Looking for coastal serenity and historic charm? Head to Jamestown! Located on Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay, Jamestown offers stunning seaside views, lighthouses, quiet beaches, and a peaceful village atmosphere. Just a short drive from Newport, this Rhode Island gem is perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and those seeking a relaxed New England escape.
Jamestown, RI Highlights:
- Tour Beavertail State Park: Explore coastal walking trails, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping ocean views at the southern tip of the island.
- Visit the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum: Learn about Rhode Island’s maritime history at one of the country’s oldest lighthouses.
- Relax at Mackerel Cove Beach: Enjoy calm waters and scenic sunsets at this family-friendly local favorite.
- Stroll through downtown Jamestown: Shop for coastal gifts, dine on fresh seafood, and take in the village charm.
- Walk or bike the Conanicut Island Greenway: Discover nature trails, rolling farmland, and forested scenery on this protected land preserve.
Best Time to Visit Jamestown, RI
The best time to visit Jamestown is from May through October. Summer brings the warmest weather for beach outings, sailing, and outdoor dining, while early fall offers fewer crowds and colorful foliage with crisp ocean breezes.
How to Get to Jamestown, RI
- If you are traveling by car: Jamestown is accessible via Route 138 over the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge, about 30 minutes from Providence and 10 minutes from Newport.
- By air: The nearest airport is T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Warwick, RI—just 35–40 minutes away by car.
- By ferry: Seasonal ferries from nearby Newport may be available for foot passengers during summer months.
Where to Stay in Jamestown, RI
- East Bay Bed & Breakfast – Cozy and welcoming B&B in a historic home within walking distance of shops and the waterfront.
- Bay Voyage Inn – Classic hotel with harbor views, Victorian charm, and easy access to downtown.
- Club Wyndham Newport Overlook – Condo-style accommodations with full kitchens and private balconies overlooking the bay.
Best Things to Do in Jamestown, RI
⮕ Step back in time at the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum
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The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum preserves Rhode Island's premiere historic lighthouse, which was constructed in 1856 and marks the entrance to picturesque Narragansett Bay. The beautiful lighthouse stands 64 feet above Conanicut Island's southernmost tip within Jamestown's Beavertail State Park and provides navigational services for ships entering the bay's East Passage. Today, the granite tower is overseen by the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum Association and is operated as a living history museum facility, preserving the lighthouse's third-order Fresnel lens and showcasing exhibits on area lighthouse history.
History: Records of a lighthouse standing at the site date back as far as 1712, with at least three structures standing on the point prior to the current facility.
Address: Beavertail Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835, Phone: 401-423-3270
⮕ Go fishing in Fort Wetherill State Park
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Fort Wetherill State Park is a lovely public recreational area spanning 61.5 acres throughout the southern tip of Conanicut Island.
History: The state park preserves the remains of Forts Wetherill and Adams, which were operated at the beginning of the 20th century as coastal defenses for Narragansett Bay's East Passage. In 1972, the fort battery and training camp area was acquired by the State of Rhode Island and developed into a public park facility.
Activities: Today, the park serves as a popular spot for scuba diving, boating, fishing, and hiking throughout the year, set on 100-foot-tall granite cliffs overlooking spectacular bay views. Special events hosted throughout the year at the park include America's Cup Races, Tall Ship Events, and diving club events throughout the New England region.
Address: 3 Fort Wetherill Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835, Phone: 401-423-1771
⮕ Enjoy the vist from Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge
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Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, commonly referred to as the Newport Bridge, is a beautiful suspension bridge that stretches across Narragansett Bay's East Passage, operated as part of the Rhode Island Turnpike and RI-138. Its towers and design features are showcased on the back side of the Rhode Island state quarter.
Travel tip: Visit on a clear day to that you can see the bridge's towers from as far away as the Gay Head Light observation plaza in Aquinnah, Massachusetts and can observe the skyline of Providence from aboard the bridge.
History: The bridge is named in honor of longtime state senator Claiborne Pell, who lived in the city of Newport, and stretches for 1,601 feet across the bay, making it one of the world's top 100 longest suspension bridges and the longest of its kind in New England.
Address: RI-138, Jamestown, RI 02835
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Learn about history at Fort Getty Park
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Fort Getty Park is a lovely town park in Jamestown, originally operated as a military fort between the turn of the 20th century and World War II. Today, the park is operated as an outdoor recreational site and campground, offering a public boat ramp and dock for visitor use. Facilities for RV hookups are offered, along with tent campsites and facilities on nearby Dutch Island.
History: The fort was originally constructed to defend Narragansett Bay's West Passage and was named in honor of Colonel George W. Getty, known for his service throughout the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. Following World War II, the fort was disestablished in 1948 along with many United States coastal defenses.
Address: 1050 Fort Getty Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835, Phone: 401-423-7211
⮕ Take a self-guided walking tour of Historic New England Watson Farm
© Historic New England Watson Farm
Historic New England Watson Farm is a spacious 265-acre working family farm in Jamestown, originally established in 1789 by Job Watson and cultivated by five successive family generations. Today, the farmstead is open to the public for self-guided walking tours throughout the year, showcasing sustainable farming practices and operations, including pastoral husbandry traditions and Heritage Red Devon cattle pasturing. Grass-fed beef and lamb are produced at the farm, along with wool blankets and other wool products. Visitors can observe farm fields and seasonal farm activities or participate in outdoor farming workshops throughout the year during open hours.
Address: 455 North Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835, Phone: 401-423-0005
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Pick up a treat at Village Hearth Bakery Cafe
© Village Hearth Bakery Café
Village Hearth Bakery Cafe is an artisan bread bakery and cafe in Jamestown. that was originally opened in 2001 and expanded to its current facility and operations in 2009. The delightful cafe is located a block from the city's village center and is home to a wood-fired pizzeria and community bakery that is housed within a converted historic home. Freshly-baked European-style breads and pastries are sold daily, crafted from stone-milled whole grains prepared on premises. Delicious menu items served up throughout the day include grilled panini sandwiches, homemade soups, and fresh-made health-conscious salads.
Address: 2 Watson Ave, Jamestown, RI 02835, Phone: 401-423-9282
⮕ If you love art, head to the Jamestown Arts Center
© Jamestown Arts Center
A multi-disciplinary, non-profit performing and visual arts space, the Jamestown Arts Center hosts cultural events and art exhibitions throughout the year. The center also offers art and design education for people of all ages in Jamestown, Rhode Island, and strives to engage, inspire, and enrich the community through educational experiences and extraordinary arts. Educational classes are provided for children through adults both online and in person. As a leading culture and arts hub where innovation, ideas, and creativity flourish, the Jamestown Arts Center aims to act as a conduit between the public and artists through artists’ talks, performances, and more.-
Address: 18 Valley St, Jamestown, RI 02835, 401-560-0979
⮕ Visit Clancy Designs Glass Studio
© Clancy Designs
Owned and operated by a husband-wife team, Clancy Designs Glass Studio is open throughout the week and the weekends for guests to view the various works of art designed and made by the couple. Visitors may even get the chance to watch them blowing glass right in front of them. The studio creates finely crafted sculptural and functional works that can be found worldwide and is especially well known for their strong sense of color and design and skilled glass blowing techniques. Glass blowing lessons at Clancy Designs are available for the entire family by appointment as well.
Address: 382 North Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835, 401-423-1697
Where to Eat in Jamestown, RI
- Simpatico Jamestown – A stylish yet casual eatery offering seafood, cocktails, and outdoor dining in a charming garden setting.
- Slice of Heaven – Local favorite for breakfast, brunch, pastries, and coffee with a cozy village vibe.
- JB’s on the Water – Waterfront dining with seafood favorites, burgers, and great harbor views.
If you are interested in local events:
- Jamestown Art Center Exhibitions & Concerts – Ongoing events including gallery openings, outdoor concerts, and cultural programming.
- Fool’s Rules Regatta (August) – A quirky homemade boat race held annually at East Ferry Beach.
- Jamestown Farmers Market (Summer) – Seasonal market with fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and local products.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Jamestown, Rhode Island:
- Newport (10–15 min) – Visit the historic mansions, Cliff Walk, and bustling harbor in this iconic coastal city.
- North Kingstown (15–20 min) – Explore Wickford Village, a charming colonial port town with shops and galleries.
- South Kingstown (25–30 min) – Enjoy beautiful beaches, parks, and the laid-back town of Wakefield.
- Fort Adams State Park (15–20 min) – Take a historic fort tour or attend a summer music festival across the bay in Newport.
- Goddard Memorial State Park (30 min) – Enjoy equestrian trails, golf, and picnic spots along Greenwich Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Q: What is Jamestown known for?
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A: Jamestown is one of Rhode Island's most historic towns, located within Newport County on lovely Conanicut Island. The city is one of America's wealthiest towns, known for its gorgeous preserved historic architecture dating all the way back to the 18th century.
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Q: What historic sites can you explore in Jamestown?
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A: Visitors can explore historic sites such as Beavertail Light, the state's most notable lighthouse, or travel across the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, which spans the Narragansett Bay's East Passage and is one of the world's longest suspension bridges.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming coastal flowers. |
East Bay Bed & Breakfast – A charming stay with a cozy atmosphere. |
Explore Beavertail State Park – Walk along scenic cliffs and visit the historic lighthouse. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, perfect for beach outings and sailing. |
Club Wyndham Newport Overlook – A waterfront stay with stunning views. |
Relax at Mackerel Cove Beach – Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and fewer tourists. |
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina – A luxurious getaway just across the bridge. |
Take a Scenic Drive Along Ocean Avenue – Witness breathtaking coastal views and fall foliage. |
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and peaceful, with holiday charm. |
Castle Hill Inn – A cozy, upscale retreat perfect for a winter escape. |
Visit the Newport Mansions During the Holidays – Experience festive decorations and guided tours of historic estates. |
Plan Your Trip