Located on Conanicut Island, Jamestown is truly an island town and is the sole municipality on the island.

Situated on Narragansett Bay between Newport and Saunderstown, it can be accessed by bridge or boat. Many find the small town quality very appealing and have managed to keep it unspoiled by controlling development and excessive commercialism. The village center located on its harbor has a few shops and restaurants, banks and a grocery store.

Jamestown, like all the other communities in Newport County, has extensive shoreline both public and private. There are scenic state owned parklands surrounding the Beavertail Lighthouse – a favorite destination of bikers, hikers, and picnickers – who enjoy this beautiful spot on the southern end of the island.

In addition to being a coastal community, Jamestown has an agrarian past and much of the farmland has been preserved through the efforts of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.