worth a visit any time of the year. A beloved vacation destination rich in history, plenty of shopping, and great food.

1. Barrington Rhode Island

Barrington is a small New England town similar to Newport. Every year, tourists from around the globe visit towns in New England for relaxation, beautiful scenery, good food, and adventure.

Barrington is a scenic town located on the eastern side of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, with many great waterfront activities. Enjoy fun-filled days on Barrington Beach, go fishing and sailing on the river, or head over to the famous Rhode Island Country Club. For cyclists, Barrington offers a bike path that extends 14.5 miles all the way to Providence.

Barrington is a great getaway destination and a beautiful place to live with green trees, sandy beaches, and beautiful rivers. With its coastal climate, Barrington experience all four seasons, a warm summer, flower-filled spring, autumn, and cold winter.

Barrington offers the best New England living, with easy access to nearby beaches in Newport, the Cape, and the Islands. Take a drive-up north to New Hampshire and Vermont for winter activities and ski trips.

2. Kingston Rhode Island

Kingston is a small village with a small population of around 6,900 people within South Kingstown, Rhode Island. The beautiful little village is home to thirty-eight 18^th century historical buildings with white picket fences and well-kept stone walls.

Kingston is home to the University of Rhode Island and only a short drive away from the coastline and many excellent schools.

Kingston is one of the best towns to live in Rhode Island, and most residents own their homes. Many young professionals live in Kingston.

The sense of community of this small town is what most residents love about life in Kingston. Everything from farmers’ markets to local activities to enjoy throughout the year, and Kingstone is within reach to Narragansett Bay with its picturesque islands either by ferry or car.

3. Jamestown Rhode Island

Jamestown is a small town in Newport County, Rhode Island, ranked as one of Rhode Island’s most historic towns, located on the picturesque Conanicut Island.

Known as one of the wealthiest towns in the US, Jamestown is famous for its beautifully preserved historical buildings that date back to the 18th century. Visitors to Jamestown can explore historic sites like Beavertail Light lighthouse or cross the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge that spans the east passage of Narragansett Bay.

This peaceful coastal town offers a serene atmosphere with award-winning restaurants, gift shops, museums, historic farms, natural parks, cruises and sailing, art galleries, walking trails, lots of bed and breakfasts, and boutique cottages.

Jamestown provides residents with perfect island life and amazing views while remaining connected to the mainland. Jamestown is nestled between Buzzards Bay and Block Island Sound.

4. Blackstone Rhode Island

Blackstone is located in Providence County, Rhode Island, with a population of around 11 000 and a lovely picturesque town to live in on Rhode Island.

Blackstone offers many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, gift shops, and beautiful natural parks with scenic routes overlooking the Seekonk River.

Blackstone is home to many important historical sites, like Slater Mill, the first cotton-spinning factory in the US recognized as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.

Most nature lovers living in Blackstone enjoy exploring the Lincoln Woods. Visitors can also enjoy family outings at the family-owned fruit farms, where you can pick your own seasonal fruits. The 11-mile-long Blackstone River bikeway is perfect for cyclists to take a ride around town. Reward yourself with an ice-cold beer from one of the town’s craft breweries after the long ride.

From Blackstone, you can quickly access Connecticut, New York, and Boston, which offer great job opportunities within easy reach of Blackstone.

5. Hope Rhode Island

Hope is a small village similar to Newport town in Providence County, Rhode Island. Lovingly named Hope, the small homely town is an excellent place to buy a home in Providence County with easily affordable homes at $300,000 for sale.

Hope has excellent schools, local shops, and restaurants. Visit the Festival farm with the kids for a great day, strolling around the petting farm with sheep, donkeys, goats, and many farmyard animals.

Attend the Johnny Cake festival at Kenyon’s Grist Mill to enjoy sweets, beverages, snacks, Johnny Cakes, and buy art, gifts, and many local products from farms. Taste local beer and wine that can be bought by the glass.

The Buttonwood farm on the outskirts of Hope lets you wander around a field of sunflowers with a walking path with fantastic views. Rides through the sunflower field are offered for kids and adults alike, have ice cream, or buy a bouquet of beautiful sunflowers. Hope provides many fun activities and beautiful natural parks, and running trails to explore.

6. Narragansett Rhode Island

Narragansett is a town similar to Newport, located in Washington County, Rhode Island; this rustic, charming historic town offers residents some of the best coastline views.

Take a stroll on Narragansett’s beautiful beach with family or friends or just enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants and cafés around the area. This picturesque seaside town is an excellent place for summer vacations, day trips, weekend getaways, or beachgoers to visit.

Narragansett is a popular destination for tourists to kick back and relax during the summer months while enjoying fantastic food. The sandy beach at Narragansett Town Beach has 19 acres of sandy beach soft sand, plenty of parking, and you can understand why visitors love Narragansett.

Suppose Narragansett town beach is too populated for your liking. In that case, you can always visit any of the other beaches Narragansett has, like Scarborough Beach, Roger Wheeler Beach, or Salty Brine Beach.

Narragansett offers several walking trails and hikes showing the spectacular Rhode Island coastline.

7. Fox Point Rhode Island

Fox Point is a relaxed little village with vintage shops, restaurants, and cafes with several homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This beautiful waterfront area joins the Seekonk and Providence rivers and Narragansett Bay.

Several little coffee shops line the streets where every beverage is prepared with love. Buy delicious pastries from Silver Star Bakery, where sweet treats are baked by the Portuguese families that settled in Fox Point years ago.

Fox Point is perfect for bike rides or a walk around one of the many quiet walkways along the waterfront. The number of natural parks and playgrounds on Wickenden and nearby streets is ideal for relaxing in nature.

Browse through works from local artists where ceramic and pottery pieces can be purchased at Three Wheel Studio, or choose a handblown glass item at Gallery Belleau.

The India Point Park is located at the Providence waterfront to stroll with family or friends. Participate in sunrise yoga during summertime in one of the many parks in Fox Point. The many places that Fox Point offers to socialize with family and friends make this small community ideal to live in or explore on a weekend getaway.

8. Portsmouth Rhode Island

Founded in 1638, Portsmouth has a lot of history with many historical buildings. It is home to antique stores, gift shops, marinas, historical sites, golf courses, and restaurants. Four islands, Patience Island, Prudence Island, Hog Island, and Hope Island, surround Portsmouth.

With many excellent hotels on the waterfront, choosing a place to stay is easy. You can also dine in one of the restaurants that serve delicious seafood in Portsmouth.

Visit the Green Animals Topiary Garden, the oldest topiary garden in the US, for a day in the garden. Portsmouth is home to many local farms like Aquidneck Farm that raise pastured poultry and grass-fed beef on conservation land next to the Sakonnet River.

Book a fishing trip on one of the many fishing boats or book a wine tasting at the Greenvale Vineyards next to the Sakonnet River. The vineyard is open for wine tastings and is a romantic, pleasant way to spend an afternoon and enjoy some delicious wine.

9. Essex – Connecticut

Essex is surrounded on three sides by water; this historic small port town offers a variety of activities to enjoy like riverboats, steam trains, art galleries, museums, chocolate shops, and boutique cafes. This beautiful small port town is just two hours away from New York.

Essex is located on the shores of the Connecticut River, and the river flows into Long Island Sound in Old Saybrook.

All roads in Essex lead down to the town dock, where many sailboats wait. The museum hosts tours and events throughout the year. Essex has plenty of historic inns, restaurants, shops, and cafés to offer tourists or weekend travelers.

This little gem is well-known for its majestic trees, beautiful landscapes, gardens, and historical architecture, where the streets are lined with Cape Cod, Federal, and Victorian houses.

Beautiful churches, factories, and factory homes of Ivoryton can be viewed all along the streets of this quaint port town.

10. Kennebunkport – Maine

Kennebunkport town is frequently named one of the prettiest coastal villages with its waterline charm, boutique shops, historical buildings, sailing vessels, and fishing ports in this vibrant Southern Maine town.

Kennebunkport is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, like Goose Rocks Beach, Arundel Beach, and Colony Beach, located at the mouth of the Kennebunk River and named after the grand Colony Hotel. This gorgeous coastal town is a year-round vacation destination with so much to offer.

History enthusiasts love the historic sea captain mansions found in Summer street. The Seashore Trolley Museum exhibits a unique collection of streetcars. The St. Ann’s Episcopal Church is a historical stone church on beautiful green grounds with postcard views, ocean views, and dates from 1887.

The Goat Island Lighthouse, dating from 1883, is located in the harbor of Cape Porpoise village, known for its lobster fishing.  Take a whale watching tour to catch a glimpse of one of the many magnificent whales that frequent the area.

11. Camden – Maine

Camden is another small town similar to Newport with its scenic coastline and relaxed atmosphere.  Many boutique stores and fine dining restaurants line the streets of this gorgeous little seaside town.

With the Camden Hills State Park nearby with many multi-use trails and scenic views overlooking the Penobscot Bay, there are many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Enjoy dinner at Natalie’s Restaurant at Camden Harbor Inn overlooking the harbor with sailing boats lying in wait. Camden is home to many hotels and classic inns like the luxurious 16 Bay View if you plan to stay overnight.

The Historic District on the high street is lined with 19th-century homes. Camden has a lot to offer with the Camden Public Library and the restored Camden Opera House to visit. Camden Harbor Curtis Island features an 1830s lighthouse visible from many walking trails.

The many delicious restaurants with top chefs line the waterfront and downtown areas to enjoy a bite to eat.

12. Bar Harbor – Maine

Bar Harbor is located on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s Frenchman Bay near Acadia National Park; this historic coastal town features Victorian splendor and beautiful scenic views of Cadillac Mountain.

The trails on Cadillac Mountain offer fantastic views of the Cranberry Islands, the town, and the bay. Take a walk along the town pier on the Shore Path that winds around the bay overlooking the Porcupine Islands and the Atlantic Ocean. Fine restaurants and boutique gift shops are found everywhere in this gorgeous little town.

Bar Harbor is famous for its coastal beauty, lobster boats, and many yachts sitting in the harbor ready to sail.

13. Provincetown – Massachusetts

The beautiful artistic seaside town of Provincetown is located on the northern tip of Cape Cod, filled with galleries, restaurants, theaters, museums, and outdoor activities for all.

Take a hike to the top of the Pilgrim Monument built to commemorate the Mayflower’s first landing in 1620 to enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Cape.

Cape Cod National coastline has forty miles of protected sandy coastline with beautiful lighthouses and wild cranberry bogs to explore from Provincetown.

Provincetown is famous for being a haven for artists, and several galleries, restaurants, and specialty shops are all found around lively Commercial Street.

14. New Castle – New Hampshire

This lovely New Hampshire coastal town with only 970 residents is located at the mouth of the Piscataqua River and consists entirely of islands. With its Victorian charm, the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel makes the town even prettier. New Castle was initially called the Great Island.

New Castle is the smallest and most eastern coastal town in New Hampshire and the only town wholly located on islands with the beautiful Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse.

New Castle is a relaxed coastal jewel with year-round oceanside views perfect for spending fun-filled summers on the water and enjoying the scenic views from one of the many sandy beaches this island town has to offer.

15. New Shoreham – Rhode Island

Thirteen miles off Rhode Island’s southern coast lies Block Island with New Shoreham. The Victorian harbor-front town offers captivating views. New Shoreham is the smallest seaside town in the smallest state of the US.

The Granite-blocked Southeast Lighthouse offers a unique view perched on the island’s spectacular bluffs. The 1765 Harbor Church is a must-see for any visitor lucky to stay in New Shoreham.
New Shoreham features fantastic ocean views, seventeen miles of coastlines, picturesque stone walls, two manufactured harbors, 300 freshwater ponds, flowering beach roses, and thirty miles of walking trails.

Conservation and preserving this town’s natural and cultural heritage is foremost of the community’s agenda.

New Shoreham is reachable by air and ferry; during summertime, the island’s population is inundated with tourists. New Shoreham was named after Shoreham, Kent, in England.

16. Rockport – Massachusetts

Rockport is a beautiful coastal town in Massachusetts loved by artists who turned this quaint fishing village into an art colony filled with art galleries. Rockport is a bustling historic village located at the tip of Cape Ann with hidden coves and rugged coastlines. The 1872 landmark stone arch Granite Keystone Bridge is a favorite of many tourists.

This genuinely iconic coastal town offers beaches, specialty shops, and great seafood served on outside tables where everything is cooked for you. The people of Rockport are friendly, and the scenery is unbelievable one of the best beach towns in Massachusetts to visit.

17. Stonington Borough – Connecticut

The beautiful coastal town of Stonington is located in Connecticut. This delightful village has less than a thousand residents. It features 18th-century historic buildings on the narrow peninsula extending into Fisher’s Island Sound and Little Narragansett Bay, with spectacular views.

Rich in history and loaded with small-town charm, Stonington Borough is quieter than most coastal towns with less traffic, and a stroll down Water Street is the order of the day.

A walk along the street offers art galleries, restaurants, eclectic shops, boutiques that lead you to a spectacular sunset at the old stone lighthouse.

18. Oak Bluffs – Massachusetts – Martha’s Vineyard

Oak Bluffs features the iconic brightly colored Victorian cottages, making this laid-back village an authentic New England town.  Each summer, the nineteenth-century gingerbread cottages light up with lit Chinese lanterns for one night for a delightfully charming view making Oak Bluffs the loveliest place on earth to be.

Oak Bluffs has several public parks, including Ocean Park, a popular family vacation area with live music throughout the summer, and the Flying Horse Carousel built-in 1876. It is the oldest continuously operating carousel loved by young and old.

Oak Bluffs Town Beach is a lovely family beach, an easy walk from downtown, and perfect to relax on the soft sand while watching boats sailing in and out of the harbor.

19. Gloucester – Massachusetts

This lovely coastal city on Cape Ann is well-known for its fishing, whale watching cruises, seafood restaurants, sandy beaches, art galleries, rich history, and historic homes.

The town’s fishing heritage is honored at the harbor-side Fisherman’s Memorial, with a statue and names of fishermen who lost their lives at sea.

The Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester exhibits work by famous 1800s maritime artist Fitz Henry Lane.

This town has a gentle side with beautiful unspoiled beaches like Good Harbor, Niles Beach Gloucester, Half Moon, Pavilion Beach, Cressy’s Wingaersheek, and Plum Cove Beach.

The Rocky Neck Art Colony, founded in 1850, sustains the town’s spirit as they invite you into one of the many art galleries. Book a tour at Cape Pond Ice to see how massive blocks of ice are created in this unique harbor town.

20. Warren – Rhode Island

Warren was founded in 1653 as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The active waterfront of this beautiful coastal town is one of the oldest in New England.

The artistic seaside town of Warren is filled with sixteen miles of coastlines, marine-based industries, antique shops, galleries, waterfront restaurants, arts and crafts stores, antique furniture stores, and historical buildings.

With a casual, relaxed atmosphere, there’s no pressure to dress fancy; take in the sights while you sit and enjoy a cold glass of wine while eating one of the giant lobster rolls at waterside Blount Clam Shack.

Conclusion

We hope the twenty charming coastal towns similar to Newport listed above with all their picturesque scenery and magnificent coastlines will enchant you just like they did us.

Visit any one of the seaside towns for a relaxing stroll on a beach or delicious waterfront dinner at one of the numerous restaurants they offer.

Whichever one you choose, these twenty coastal towns similar to Newport are sure to make for a memorable holiday.

Sources:

• New England Today
• The Crazy Tourist
• Jetsetter