Little Compton Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the picturesque coast of Rhode Island, the charming town of Little Compton offers a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its quaint New England charm and rich historical heritage, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a relaxing and authentic experience.

One of the town's main attractions is the stunning South Shore Beach. With its pristine sandy shores and clear blue waters, it is the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. Nature enthusiasts will also appreciate the nearby Goosewing Beach Preserve, a protected area known for its diverse bird species and scenic hiking trails.

For history buffs, a visit to the Wilbor House Museum is a must. This beautifully preserved colonial-era house offers a glimpse into the town's past, showcasing period furnishings and artifacts that tell the story of Little Compton's early settlers. The surrounding grounds, with their lush gardens and tranquil atmosphere, are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Food lovers will be delighted by the town's culinary offerings. Little Compton is known for its fresh seafood, and there are several charming restaurants that serve up delectable dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're craving a lobster roll, clam chowder, or a plate of freshly caught fish, you'll find it here.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the local galleries and studios that showcase the work of talented local artists. From paintings and sculptures to ceramics and jewelry, there is something to suit every taste. Visitors can even take part in workshops and classes to learn new artistic skills.

No trip to Little Compton would be complete without a visit to the Sakonnet Vineyards. This picturesque winery offers guided tours and tastings, allowing visitors to sample their award-winning wines while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.

Alternative names: Settled: 1675Area: 28.9 mi²Elevation: 89 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 41°30'40"N, 71°10'25"W

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Rhode IslandUnited States

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Little Compton Top Attractions

Little Compton Attractions - What to See and Explore

Little Compton offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Rhode Island Red Monument, Wilbor House, Gray's Store, Sakonnet Light. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Monuments and statues • Memorial
Rhode Island Red Monument
The Rhode Island Red Monument in the hamlet of Adamsville of Little Compton, Rhode Island, at the intersection of Main Street, Adamsville Road, and Old Harbor Road, commemorates the Rhode Island Red breed of chicken, Rhode Island's state bird.
History museum • Museum • Georgian architecture
Wilbor House
The Wilbor House is a historic house museum at 548 West Main Road in Little Compton, Rhode Island, and currently serves as the headquarters of the Little Compton Historical Society.
Shop
Gray's Store
Gray's General Store is a general store located at 4 Main Street in Adamsville, Rhode Island. Founded in 1788, it operated for almost 225 years and was reputed to be the oldest continually operating general store in the United States.

Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Sakonnet Light
Sakonnet Light, built in 1884, is a sparkplug lighthouse near Sakonnet Point, Little Compton, Rhode Island, on the eastern side of the state. The light was deactivated in 1954 after Hurricane Carol and was going to be destroyed, but local citizens protested, and eventually Carl and Carolyn Haffenreffer bought the lighthouse in 1961.
Church
Friends Meeting House and Cemetery
The Friends Meeting House and Cemetery is a historic Quaker meeting house and cemetery at 228A W. Main Road in Little Compton, Rhode Island.
41°32'37"N • 71°10'9"W
William Whalley Homestead
The William Whalley Homestead is an historic farmstead in Little Compton, Rhode Island. The main house is a 1+1⁄2-story wood-frame structure, probably built sometime between 1815 and 1830.
41°27'58"N • 71°11'11"W
Stone House Inn
The Stone House Inn, also known as the David Sisson House, located at 122 Sakonnet Point Road in Little Compton, Rhode Island, is a large four-story fieldstone residence – built in 1854 for David Sisson, a Providence-based industrialist – and its associated c.1886 barn.
41°30'35"N • 71°10'25"W
Brownell Library
Library

Day trips

Little Compton – popular in the area (distance from the center)

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

7 miSW
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.
19 milesNW
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.
7.4 miW
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.
18 milesW
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...
16 milesNE
Park, Historical place, National park
New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, New Bedford
Nestled in the historic heart of New Bedford, Massachusetts, the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's storied past as the world's preeminent whaling port during the 19th century.