Newport Things To Do 1

Our map of recommended attractions to see in Newport (click icons to view more)

Things To Do In Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island was founded in 1639 and is located on Aquidneck Island.  Referred to as “America’s First Resort,” Newport has something for everyone. Whether you are coming for a relaxing visit, to see our historic architecture,  shop in our many unique boutiques, or participate in our many water activities; Newport is the perfect place!  Scroll down for a list of area attraction links.

By far, the most popular attractions are the Newport Mansions. Take a  tour of  the Vanderbilt’s Marble House and Breakers, or visit the Elms and take the Servant Life Tour.  Visit Rosecliff with it’s beautiful ball room and the setting of many movies. There are ghost tours at Belcourt Castle.  Doris Duke’s impressive Rough Point is open from mid-April to early November. Also open seasonally, Hunter House and the Samuel Whitehorne House are wonderful examples of 18th and 19th architecture and both showcase fine examples of exquisite Goddard-Townsend colonial furniture. In the winter, three of the Preservation Society Mansions are open and decorated for the holidays.

Another “must see” is the scenic Cliff Walk.  Cliff Walk begins at Memorial Boulevard and runs for 3.5 miles ending at the end of Bellevue Avenue.  To one side are panoramic views of the ocean, and to your other are beautiful residences, mansions, and Salve Regina University.   Whether you want to go for a leisurely stroll or for a run, the views are amazing!

If you love beautiful coastal views, then you must take the 10 mile Scenic Ocean Drive.  You can begin at either the end of Bellevue Avenue or downtown at Wellington Avenue and you can drive or go by bicycle.  Along the way there are places to pull off and enjoy the ocean views.  You can also stop at Brenton Point State Park where people take picnic lunches and fly kites.  Fort Adams State Park, located on the harbor side of Ocean Drive, is another beautiful place to walk, picnic, take a tour of the historic Fort or visit the Museum of Yachting (both open seasonally).

In addition to the mansions, there are many museums open year round.  The International Tennis Hall of Fame offers a great history of the sport.  Trinity Church, Touro Synagogue and the Redwood Library are all wonderful living examples of Newport’s unique architecture.  You may also want to visit one of our two vineyards or Newport’s own brewery.

In the summer, there is no better way to see Newport than from the water!  You can go for a relaxing sail, take a narrated tour, or crew on an America’s Cup yacht.  For experienced sailors, there are sailboats that can be rented if you choose to sail yourself.   Motor boat and kayak rentals are also available.  Newport is ideally located for excellent fishing, there are half and full day options of professionally Captained boats.

For more summer fun, there are beaches, hiking trails, and sports adventures!  Newport has several beaches, some with great waves for surfing, others are tranquil alcoves on the coast.  We will help you decide which is the right for you and provide you with a beach bag and towels.  Every Saturday afternoon, polo is played at the Glen, just a 20 minute drive from downtown-take a picnic supper!

For the more adventurous traveler, you can sky dive, take a helicopter tour above the island, go for a horseback ride, surf, or go kitesurfing.  A great way to see the island is by bicycle, there are many places where you can rent a bike or two-person scooter.  If you enjoy hiking, we recommend visiting the Norman Bird Sanctuary or Sachuest Nature Preserve, both offer wonderful views.

Links to area attractions

Newport has many wonderful dining options, these are some of our favorites! Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for fine dining, Friday/Saturday nights and during the very busy months.

Formal/Fine Dining/Romantic Restaurants:

Bouchard– Located on Lower Thames Street, featuring fine French Cuisine, a great choice for a special occasion! (401-846-0123)

Clarke Cooke House, The Porch-roof top restaurant with view of the harbor.  Located on Bannister’s Wharf.   Unique dishes and ingredients, less formal dining downstairs in the Grill and Candy Store Dining Rooms (401-849-2900)

Caste Hill-Wonderful views of the harbor make reservation earlier for the sunset, prix-fixe (888-466-1355)

Black Pearl, Commodore’s Room-traditional fine dining, wonderful fish and chowder on Bannister’s Wharf, less formal dining in the Tavern and patio (401-846-5264)

The White Horse Tavern– located on Marlborough Street, American cuisine served in an historic Colonial building, outdoor seating available (401-849-3600)

Less Formal yet still very nice-reservations highly recommended:

TSK (Thames Street Kitchen)– located on lower Thames St. ~a fun restaurant featuring local and seasonal creative dishes 401-846-0400

22 Bowens-located on Bowen’s Wharf, a wine bar, we describe as an upscale steak house with seafood, outdoor seating available (401-841-8884)

The Mooring-on Sayer’s Wharf on America’s Cup Avenue, serving primarily seafood, outdoor seating available (401-846-2260)

Jo’s American Bistro– located on Memorial Blvd, offering American cuisine in an upscale yet casual setting. Mid-week, early dining special (401-847-5506)

Scales and Shells-on lower Thames St, Seafood Only Restaurant in an open kitchen dining room (cash only) 401-846-3474 (FISH)-no reservations

Clarke Cooke House-the Candy Store or Grill dining rooms.

 

Mamma Luisa-located further down lower Thames Street, traditional Italian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere 401-848-5257

Diego’s– on Bowen’s Wharf, featuring Mexican style dishes with a modern twist, delicious fish tacos, outdoor patio 401-619-2640

Benjamin’s Restaurant and Raw Bar-three floors of dining located on Thames Street offering primarily seafood (4-7 PM dinner specials), outdoor deck 401-846-6786

Wharf Pub– located on Bowen’s Wharf, features American comfort food, outdoor patio 401-619-5672

Pasta Beach-authentic Italian food in a fresh atmosphere, small outdoor deck 401-847-2222

Salvation Café– located on Broadway serving an eclectic menu in a “funky” atmosphere, outdoor dining available 401-847-2620

Sardellas –located on Memorial Blvd., Italian cuisine served in several dining rooms or outdoors on the patio, Monday-Wednesday dinner special for 2 with wine~$30 401-849-6312

The Midtown Oyster Bar– lively bar/grill style restaurant with strong emphasis on seafood restaurant located on lower Thames Street 401-619-4100

Flo’s Clam Shack– a very casual “shack” serving seafood-located at 4 Wave Ave. in Middletown, outdoor dining, CASH only 401- 847-8141

Sumo Sushi– offering Sushi and Japanese and Korean dishes-located on Thames Street, BYOB 401-848-2307

Pour Judgment-located on Broadway offering great food and a variety of beers at reasonable prices in a bar atmosphere 401-619-2215

Smokehouse– summer barbecue served al fresco, located on America’s Cup Avenue 401-848-9800

Fastnet Pub- authentic Irish Pub located on Broadway, reasonable prices, outdoor dining available 401- 845.9311

Brick Alley Pub– a pub style restaurant on Thames Street, 401- 849-6334

Red Parrot- bar/grill with a Caribbean flair, located at the corner of Lower Thames Street and America’s Cup Avenue 401-847-3800

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