If it IS your first time in Newport, check out this itinerary! BUT if you’ve hit all the famous landmarks, here are some equally impressive (if not more unique) alternatives:
Colonial Tree Walk over Cliff Walk
If you’ve already enjoyed the Cliff Walk, the Colonial Tree Walk should be next in line. Instead of a water view and mansions, the path includes the main historical square, beautiful Colonial homes and numerous architectural landmarks including our nation’s oldest synagogue, oldest lending library, and the oldest Episcopal Church in continuous use. Markers and guides pinpoint the impressive foliage along the way.
The Chanler over Castle Hill Inn
Castle Hill Inn is usually the first ritzy hotel/restaurant that comes to mind in Newport. The Chanler is just as award-winning, but somehow flies under the radar more than Castle Hill Inn. This boutique hotel has the Gilded Age opulence, Newport charm and the picture perfect Adirondack chairs. A worthy stay or a stop by for lunch, dinner or a beverage.
Battery Park over Fort Adams Park
Both parks have waterfront views, but Battery Park is a lessor known sanctuary away from the tourists. It is a great spot to enjoy a walk, picnic or watch the sunset. The Van Zandt Pier is just steps away and offers the closest viewpoint to the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge.
Gooseberry Beach over First, Second or Third Beach
Everyone knows and loves First, Second and Third Beach, but Gooseberry Beach Is off the beaten path with arguably better views. Located next to a private club, there is a public section with soft sand and a cute café for snacks.
Purgatory Chasm over Surfer’s End
Surfer’s End is a local spot for surfers next to Second Beach. Though it’s a fun people watching spot, instead get a higher vantage point at the unique Purgatory Chasm, a cliffside fissure caused by glaciers thousands of years ago.
The Grill at Forty 1 North over Gurneys
Gurney’s is getting all the credit right now as the trendy waterfront bar. For something less obvious, The Forty 1 North hotel offers an outdoor bar and lounge seating situated around the marina.
Rough Point over The Breakers, The Elms, Rosecliff and Marble House
The four mentioned above are some of the most popular mansions to visit in the world. Rough Point is the estate of Doris Duke and has been left more or less untouched since the 1990s. The feel is slightly less museum-like than most of the other Newport mansions. The gardens are amazing too!
In second place, Belcourt Mansion was designed by Richard Morris Hunt to resemble a French hunting lodge. Then his wife Alva Vanderbilt transformed it into the party house on the street. What makes this particularly unique is that renovations are still underway so you can see the process behind the scenes.
Newport Congregational Church over St. Mary’s
St. Mary’s gets the attention because it was where the wedding of John F. Kennedy and Jackie O took place in 1953. However, the Newport Congregational Church is a beautiful and unique option! Though it is currently under restoration, the surviving comprehensive architectural interior (cool glass windows and murals) by John LaFarge in the 1880s is worth seeing.
Winter over Summer Visit
Newport is branded as a “summer town” which makes visiting during the off-season an even more special time! Fewer crowds, no waiting and cozy fire lit restaurants for hot cups of chowder. Click here for a full winter itinerary.
