The charming colonial homes of Wickford, Rhode Island, are what make it one of the cutest small towns in America. Even if you aren’t a history buff, you’ll instantly be swept off your feet with this tiny town’s picturesque streets, cozy coffee shops, waterfront views, and historic colonial homes. And because of its small size, it makes for the perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

Wickford, Rhode Island, is One of the Cutest Small Towns in America

Wickford, Rhode Island, is a wee of a place that resides in the country’s smallest state. Nestled along the western shore of Narragansett Bay, the small town is packed full, but not in an overwhelming way, of cafes, bookstores, boutique shops, and quaint tree-lined streets that reveal America’s history. Named the best historic small town by USA Today, Wickford Village feels frozen in time as one of the oldest preserved colonial villages in New England and the country. 

We hope this visual storybook will inspire you to explore the colorful streets of Wickford, whether you’re there to snap a photo, grab a coffee, or enjoy an afternoon of tea. 

The Colorful Colonial Houses of Wickford

No matter which street corner you turn, you’ll instantly understand why we think Wickford is one of the cutest small towns in America. Wickford Village boasts one of the largest collections of well-preserved colonial homes in the Northeast; we would even argue in the entire country. Nearly 200 historic homes and buildings reside within the designated Historic Wickford Village. 13 historic markers are well-marked within the “Wickford Walk,” a self-guided tour you can find online and in town.

Throughout town, the historic homes are marked with a plaque stating when the house was established, who it was built for, or what it was used for. Many of the most decadent homes that dot the “Grand Highway” (now Pleasant and Bay Streets) were built in the 1700s and 1800s. Unless you have specific homes and buildings in mind, we suggest grabbing your camera and walking where the wind takes you. Whether it was the bright colors, quintessential New England shaker shutters, or the decorative front doors that feel inviting no matter your taste, here are the most photogenic homes we came across to help you get started.

Exact addresses can be found using this Google Maps of Wickford.

Take our visual tour of Wickford:

Gardner’s Wharf

Wickford’s waterfront heritage remains evident throughout the village. The Narragansett Bay was once bustling with ships engaged in the West Indies trade. It’s now home to a popular seafood market (Gardner’s Wharf Seafood) and recreational sailboats and fishing vessels bobbing against the backdrop of colonial history. I found it to be the perfect spot to enjoy a lazy afternoon, taking in the views. 

Other things to do in Wickford, Rhode Island

While you could fill your day admiring this small town’s colonial history, there are other things to do in Wickford. Local shops, cafes, and eateries occupy centuries-old buildings, offering everything from maritime antiques and local art to freshly caught seafood and afternoon tea.

Waterfront dining in Wickford

Give me waterfront, alfresco dining anytime when visiting the coast. For a seafood-focused lunch, I stopped in at Wickford on the Water, a family-owned restaurant that offered all the New England charm of weathered cedar shingles, fresh seafood, and my choice of lobster rolls. Almost impossible to decide, I tried both the New England lobster roll (cold) and the Wickford lobster roll (hot). Not a decision I regretted at all, especially when pairing it with a prosciutto and burrata salad.

I didn’t eat at Micky’s Pizza, but the building was so cute, I had to take a photo.

Afternoon Tea

Because the English love their tea, it would make sense that this New England town would have a tea cottage. Sweet Maria’s Tea Cottage hosts afternoon tea gatherings (reservations required) where you can indulge in the timeless tradition of afternoon tea. An exceptional menu of options already has me planning my next trip back to Wickford for high tea.

Scenic shopping

You’ll find almost any kind of specialty store in Wickford, each of them tucked inside a quaint historic building. Brown Street is where you’ll find most shops, as well as a few on Main Street. This is where I spotted my favorite little shopping corner—The Avis Block. This building has been a prominent fixture in Wickford since 1851. The brownstone-trimmed, brick commercial building is one of the many reasons Wickford is one of the cutest small towns in America.

For those who appreciate the quieter, more contemplative side of travel, we think you’ll love the charming small town of Wickford. And for travelers seeking an alternative to the summer crowds of Newport, Wickford offers a peaceful retreat filled with history and beauty.

For more, visit Wickford Village.