Your Perfect Newport, RI Day Trip: What to See, Do & Eat in One Day
This fall, we took a trip to Newport and it quickly became one of our favorite New England getaways.
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of history, ocean views and classic coastal charm, Newport has it all. From grand mansions lining Bellevue Avenue to the scenic Cliff Walk and fresh seafood by the water, this Rhode Island gem is packed with things to do.
Whether you’re strolling through historic streets or soaking in the salty breeze, 24 hours in Newport is just enough to fall in love with this seaside city.
Let’s break down how to see all the highlights, eat the best food, and make the most of your day trip to Newport, Rhode Island.
How to Get to Newport
Newport is easily accessible from several major cities:
- From Boston: About 1.5 hours by car.
- From Providence: About 45 minutes by car.
- From New York City: Around 3.5 hours by car.
Parking can be tricky, especially during the summer or holiday weekends. Metered parking is available downtown, and several paid lots provide convenient access to attractions. If you’re visiting during the summer, consider using the Newport Trolley to avoid parking hassles.
We visited in early September and always found parking, though it sometimes took about 10 minutes of circling the Thames Street area.*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
How to Get Around Newport
Once you arrive, Newport is best explored on foot, especially the downtown and wharf areas.
If you plan to visit The Breakers (or other mansions) and the Cliff Walk, you’ll need to drive, use a rideshare service such as Uber, or hop on the Newport trolley.
The trolley is super easy to use and stops at all the main attractions, such as the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the Gilded Age Mansions, First Beach, Cliff Walk and more. To make it even better, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that the trolley service was free at the time we visited.
The Perfect 24 Hours in Newport: A Day Trip Itinerary
If you only have one day in Newport, having a solid plan is key to making the most of your time and seeing as much as possible.
I’ve done the work for you and put together the perfect one-day itinerary, ensuring you don’t miss any of the must-see highlights!
Morning
- Start with Breakfast: Grab a bite at Corner Cafe for a delicious start to the day. This spunky, eclectic cafe has a delicious breakfast menu with unique offerings such as the “Cowboy Scrambler” and “Fritzy’s Irish Fry Up”. We loved cozying up in the bay window booth for breakfast.
- Walk the Cliff Walk: This scenic 3.5-mile coastal walk offers breathtaking views of the ocean. While completing the entire Cliff Walk in a day isn’t feasible, be sure to experience a portion of this iconic trail. The northern section, beginning at Easton’s Beach, is paved and easier to navigate, while the southern section is rockier and more adventurous (my personal favorite!) I recommend starting at Forty Steps and heading south for 30-60 minutes to truly soak in the scenery. Just be sure to plan where to park for the Cliff Walk in advance to maximize your time exploring instead of searching for a spot.
- Tour a Gilded Age Mansion: These mansions showcase the incredible grandeur of Newport’s past and you’ll want to tour at least one. While you really can’t go wrong, we recommend touring The Breakers if you only have time to explore one mansion. Belonging to the Vanderbilt family, this historic summer home is truly remarkable. You’ll want 1-2 hours for your self-guided tour of this home and surrounding grounds.
➡️ If you have time to take a trolley tour, we highly recommend this Newport tour that includes admission The Breakers.
If you have time, I highly recommend doing a trolley tour of Newport which includes a tour of The Breakers! We took this tour and it was a great use of time on a short trip.
This is a great way to see most of the Gilded Age Mansions from the outside, while also allowing you to spend two hours exploring the interior of The Breakers for a more in-depth look.
Afternoon
- Lunch: You can’t visit Newport without enjoying some delicious clam chowder, and Newport Chowder Company has the best in town. It’s honestly the BEST seafood chowder I’ve had in my life. And I’m a self-proclaimed seafood foodie–so that’s saying something!
- Explore Thames Street & Bowen’s Wharf: Plan to spend at least two hours strolling along these charming streets lined with boutiques, galleries, historic sites and eateries. Stop for coffee or a sweet treat along the way! You’ll definitely want to have your camera ready in these iconic areas of downtown Newport. Every turn will make you swoon with its history and coastal beauty.
Evening
- Sunset by the Water: Head to Castle Hill Inn or Brenton Point State Park to catch a stunning Newport sunset, both of which are situated on Ocean Drive. Take a blanket for the ultimate relaxing experience.
- Dinner: Wrap up the day with a memorable meal at The White Horse Tavern, the oldest operating restaurant in the U.S.
More Things to Do
If you can extend your time, a two or three day weekend in Newport would help you see even more! Here are some options to consider if you have the time.
- Tour Another Mansion: Marble House and Rosecliff are both stunning options.
- Take a Sailboat Cruise: Enjoy a classic Newport sailing excursion on the water. We took this tour and it was a great experience.
- Take a Walking Food and History Tour: Enjoy tastings at five popular restaurants while learning about the history of the area in this tour.
- Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame: Sports enthusiasts will love this museum and hall of fame, featuring a real-grass tennis court.
- Cruise Ocean Drive: Explore this popular 10-mile drive for some of the most scenic views of Newport.
Final Tips for Your Day Trip
- Best Time to Visit: Fall offers fewer crowds and beautiful foliage, while summer is lively but busier. We visited in early September and the timing was perfect. The weather couldn’t have been better, yet the summer crowds had dissipated.
- What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes (especially for the Cliff Walk), a light jacket (mornings and evenings can be chilly), and a camera for those picture-perfect views.
- Budget Tips: Purchase combo tickets for mansion tours, dine at walk-up food stands (like Luke’s Lobster) and use public parking to save on costs.
- Make Reservations in Advance: For the most popular restaurants in town, you’ll definitely need to make reservations in advance to ensure a table.
Newport is the perfect destination for a day trip, offering history, scenic beauty and a charming coastal atmosphere. If you do nothing else, you must visit the Cliff Walk, The Breakers, and Bowen’s Wharf, each iconic, must-visit spots.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are already a frequent visitor to this coastal escape, you’re in for a treat. Start planning your day trip to Newport today for the ultimate New England getaway!
