Newport is a historic coastal city known for its stunning waterfront, Gilded Age mansions, and maritime heritage. It is a charming and welcoming city and the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. In this travel guide, you find tips on where to eat and stay during your visit. You will also find all of the best things to do and see as well as a sample travel itinerary to help plan your adventure.
When to Go
Summer is the peak tourist season in Newport. The weather is generally warm, and many events and festivals take place during this time. It’s an excellent season for sailing, exploring the beaches, and enjoying outdoor activities. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher accommodation prices. Fall and spring are also lovely times to visit Newport. The weather remains pleasant and the trees and flowers burst with color. Winter in Newport is quieter, with fewer tourists. While the weather can be cold, it’s a peaceful time to explore the historic sites. However, keep in mind that some businesses and attractions may have reduced hours or be closed during the winter months.
Where to Stay
Staying in the heart of downtown Newport along Thames Street puts you amid the city’s vibrant atmosphere. You’ll have easy access to shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Keep in mind that this area can be lively, especially during the summer months. Good options in downtown Newport include Bouchard Restaurant and Inn, The Francis Malbone House, and Harborside Inn. Another good option is the Historic Hill area, which is known for its charming cobblestone streets and historic homes. It offers a quieter atmosphere while still being within walking distance of downtown attractions. Good options in the Historic Hill area include Serenity Inn Newport and Mill Street Inn.
Where to Eat
Newport offers a diverse culinary scene with seafood playing a prominent role. From waterfront seafood shacks to upscale restaurants, there are plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. This is in no way an exhaustive list of Newport restaurants but rather several excellent options to choose from.
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
This seafood restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are highly recommended. Restaurant patrons highly praise the “bag o donuts” (aka lobster-shrimp fritters), clam chowder, and lobster roll. With over three thousand reviews on Google, Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar has an overall rating of 4.5.
The Red Parrot Restaurant
This American-style restaurant has a wide menu of food options including seafood, pizza, pasta, salads, and sandwiches. With over four thousand reviews on Google, the restaurant has a rating of 4.4. Many of the reviews praise the clam chowder, lobster bisque, and lobster roll. The Red Parrot Restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant does not accept reservations.
Sardella’s Italian Restaurant
This warm and inviting restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes. Each room of the restaurant offers a unique and romantic country setting. The restaurant has almost one thousand reviews on Google with a total rating of 4.4. The Neapolitan-style pizza is some of the best that we have had in the States. Full disclosure – we ate here twice during our Newport trip. Sardella’s is open for dinner only and reservations are highly recommended.
Diego’s
Diego’s serves west-coast style Mexican food and has nearly 1,500 reviews on Google with a total rating of 4.3. Many of the reviews praise the restaurant’s nachos, margaritas, and guacamole. The menu has both vegan and vegetarian options. Diego’s is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner Saturday through Monday. For the remainder of the week, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended.
Midtown Oyster Bar
This restaurant offers a fresh selection of seafood plus the largest raw bar in Newport. With nearly two thousand reviews on Google, Midtown Oyster Bar has a total rating of 4.4. Reviewers praise the restaurant’s raw bar platters and the lobster rolls. Midtown Oyster Bar is open daily for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended.
Benjamin’s
Benjamin’s offers fresh seafood, steak, and a raw bar with views of the harbor. The restaurant has over 1,500 reviews on Google and a total rating of 4.3. Many of the reviews praise the restaurant’s oysters. Benjamin’s is open Thursday through Tuesday for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended.
Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant
This restaurant offers pub-style comfort food, seafood, steak, and modern cuisine. The restaurant has nearly four thousand reviews on Google and a total rating of 4.6. Many of the reviews praise the fresh and well-stocked salad bar, lobster roll, and clam chowder. Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant is open daily for both lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended.
22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille
This prime steakhouse not only offers steak but also fresh, local seafood with waterfront views. The restaurant has a little over one thousand reviews on Google with a total rating of 4.4. Many of the reviews praise the clam chowder, calamari, and scallops. 22 Bowen’s is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are highly recommended.
What to See and Do
Newport Mansions
The Newport Mansions are a collection of grand historic homes built during the Gilded Age, a period of immense wealth and opulence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These mansions served as summer retreats for some of America’s wealthiest families, showcasing their prosperity through architectural elegance and design. Each mansion has its own style and unique features. Although there are eleven Newport mansions to visit in total, the following are some of the most popular.
The Breakers is perhaps the most famous and extravagant of the Newport mansions. This enormous Italian Renaissance mansion, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, features opulent interiors and stunning ocean views. Another outrageously lavish mansion is the Marble House, commissioned by William K. Vanderbilt as a gift to his wife. It is known for its lavish use of marble and its resemblance to the Petit Trianon at Versailles.
The Elms was constructed for Edward Julius Berwind, a coal magnate, and his wife. The Elms is a marvel of French-inspired architecture. The estate features beautiful gardens, ornate ballrooms, and a luxurious design that reflects the lifestyle of the elite during the Gilded Age. Lastly, the beautiful Rosecliff was built by Theresa Fair Oelrichs and modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles. This mansion is known for its elegant ballroom, which has been featured in several movies, including “The Great Gatsby.”
Visitors can buy tickets for one mansion or combo tickets for multiple mansions from the Preservation Society of Newport. Bring your earbuds/headsets and download the free Newport Mansions tour app to turn your visit into a self-guided audio tour.
Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk is a scenic and popular walkway that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and impressive Gilded Age mansions on the other. The Cliff Walk spans about 3.5 miles (one way) along the eastern shoreline of Newport. It meanders through rugged cliffs and rocky shores. The walk has various access points, allowing visitors to start at different locations. Some entrances are closer to popular mansions, while others offer access to more natural, rocky sections of the coastline. While much of the path is relatively easy to walk, there are sections with uneven terrain and rocky surfaces. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and be cautious, especially during adverse weather conditions. Discover Newport has a handy map of the walk, points of interest to see along the way, and important information to know before you go.
Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive spans approximately 10 miles along the southeastern coast of Newport. It’s a designated scenic road offering breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky shorelines, and beautiful coastal scenery. Along Ocean Drive, you’ll pass by several historic Gilded Age mansions, though not as concentrated as along Bellevue Avenue or the Cliff Walk. A notable estate visible from Ocean Drive is Hammersmith Farm, the former summer White House of John F. Kennedy. While Ocean Drive is primarily a scenic drive, there are also public access points to some of Newport’s beaches and parks along the route. These areas provide opportunities for picnics, beachcombing, and enjoying the coastal scenery. The route can be enjoyed via car ride or by bike.
Fort Adams State Park
This state park is situated on the mouth of Newport Harbor, providing scenic views of Narragansett Bay and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can enjoy stunning waterfront vistas and picturesque landscapes. At the heart of the state park is Fort Adams, a historic military fortification that stands as one of the largest coastal fortresses in the United States. The fort offers guided tours providing insights into its history, architecture, and strategic significance. In addition to the historical aspect, Fort Adams State Park offers various recreational activities. These include walking, picnicking, birdwatching, and boating. The park hosts events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and historic reenactments. Notably, the popular Newport Jazz Festival takes place within the park’s grounds, utilizing the scenic backdrop for performances. You can find more information about the state park here.
Thames Street
Thames Street dates back to Newport’s colonial era and has a rich history of being a bustling commercial center during the city’s maritime trading days. Today, Thames Street maintains its historical charm while offering a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, known for its unique shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Some sections of Thames Street offer picturesque views of Newport Harbor. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the sight of boats and yachts, and relax at benches or outdoor seating areas.
Sailing and Boat Tours
Newport is a sailing mecca. Join a sailing excursion or boat tour to experience the city’s maritime heritage and breathtaking coastline. Sightsailing offers three daily sails (morning, afternoon, and sunset) aboard three sailboats from May through early November. Newport Classic Cruises also offers sailboat tours plus yacht tours as well. Themes include sightseeing cruises, sunset cruises, and cocktail cruises to name a few. The company operates from May through September. Gansett Cruises also offers narrated harbor boat tours via the M/V Gansett, a traditionally restored 50-foot lobster boat that has modern amenities for up to 49 passengers. Gansett Cruises operates from May through September and offers harbor boat tours and sunset cruises. Another option is Coastal Queen Cruises, a passenger ship offering several types of tours including a lighthouse cruise, cocktail cruise, and a harbor and seal tour. Coastal Queen Cruises operates from May through October.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a museum and organization dedicated to preserving the history of tennis and honoring the sport’s greatest players and contributors. The museum houses exhibits that showcase the history of tennis, featuring memorabilia, artifacts, photographs, videos, and interactive displays highlighting significant moments in the sport’s evolution. The Hall of Fame annually inducts notable individuals from the world of tennis, including players, coaches, contributors, and administrators, who have made a lasting impact on the sport. You can find more information about the museum here.
Newport Beaches
Newport boasts several beautiful beaches that offer a variety of experiences, from family-friendly outings to surfing and relaxation. Easton’s Beach (First Beach) is one of the most popular beaches in Newport, offering a wide stretch of sandy shoreline ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and picnics. Easton’s Beach also features a carousel, snack bar, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Sachuest Beach (Second Beach) is known for its scenic views, rolling waves, and ample space for beachgoers. It’s a favorite spot for surfing, bodyboarding, and windsurfing. The beach area is surrounded by nature trails and wildlife refuges. Third Beach is quieter and more secluded. The waters are often calm, making it suitable for families with young children. It is also a great spot for kayaking and paddle boarding. A lesser-known spot is Pebble Beach, named for its pebble-covered shore. It’s a peaceful place to take in the views and search for sea glass.
Viking Tours of Newport
Viking Tours operates narrated trolley tours that take visitors through Newport’s scenic and historic landmarks. The tours are conducted on open-air trolleys with knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories about Newport’s history and point out notable landmarks. You can find more information about Viking Tours here.
Newport Travel Itinerary
Are you ready to start planning your Newport adventure? Start by downloading our easy-to-customize sample travel itinerary. Easily make changes to the document to make it fit your schedule and interests.