Explore the Wonders of Newport, Rhode Island with iBestTravel
It may be the yachting capital of the world, but you don’t need nautical stripes – or a summer cottage – to enjoy the seaside retreat of Newport, Rhode Island. With its fresh briny air, expansive sea views, and stunning bays, it’s obvious why city folk continue to follow in the footsteps of the American industrialists here. Enjoy a taste of the good life in just a few days on a visit to this historic Southern New England town.
Go Sailing
A trip to the Classic Coast is not complete without experiencing Newport’s boating culture. Options for getting out on the water abound. Take sailing lessons at Sail Newport or opt for a sunset or day sail on a historic schooner with Classic Cruises of Newport. Experienced boaters can charter one of many America’s Cup sailing yachts. For a completely different experience, you can even spend a night on a local houseboat. These aquatic adventures are not limited to summer months either. Many families love to bundle up for seal-watching boat tours in the cooler months with Save the Bay.
Tour the Mansions
During America’s Gilded Age in the late 1800s, captains of industry and New York’s elite built summer cottages in Newport. Many of these mansions have been preserved and are open for tours today. Dripping in ornate chandeliers, lined with marble, and furnished with imported antiques, these mansions transport you to another world.
For a glimpse of a different era of American history, consider a mansion tour. The former Vanderbilt 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo, The Breakers, is one of the most popular mansions to tour. To see a contrasting perspective of this privileged lifestyle, explore the Servant Life Tour at The Elms.
Anyone for Tennis?
Every July, the Hall of Fame Open is hosted at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in the heart of Newport. Tennis fans will appreciate the interactive museum located within the International Tennis Hall of Fame, especially the popular Roger Federer hologram. With nearly 2,000 objects on display, the museum explores the history of the game from inception to the present day. Even if you’re not visiting during the Open, you can enjoy a court or join the club to play in the footsteps of some of this sport’s greats.
Dine on Local Seafood
Lobster rolls, oysters, fried clams, and fresh fish are must-tries in Newport. When seeking fresh seafood with a waterview, local favorites include Twin Lobster Rolls at Easton’s Beach, fried clams at Flo’s Clam Shack, oysters on the rooftop deck of Midtown Oyster Bar, New England clam chowder at the Black Pearl, and the catch of the day at Belle’s Cafe at Newport Shipyard.
Ride the Rails
A fun and unique way to explore the island is by riding the rails with Rail Explorers. These pedal carts utilize the rails from the Old Colony Railroad, which was built in 1862. Meander along Narragansett Bay on two or four-person rail bikes, passing Mount Hope Bridge, Hog Island Lighthouse, and coastal woodlands.
Explore Fort Adams
Historic Fort Adams guarded the entrance to Newport Harbor from the mid-1800s through the early 20th century. Today, it sits on the grounds of a state park, which is free for visitors to enjoy. Utilize the small beach, walk along the coast on the two-mile Fort Adams Bay Walk, or explore some historical sites. For military history enthusiasts, guided tours are available, revealing insights into the fort’s design and history. Take in the stunning views from the top of the fort walls and wander through the underground tunnels.
Hike to Hanging Rock Point
The Norman Bird Sanctuary is not only a wildlife refuge and environmental education center but also a haven for hiking enthusiasts with its seven miles of trails. Accessible trails, like the Universal Trail, wind through fields of wildflowers, woodlands, and wetlands. Those seeking a challenge can hike to Hanging Rock for breathtaking ocean views that also overlook Gardiner Pond and the towers of St. George’s School.
Stroll Newport Cliff Walk
Wrapping along the Eastern Shore of Newport, the Newport Cliff Walk is a beloved spot for visitors and locals alike. This 3.5-mile public walkway hugs the rocky shoreline and passes behind some of Newport’s most stunning homes. Paid parking is available near Easton’s Beach (commonly known as First Beach) and at Narragansett Avenue and Ochre Point Avenue near Forty Steps. For a short and simple walk with incredible views, focus on the segment between Forty Steps and Ruggles Avenue.
Go Wine Tasting
The Newport area is home to three wineries: Newport Vineyards, Greenvale Vineyards, and Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard. Enjoy a wine tasting or farm-to-table dining at Taproot or Brix at Newport Vineyards, or bring along a picnic to savor with a bottle on the lawn of Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard. If wine is not your preference, there are plenty of local breweries, cideries, and distilleries to visit instead.
Explore a Car Museum
Newport offers unique museum experiences for automobile aficionados. The Audrain Auto Museum preserves Newport’s automotive history. With access to over 300 vehicles from 1899 to modern day, this museum showcases a rotating collection of cars that align with the current exhibit theme. Meanwhile, the Newport Car Museum in nearby Portsmouth features a private collection of 85 automobiles ranging from the 1950s to the present day, showcasing everything from Ford and Shelby cars, Corvettes, and muscle cars.
Go Bird Watching
The Newport area is also a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. The 242-acre Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is home to the second-largest wintering population of harlequin ducks on the Atlantic coast, best seen between November and March each year. Explore the three miles of walking trails along rocky shorelines and salt marshlands, where you may also spot loons, eiders, gannets, peregrine falcons, and snowy owls. With over 200 bird species visiting seasonally, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Take a Scenic Drive
Ocean Drive from Castle Hill Inn to Bellevue Avenue is one of the prettiest scenic drives in Rhode Island, and many visitors choose to partake in this journey on a fun three-wheeled, two-passenger scooter. Brenton Point State Park is a perfect stop to fly a kite or navigate the rocks while exploring tidepools. Bring beach chairs and a picnic to settle in for a beautiful sunset.
Stomp Divots at a Newport Polo Match
America’s first polo club in Newport hosts the Newport International Polo Series from June through September each year. Dress in your preppiest summer attire and enjoy an exciting polo match from a pavilion table, where fans can even participate by “stomping the divots” back into place before the second half of the match begins.
Tea at Blithewold
The gardens and 45-room mansion at Blithewold in nearby Bristol exemplifies the Country Place Era. With scenic views of Narragansett Bay, a stroll through the spring and summer gardens provides a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Experiencing Blithewold is best through one of the estate’s special events. Pack a picnic and enjoy music during the summer concert series, or reserve a table for Tea & Scones with panoramic views of the Bay from one of the mansion porches.
Picnic at Beavertail State Park
One of the most picturesque locations in Rhode Island is situated just across Narragansett Bay at the southern tip of Conanicut Island in Jamestown. Beavertail State Park spans 153 acres with a beautiful rocky coastline and open picnic grounds, highlighted by the working Beavertail Lighthouse and the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum. Bring a picnic and relax on the rocks, enjoying classic New England coastline views. Beavertail is also ideal for kite flying, tidepooling, and saltwater fishing.
