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Jamestown, RI: Where Fun Meets Adventure – Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Jamestown sits on Conanicut Island and it has always faced the water. Beavertail Lighthouse dates back to 1749 and is among the oldest in the country. Fort Getty was built in 1890 and has guided ships in ever since. Fort Wetherill went up in the late 19th century to watch for naval attack. The whole island was built to keep an eye on Narragansett Bay.

Jamestown, Rhode Island is a small coastal town that blends history, nature and the outdoors. Beach person, history buff or outdoor enthusiast, Jamestown has a version of each. Scenic state parks and historic landmarks through to award-winning restaurants and unusual attractions, this town holds it. So here are the things to do and places to visit in Jamestown, Rhode Island.

Jamestown: A Brief History. Jamestown is a small town on Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay. It was founded in 1678 and named after King James II of England. It has played a part in American history since, from a strategic military position during the Revolutionary War to a popular summer resort for the wealthy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Jamestown is now a working community that takes visitors from all over the world. So come and find the history and the character of the town.

Key Takeaways

• Jamestown is a charming coastal town that offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure.
• The town has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century and has played an important role in American history.
• Jamestown offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from scenic state parks and historic landmarks to award-winning restaurants and unique shops.

Jamestown: A Brief History

Jamestown, Rhode Island. The name alone brings up history, military forts and a little Revolutionary War action. But how much do you actually know about this small town?

Start at the beginning. Jamestown was settled in 1638 by a group of hardy souls from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They were looking for somewhere new, and they found it in the rolling hills and the coastline of Jamestown.

But it was not straightforward for those early settlers. They had a whole run of challenges to contend with, harsh winters and hostile Native American tribes among them. They persevered, and Jamestown became a working community.

And no account of Jamestown works without the military history. The town held Fort Wetherill, built in the late 19th century to defend against naval attack. And during World War II the fort was used to train soldiers in coastal defense tactics.

But the best-known military event in the history of Jamestown came during the Revolutionary War. In 1776 the British fleet sailed into Narragansett Bay intending to take Newport. The people of Jamestown were not going to allow it. They rallied together, repelled the British forces, and earned themselves a place in American history.

So there it is, a brief history of Jamestown. From its early days as a struggling colony to its part in the Revolutionary War, this town has seen a great deal. And who knows what comes next. One thing holds, though: Jamestown will always be a place with history in it.

The Ocean State’s Gem: Jamestown’s Beaches

You have made it to Jamestown, Rhode Island, and you want the beach. You are in luck, because Jamestown runs some of the stronger beaches in the state. With Narragansett Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, there are options for sun and for surf.

Mackerel Cove Beach is a local favorite for good reason. The small sandy beach suits swimming, sunbathing and sandcastles. And the water runs calm and shallow, which works for families with young children. Just watch where you step, because the crabs scurry about on the ocean floor.

For somewhere more secluded, take Sunset Beach. The spot sits at the end of a long winding road and it repays the drive. The beach is small, but the views hold up, particularly at sunset. Pack a picnic and take the quiet of it.

And no trip to Jamestown works without the ocean. Head to the southern end of the island for some of the stronger oceanfront beaches in Rhode Island. The waves can run rough, so check the surf report before you go in. But if you want the challenge, grab a boogie board and ride them.

The calm water of Narragansett Bay or the crashing waves of the Atlantic, Jamestown has a beach for each. So grab the sunscreen, pack a cooler, and take a day in the sun.

Dive Into Adventure: Activities in Jamestown

If you want an adventure in Jamestown, there are plenty of activities to work through. Scuba diving, hiking, fishing or boating, there is a version of each.

If you’re a fan of scuba diving, Dive Saint Helena (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295106-d7915214-Reviews-Dive_Saint_Helena-Jamestown_Saint_Helena_Island.html) is the place to go. With crystal clear waters and a variety of marine life, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Just be sure to bring your sense of humor, as the instructors are known for their corny jokes.

For those who prefer to stay on land, hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Jamestown. Beavertail State Park (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54087-d104513-Reviews-Beavertail_Lighthouse_and_State_Park-Jamestown_Rhode_Island.html) offers miles of scenic trails with stunning views of Narragansett Bay. Just watch out for the occasional poison ivy and bring plenty of bug spray.

If you’re more of a fisherman, Jamestown Fish (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g295106-d2166307-Reviews-Jamestown_Fish-Jamestown_Saint_Helena_Island.html) is the place to go for fresh seafood and a great view of the harbor. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch your own dinner.

For those who prefer to be out on the water, Sub-Tropic Adventures (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g295106-d15634160-Reviews-Sub_Tropic_Adventures-Jamestown_Saint_Helena_Island.html) offers a variety of boating tours and water sports. From kayaking to paddleboarding to jet skiing, there’s something for everyone. Just be sure to bring your sea legs, as the waters can get a bit choppy.

Whatever your interests, there are plenty of activities to fill the days in Jamestown. So pack the bags, take your sense of adventure, and go.

Historic Landmarks: A Walk Through Time

Jamestown is steeped in history, and there are plenty of historic landmarks to work through. Walk into the past and pick up the stories behind the more significant sites in the town.

Start at Fort Wetherill, a former military fortification dating back to the late 19th century. Work through the ruins of the fort, which now serve as a public park. The views over Narragansett Bay and the surrounding islands hold up while you take in the history of the place.

Next, the lighthouses. Jamestown holds not one but two historic lighthouses: Fort Getty and Beavertail Lighthouse. Fort Getty is a small lighthouse built in 1890 that has guided ships into the harbor ever since. Beavertail Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country, dating back to 1749. Take a tour of the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum and pick up the history of lighthouses in the area.

And if you want more lighthouses, take Conanicut Island Lighthouse. It is not open to the public, but it holds the eye from outside. Walk the shoreline and take the view.

No trip to Jamestown works without the Jamestown Windmill. Built in 1787, the landmark is one of the oldest working windmills in the country. Take a guided tour of the mill and pick up its history.

For local history, take the Historic New England Watson Farm. The working farm dates back to the 18th century and opens up the history of agriculture in the area. Take a tour and hear about the lives of the people who lived and worked here.

And no trip to Jamestown is finished without the other historic sites and landmarks of the town. Walk through the town center and look at the architecture of the historic buildings. And stop at the other landmarks, the Conanicut Battery and the Jamestown Museum among them. With this much history, the list does not run out.

Feasting in Jamestown: Award-Winning Restaurants

You have worked through the historic sites in Jamestown, California State Historic Park and Beavertail State Park. Now for the food. Jamestown runs some of the stronger restaurants in Rhode Island, and you are in for something.

First, Village Hearth Bakery Café. The small café is known for its artisan bread bakery and its grilled panini sandwiches. The bread is fresh, the ingredients are locally sourced, and the paninis hold up. You will not find a better lunch spot in Jamestown.

For seafood, take Jamestown Fish. The restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood in town. Lobster rolls through to fried seafood, it holds up. And if you want more, take the raw bar.

For upscale dining, go to Simpatico Jamestown. The restaurant works in Mediterranean cooking and has won several awards for its food and its service. The menu changes with the season, so you never quite know what is coming. And order the cocktails, which are as good as they are creative.

And there is Grapes and Gourmet. The wine shop and restaurant suits a quiet evening out. The menu is small but strong, with dishes like seared scallops and filet mignon. And the wine selection runs long, so the pairing sorts itself.

So there they are, some of the award-winning restaurants in Jamestown. Seafood or grilled panini sandwiches, there is a version of each.

Jamestown’s State Parks: Nature’s Playground

Jamestown holds some of the finer state parks in Rhode Island, and they are all open to you. A picnic or just the views, there is a park for each.

Beavertail State Park

Beavertail State Park is one to see for anyone after the natural side of Jamestown. The park opens out over Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It suits a picnic, and there are plenty of tables for it.

Fort Wetherill State Park

For a free park, Fort Wetherill State Park is the one. The park runs hiking, picnicking and plenty to work through. And it opens out over the East Passage and the Newport Bridge.

Picnicking

The state parks in Jamestown suit a picnic with family and friends. Beavertail State Park and Fort Wetherill State Park both run plenty of picnic tables and grills. Just clean up after yourself so the next people get the same.

Nature’s Playground

The state parks in Jamestown are where the outdoors happens. With hiking trails, beaches and picnic areas, there is a version of each. So pack a lunch, grab the hiking shoes, and go and take what Jamestown has.

Summer gives you the beaches and the rest of the year gives you the forts instead. Mackerel Cove Beach runs calm shallow water that suits families with young children. Sunset Beach sits at the end of a long winding road for the quiet of it. Fort Wetherill State Park costs nothing at all and stays open right through the cold. And the lighthouses hold their ground whatever the weather chooses to do.

The Art Scene: Galleries and Centers

You might think Jamestown is a sleepy little town. You would be wrong. The art scene here is working, with galleries and centers to find.

First, the Jamestown Arts Center. The nonprofit pushes the arts in the community and does it well. They run classes, workshops and exhibitions through the year, so there is always something new. And there is a gift shop with unusual souvenirs.

If you would rather look than make, take some of the galleries in town. There are several, each with its own style and focus. The Jamestown Gallery at 47 Conanicus Avenue runs a mix of contemporary and traditional art, while the Conanicut Marine Services Gallery at 20 Narragansett Avenue shows local maritime-themed work.

The other spot to find is the Jamestown Arts Center Gallery at 18 Valley Street. The gallery is run by the Jamestown Arts Center and shows rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. You never know what will be up, but it will be worth thinking about.

Whatever kind of art you follow, there is a version of it in Jamestown. So grab the beret and the paintbrush, or just the walking shoes, and go and take the art scene in this small town.

Unique Attractions of Jamestown

Jamestown, Rhode Island runs a set of attractions you will not find elsewhere. Lighthouses through to pirate adventures, this town has a version of each. Here are the unusual ones worth finding:

Rose Island Lighthouse

Lighthouse people have to see the Rose Island Lighthouse. The historic lighthouse opens out over Narragansett Bay and is reachable only by boat. You can tour it and pick up its history, or spend a night in one of the keeper’s quarters. Waking to the sound of the waves and the smell of the ocean is the sort of thing you keep.

Fire Truck

Want to feel like a firefighter for a day? Go to the Jamestown Fire Department and find their antique fire truck. You can tour the truck and sit in the driver’s seat. It photographs well and it works for kids and adults alike.

Pirate Adventures

Ahoy, matey. For something unusual, get on board the pirate ship at Jamestown Newport Ferry. You are taken back to the days of pirates and treasure hunts. You dress up like a pirate, hunt for treasure, and fire the cannons. It will make you feel like a kid again.

Jamestown, Rhode Island is full of attractions you will not find elsewhere. Lighthouses, fire trucks or pirates, there is a version of each in this small town. So pack the bags, grab the camera, and go.

Traveling Around Jamestown

You have made it to Jamestown, Rhode Island, and you want to look around. There are plenty of ways to get about and see the sights.

First, the most popular way to move around Jamestown: driving. If you have your own car or RV, you are set. Just remember the traffic gets heavy in peak season, so avoid rush hour if you can. And photograph the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge while you are driving over it.

If you have no vehicle, there are other options. You can rent a car from a nearby city like Providence or Newport. Or, for something more active, rent a bike and take the island on two wheels. Just be ready for hilly terrain.

Another way to get about is the Newport Ferry. The ferry runs between Newport and Jamestown and opens out over the coastline. And it beats the traffic and the hunt for parking.

And for something further, take a day trip to nearby Connecticut or Massachusetts. Both are a short drive away and both run plenty to see and do.

However you get about, take the time to work through what Jamestown has. From the beaches to the downtown area, there is a version of each here.

Stay in Jamestown: Accommodations

Now that you are visiting Jamestown, you need somewhere to sleep. Jamestown runs accommodations across the range, from a luxurious resort to a small campground.

Outdoor people should take the Conanicut Marine Services Campground. On the waterfront, the campground opens out over the water and puts you next to the beach. And you fall asleep to the waves. Just bring bug spray, because the mosquitoes get busy.

For something more upscale, Club Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn is the one. The resort runs spacious suites opening out over Narragansett Bay. And there is a fitness center, a pool and a private beach. Just be warned, leaving the resort to see the rest of Jamestown gets harder.

Wherever you stay, Jamestown will hold up. So pack the bags, book the room, and go.

Shop ‘Til You Drop: Jamestown’s Shops

You have taken the beaches, hiked the trails and worked through the history of Jamestown. Now for the shopping. Jamestown runs a set of unusual shops that suit a souvenir or a gift.

Jamestown Designs

For handmade jewelry or unusual clothing, Jamestown Designs is the place. The small shop carries the work of local artists and designers, so you find things you will not see twice. And the staff make it easy to stay a while.

Secret Garden

For gardening, go to Secret Garden. The shop runs plants, flowers and gardening supplies across the range. Seasoned green thumb or complete beginner, the staff know their ground and will point you at it.

Island Books

Looking for a good read? Island Books has it. The bookstore runs a broad selection, bestsellers through to local authors. And the reading nook suits curling up with something new.

Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe

Need a break from the shopping? Stop at Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe. The baked goods menu runs things like the Bourbon Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie. And the coffee will get you back out there.

Jamestown Outdoors

Outdoor people should take Jamestown Outdoors. The shop runs outdoor gear across the range, kayaks through to camping equipment. And the staff will help you plan the next trip.

Jamestown Fish

For the freshest seafood in town, go to Jamestown Fish. The seafood market runs fresh fish, shellfish and prepared dishes. And the staff will pick the right thing for whatever you are cooking.

Whatever you are after, the shops in Jamestown have a version of it. So grab the wallet and go.

Jamestown: A Dog’s Paradise

If you own a dog, you know how hard it is to find places to take them. Jamestown solves that, with plenty of pet-friendly activities and places to visit.

First is the Beavertail Lighthouse and Park. It opens out over Narragansett Bay and it walks well with a dog. Just keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

Next is the Jamestown Dog Park on Southwest Avenue. The fenced-in area lets your dog run and play with other dogs. And there are water fountains and waste stations.

If you’re looking for a beach day, head over to Mackerel Cove Beach. Dogs are allowed on the beach before 8 am and after 6 pm during the summer months. It’s the perfect spot to let your dog run around and play in the sand.

For a scenic walk, take the Conanicut Battery National Historic Park. The 10-acre park runs trails and opens out over the bay. Dogs are allowed on the trails but must stay on a leash.

And for somewhere to stay with your dog, take the Bay Voyage Inn. The pet-friendly hotel opens out over Narragansett Bay. Just call ahead and tell them the dog is coming.

Jamestown works well with a dog, with plenty of activities and places to visit. So grab the dog and head over to this town for the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems in Jamestown, Rhode Island?

You want the quieter finds. Try the Conanicut Battery, an old fort used during the Revolutionary War. You can work through the ruins and take the views of the bay. The other one is the Jamestown Windmill, a historic windmill that still works. And you can buy freshly ground cornmeal from the gift shop.

Can you recommend any free activities in Jamestown, Rhode Island?

Free activities? Plenty. Head to Beavertail State Park, which runs hiking trails and opens out over the ocean. And take the Jamestown Fire Department Museum, a small museum covering the history of the local fire department. And with luck you get a fire truck up close.

Why is Jamestown, Rhode Island worth visiting?

Why is Jamestown worth visiting? For a start, it is a small town with real history in it. You can work through the old forts and lighthouses, or walk the main street and take the local shops. And the ocean views hold up. Sunrise or sunset, Jamestown gives you something to look at.

What are some fun facts about Jamestown, Rhode Island?

Fun facts? Jamestown was originally called Conanicut Island. The town was founded in 1678. It was named after King James II of England. And the Beavertail Lighthouse is the third-oldest lighthouse in America.

Are there any hotels in Jamestown, Rhode Island with a view?

You want a room with a view. You are in luck. The Wyndham Newport Hotel opens out over the ocean. And for something smaller, take the Jamestown Newport Ferry Wharf Bed & Breakfast, a small place with views over the harbor.

What’s the best time of year to visit Jamestown, Rhode Island?

The best time to visit Jamestown is a hard call. For warm weather and sunshine, summer is the answer. But if fall suits you better, the foliage and the sharp air are worth the trip. And winter has its own case, because the town under snow is worth seeing.

Frequently asked questions about Jamestown, Rhode Island

Which Jamestown beach works best with young children?

Mackerel Cove Beach, comfortably. The water there is calm and shallow, the sand takes a sandcastle, and it is small enough that you can see everybody at once, which is what actually matters with children. Sunset Beach is the quieter option instead of that. That one sits right at the end of a long winding road. Watch the ocean floor, because the crabs do scurry about down there.

Which Jamestown lighthouse is worth the family visit?

Beavertail Lighthouse, without question. It dates back to 1749, which makes it one of the oldest lighthouses in the country, and the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum explains the history of lighthouses in this area properly. Fort Getty out there then dates from 1890 instead of that. Rose Island Lighthouse out there is only reachable by boat. Do Beavertail first, because the museum answers what the other two raise.

Which Jamestown park costs nothing and fills a whole day?

Fort Wetherill State Park. It runs hiking, picnicking and the ruins of the fort, and it opens out over the East Passage and the Newport Bridge, which keeps older children busy while the younger ones run. Beavertail State Park then adds the picnic tables and the wide ocean views. Both of the parks keep grills out for anyone who wants to cook. Pack the lunch yourself, because that is the only real cost of it.

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