Newport is pure magic; full of sailboats, sunshine, and the sea – it just doesn’t get any better! There are amazing coastal views, cute colonial homes, yummy seafood, and stunning mansions! It is a MUST visit spot! Not to mention, Katie is getting married in Newport! We put together a guide for you so that when you visit Newport, you can hit all the hot spots!! This area is near and dear to our hearts so we hope you travel to Newport and love it as much as we do!!
The next time we are together in Newport, we will be celebrating Katie’s wedding!!!
Where to Eat
Calories don’t count when you are on vacation and they especially don’t count when you are sipping rum runners and eat “chowdah!”
- Castle Hill Inn: A trip to Newport is not complete without a visit to Castle Hill Inn! Sitting on the lawn, in the Adirondack chairs, while watching the sunset is one of the most memorable experiences you will EVER have. There is a restaurant above the lawn and the lobster roll is unbelievably delicious! Lobster roll not your thing? The other menu options are just as fabulous!
- Clarke Cooke House: This dining spot is a Newport institution! Whether you are looking for oysters in the restaurant or enjoying a cocktail in the bar area, Clarke Cooke house is always a go-to for any trip to Newport.
- Black Pearl: The Black Pearl is located right in the midst of downtown and it has outdoor seating right on the wharf! You don’t want to pass up grabbing a cup of clam chowder here because it is just too good! We especially love this spot because of the patio and ambiance!
- Tallulah on Thames: If you are looking for a special culinary experience to wow your taste buds, head to Tallulah on Thames! The menu is locally sourced and mouthwateringly amazing!
- Dels: If you are in Rhode Island you must visit Dels! This delicious lemonade is iconic in RI and you just can’t leave without trying it!
- Brick Alley Pub: If you are in town with your family, we highly recommend dining at Brick Alley Pub. It is not on the water but the food is divine and every celeb who frequents the area eats here!
- 41 North: We LOVE this spot to grab a cocktail and watch the boats roll in! There are fire pits and the ambiance is GLAM!
- Flo’s Clam Shack: On my first trip to Newport, we asked where should we go for excellent seafood that is quick and famous in the area. They said without a doubt, you must try Flo’s! This cute spot is right on the beach and super casual. We totally recommend grabbing a bite here!
We are huge fans of waterfront dining, so we made a list of spots on the water for you:
- 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar and Grille
- Agave
- Black Pearl
- Cliff Walk Terrace
- Castle Hill Inn Restaurant
- Aquidneck Lobster Bar
- Clarke Cooke House
- Belle’s Cafe
What to Do
- The Mansions – One of the most popular things to do in Newport is to visit the Newport Mansions! The gilded mansions are a sight to see, and many of them host public viewings and tours. Katie went on a mansion tour as a young girl and fell in love. Fast forward many years later and she is planning a wedding at Rosecliff Mansion!! The major ones to visit are The Breakers, Rosecliff Mansion, The Elms, and Marble House.
- Newport Vineyards – We are huge fans of wine and love an afternoon full of wine tasting! Newport is New England’s largest grower of wine grapes…who knew?! Spend a day in the tasting room and then head outside to the patio to enjoy a relaxing day! If you are interested, there are tours of the winemaking process, as well.
- International Tennis Hall of Fame – If you are a fan of tennis, this spot is for you! You can also catch some tournaments here during the summer.
- Beaches – If you are visiting in the warmer months, you must head to the beaches! See below for a full overview.
- Cliff Walk – A visit to Newport, Rhode Island is not complete without walking along the Cliff Walk!! This 3.5 mile shoreline walk has public access and gorgeous coastal views. Most of the cliff walk runs parallel to the coast and the gorgeous gilded mansion properties. The walk begins at the west end of Easton’s/First Beach at Memorial Blvd., and the walk is generally pretty well mapped out along the route. It ends at Bellevue Avenue. Parking can be found either at the Memorial Blvd entrance or Narragansett Avenue.
- Ocean Drive – This 10-mile drive is absolutely breathtaking! The views are unlike any other and the scenic route is one of the best places in Newport to bike ride, run, picnic, fish, and swim! In the colder months, we like to walk the route for some steppppssss!
- Sailing – Newport is the “Sailing Capital of the World!” It hosted The America’s Cup for over 50 years. It is still known for its sailing and is home to some of the world’s most luxurious yachts and boat shows.
- Shopping on Thames Street – If you are a fan of shopping, hit up the fabulous boutiques on Thames Street! They have everything from cute clothing boutiques to adorable home pieces.
Beaches
Soak in the sun on one of Newport’s beaches
- Easton Beach (also known as First Beach): First Beach is directly below the Cliff Walk and it is a popular spot!
- Sachuest Beach: (also known as Second Beach): Second Beach is just across the road from First Beach and it has concessions and bathrooms. There can be large crowds here in the summertime.
- Third Beach: If you want a calmer scene than Second Beach, head to Third Beach for serene water (bay side) and fewer people.
- Gooseberry Beach: A hidden gem, Gooseberry Beach is tucked away on Ocean Drive and it is quiet, has ample parking, and it has a yummy concession stand!
Where to Stay
Once you get to “The City by the Sea,” you’ll want to stay forever. Here are a few fabulous spots to stay in the area.
- Castle Hill Inn: This property is tres chic and right on the water. Did we mention Grace Kelly used to stay here? Yep, that is right! She loved it so much they named the beach after her! During the summer months, it can be $$$ so book in advance!
- Viking Hotel: A classic Newport hotel with a wonderful rooftop bar! Definitely, check out the spa if you can!
- Gilded Hotel: This hotel is hot pink and oh so GLAM! Definitely a bachelorette party spot, it’s colorful, vibrant and so cool!
- The Chanler Hotel: This five-star hotel is truly something else! The service is incredible and it is situated right on the Cliff Walk. Make sure to stop by the porch and grab a drink!
- Mill Street Inn: An industrial/loft-esqe vibe in the middle of Newport, this is a swanky option for your Newport vacation.
- Vanderbilt Grace: This hotel is a Newport pillar and you will 100% feel like a Vanderbilt when you stay here! Also, there is a rooftop bar for scenic drinks!
- Air BnB: Newport can get a tad pricey in the summer months, so we’re always fans of Air BnB. You’ll never know what little-hidden gems you’ll find in the area!
