The air is brisk, the leaves have nearly all fallen, and the sun is still shining – until 4pm, that is. It’s nearing the end of fall in New England, and there’s no better time to explore all of the Stars Hollow-esque towns in our area. Today I’m here to shed some light on yet another noteworthy New England destination a mere hour and a half from Boston. Nestled along the Rhode Island coast and home to oceanfront mansions, historic buildings, quirky shops, and many a summer wedding, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone in this quaint town. Whether you’re visiting for the day or a week, I can’t recommend a trip to Newport, Rhode Island enough, and hopefully this guide helps you make the most of your stay!
Where to Stay
You really can’t go wrong anywhere in the Newport area. Obviously, the closer to downtown the better, but you can also find more affordable options in Jamestown or Portsmouth or Middletown that are a mere ten minutes away and equally scenic in their own right. There’s a plethora of quaint (often VERY historic) AirBnbs, and of course, more than enough hotels to go around. From a convenient Marriott right on the wharf, to a historic experience at the Hotel Viking to an upscale stay at The Vanderbilt or Castle Hill, there’s an option for everyone.
What to Do
- Walk downtown for endless shopping and exploring. First and foremost, taking advantage of all that downtown Newport has to offer is an obvious one. From Thames Street to Bannister Wharf, the historic streets of Newport are lined with adorable shops that you simply must experience. With boutiques such as Rochelle’s, Monelle, Luv Rose and of course the KJP Flagship, home stores including Saltwater Living, Wald and Sea, and Shore Soap Co., and several galleries teeming with coastal art, it’s hard not to be impressed with all that Newport has to offer here.
- Walk the Cliff Walk. Newport’s coastline is filled with rolling fields, stark cliffs, and stunning mansions. It’s an excellent activity to start the day – I can guarantee you’ve never taken a more scenic stroll.
- Tour the mansions and gardens. You can actually step inside many of these historic estates, and it’s well worth the $30 ticket to glimpse all the splendor of The Breakers, Rosecliff and more.
- Drive along Ocean Drive. The scenery speaks for itself here, with sweeping views of the ocean at every twist and turn. I recommend driving right to Fort Adams State Park to enjoy a bit of US history with a panoramic view of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.
- Visit the Tennis Hall of Fame. Situated around luscious green grass tennis courts, this stately museum is home to many exhibits, trophies, memorabilia and more. It’s a fun stop whether you’re a die hard fan or have never played a match in your life.
- Go to the beach. If you’re visiting Newport during the summer, this is an obvious one. You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches this town has to offer (except maybe First Beach), and I’d recommend Second Beach as a personal favorite.
- Enjoy drinks on the Castle Hill lawn. Arguably the most stunning hotel in New England, Castle Hill Inn boasts an expansive lawn overlooking the Newport Harbor. Grab a drink and take a seat at one of their iconic lawn chairs – you won’t be disappointed.
- Go to a festival. Between Newport Folk Fest, the Seafood Festival, The Jazz Festival, boat shows and so much more, Newport is home to many events that bring visitors far and wide. It may be worth timing your next visit with one that piques your interest for added fun – just make sure to plan your stay well in advance during these peak weekends.
What to Drink
For Coffee
- The Nitro Bar. Popular for a reason, this coffee shop has what I daresay is the best nitro cold brew on the East Coast, as well as tons of fun flavors if you’re feeling more adventurous.
- Springline Coffee. Situated on Bannister’s Wharf and incredibly quaint, this little cafe provides an excellent cup of coffee with a view.
For Something Stronger
- The Black Pearl for an outdoor drink with a view. Excellent bloody’s, seasonal cocktails, and sunshine – what more could you ask for?
- The Pelham. With drinks, darts, dueling pianos and more, this bar has it all! Complete with live music and even a shuffleboard table, this is a common fan favorite in Newport. It does get a little rowdy, but there’s something to be enjoyed by everyone here.
- The Fastnet for a casual dive bar vibe with darts and an outdoor patio.
- Ragged Island Brewing for craft beer and great vibes. It’s a bit of a drive from downtown Newport, but worth it for the excellent atmosphere.
What to Eat
For Breakfast
- Cru Cafe for a picturesque brunch with all the classics.
- Corner Cafe for a cozy breakfast and a fantastic breakfast sandwich.
- The Hungry Monkey for a sit down breakfast with everything you love about a classic diner setting.
For Lunch
- Midtown Oyster Bar for a go-to destination for drink and a casual bite, complete with a bar with a view upstairs.
- The Lobster Bar for – you guessed it – a great low-key setting to enjoy seafood and drinks.
- The Mooring for yet another great option for a delectable seafood meal on the water.
- The Black Pearl, while a worthwhile destination for drinks alone, is also a great spot to grab a bite to eat.
For Dinner
- Stoneacre Gardens for a casual spot with excellent cocktails, sushi, and an outdoor patio. This is an easier reservation to grab and can be great for larger groups.
- Stoneacre Brasserie for a more upscale, swanky version of the above. The cocktails are even better and the vibes are immaculate.
- Diego’s for a casual but tasty Mexican meal on the wharf with a great spicy marg.
- The White Horse Tavern for an upscale meal in one of the oldest restaurants in the US.
- Clarke Cooke House for an elegant, cozy, upscale meal in a historic house with several uniquely decorated rooms, three different bars, and roaring fires everywhere you turn. I saved the best for last here – if you can, this one is a must for your next visit.
As you can see, Newport has a little bit of something for everyone, and there’s a whole lot of fun to be had whenever you visit. Whether you’re looking for a fun Fall getaway, a cozy Winter escape, a Spring adventure or a New England summer beach trip, I hope this guide has been helpful, and that you’re able to experience a little bit of the Newport magic soon. ☼
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