The Ultimate Newport, Rhode Island Weekend Getaway
Planning a Newport, Rhode Island weekend getaway?
We recently spent a few days in this charming and fun town and it quickly became one of our favorite New England destinations. From breathtaking coastal views of the Cliff Walk to historic mansions and mouthwatering seafood, Newport has so much to offer.
In this post I’ll share the must-see attractions, the best places to eat and our top recommendations of where to stay, so you can travel prepared with your Newport weekend itinerary ready to go.
Where is Newport, RI?
Newport is a coastal New England town, located on the southern tip of Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island. This island is easily accessible by the four-lane Sakonnet Bridge.
What Makes Newport Special?
Newport, Rhode Island is known for its rich history and beautiful harbor filled with luxurious yachts and sailboats. This harbor has hosted the America’s Cup, a prestigious sailing regatta.
Newport is also famous for Bellevue Avenue, home to the lavish Gilded Age mansions, many of which are popular museums today.
This New England city was a hopping summer escape for America’s elite including many members of the Vanderbilt family.
The Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time of year to visit Newport depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, but we think early fall is hard to beat.
Summer is Newport’s busy season, with visitors flocking to the coast from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. During this time, average summer temperatures hover in the mid-70s to low 80s, perfect for beach days and sailing excursions.
However, we visited the week after Labor Day and quickly learned from locals that this is the sweet spot for a visit. The summer crowds had disappeared, yet the weather was still perfect, with sunny skies during most of our stay and temperatures in the mid-70s.
Early fall turned out to be the ideal time to explore Newport’s beauty at a more relaxed pace.
Things to Do in Newport During Your Weekend Getaway
Fill in your itinerary with this list of the best things to do in Newport!
*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.
1. Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour
One of the highlights of our time in Newport was taking a trolley tour to see the city’s famous Gilded Age mansions.
We loved our tour, which was both fun and incredibly educational. Along the way, we got to see fascinating Newport landmarks such as Hammersmith Farm (Jackie Kennedy’s childhood home) and the church where she and JFK were married. We also saw all the most popular Gilded Age mansions and other important historic sites.
Our Gilded Age mansions trolley tour included admission to The Breakers, the grandest of the Newport mansions and a grand display of the Vanderbilt family’s wealth and prestige during the 19th century. We had 1.5 hours to explore The Breakers, with its stunning architecture, ornate interiors, and sweeping ocean views before wrapping up the tour.
👉 Note: I always recommend doing city tours at the beginning of a trip, as they often introduce you to lesser-known spots you’ll want to explore further during your stay.
➡️ Book My Favorite Newport Trolley Tour Here! ⬅️
2. Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk was my favorite part of our trip to Newport and is a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
This stunning 3.5 mile trail offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky cliffs, a few of the Gilded Age mansions and other jaw-dropping New England homes. It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural history.
Most of the walk is paved and easy to navigate, but parts of it are on uneven rocks, so sturdy shoes are a good idea.
We parked at the north end of the trail, took the trail south, then hopped on a public trolley at the southern end to return to our car–a convenient way to enjoy the full experience without retracing your steps.
For more info, check out our complete guide to the Cliff Walk in Newport and the best places for parking near the Cliff Walk.
3. Sunset Sail
Nothing says “Newport” like a sunset sail along the Newport Harbor.
This 1.5-hour tour is an unforgettable way to experience the city from the water, offering a unique perspective on Newport’s beauty.
Aboard a classic sailboat, you’ll sail around Narragansett Bay, taking in iconic sights such as lighthouses, Hammersmith Farm, and other landmarks. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks, making it the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the views.
Our tour left right on time from Bannister’s Wharf, and we had a wonderful crew who not only navigated the waters with ease but also shared fascinating Newport history, pointing out all the highlights along the way.
➡️ Book A Sailboat Tour ⬅️
4. Explore Bowen’s Wharf
Exploring Bowen’s Wharf is a quintessential Newport experience you won’t want to miss. This bustling waterfront area is home to boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, making it a great spot to wander the cobblestone streets and soak in the New England charm.
It’s also a fantastic spot to catch a sunset and watch sailboats glide in and out of the harbor. The peaceful yet lively ambiance makes it the perfect place to end your day in Newport.
Keep in mind that Bowen’s Wharf can get quite busy during peak season, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid the crowds.
5. Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive, also known as Ten Mile Drive, is one of Newport’s most scenic routes. This picturesque coastal road winds along the southern edge of Aquidneck Island, offering incredible views of the Atlantic ocean, rocky shores, and luxurious estates.
Along the route, you’ll pass landmarks such as Brenton Point State Park, a perfect spot to stop for a picnic or to fly a kite, and Castle Hill Inn, where you can enjoy a high-end meal or drink with waterfront views.
You’ll also pass by exclusive beach clubs and celebrity homes, such as Jay Leno’s summer retreat.
6. Brenton Point State Park
Brenton Point State Park is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Located along Ocean Drive, this park sits at the point where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, offering sweeping views of the water and rocky coastline.
Come here for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or a relaxing afternoon of kite flying–an activity the park is famous for thanks to its breezy coastal location. You may even spot a Del’s Lemonade truck, which is a staple to this part of New England.
With plenty of green space, picnic tables, and walking paths, Brenton Point is a must-see part of Newport’s coastline. The park is pet-friendly and has public restroom access from May 1st through October 31st.
7. Thames Street
Thames Street is the heart of downtown Newport and is filled with historic buildings that operate as shops, restaurants, and museums. The cobblestone streets and colorful storefronts ooze New England vibes, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
This street runs parallel to the waterfront and is across the street from Bowen’s Wharf, making it easy to explore both at once. Shop for souvenirs, grab a cup of clam chowder, and take your time exploring the architecture and history.
8. Newport Walking Food and History Tour
Although we didn’t take this tour during our trip to Newport, a walking food and history tour will be at the top of my itinerary for our next visit!
Learn about the area’s history from a knowledgable tour guide as you eat your way through five popular Newport restaurants. The tour is 1.5 miles in length and the food and drink tastings are included in the price.
This popular tour is likely to sell out, so be sure to purchase tickets in advance.
➡️ Book Your Food and History Walking Tour ⬅️
9. Relax on the Beach
The heart of any coastal town is, of course, the beach! Take your pick of the many beautiful beaches in the area, soaking in the sun and sand. Consider visiting Easton’s Beach, one of the most highly-rated beaches in Newport.
Take it to the next level by visiting one of the exclusive beach clubs that have been popular for several decades. Though some do not offer daily passes, a few, such as Gooseberry Beach, allow non-members to purchase passes for $30 per day.
10. Take a Day Trip
Take advantage of Newport’s close proximity to many other New England destinations with a day trip! During our time in Newport, we took both a Martha’s Vineyard day trip and a Nantucket day trip, both which were incredible destinations.
Other popular locations within a short drive include Cape Cod, Boston and Plymouth. Day trips can allow you to see more in a short time to make your getaway even more unforgettable.
11. Tennis Hall of Fame
Those of you who are sports enthusiasts will love visiting the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Explore the impressive collection of artifacts, photographs and even tennis fashion along with the display of 267 international hall of fame inductees.
A few highlights include pristine grass tennis courts, a speaking hologram of Roger Federer and a virtual reality experience which take you back in time to the moment Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win the US Open.
12. Eat Delicious Seafood
If you’re a self-proclaimed foodie like me, you get my affinity for great food while traveling! There is no shortage of outstanding lobster rolls, clam chowder and seafood bouillabaisse in Newport.
But don’t worry, if seafood isn’t your thing, there is plenty of delicious American fare, Italian dishes and more.
Read on for some of our favorite restaurants in the area.
Where to Eat
I don’t think we had a bad meal at all during our Newport getaway…it was truly a foodie heaven! Here are some of our top recommendations:
- Newport Chowder Company– Their seafood chowder is the best I’ve EVER had.
- Luke’s Lobster– Walk-up lobster roll stand in Bowen’s Warf–don’t skip the truffle butter!
- The Corner Cafe– Don’t skip this delicious cafe with a quirky, boho interior.
- Cru Cafe– A favorite laid-back spot for breakfast and lunch.
- Bar ‘Cino– Delicious Italian far with trendy decor.
- The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar– Beautiful waterfront restaurant. I had the seafood bouillabaisse and it was divine!
- White Horse Tavern– The oldest restaurant in the United States still in operation. Think colonial charm meets high-end cuisine.
Places to Stay
From boutique hotels to historic Airbnbs, there are a wide variety of great places to stay in Newport. Check out our round-up of highly-rated options guests love:
How to Get Around
Before your trip to Newport, consider how you will get around the city.
- Walking: Ideal for exploring downtown areas like Thames Street and Bowen’s Wharf.
- Biking: Rent a bike to enjoy scenic routes like Ocean Drive and explore the city at your own pace.
- Trolley Tours: A convenient way to see major attractions like the mansions and learn about Newport’s history.
- Public Trolley: An affordable option for getting around town, with stops at key locations like the Cliff Walk. Certain times of year, this service is offered for free.
- Driving: Great for reaching outlying areas like Brenton Point State Park or cruising Ocean Drive.
- Ride Shares: Readily available for quick and convenient trips around the city.
3 Day Weekend Itinerary
We’ve done the work for you, and put all of this into the perfect itinerary for 3 days in Newport, Rhode Island!
Adjust as needed for the perfect weekend getaway.
Day 1
- Breakfast at The Corner Cafe
- Gilded Age mansions trolley tour
- Lunch at Newport Chowder Company
- Stroll and shop along Thames Street
- Dinner at Mooring Seafood Kitchen
- Take in the sunset at Bowman’s Wharf
Day 2
- Breakfast at Cru Cafe
- Take the trail along the Cliff Walk
- Lunch at Luke’s Lobster
- Relax on Easton’s Beach
- Catch the sunset at Brenton Point State Park
- Dinner at Bar ‘Cino
Day 3
- Breakfast at Drift Cafe
- Tour the International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Lunch at Newport Lobster Shack
- Explore Bowen’s Wharf
- Take a Sunset Sail
- Dinner at White Horse Tavern
Tips for Visiting Newport
- Newport can get crowded during the summer. Choose to visit just before Memorial Day or just after Labor Day weekend for a less busy experience.
- Plan your dining out in advance and make reservations. Popular restaurants fill up quickly.
- Newport is a highly seasonal destination. Certain shops and restaurants close during the off-season, so keep that in mind if you are visiting during the late fall or winter.
- Bring a jacket. Mornings and evenings can get chilly depending on the time of year.
- Though a long weekend is ideal, you can still see the highlights of Newport on a day trip.
There you have it! Everything you need to know to plan your perfect Newport, RI weekend getaway. We always love when you share your travels with us. Contact us any time with questions or updates on your recent travels. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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