Jamestown Travel Guide

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Facts and practical information

Located on the picturesque Conanicut Island in Rhode Island, Jamestown is a charming town that offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. With its stunning coastal landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant community, Jamestown is a hidden gem in the United States.

One of the main attractions in Jamestown is Beavertail State Park, a stunning natural reserve that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore the park's rocky coastline, go hiking on the various trails, or simply relax on the sandy beaches. The iconic Beavertail Lighthouse, built in 1856, stands proudly at the park's tip and offers a glimpse into the area's maritime history.

For history buffs, a visit to Fort Wetherill State Park is a must. This former military fort, dating back to the late 19th century, provides an opportunity to explore the underground tunnels and artillery batteries. The park's elevated location offers panoramic views of Narragansett Bay, making it a popular spot for picnics and photography.

Jamestown also boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Jamestown Arts Center showcases local and regional artists, hosting exhibitions, performances, and workshops throughout the year. The town's quaint downtown area is dotted with art galleries, boutiques, and charming cafes, providing the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of outdoor activities in Jamestown. The town is surrounded by pristine beaches, making it an ideal destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The nearby Beavertail State Park and Fort Getty Park also offer opportunities for camping, fishing, and birdwatching.

Jamestown's close proximity to Newport, another renowned Rhode Island destination, allows visitors to easily explore the famous Newport Mansions, visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the Cliff Walk.

Alternative names: Population: 5.8 thous.Area: 35.3 mi²Elevation: 36 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°30'0"N, 71°22'6"W

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Rhode IslandUnited States

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Jamestown Top Attractions

Jamestown Attractions - What to See and Explore

Jamestown offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fort Wetherill, Jamestown Windmill, Fort Wetherill State Park, Friends Meetinghouse. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Forts and castles • South End
Fort Wetherill
Fort Wetherill is a former coast artillery fort that occupies the southern portion of the eastern tip of Conanicut Island in Jamestown, Rhode Island. It sits atop high granite cliffs, overlooking the entrance to Narragansett Bay.
Museum • Historical place
Jamestown Windmill
The Jamestown Windmill is a smock mill in Jamestown, Rhode Island within the Windmill Hill Historic District on North Road north of Weeden Lane. The 30-foot high windmill was built in 1787 to grind corn after the British occupational forces destroyed the previous mill around the time of the Battle of Rhode Island. It operated until 1896.
Park • State park • Regional park
Fort Wetherill State Park
Fort Wetherill State Park is a public recreation area occupying 61.5 acres at the southeastern tip of Conanicut Island in the town of Jamestown, Rhode Island. The state park sits on the East Passage of Narragansett Bay opposite Fort Adams State Park.

Church
Friends Meetinghouse
The Conanicut Friends Meetinghouse is a historic Quaker meeting house at the junction of North Road and Weeden Lane in Jamestown, Rhode Island.
Museum • Classes and workshops • Civic center
Arts Center
Jamestown Art Center is a non-profit arts organization with a gallery, art studios, education facilities, and event space in a renovated boat repair shop, located at 18 Valley Street in Jamestown, Rhode Island.
Museum • Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Beavertail Lighthouse
Beavertail Lighthouse was built in 1856 and is the premier lighthouse in Rhode Island, marking the entrance to Narragansett Bay.
Park • Beavertail
Fort Getty
Fort Getty is a town park in Jamestown, Rhode Island, on Conanicut Island in Narragansett Bay. From 1900 through World War II it was a military fort. The Town of Jamestown later received the property and opened it as a park, primarily a campground.
Museum • History museum
Jamestown Museum
Jamestown Museum is a local history museum which tells the history of Jamestown, Rhode Island and is run by the Jamestown Historical Society. The Jamestown Historical Society founded the museum in the current building in 1971.
Vernacular architecture • Lighthouse
Conanicut Island Light
Conanicut Island Light, built in 1886, is an inactive lighthouse in Jamestown, Rhode Island. The light was built primarily to assist the ferry between Jamestown and Newport, Rhode Island. The lighthouse lies on the northern tip of Conanicut Island in Jamestown. The light was deactivated in 1933 and its lantern was removed.
Park • Cemetery
Artillery Park
The Artillery Park is an historic cemetery at North Road and Narragansett Avenue in Jamestown, Rhode Island. It is located at a high point on the southern part of Conanicut Island. It was originally laid out in 1656 as a burying ground and militia training ground, but appears to have been used as a burying ground only since the 1740s.
41°29'46"N • 71°23'6"W
Dutch Harbor Boat Yard
Sailing • Marina
41°31'27"N • 71°22'30"W
Watson Farm
Museum • Farm • Historical place
Forts and castles • Beavertail
Conanicut Battery
The Conanicut Battery is a colonial and 20th century military battery in Jamestown, Rhode Island, west of Beaver Tail Road. The site offers a commanding view of the West Passage of Narragansett Bay.
41°29'47"N • 71°22'14"W
Jamestown Fire Department Memorial Museum
Museum • History museum
41°29'12"N • 71°23'42"W
Fort Getty Park
Park • Beavertail
Museum • Vernacular architecture
Watson Farm
Watson Farm in Jamestown, Rhode Island, United States, was established in 1789. Job Watson purchased a piece of the farmland, and for the next two centuries, five successive generations of the Watson family cultivated the land, changing their crops and practices as needed to adapt to the evolving market.
41°28'34"N • 71°22'32"W
Horsehead–Marbella
Horsehead/Marbella is an historic summer house at 240 Highland Drive in Jamestown, Rhode Island. Occupying a spectacular setting on a southerly-projecting peninsula, this Shingle style house and carriage house were designed by Charles L.
Neighbourhood • Colonial architecture
Shoreby Hill Historic District
The Shoreby Hill Historic District encompasses a major residential subdivision north of the central business district of Jamestown, Rhode Island. The 58-acre district was farmland until the late 19th century, and was laid out in two phases.
41°29'51"N • 71°22'27"W
Jamestown Philomenian Library
Library • Jamestown Village

Day trips

Jamestown – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Jamestown, it's worth seeing attractions such as: The Breakers (Newport), Crescent Park Looff Carousel (Providence/East Providence), The Elms (Newport).

4.2 miSE
Opulent, late-1800s Vanderbilt mansion
The Breakers, Newport
Nestled along the picturesque cliffs of Newport, Rhode Island, The Breakers stands as a testament to the opulence of the Gilded Age. This palatial mansion, completed in 1895, was the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family.
18 milesN
Amusement, Amusement park, Historical place
Crescent Park Looff Carousel, Providence/East Providence
The Crescent Park Looff Carousel, a jewel of craftsmanship and amusement history, stands proudly in the city of East Providence, Rhode Island, United States. This exquisite carousel, created by master carver Charles I. D.
3.4 miSE
Museum, History museum, Vernacular architecture
The Elms, Newport
The Elms is a grandiose mansion nestled in the picturesque city of Newport, Rhode Island. This palatial summer residence, completed in 1901, stands as a testament to the opulence and luxury that characterized America's Gilded Age.
8.4 miW
Winter sport, Park, Outdoor activities
Yawgoo Valley, Exeter
Tucked away in the serene town of Exeter, Rhode Island, Yawgoo Valley holds the distinction of being the state's sole ski resort. This charming winter destination offers a cozy and intimate alternative to the larger resorts found in neighboring states, making it a...
4.2 miSE
Opulent Beaux-Arts style mansion
Marble House, Newport
Marble House, a Gilded Age mansion located at 596 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, was built from 1888 to 1892 as a summer cottage for Alva and William Kissam Vanderbilt and was designed by Richard Morris Hunt in the Beaux Arts style.

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Best Time To Visit Jamestown

Learn when is the best time to travel to Jamestown weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in March, April, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Jamestown?

The top attractions to visit in Jamestown are:

What is the best time to visit Jamestown?

June, July, August and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Jamestown Travel Guide

Facts and practical information

Jamestown Attractions - What to See and Explore

Jamestown plan & book

Jamestown – popular in the area (distance from the center)

Best Time To Visit Jamestown

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Jamestown?

What is the best time to visit Jamestown?