Total Days: 3 Days | Accommodations: Hotel in Downtown Newport | Transportation: Car though Uber will work, walking and biking as well | Traveled: With friends | Type of Trip: Historic sites | Highlights: Harbor sail, Cliff Walk, bike ride to historic sites
DAY 1
At a glimpse: Highlighting the views on or near the water
Travel Agenda: Upon arrival, pack a beach bag and drive to Memorial Boulevard. Three beaches in a row, Easton Beach (affectionately known as First Beach), Second and Third Beach are large sandy beaches situated one right after another. First Beach has the most amenities and is an easy walk to Flo’s for a Clam Chowder, World Famous Clamcakes or a No-Nonsense Lobasta Roll Platter.
As the “sailing capital of the world” according to Forbes, it would be a waste not to see the city via the water! Therefore, book a sunset sailing cruise like Schooner Madeleine Schooner or Adirondack II. Back on land, walk around the wharfs area until dinner is calling at the Clarke Cooke House in their cozy Bistro room.
Tip: For a special occasion, first order a cocktail at the hidden SkyBar upstairs, followed by dinner on the romantic candlelit Summer Porch. Make reservations beforehand!
Unbeknownst to the sophisticated diners, the Boom Boom Room is located just downstairs if you’re in the mood to dance. Or opt for The Black Pearl Patio on Bannister Wharf’s open-air bar right next door. For something a bit chicer, head just down the street and across the bridge to Goat Island. Gurney’s Resort takes over most of the island, and this is where you can find The Lounge/Patio or The Pineapple Club. Both offer seating under twinkly lights with fire pits and views of the Claiborne Pell Newport suspension bridge, Goat Island lighthouse and of course the resident goats to keep you company.
Tip: You can also rent pool cabanas at the Pineapple Club during the day. It’s a trendy spot to hang out, though it’s pricey and the food is lackluster.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: Morning cliff walk and afternoon winery excursion
Travel agenda: Rise and shine, hop in the car and drive first to Newport Creamery for a breakfast bagel. This diner style Rhode Island institution offers “feel good” food. From there, drive to the end of Narragansett Ave where you can park (very close) to the start of the Cliff Walk, a 3.5 mile path of “history, beauty and adventure.” The 40 Steps edge will be right in front of you with views of 1st beach to your left. Turn to the right and walk along the path for a literal behind the scenes look at the beautiful mansions, historic properties (64 private residences!) and Salve Regina University buildings. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and surfers!
Tip: It can get crowded on nice days so best to do this early! I highly recommend sneakers, as the rocks can get slippery, and there are tunnels and even access to a couple small beaches.
Take an Uber or the Newport Trolley back to the start of the Cliff Walk and drive to Bellevue Plaza. This is an opportunity to explore this historic side of town, and take a tour or catch a match at the International Tennis Hall of Fame located just a few steps away. Lunch should be at (or takeaway from) local hotspot CRU located in the plaza.
Next, designate a DD or Uber to Greenvale Vineyards Winery. The vineyard is located along the Sakonnet River and offers tastings and a place to relax. Jazz concerts are on Saturdays starting at 1pm.
Tip: You can bring our own food, so you can take CRU snacks and sandwiches to go!
In the evening, walk along the main Thames Street, admiring the boutiques and nautical themes that persist throughout the town. Dinner should be at either The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar or Midtown Oyster Bar. For dessert, the “Newport way” is to pick up some ice cream to go. With a dozen options in the center of town, Ben & Jerry’s, Kilwin’s or Sprinkles are all steps away and will do the trick!
DAY 3
At a glimpse: Biking to the best of historic Newbury
Travel Agenda: Begin the day by walking to the centrally located Corner Café, a favorite among the locals. After breakfast, walk 10 minutes west to Ten Speed Spokes to rent a hybrid/commuter bike that comes with a helmet and lock. From there, it’s a 15-minute ride to the mansions on Bellevue Ave. Almost all mansions open between 9:00AM and 10:00AM and it’s your chance to the interior of your favorite house (we all have one!) For first time visitors, The Breakers or Marble House is a great start. For something a little more unique, opt for Rough Point.
After the tour, leisurely bike down Bellevue Ave, where you can stop and read markers that detail the history and architecture of the private and public homes along the way. At the end of Bellevue, turn right onto Coggeshall Ave and then a quick left to Ocean Ave. Ride along the waterfront road, admiring the other stately homes and stopping at the picturesque coves and beaches along the way. Brenton Point State Park is a good place to rest and watch the waves roll in and the kites fly overhead on windy days. During the season, there is a kite store on site. From there, it’s only 10 minutes to Castle Hill Inn, originally a historic Newport mansion transformed to one of an iconic hotel and restaurant. Lunch is at The Lawn, with outdoor seating to accentuate the view.
On the 30-minute bike ride back, take a different route down Ridge Road that leads to Harrison Ave. The perfectly manicured homes, farms (including Jackie O’s family farm) and golf courses are excellent scenery. Along the way, a worthwhile detour is Fort Adams State Park. The Park is a public recreation and historic area preserving the large coastal fortification that was active from 1841 through the first half of the 20th century. You can see the perimeter of the fort, or buy tickets to explore the interior. Another suggested stop in town is Redwood Library and Athenaeum, America’s oldest continuous lending library with an interesting collection of books and artwork. The historic homes in this block are less grand, but very charming.
After returning bikes, it’s just a 5-minute walk to White Horse Tavern, America’s Oldest Tavern with award winning food in a historic setting. Grab a seat at the intimate upstairs or downstairs bar for a well-earned beverage and meal before heading home!
Bonus Activities:
Newport Polo is the home of America’s first polo club, established in 1876. The Newport International Polo Series has a match every Saturday at 5:00PM in the summer or 4:00PM in September.
As an alternative to Greenvale Vineyards, Newport Craft offers beers with a seasonal outdoor pavilion for enjoying a brew while playing lawn games and enjoying the view of the Newport bridge.
Newport has some fantastic events throughout the year, including the Newport Oyster and Chowder Festival, the Hall of Fame Open, Jazz Festival and International Boat Show. Check the local calendar before you plan your trip!
