Rhode Island’s coastline folds in on itself, revealing inlets, headlands, and neighborhoods that feel lightly held by time. In a state just 48 miles long, solitude isn’t found through distance—it’s shaped by geography. A curve in the road, a bend in the shore, a stone wall flanked by salt marsh. You pass through Bonnet Shores and Quonochontaug not to arrive somewhere spectacular, but to realize you’ve already arrived.
These ten coastal neighborhoods aren’t tourist magnets or destinations curated for show. They are places with limited signage, small post offices, local docks, and homes that weather decades rather than trends. You’ll find communities that keep to themselves—not out of indifference, but because they’re busy living close to the water, with its changes and quiet rituals. Oyster beds, ferry slips, walking paths where gulls outnumber people.
Rhode Island is called the Ocean State for good reason. With over 400 miles of tidal edge, even its smallest communities are rarely far from water. But here, it’s the kind of water access that matters: narrow, personal, sometimes tidal, and often privately known.
This list doesn’t claim hidden treasure or offer sweeping discovery. It points to places that resist scale and reward return visits—where what’s considered “secluded” isn’t about being far away, but simply being left alone.
10. Watch Hill – An Exclusive Seaside Escape
Watch Hill, located in Westerly, is an upscale coastal neighborhood known for its historic charm and stunning ocean views. The community has a small year-round population, with seasonal residents increasing during summer.
The area offers a variety of activities, including visiting the famous Flying Horse Carousel, exploring Napatree Point, and enjoying boutique shopping in the village center. The primary industries revolve around tourism, hospitality, and small-scale fishing, with luxury real estate also playing a significant role.
Watch Hill is known for its exclusivity, featuring large, private homes and limited public access to its pristine beaches. Its seclusion is enhanced by its geographic location on a narrow peninsula, making it a peaceful retreat away from more crowded tourist destinations.
Where is Watch Hill?
Watch Hill is located in southwestern Rhode Island, at the farthest point of Westerly along the coastline. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Little Narragansett Bay, providing a secluded coastal environment.
The neighborhood is accessible via Route 1 and Watch Hill Road, which leads directly into the village. Its remote yet scenic location ensures a quiet and luxurious seaside experience.
9. Saunderstown – A Historic Waterfront Village
Saunderstown is a small, unincorporated village that spans the towns of Narragansett and North Kingstown. The population remains relatively low, contributing to its peaceful and close-knit feel.
Residents and visitors enjoy various activities, such as exploring the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum, hiking along the Narrow River, or sailing on Narragansett Bay. The area has a rich maritime history, with fishing and boating still playing a role in the local economy.
Saunderstown’s seclusion comes from its lack of major commercial development, ensuring a quiet and residential atmosphere. The tree-lined streets, waterfront views, and historical homes make it a serene and picturesque place to live or visit.
Where is Saunderstown?
Saunderstown is located along the western shore of Narragansett Bay, between the towns of Narragansett and North Kingstown. It is tucked away from major highways, with access via Route 1A and Tower Hill Road.
The peaceful surroundings and lack of heavy traffic make it feel more secluded than other waterfront communities. Visitors can reach it by car, with the Jamestown Bridge nearby providing a scenic route to the village.
8. Conimicut – A Hidden Gem Along Narragansett Bay
Conimicut is a quiet coastal neighborhood within the city of Warwick, known for its historic lighthouse and picturesque shoreline. The community has a small residential population, giving it a quaint, small-town feel despite being part of a larger city.
Locals and visitors can enjoy waterfront walks at Conimicut Point Park, fishing along the bay, and kayaking in the calm coastal waters. While Warwick has a mix of industries, Connecticut remains primarily residential, with small businesses serving the local population.
Its seclusion is due to its positioning at the tip of a narrow peninsula, keeping it tucked away from busier parts of the city. The neighborhood’s charming, well-preserved homes and quiet streets contribute to its appeal as a coastal retreat.
Where is Conimicut?
Conimicut is located in Warwick, on the western shore of Narragansett Bay. It is accessible via West Shore Road, which leads directly into the neighborhood from the city center.
The area’s peaceful character comes from its limited traffic and its natural coastal barriers. Visitors can reach Conimicut by taking Interstate 95 to Warwick and then following local roads east toward the waterfront.
7. Bonnet Shores – Coastal Living with Secluded Beaches
Bonnet Shores in Narragansett is a charming coastal neighborhood known for its quiet streets and beautiful beaches. With its mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors, the community maintains a peaceful atmosphere even during peak summer months.
The approximate population is modest, contributing to its close-knit feel. Residents enjoy access to private beaches, making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing without the crowds.
The area also offers opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and enjoying the natural coastal landscape. Bonnet Shores encapsulates the essence of relaxed seaside living away from urban centers.
Where is Bonnet Shores?
Situated on the west side of Narragansett Bay, Bonnet Shores is easily accessible yet feels worlds apart. It’s located north of Narragansett Pier and is bordered by the Pettaquamscutt River to the west. To get there, you can take Route 1A and turn onto Bonnet Shores Road, which leads directly into the neighborhood.
The geography includes rolling hills and sweeping views of the bay, enhancing its secluded ambiance. Its proximity to major roads and its tucked-away setting make it convenient and peacefully isolated.
6. Jerusalem – Narragansett’s Hidden Fishing Village
Jerusalem is a quaint fishing village on the western side of the Point Judith Harbor of Refuge in Narragansett. Despite its proximity to popular tourist destinations, Jerusalem remains a quiet enclave with a small population of locals who cherish the seaside tranquility.
The neighborhood is characterized by rustic charm, with fishing boats docked along the piers and open ocean views. Activities in the area include fishing, walking along the harbor, and enjoying fresh seafood at local eateries.
The laid-back atmosphere and maritime heritage make Jerusalem a unique and secluded spot on the Rhode Island coast.
Where is Jerusalem?
Jerusalem is situated in Narragansett, directly across the harbor from Galilee, accessible via Succotash Road. Its geography is interesting because it’s only accessible by land through South Kingstown, adding to its secluded feel.
To get there, drive south on Route 1 and take the East Matunuck exit onto Succotash Road, following it to the village. The journey includes passing through marshlands and along the edge of salt ponds, offering scenic views before arriving at this hidden coastal community.
5. Quonochontaug – Coastal Privacy at Its Finest
Quonochontaug, often called “Quonnie,” is a serene coastal neighborhood in Charlestown known for its rolling dunes and private beaches. With a small year-round population, it offers a secluded environment where residents can enjoy the undisturbed natural beauty of the seaside.
The area features traditional New England cottages and spacious properties tucked among the dunes and maritime forests. Activities include beachcombing, swimming, and boating on the salt pond and the Atlantic Ocean.
Quonnie’s understated elegance and commitment to preserving its natural surroundings make it a cherished getaway for those seeking coastal privacy.
Where is Quonochontaug?
Quonochontaug lies between Westerly and South Kingstown in Charlestown, along Route 1A. Its geography includes Quonochontaug Pond and the barrier beach separating the pond from the ocean.
To reach Quonnie, you can take Route 1 to West Beach Road or East Beach Road, leading directly into the neighborhood. The area’s secluded nature is enhanced by limited public access points and the absence of commercial development, ensuring a peaceful experience for visitors and residents alike.
4. Weekapaug – Quintessential New England Seclusion
Weekapaug is a picturesque coastal village in Westerly that embodies the quintessential charm of New England’s seaside communities. Known for its classic shingled cottages and pristine beaches, Weekapaug offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
With a small population primarily consisting of summer residents, the village maintains a quiet ambiance throughout the year. Activities in Weekapaug include beach walks, sailing, and enjoying the coastline’s natural beauty.
The area’s commitment to preserving its traditional character and limiting commercial development contributes to its secluded and timeless atmosphere.
Where is Weekapaug?
Situated in the southwestern part of Rhode Island, Weekapaug is located along the Atlantic Ocean in Westerly. It’s accessed via Noyes Neck Road off Route 1A, which winds through scenic landscapes before reaching the village.
The geography features barrier beaches, tidal ponds, and granite rock formations, adding to its unique coastal environment. The lack of through traffic and discreet signage enhances its hidden gem status, making it a serene destination for those seeking an authentic New England seaside experience.
3. Matunuck – South Shore’s Seaside Serenity
Matunuck is a tranquil seaside neighborhood in South Kingstown known for its relaxed atmosphere and scenic coastline. Its spacious lots and mix of quaint cottages and modern homes provide a serene setting for both residents and visitors. The population is modest, contributing to the area’s quiet charm.
Activities in Matunuck include visiting the local beaches, surfing, and enjoying live music at the famous Ocean Mist beachfront bar. The neighborhood’s blend of natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle make it a beloved spot along Rhode Island’s South Shore.
Where is Matunuck?
Located along the southern coast of Rhode Island, Matunuck is accessible via Matunuck Beach Road off Route 1. The area is characterized by its sandy beaches, coastal ponds, and views of Block Island on clear days.
To get there, drive south on Route 1 and take the Matunuck Beach Road exit, which leads directly to the shoreline. The geography includes barrier beaches and salt ponds, providing diverse ecosystems and peaceful surroundings.
Matunuck’s secluded feel is enhanced by its distance from major highways and the expansive open spaces surrounding it.
2. Plum Beach – A Quiet Coastal Community
Plum Beach is a small, secluded neighborhood in North Kingstown, offering stunning views of Narragansett Bay. The community has a low year-round population, with many homes used as summer residences. The area includes sailing, clamming, and relaxing on the quiet shoreline.
Plum Beach has no major industries, making it a true residential retreat focusing on leisure and natural beauty. Its seclusion comes from its limited road access and location near the Jamestown Bridge, keeping it away from busier areas.
Residents enjoy privacy and a close connection to the bay, making it one of Rhode Island’s most peaceful waterfront communities.
Where is Plum Beach?
Plum Beach is in North Kingstown, just west of the Jamestown Bridge. It is set apart from commercial centers and accessible via Route 1A and Plum Beach Road.
The neighborhood’s natural boundaries and lack of public facilities make it feel tucked away from the rest of the state. Visitors can reach Plum Beach by taking Route 138 toward the bridge and following signs for the quiet coastal area.
1. Point Judith – A Classic New England Fishing Village
Point Judith, located in Narragansett, is a coastal neighborhood known for its historic lighthouse and active fishing industry. The population is small, with many residents working in the fishing trade or seasonal tourism.
Visitors can explore the Point Judith Lighthouse, take a ferry to Block Island, or enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants. Fishing and tourism are the main industries, with commercial fishing boats regularly departing from the harbor.
Its seclusion comes from its position at the southernmost tip of Narragansett, surrounded by water on three sides. The strong coastal winds and rugged shoreline add to its remote and maritime character.
Where is Point Judith?
Point Judith is in the southernmost part of Narragansett, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. It is accessible via Route 108, which leads south from the town center toward the lighthouse and ferry terminal.
Due to its coastal geography, the neighborhood feels isolated, with few roads leading in or out. Visitors can reach it by taking Route 1 to Narragansett and following Route 108 to the shoreline.
