A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island is a popular destination for visitors seeking a New England coastal getaway (after all, it is referred to as the Classic Coast.) With Gilded Age mansions, incredible seafood, miles of beautiful coastline, and a harbor littered with boats, Newport has plenty to offer families, couples, or any type of traveler.

If you are planning your first visit to Newport, you probably want to hit the highlights, but also seek out some lesser-known gems. After living in Rhode Island for over 20 years, I’ve had plenty of time to visit (and revisit) Newport’s main attractions and hidden gems to come up with my recommendations for the best things to do in Newport Rhode Island.

Just visiting for one or two days? Don’t miss these essentials:

• Visit one of the Newport Mansions. The Breakers is the most awe-inspiring of the bunch.
• Get out on the water with some sort of harbor cruise.
• Eat some delicious seafood (I’d pick Midtown Oyster Bar and either The Lobster Bar or Newport Lobster Shack if you want to feel like a local)
• Watch the sunset – The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn, Newport Harbor Island Resort, and Brenton Point all have great views.
• Shop and stroll on Thames Street and Bowen’s Wharf
• Take a scenic spin on Ocean Drive
• Hit the beach (I prefer Second Beach) or take a stroll along the Cliff Walk

If you have more time, there are plenty of other options below. And, if you are visiting Newport during the colder months, check out my suggestions for things to do in Newport in the winter. Not sure how to fit it all in? I have a Newport weekend itinerary for that.

Things to do in Newport, Rhode Island

Stroll Along the Cliff Walk

The Newport Cliff Walk is a lovely spot to take a stroll and appreciate the view of the rocky shoreline and the back lawns of some of the mansions. The entire Walk is 3.5 miles one-way, but unfortunately due to storms and erosion, a large portion of the walk is closed for repairs and honestly, I’m not sure it will ever be fully restored.

It is best to visit this spot early because it can get crowded and parking is tough. Ideally, you can use metered parking near First Beach and start at the beginning. Alternatively, you can park along Narragansett Avenue (you can also find public restrooms here). Right near here is also where you will find the famous Forty Steps, which is a great photo spot.

Flash Back to the Gilded Age at the Newport Mansions

If you have watched The Gilded Age on MAX, you have surely seen glimpses of some of the Newport Mansions, or “summer cottages” as they were called back in the day. The Breakers is the grandest of the mansions. Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who was one of the richest men in America at the turn of the 19th century, it was built in the Italian Renaissance style and it will make you think of the palaces of Europe. This Mansion is always popular with visitors because of the wow factor but also because you get a glimpse of the kitchens during a self-guided tour. There is also a family-friendly tour if you are visiting with kids.

My other favorites are Rosecliff, which has a beautiful lawn and gardens, and Marble House, which was built by Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt and using 500,000 cubic feet of marble. For a special experience, you can also book afternoon tea in the The Chinese Tea House at The Marble House.

If you just want to see the outside of the Mansions and not tour the inside, you can take a Trolley Tour.

Explore Fort Adams

Fort Adams is one of many Colonial and Revolutionary War era military forts that line the New England coast. Today, Fort Adams is not just a historic site, but also an event venue. It is on the grounds of Fort Adams that the popular Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival take place during the summer.

However, outside of event dates, visitors can explore the Fort with a guided tour, or just enjoy the view from the Fort Adams Bay Walk, a 2.5-mile loop around the perimeter of Fort Adams State Park.

Fly a Kite at Brenton Point State Park

Brenton Point State Park on Ocean Drive offers some of the best views in Newport. With its position on the point, this is perfect spot to fly a kite on a breezy day. And don’t worry if you didn’t bring your own, there is often a truck there selling kites to visitors.

Since this is an ideal spot to watch the sunset, you may also want to head there in the late afternoon and bring some chairs to sit along the rocks to gaze out over the water.

Shop Along Bowen’s Wharf and Thames Street

Like most tourist towns, Newport has its share of boutiques and souvenir shops. Bowen’s Wharf is the heart of the action, with many restaurants and shops. Your retail journey can then continue down Thames Street. Be sure to check out local favorites such as Kiel James Patrick and Lemon & Line for New England inspired clothing and jewelry.

Bowen’s Wharf is also a popular spot for dining (both inside and out). Most visitors can’t resist tempting bowl of New England clam chowder at the Black Pearl.

Hit the Beach

I’m going to express an unpopular opinion, but I don’t think that Newport has the best beaches. I prefer the beaches in Narragansett, Matunuck, or Charlestown. However, if you don’t want to drive, there are still a few options. You can enjoy the family-friendly First Beach (or Easton’s Beach.) Located near the start of the Cliff Walk, there is a paid parking lot that fills up early. The downside is that this beach also often attracts a good amount of stinky seaweed. However, it is worth a stop for the Easton’s Beach Snack Bar to scarf down delicious twin lobster rolls or fried clams.

Surfers would prefer Second Beach and nature seekers or bird watchers will want to drive down to the Sachuest National Wildlife Refuge and spend time exploring the three miles of trails and the small beach at the refuge. This is a popular layover stop for migratory birds and a wintering destination for others.

You can also purchase a day pass for private beach clubs such as Gooseberry Beach.

Have Drinks at Castle Hill Inn

Castle Hill Inn is one of many luxury hotels in Newport. However, you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy cocktails or meals at The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn. Enjoy a meal on the terrace or take your cocktail down to the many Adirondack chairs that dot the sloping lawn that looks out over the Bay and the Newport Pell Bridge.

I think this is one of the most enjoyable experiences in Newport, especially when you can get a reservation in time for sunset.

Go Sailing or on a Sightseeing Cruise

Newport is known as the “Sailing Capital of the World” and while we may not all have our own yacht, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the boating life while in town. One of my favorite things to do with visitors is to take a sail with Newport Classic Cruises. They offer daytime or sunset sails with a number of vessel options including the 80 foot Schooner Adirondack II, 72 foot Schooner Madeleine, or 48-foot sailing yacht Sloop Eleanor. 

There are many other options including the Coastal Queen Cruises, Amazing Grace Harbor Tours, and even the Newport Ferry. For wildlife lovers visiting in the colder months, Save the Bay offers seal-watching tours.

If you would prefer a private boating experience, you can charter a boat (either with a captain or without) using GetMyBoat.com, which is like an Airbnb platform but for boats.

Tour Newport in a Classic Jaguar

For a luxury experience worthy of Newport’s societal history, take a private driving tour with Newport Jaguar Tours. Led by a knowledgeable local in one of a stable of classic Jaguars, there are a number of themed tours to choose from depending on your interests. Or, select the Grand Tour for a bit of everything. You can even add a gourmet champagne picnic lunch to any full day tour.

See Newport by Rail

The most unique way to see Newport is with Rail Explorers. Use pedal power to chug along the Old Colony Railroad. The route meanders alongside Narragansett Bay offering riders unique views that include Jamestown, the Mount Hope Bridge, Hog Island Lighthouse, and coastal woodlands.

Take a Tour

These are not the only ways to tour Newport. There are many options depending on your interests from historical walking tour with Newport History Tours, food tours with Rhode Island Red Food Tours, ghost tours with Ghosts of Newport, or even a helicopter tour with Newport Helicopter Tours.

Sip a Cocktail on a Rooftop Deck

While I love having a cocktail or glass of wine on the Lawn at Castle Hill, a rooftop bar is always fun and there are two options in downtown Newport. The Rooftop at the Vanderbilt and the Top of Newport Bar + Lounge at Hotel Viking are both open seasonally and are perfect for a sunset toast.

Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Tennis buffs should make time for a visit to the International Tennis Hall of Fame to pay tribute to the 264 inductees. The Museum also includes nearly 2,000 tennis artifacts and covers the history of tennis from its origins through present day.

Each summer the Hall of Fame hosts the Infosys Hall of Fame Open and Enshrinement Weekend, where some of the world’s top tennis players on the grass courts. You can play there yourself, but you need to be a member of the Tennis Club.

Gawk at Classic Cars

The Audrain Automobile Museum has access to collections containing over 400 cars and motorcycles ranging from brass era Veteran cars to supercars of today. Each year it curates four thematic exhibitions. Located near the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Bellevue Avenue, a visit is easy to combine with a visit to one of the Newport Mansions.

Tuoro Synagogue

There are a number of notable historic sites in Newport, including St. Mary’s Church where JFK was married. In addition, Tuoro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the United States and a symbol of religious freedom. Synagogue tours include a history presentation, interactive exhibits, and a tour of the grounds. 

More to Do Nearby

If you have a car and more time to spend in Newport, you can explore more of Aquidneck Island and nearby Jamestown.

Sip Wine at Newport Vineyards

Add a little wine tasting to your getaway at Newport Vineyards, just be sure to make tasting or dining reservations first. In addition to award-winning wine, Newport Vineyards offers fresh craft beer and farm to table dining experiences.

Another option is at Greenville Vineyards in Portsmouth. The wine isn’t as good (in my opinion, although to be honest I haven’t gone tasting there in over a decade), but they do have food trucks (including one from Cousins Lobster) in the summer and live music on the weekends.

HIke at Norman Bird Sanctuary

I already mentioned that the Sachuest Wildlife Refuge is a great spot for bird watching, but I also love hiking the trails at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown. The Sanctuary has 300 acres of diverse habitats and seven miles of hiking trails. It also hosts fun events like the annual Harvest Fair and guided bird walks and talks.

Watch Newport Polo

Get ready to tailgate or reserve a table in the Pavilion and cheer on the Newport Polo Team. If you aren’t familiar with polo, it takes a minute to get the hang of the scoring, but soon you will be cheering along and rushing the field to stomp the divots. Just be sure to wear your preppiest New England fashions.

Beavertail State Park

My favorite spot in all of Rhode Island is just across the water in Jamestown. Beavertail State Park sits at the tip of Jamestown Island and offers beautiful views. We love to pack a picnic and stake out a spot on the rocks to soak up the view. At low tide, it is fun to explore tide pools and you can also check out the small aquarium and the Beavertail Lighthouse.

Getting to Newport

Newport is just over three hours from New York City and one to 1.5 hours south of Boston. The closest airport is the Providence-Warwick T.F. Green International Airport. During the summer, parking can be a challenge (and expensive) so check and see what the options are with your hotel. If you are just visiting for the day, it is cheapest and easiest to park in the Visitor’s Center parking garage on America’s Cup Boulevard and walk from there.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to drive, you can take the seasonal ferry from Providence to Newport.

Where to Stay in Newport

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

There are many great hotels and bed and breakfasts in Newport. And if you check Airbnb, you can even find boats to sleep on. A few of my favorites are:

• Newport Harbor Island Resort on Goat Island has great views, a pool, and dining options
• Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa has a convenient location, great decor, and good harbor views from the Skiff Bar
• Hotel Viking is a beautiful historic hotel in the heart of downtown Newport with a great spa
• The Vanderbilt is an Auberge Collection Hotel in a historic mansion downtown

Where to Eat in Newport

There are so many great dining options in Newport but a few of my favorites include:

• Corner Cafe for breakfast
• Scratch Kitchen for grilled cheese
• The Lobster Bar for lobster rolls (try to get a table near the window to watch the boats coming and going)
• Newport Lobster Shack for more casual and local setting for lobster rolls (and a seafood market)
• Midtown Oyster Bar for oysters (request a table on one of the two decks)
• The Black Pearl for clam chowder
• White Horse Tavern for a romantic meal in a historic tavern
• Diego’s Newport for Mexican food
• Cara at The Chanler for fine dining

Visiting Rhode Island? You may Also Be interested in…

• 110 Things to do in Rhode Island
• Things to do in Providence
• Things to do in Rhode Island in the spring
• Things to do in Rhode Island in the summer
• Things to do in Rhode Island in the fall
• Things to do in Rhode Island in the winter

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