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Top Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island
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items Newport is one of my favorite places in the world! I've been every summer to visit my grandparents since I was a literal infant, and I have so many great memories on the beaches, eating seafood, and even just hanging out with the family. Enjoy!
Sections
6
Nature
Restaurants
Out and About: must-do activities
Mansions, Cottages, and more
Bars/Nightlife
History and Museums
Nature
Beaches, parks and other natural beauty!
A classic for a reason! Waves, ice cream, snacks, and more, everything you need for a good beach day! There is a surfer's area on the far right end near the cliff walk, so bring your board if that's what you're into!
Facilities • Second Beach (Sachuest Beach) - Middletown, RI
Another classic beach! There are plenty of rocks to go crabbing on the left side near the giant boulder. Also has access to refreshments! FYI, look out for when the red seaweed is in full bloom if that's a dealbreaker
Easton's Beach - City of Newport
Highly recommended crabbing location by Newport goers
Van Zandt Pier - 18 Washington St, Newport, Rhode Island - Yelp
Huge oceanfront park with rocky shoreline and picnic spots, great for kite flying and sunset watching!
Brenton Point State Park | Rhode Island State Parks
Breathtaking views and a leisurely walk- you can't visit Newport without this!
Newport Cliff Walk | Coastal Route, Entrances & Map in Newport
Restaurants
Plenty of seafood with some other recs mixed in- there's something for everyone!
The best seafood in the area in my completely unbiased opinion! Their chowder is heavenly, and so are their lobster rolls!
Anthony's Seafood | Seafood Restaurant, Retail and Wholesale
Casual spot with amazing lobster rolls and fried seafood!
Flo's Clam Shack
Iconic restaurant in downtown Newport. Several different vibes under one roof from nice dinner downstairs to a lively upstairs if you want to keep the night going
Clarke Cooke House
Go-to spot for Mexican food in Newport! Their margaritas are great
Diego's Newport
Upscale restaurant with pretty bay views with incredible seafood, the place to be if you want to treat yourself to a special dinner. Honestly the best seafood I've tried here tied with Anthony's imo
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar Restaurant | Newport, RI
Seafood with ample outdoor seating- also turns into a fun bar at night, sometimes with live music!
The Landing Restaurant - Newport, RI
Cozy, classic seafood spot right on the water… basically a Newport rite of passage
The BLACK PEARL
Classic downtown spot I remember from being a kid, old-school Newport charm, been around forever
The Red Parrot
Upscale Prime steakhouse right on Bowen's Wharf known for their raw bar and steaks. Also have heard good things about their brunch!
Menu | Newport, RI - 22 Bowen's
Newer brunch spot I've heard good things about, open 7a-3p breakfast/lunch only
Ocean and Fifth Cafe | Newport, RI: Home
For cold brew fans! This place has been blowing up on social media so I had to try for myself and I liked how many options they had. Fyi: look out for long lines
THE NITRO BAR
Out and About: must-do activities
Things you must do that aren't beaches, nature, eating or drinking :)
Right next door to Bowen's, even older, home to Clarke Cooke House and the Black Pearl.After visiting the anchor at Bowen's Wharf, shop around, pop by the bars, and hopefully catch some live music!
Bannister's Wharf
Where the iconic giant anchor landmark is, plus a solid mix of shops and bars to wander into. Always our first stop downtown! The anchor itself has a cool backstory, check it out
Bowen's Wharf | The Anchor of Newport Rhode Island
Gorgeous, historic inn with an awesome view! You don't have to stay overnight to enjoy the beautiful sunsets on the hill, go to the lighthouse, or grab a bite to eat or drink!
Castle Hill Inn: Luxury Inns Newport, RI
The cutest little farm where you can pick your own seasonal fruits, plus they have an incredible selection at their cafe with ice cream, coffee, desserts, gourmet treats, and even meals and groceries to go!
Sweet Berry Farm
Quick drive out to Portsmouth for the cutest topiary garden you'll ever see! Really fun if you're traveling with kids.
Green Animals Topiary Garden | Newport Mansions
Family-run vineyard in Middletown, has tastings, a brewery, and live music on nice days!
Newport Vineyards: Home
Little wine and gourmet shop inside the Tennis Hall of Fame building if you want to pick up some wine before you head home
Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet
I've been a few times as a kid, and I remember it being a lot of fun. It's run by St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church since 1983 and boasts three days of Greek food, ouzo, live music, and traditional dancing, free admission.
Annual Hellenic Fest - The Sounds and Tastes of Greece | Newport, RI | Discover Newport
I used to love coming here as a kid! Whether you’re an avid kiter or just here for wholesome/family fun, I recommend
The Newport Kite Festival
Mansions, Cottages, and more
The biggest and most famous of the mansions… go here first if you only have time for one!
The Breakers | Newport Mansions
Opulent mansion that is basically like someone plopped Versailles into the US… after looking into it, Vanderbilt built this one as a birthday gift for his wife LITERALLY modeled after Versailles, arguably the most over-the-top of them all!
Marble House | Newport Mansions
French-chateau style, famous for its gardens
The Elms | Newport Mansions
This was Doris Duke's actual home, left exactly as she had it, including the spot where she famously kept pet camels
Rough Point | Newport, RI | Discover Newport
This is the one with the heart-shaped staircase you've probably seen in movies… it's giving Gatsby type beat
Rosecliff | Newport Mansions
Skip the over-the-top opulence for a minute and see what Newport looked like before the Gilded Age
Hunter House | Newport Mansions
If you're into architecture more than chandeliers, this one's for you! A different style from the marble-and-gold mansions
Isaac Bell House | Newport Mansions
One of the very first "summer cottages" in Newport. Picturesque, cozy and gorgeous
Kingscote | Newport Mansions
A little older and moodier than the others, and just as beautiful
Chateau-sur-Mer - Newport Mansions
Quieter, lesser-known mansion if you want a break from the crowds — still gorgeous, just more low-key
Chepstow - Newport Mansions
Quick add-on if you're already doing The Breakers for a peek at the old-school carriages
The Breakers Stable & Carriage House - Newport Mansions
Bars/Nightlife
Hit the town after beaching, eating, and exploring
Casual bar with a cool little patio on the water that doesn't feel as touristy as the others imo.
Smugglers Waterfront Bar (@smugglersnewportri) - Instagram
Casual Irish pub with a big outdoor patio, great spot to post up for drinks or casual food!
O'Brien's Pub | Newport, RI | Outdoor Dining | Family-Friendly
This is THE bar all visitors seem to end up at by the end of the night, and for good reason: dueling pianos, packed crowds, pure chaotic fun if that's your vibe
One Pelham East: Newport's Favorite Bar & Dueling Pianos Shows
Largest raw bar in Newport, right on Thames Street! their lobster roll and tuna tartare tacos are heavily praised
Midtown Oyster Bar - Seafood and American Fare in Newport, RI
Casual tiki bar with cute drinks! Grab a fruity drink and watch the sunset :)
WHARF FISHHOUSE
Heard great things about this bar- not your typical Newport seafood/nautical vibe, it's a more urban and modern feel with some cool sounding cocktails!
The Fifth Element (@fifthelementri) · Newport, RI - Instagram
History and Museums
Whether you're a history buff or you want to take in extravagant, opulent architecture, check out these mansions, museums, and landmarks!
For the tennis lovers and casual fans alike. This was super cool to see!
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Come see some American history and enjoy an ocean view on the rocks. Hidden bonus: there were a lot of starfish when I visited as a kid
Fort Adams State Park | Rhode Island State Parks
Small museum for those interested in historic Newport, its mansions and more
Newport Historical Society
The oldest surviving synagogue in the US!
Touro Synagogue National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)