Initially owned by the Sakonnet Tribe, the town of Little Compton was later incorporated by the Plymouth Colony in 1682.
The name “Little Compton” references the Little Compton in Warwickshire, England.
In 1747, the town was named an official part of the state of Rhode Island.
Many 17th-century structures decorate the small town, as well as farms and orchards that add to its simple and peaceful image.
Check out the best things you can do in Little Compton, Rhode Island!
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You can’t possibly leave Little Compton without checking out some of its best landmarks.
Beef up your Instagram game by hanging out at Sakonnet Point and taking unparalleled shots of Sakonnet Light from a distance.
Unfortunately, the lighthouse isn’t accessible to the public, but you’ll still get a good look at it from where you are at Sakonnet Point or Sachuest Point in Middletown.
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Built in 1884, Sakonnet Light represents the collaborative efforts of the people of Little Compton to retain an integral part of their history.
The lighthouse was set for demolition after Hurricane Carol made landfall in 1954, but the locals protested, and the lighthouse was eventually sold to Carl and Carolyn Haffenreffer in 1961.
In 1983, Sakonnet Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places and was reactivated by the US Coast Guard in 1997.
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Embark on a one-of-a-kind wine-tasting journey when you visit Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard on West Main Road.
Covering 150 acres, the vineyard offers visitors indoor and outdoor seating during the wine tasting sessions, allowing them to see the entirety of the area.
You’re in for a real treat when you visit the vineyard and taste many award-winning wines you won’t find anywhere else.
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard boasts locally grown and handpicked grapes that are barrel-aged in French, Hungarian, Russian, and American oak.
From white wines a roses to red and dessert wines, you’ll definitely have a hard time picking your favorites from the menu.
Let the dry and crisp taste of the wines take you to cloud nine, and simply enjoy the calm atmosphere surrounding the vineyard.
See everything mother nature offers in Little Compton by exploring Goosewing Beach Preserve on South Shore Road.
Recognized as one of Rhode Island’s most scenic tourist spots, the preserve is also considered a historical landmark.
Admire the beauty of the coastal pond, dune system, and barrier beach nestled deep into the preserve as you watch for piping plovers and least terns.
Goosewing Beach Preserve covers 75 acres, with most of the area dedicated to bird-nesting habitats.
Everyone is free to roam around following the marked trails and enjoy the tranquil environment away from the busy streets.
Summer days are a tad bit better in Rhode Island, particularly in Little Compton’s South Shore Beach.
Sitting at the edge of Buzzards Bay, the beach makes an excellent destination for tourists and locals who want to soak up the sun and go for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.
You can even catch some waves on your visit if you’re lucky, or you can always sit back and watch the sunset as a way to end the fun-filled day.
If you’re planning to visit South Shore Beach in the spring, have your fishing equipment on hand because you’ll definitely catch a couple of swimmers.
Walk a couple of miles more, and you’ll eventually reach Goosewing Beach Preserve, which sits on the shores of Quicksand Pond.
Enjoy the sound of running water, rustling leaves, and the whistling of the wind when you go to Simmons Mill Pond.
Revel in the company of the quaint forest as you relax with nature’s greatest wonders, sipping on your favorite drink while reading a book.
Simmons Mill Pond and its surrounding area are famous hiking spots for those who enjoy exploring the wilderness.
If you’re looking to do something more adventurous, you can try archery hunting for some pheasants, quails, and white-tailed deer.
The coastal maritime oak-holly forest is also home to the Southern flying squirrel, which can catch your eye if you’re lucky enough to spot one during your stay.
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Take a step back from your busy schedule and slow down to see the wonders of nature at the Dundery Brook Trail along Meetinghouse Lane.
The small nature preserve takes you on a mini-adventure across a wetland and open meadow that you’ll see as you stand on the boardwalk.
The Dundery Brook Trail is relatively short, but the distance is perfectly suitable even for young children who enjoy exploring the great outdoors.
Get a good look at the blooming wildflowers scattered across the forested wetlands, and take your sweet time watching migratory birds flock to the area in the spring.
The boardwalk trail will also take you through various wetland habitats inhabited by different creatures depending on the season.
Surfing has always been popular, but it transcends to a new level at Gnome Surf on South Shore Beach.
This non-profit organization introduces customers to the relaxing activity of surf therapy, which uses the ocean’s therapeutic elements to improve mental well-being.
Surround yourself with positive energy as you experience the calming effects of surf therapy and yoga while in Little Compton.
You can also enroll in Gnome Surf’s surfing lessons if you want to feel the rush of riding the waves.
Find your groove and discover your surfer’s stroke during these hour-long sessions, and you’ll master the art of surfing in no time.
See what makes Little Compton one of the best places to live when you check out the activities at the community center on Commons Street.
The Little Compton Community Center hosts events and programs that unite locals and tourists, from luncheons and concerts to anniversary celebrations.
Swing by the center, and get a good look at what a day in the life looks like for the residents of Little Compton.
Grab a bite of local dishes and favorites while jamming to your favorite songs.
The Little Compton Community Center also hosts various inclusive activities for all ages, including children, such as summer camps and movie nights that are sure to be fun for everyone.
Pick fresh ingredients for your next meal when you stop by Young Family Farm along West Main Road.
Explore the 300-acre farm, and find everything you need to cook your favorite meal.
If you’re planning to drop by sometime in autumn, join in on the fun during the annual Apple Festival.
After spending a day in the fields, order from the Farmer’s Pantry and satisfy your cravings for sweet and savory dishes.
Choose from a wide selection of pies, pizzas, baked goods, quiches, and much more.
Experience what it’s like to live on a farm when you book a weekend getaway at Harmony Home Farm on Long Highway.
This bed and breakfast offers guests the chance to spend a quiet and relaxing vacation away from the busy streets just a few miles away from South Shore Beach.
Let the simple and serene atmosphere take you back to the yesteryears.
During your stay, you might even meet Silverado and Munchins, a pony and Nigerian dwarf goat that are popular among customers.
Choose between Harmony Home Farm’s Vernon Room and Brady Cottage, and enjoy various outdoor activities such as swimming, biking, and hiking.
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Make your way to West Main Road, and you’ll reach the Wilbor House, one of the many significant places you’ll find around the city.
Built in 1690 for the Wilbor family, the estate now serves as a restored museum complex that lets tourists step back in time and see what it was like to live during the early years when phones hadn’t existed.
As you tour the complex, you’ll see that the farmhouse remains intact, as well as outbuildings like corn cribs, barns, and carriage houses.
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You’re sure to feel like you’re living in a house you’ve only seen in movies.
Hear the creaking floorboards, check out the brick fireplace and oven, and see how the Wilbor family went about daily life.
The Wilbor House also serves as the official headquarters of the Little Compton Historical Society.
Not everyone is gifted with the ability to grow their own plants, so if you want to know if you’re one of the lucky people who can, swing by Peckham’s Greenhouse on West Main Road.
Established in 1886, the family-owned greenhouse offers customers some of the best plants in the city, as well as expert care tips and products.
Admire the smell of fresh sunflowers, daisies, and other plants when you step inside the greenhouse.
Choose from myriad species to bring home for yourself or your loved ones.
You’ll find a variety of flowering annuals, bedding plants, house plants, and tropicals that are sure to spice up your home with their intricate styles and colors.
You can even purchase potted herbs and veggies from Peckham’s Greenhouse, or you can opt to get perennials, shrubs, and trees to plant in your garden.
Begin your day with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a hearty breakfast at the Simmons Cafe before exploring the streets of Little Compton.
The cafe is located on Randall Road and doubles as a fresh produce market.
Breathe in the smell of fresh brews and baked goods as you walk inside, and admire the dainty look and atmosphere inside the shop.
If you think the cafe only serves food and drinks, think again because adorning the walls are intricate art pieces accompanied by music in the background.
Enjoy a plate of your breakfast sandwich, salad, soups du jour, and a whole lot more at Simmons Cafe.
Little Compton lives up to its image of having an abundance of farms and other agricultural areas, and Old Stone Orchard is only one of the many orchards you’ll find while you’re in town.
Located on Cole Brook Road, the orchard has been in business since 1988, when it started as a high-density orchard.
For many guests, apple and pumpkin picking are everyday activities they enjoy while exploring the orchard.
You’ll also come across a blooming sunflower field during your visit, which makes for a great background when taking your photos.
Old Stone Orchard also has goats, chickens, pigs, and other farm animals that might even greet you on your visit.
Are you craving for some hearty and satisfying meals?
Head to R.L. Flounders along Pottersville Road to taste Little Compton’s finest dishes.
The restaurant and tavern feature a wide selection of American favorites that are just too good not to share with your friends and family.
Start with a serving of fried buffalo cheese bites before moving on to favorite entrees like chicken pot pie, Mozambique, rye-crusted salmon, and stuffed flounder.
Enjoy a slice of their flourless chocolate cake and white bread pudding for dessert.
R.L. Flounders also has Friday acoustic sessions in the evening, so you might want to stick around to catch some live performances.
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Along the intersection of Main Street, Adamsville Road, and Old Harbor Road sits the Rhode Island Red Monument, one of the many landmarks you’ll see in Little Compton.
The monument commemorates the state bird, the Rhode Island Red.
You’ll likely see a metal chicken sculpture embedded in a rock with some inscriptions below the image.
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The monument was sculpted by Henry L. Norton and was inspired by a memorial for an apple in Winterset, Iowa.
Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, the establishment of the Rhode Island Red Monument was a team effort from the Rhode Island Red Club of America.
The town of Little Compton may be small, but it’s certainly packed with adventures waiting to be experienced by tourists like you.
So to make the most of your trip, stick to this list of the best things to do in Little Compton, Rhode Island, and you’re all set.
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