The Essential Guide to Newport, Rhode Island

Known for its Gilded Age mansions, deep maritime roots, and rugged Atlantic shoreline, Newport has long been one of New England’s signature coastal escapes. It’s a classic summer destination, drawing visitors to the Cliff Walk, Bellevue Avenue’s storied estates, and miles of beach—but there’s far more to the city than its postcard highlights.

As Rhode Island secretary of commerce Stefan Pryor notes, Newport delivers “big experiences within a small footprint.” It’s a fitting description for a place where historic sites, notable restaurants, and beaches all sit within easy reach.

Newport also hosts some of the country’s most iconic cultural events—the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, among them—which draw major talent and international audiences each year. With its walkable downtown, lively waterfront, and easy access from Boston and Providence, Newport continues to stand out as a year-round destination that blends history, scenery, and modern coastal living.

Here’s what you need to know before visiting Newport, Rhode Island.

Best Hotels & Resorts

The Chanler at Cliff Walk

Housed in a restored Gilded Age mansion, The Chanler at Cliff Walk commands one of the most coveted locations in Newport, with sweeping ocean views. The 20 accommodations at this 2025 World’s Best Award-winning hotel range from manor rooms and suites to freestanding villas, each individually designed and outfitted with high-end touches like soaking tubs, fireplaces, and, in select units, private courtyards or outdoor hot tubs. Elegant dining options abound, from the award-winning Cara to the laid-back Remy’s Lounge and the refined Chanler Dining Room.

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resort Collection

One of Travel + Leisure readers’ favorite hotels in New England, The Vanderbilt occupies a former 1909 mansion in the heart of downtown Newport, once owned by businessman Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt. The 33 guestrooms and suites range from generous studio-style layouts to larger multiroom options, many of which overlook the garden terrace, downtown Newport, or the harbor. Interiors are layered with curated artwork and unexpected design details, while five on-site dining and drinking venues—including a tucked-away whiskey tasting room—give the hotel a buzzy vibe. A guest-only spa adds to the appeal for those looking to unwind between exploring Newport. 

Wayfinder Newport

Ideal for travelers who want a quieter, more laid-back stay that’s still close to the action, Wayfinder Newport sits just a short drive from downtown. The relaxed atmosphere carries through to the bright, airy rooms and suites, which blend modern design with thoughtfully chosen antique pieces. Downstairs, the all-day bar and restaurant Little Clam acts as a lively focal point, giving the hotel the feel of a neighborhood hangout rather than just a place to sleep.

Hammetts Hotel

You can’t beat the location at Hammetts Hotel, a contemporary boutique stay with 84 rooms set right on Newport’s lively waterfront. The property puts guests steps from The Wharf’s shops, bars, and dining, with the harbor always in view. Sleek rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed for efficiency and comfort, favoring clean lines and crisp linens. Open-air common spaces encourage lingering, whether you’re catching sunset views or simply taking in the energy of the waterfront below.

Castle Hill Inn 

With its shingle-style architecture, expansive waterfront lawn, and wraparound porches, the aptly named Castle Hill Inn feels as if it’s been plucked from a storybook. Set on a secluded peninsula overlooking Narragansett Bay, the World’s Best Award-winning property pairs its dramatic setting with thoughtful amenities, including a full-service spa and four on-site drinking and dining options. Guests can choose to sleep in the historic mansion or opt for more secluded cottages and beach houses.

Best Things to Do 

Get on the water.

Newport is known as the “Sailing Capital of the World” thanks to its deep maritime roots and the decades it’s hosted America’s Cup, so it only makes sense to experience it from the water. In the warmer months, you can hop aboard a classic schooner for a harbor tour or book a sunset sail for views of the shoreline, stately mansions, busy waterfront, and, if you’re lucky, a whale or two (or more). In winter, boat excursions shift to seasonal offerings, such as seal-watching cruises, which run through early spring.

Newport Mansions

No Newport vacation is complete without touring at least one of its iconic Gilded Age mansions, which provides a vivid glimpse into the extravagance of America’s turn-of-the-century elite. The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s famed summer “cottage,” is the most well-known, but equally stunning—if slightly more intimate—estates like Marble House, Rosecliff, and The Elms are also worth exploring.

Cliff Walk

Tie up your laces and head for the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail threading between the rugged Atlantic coastline and the back lawns of Newport’s grandest mansions. Bring a coffee and take your time—the coastal views are some of the best in the region. Also, keep in mind you don’t have to tackle the whole route; there are multiple entry points, so you can choose a shorter segment if you prefer.

Ocean Drive

Prefer to rest your legs? Cruise down Ocean Drive, a 10-mile coastal route lined with windswept coves, dramatic cliffs, historic estates, and postcard-worthy Atlantic views. Start just off historic Bellevue Avenue and follow the road as it winds past Gilded Age mansions, Hammersmith Farm (where Jackie Kennedy spent her childhood summers), Brenton Point State Park, Fort Adams State Park, and Gooseberry Beach, a favorite warm-weather stop. As its name suggests, this is one of the most scenic drives in the Northeast and an easy way to take in Newport’s rugged coastline.

Downtown Newport

Wander through Bowen’s Wharf, Thames Street, Bannister’s Wharf, and the surrounding historic downtown, where waterfront restaurants, cobblestone paths, and local shops sit within easy walking distance of one another. Leave a little time to explore and browse—more on our favorite stores below. 

Just a few blocks uphill, Bellevue Avenue offers a different side of Newport, trading in busy wharfs and waterfront crowds for tree-lined streets and Gilded Age grandeur. The boulevard is lined with elegant boutiques, galleries, cafés, and some of the city’s most iconic architecture. It’s an easy add-on to any downtown stroll.

Best Shopping 

The Nitro Bar

This TikTok-famous coffee shop actually lives up to the buzz. With two Newport locations, it serves delicious coffee and matcha drinks along with fresh-baked pastries and other provisions. The steady crowd makes for great people-watching, and the branded merch is a fun, easy souvenir.

Market On Broadway

The main reason to stop at this otherwise unassuming gourmet grocer? The sourdough cinnamon buns from Co-Dough inside—truly some of the best around. Fluffy, gooey, sweet perfection, ideal for sharing (or not), they’re baked in limited quantities and handed to you straight from the oven. While you may be deterred by the line, know it moves fast, and it’s absolutely worth it.

Aardvark Antiques

For a one-of-a-kind souvenir, check out Aardvark Antiques, known for its eclectic mix of architectural and salvaged pieces. The shop has been around for more than 45 years and carries everything from stained-glass windows and antique lighting to bronze statuary, iron gates, mantels, and unique home and garden furnishings. It’s the kind of place where you never know what you’ll find—and that’s exactly its appeal.

Thames Street Glass

This local studio lets you make your own hand-blown glass bowls, ornaments, vases, and accessories. It also doubles as a gallery, with an impressive selection of artisan-made pieces, from colorful tumblers to sculptural home décor. The space feels more like a showroom than a traditional shop, but you can actually take home the pieces you fall in love with, making it a standout stop for unique, handmade gifts.

Shore Soap Co.

Pryor recommends popping into Shore Soap Co. for locally made soaps, candles, and skincare products. The Newport-born-and-bred brand creates small-batch goods inspired by the coast—think rich body lotions, ocean-inspired candles, and soaps in playfully named scents like Smooth Sailing, Mermaid Kisses, and Salty Mariner. The shop is beautifully merchandised, making it an easy stop for gifts or travel-friendly self-care staples.

Best Restaurants

White Horse Tavern

According to Pryor, a meal at the White Horse Tavern is a must. Dating back to 1673, it’s considered America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant and is housed in a classic colonial building with clapboard walls, a gambrel roof, low-beamed ceilings, and brick fireplaces. The dinner-only menu features a robust raw bar, classics like lobster bisque and New England clam chowder, and entrées such as beef Wellington and house-made pastas, all complemented by a well-curated wine list.

Audette’s

For haute French-inspired fare in an elegant setting, snag a table at Audette’s, where the Caesar salad doubles as edible art: finely chopped, shaped in a ring mold, and finished with a delicate Parmesan crumble that’s just as pretty as it is tasty. The poulet en croûte—a French riff on a classic chicken pot pie, filled with roasted chicken, leeks, morels, and truffles, layered over creamy mashed potatoes, and smothered in rich gravy—was another standout. Finish with the signature Grand Marnier soufflé, an airy, elegant finale that makes the whole meal feel even more special.

Scales & Shells

Run by husband-and-wife team Debra and Andrew Ackerman, Scales & Shells is a laid-back seafood spot known for straightforward, well-executed coastal cooking. The kitchen turns out generous portions of just-caught fish, scampi, and scallops, along with large bowls of mussels and clams. Wood-grilled specials are a standout, and the lobster fra diavolo—spicy and substantial—has a loyal following.

Wally’s Weiners

Wally’s Wieners is a casual Newport staple known for its playful take on classic comfort food. Expect hot dogs loaded with every topping imaginable—kimchi, elote, Caesar salad, pineapple, and more—plus sides like crispy fried pickles, a house favorite. But the real surprise is upstairs: a second-floor speakeasy, The Copper Club, with an impressive lineup of flavored espresso martinis, from classic to salted caramel to even Dubai chocolate.

The Mooring

Located on Newport’s historic waterfront, The Mooring has been serving standout seafood with harbor views for more than 35 years. Per Pryor, it’s a must-stop “for ultra-fresh seafood,” and the menu backs that up. The pan-seared lobster—two lightly fried lobsters cooked with ginger, lemongrass, scallions, and chiles, served with jasmine rice and sesame bok choy—is a personal favorite. Other strong options include the lobster roll, bouillabaisse, and shrimp-and-lobster fritters. The fried calamari is also a must-order (it’s Rhode Island’s official state appetizer), and the clam chowder is as comforting and creamy as you’d hope.

Best Nightlife

Newport Vineyards

Just outside town, Newport Vineyards operates as a winery, brewery, restaurant, and community gathering spot. Visitors can join daily tours and tastings, explore estate-grown wines, or sample small-batch brews from the on-site brewery. The wine list includes local favorites like the long-running Great White alongside a range of varietals produced on the property. It’s an easy stop for a relaxed afternoon, whether you’re sipping, snacking, or simply taking in the scenic farmland setting. Look out for events like trivia, live music, and more.

Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant  

“Newport’s bar scene offers a mix of historic character, waterfront views, and lively nightlife,” says Pryor. “Start at the Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, a Newport institution known for its sprawling menu, quirky décor, and lively bar scene.” The martini selection is surprisingly extensive, with flavors like chocolate-covered cherry, Key lime pie, and lemon drop. In addition to standard spirits and brews, you can sip tropical-inspired cocktails such as the Tropical Painkiller or brunch classics like a Bloody Mary topped with shrimp cocktail.

One Pelham East

Pryor describes One Pelham East as “Newport’s landmark for live music and late-night energy.” The multi-level venue features dueling pianos, rotating bands, DJs, and themed nights, consistently drawing one of the liveliest crowds in town. And with live music every night of the week—even in the off-season—it’s a go-to spot all year long.

Bar ‘Cino

If you prefer a more low-key night out, head to Bar ’Cino, a cozy wine bar in the heart of historic Washington Square. The intimate space has a tight-knit, neighborhood feel, comfy seating, and a well-curated wine list, making it a reliable choice for a mellow afternoon or evening. When the weather cooperates, snag a seat outdoors for prime people-watching opportunities. 

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Newport is from May to August, when the weather’s warm and sunny, the city is at its most vibrant, and its signature coastal energy is on full display. During these fleeting months, restaurant patios, harbor-front bars, and boutique-lined streets come alive, and the city’s biggest events return.

May marks the start of the Cliff Walk and Ocean Drive at their most scenic, while June brings the kickoff of the Newport International Polo Series. July and August usher in peak sailing season—fitting for the self-proclaimed Sailing Capital of the World—along with marquee events like the Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival, two of the country’s most celebrated music gatherings.

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach Newport is typically by car, especially if you’re coming from Boston or New York. Otherwise, the closest and most convenient airport is Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Providence, about 40 minutes away. About 90 minutes north, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) has more nonstop options. Smaller regional airports—Newport State Airport (NPT) and New Bedford Regional Airport (EWB)—serve private and limited commercial flights and are closer to town (about 10 and 40 minutes away, respectively).

From late spring through early fall, the Providence–Newport Ferry provides another easy, scenic option, connecting the two cities in under an hour without the hassle of driving or parking. Finally, travelers arriving by train can use Amtrak’s Kingston Station, about a 30-minute drive from Newport, with connections available by rental car, taxi, or RIPTA bus.

How to Get Around

Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout Newport, and they’re often the easiest way to reach outlying beaches, parks, and the airport. Alternatively, local taxis also service the area, though it’s recommended to reserve your ride in advance. Renting a car gives the most flexibility for outings beyond downtown.

As for public transportation, the RIPTA bus service connects Newport with nearby towns and major hubs, including Providence via the No. 60 bus, which runs to and from Kennedy Plaza with fares around $2 (Wave mobile payment available). Seasonal trolley routes operate free from late May through October, stopping at top sights like the Newport Mansions, Cliff Walk, Bellevue Avenue, and local beaches; after October, they revert to regular fares. Tip: Service is reliable but not frequent, so be sure to check the schedule in advance.