Newport, RI Road Trips

One of the largest cities in the future United States during colonial times, Newport's decline in the early 19th century is good news for today's visitors, who can experience one of the nation's largest collections of intact colonial architecture; had Newport followed the same path as its former peer cities, its historic buildings might have been razed decades or even centuries ago. But Newport is even more well known for another historical period: the Gilded Age of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when some of America's most prominent families built eye-popping summer homes, which they called "cottages," along the waterfront. Many of the mansions are now open for tours. Newport is also known for hosting many popular festivals, including the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival. Cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks accent an upscale touristy downtown area with many shops, galleries and great restaurants, all located near the water. Newport sits on the southern end of Aquidneck Island and features several fine beaches, rocky cliffs and much history including an old fort. Newport Visitors Center, 21 Long Wharf Mall, ☏ +1 401-845-9130, [email protected]. Jul-Oct: 10AM-5PM, daily. Nov-Dec: Th-M 10AM-4PM. (updated Dec 2022) The summer weather generally calls for shorts, short sleeves, and swimsuits. Newport is also surrounded by water you might want to pack a sweatshirt for the night time because it can get a bit cool. Be sure to bring an umbrella with you because Newport is not exactly invincible to rain.

1 Newport Cliff Walk, ☏ +1 401-845-5544. Sunrise-sunset daily. Dedicated in 1975, this 3.5 mi (5.6 km) public access walkway is a beautiful walk, and two-thirds of the trail is easy walking for all ages. The cliff walk offers some of the most beautiful views in New England, and wildlife can be seen throughout. Along the way you'll get a peek at several the famous Newport Mansions. Be sure to look out for the Forty Steps; an amazing staircase leading into the ocean below. During Newport's Golden Age, the steps were a gathering place for servants and workers from the nearby mansions. Here they would hold weekend dances and play the Irish songs and music that reminded them of home. The bottom of the steps are also safe for swimmers, runners and walkers alike. To walk the trail, start at Newport's First Beach and follow the coast to Ocean Drive. While walking, watch out for poison ivy. Additionally, some portions of the walk drop off steeply into the water, rocks can be slippery, and the path is not fully paved; so proceed with caution. Most people complete the Cliff Walk in about 2-4 hours. While bikes are not permitted, dogs are as long as they are kept on a leash. There are no refreshments or picnic areas, so plan ahead. The north end is handicapped accessible and baby carriage accessible. There are multiple ways to exit the Cliff Walk, all of which lead back to Bellevue Avenue and the front side of the mansions. Walking back to your car can take a while, so consider the free RIPTA trolley as a viable return option. Free.

Newport offers a variety of activities throughout the year. During the summer season, water sports are extremely popular among Newporters and tourists. Sailing and boating tours are also available starting in the spring, while an outdoor skating rink is a great place to be during the winter. Shopping and gambling are also great tourist attractions throughout the entire year in Newport. You can even take a food tour and get a taste for several restaurants so you know where to go for lunch or dinner while in Newport. Newport Power Yoga, 112 Williams St, ☏ +1 401 619-4540. 9:30AM-6PM daily. Offers all levels of classes, heated power vinyassa, and slow flow/restorative. Mats available for rent, towels and water available for purchase, blocks available for use. $16. (updated May 2023) Skydive Newport, 211 Airport Access Rd (Middletown), ☏ +1 401 845-0393. 9AM-sunset daily Apr 1-Oct 31. A tandem jump is offered with an instructor, which consists of a 40-second free fall, and about a 5-minute parachute ride. Hands on training is available. From $260. (updated May 2023) Newport Pilates, 92 William St, ☏ +1 401 619-4660. 7AM-7PM daily. Provides mat, reformer, and virtual classes. $20-65. (updated May 2023) Newport is known for its beautiful beaches. There are a variety of both public and private beaches located in the Newport area. Many beaches located in Newport are within a few blocks from each other, and have a variety of different features. Some are great for swimming, fishing, and making sand castles, while others have picnic areas and great surf.

Newport is one of the state's most charming seaside towns; harboring some of the finest seafood restaurants in the area. If that's not your style, Newport still has plenty of other fantastic dining options. The restaurant scene offers a variety of choices ranging from elaborate and lavish experiences to more quotidian and workaday fare. If you're not afraid to break the bank on an anniversary dinner, check out the restaurants housed within the more upscale hotels in town. You don't need to be a guest, but you will need reservations. These are some of the most high class places you can go, short of having dinner at The Breakers. The menus—featuring some of the best seafood in the state—can only rivaled by the extensive wine lists. Aquidneck Growers Wednesday Farmers Market, 31 Chapel St, ☏ +1 401 256-6627. W 2-6PM May 17-Oct 25. Vendors from all over Rhode Island sell fresh produce, coffee, fish, and the odd craft retailer. While the market mostly offers ingredients for locals; you can find some great baked goods, sandwiches, juices, and the like. Rain or shine. Additional pop-up markets in the high season. $5-15. (updated May 2023) 1 Annie's, 176 Bellevue Ave, ☏ +1 401-849-6731. 7AM-3PM daily. An inexpensive breakfast option. The menu features classic diner food and their Early Bird Special is a substantial meal. $10-15. (updated May 2023) Belle's Cafe (Newport Shipyard), 1 Washington St, ☏ +1 401 619-5964. 7:30AM-2:30PM, closed Tu. Open for breakfast and lunch, Belle's Cafe is a casual eatery within the Newport Shipyard.

Newport is known for its lively night scene. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet cocktail, hang with the locals, or dance along to a live band, you will find a place in Newport to suit your preferences. “Downtown” Newport has bars all within walking distance of one another. Many bars are located just a few blocks from most hotels and inns, making a scenic walk an easy choice. Most bars are in the downtown area including upper Thames Street, lower Thames Street, America’s Cup Avenue, Memorial Boulevard, and Bellevue Avenue. Cappy's Hillside Cafe, 8 Memorial Blvd, ☏ +1 401 847-9419. Noon-1AM daily. Cappy's is a local sports bar. This is a great spot for enjoying a drink and watching the game in an open, friendly environment. Cappy’s offers billiards, fooseball, and an outdoor smoking area. $5-20. (updated May 2023) The Fastnet Pub, 1 Broadway, ☏ +1 401 845-9311. 11AM-1AM daily. This genuine Irish pub is easily the best place in Newport to hear live Irish music. Performances start at 10PM Thursday to Sunday. It's always full but not packed, and the service & ambiance are great. Start here: you won't regret it. Beers $6-10, mixed drinks $12, pub menu $15. (updated May 2023) Gas Lamp Grille, 206 Thames St, ☏ +1 401 845-9300. 11AM-1AM daily. Serves an eclectic menu with dishes like wasabi tuna wrap. They also host live entertainment during late spring and all summer long. $15-25. (updated May 2023) Newport Blues Cafe, 286 Thames St, ☏ +1 401 841-5510. F Sa 6PM-1AM. Dinner served until 10PM when the live music starts and you must be 21+. $15.

There are a few big hotels, and an abundance of bed & breakfasts. In season, it's expensive everywhere, and many places require multiple night stays. William Gyles Guesthouse, 16 Howard St, ☏ +1 401 369-0243. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Former home of the Newport International Hostel, this is as cheap as it gets in Newport. Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Minimum stay 2 nights. From $120 in the high season. (updated May 2023) Armistead Cottage Bed and Breakfast, 55 Hunter Ave, ☏ +1 401 848-7123, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Close to Newport's Cliff Walk, First Beach, historic Bellevue Avenue. Full 3-course breakfast served each morning. $179-$439. (updated May 2023) Marshall Slocum Inn, 29 Kay St, ☏ +1 401 841-5120, toll-free: +1 800 372-5120. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. Offering a full breakfast, afternoon refreshments, and nightly sweets. Inclusive packages with mansions, tours and a lobster dinner are also available. From $200. (updated May 2023) 1 Newport Beach Hotel & Suites, One Wave Ave, ☏ +1 401 846-0310. A luxury beachfront hotel within walking distance to Cliff Walk and 1 mile to downtown Newport. Accommodates up to 200 for group meetings and retreats. From $250. (updated Apr 2025) Thames Street Guest House, 15 Thames St, ☏ +1 401 846-8471. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Circa 1856 George Champlin Mason Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Historic Point section. King size beds, private baths, A/C, two blocks to waterfront and downtown. From $250.

To get into Newport, or anywhere on Aquidneck Island, you can take one of three bridges: the Claiborne Pell Bridge (known by many locals as the Newport Bridge), from Jamestown, the Sakonnet River Bridge, from Tiverton, or the Mount Hope Bridge, from Bristol. T.F. Green Airport (PVD IATA) in Warwick offers many low cost and regular flights to many cities in the United States. It is about 45 minutes away. Boston's Logan Airport (BOS IATA) is much larger and is generally used for most international flights. It is 1 hour 35 minutes away. Newport State Airport (NPT IATA). 4 miles northeast of downtown (11 minute drive) on the border with Middletown; this airport is small and does not offer commercial flights. RIPTA runs an express bus service from Providence every 30 minutes. Block Island Ferry runs multiple ferries daily from Block Island and Fall River. From Providence, Seastreak Ferries offers four daily round trips with a journey time of just under one hour. Additionally, Jamestown and Newport Ferry offers a more leisurely trip from Jamestown, just across the bay and islands in between. Block Island Ferry, 39 America’s Cup Ave (Perrotti Park), ☏ +1 401-783-7996. May-Oct. Hi-Speed ferry service to and from Block Island. Travel time is about 60 minutes. Light snacks and full bar available on board. This is the tourist class, in season ferry. If you need to get to Block Island in the winter, visit the Point Judith terminal in Narragansett. $26, child $13, bikes $6-12.

Newport is a great town to walk or ride a bike in. Visitors will quickly notice others using bikes, scooters, and mopeds to circumvent city traffic. Many restaurants and shops are packed into the harbor area, which is perfect for walking, especially on a cool summer night. Parking your car can get pretty difficult at certain times of the year, which is another benefit of walking. If you decide to take your car downtown, there are various locations that have parking meters. The meters take only quarters (15 minutes) and dimes (5 minutes), and allow you to park for 3 hours. In addition to meters, there are many parking lots that charge around 15-30 dollars for parking. RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority), 23 America's Cup Ave (Newport Transportation Center), ☏ +1 401 781-9400. Roughly 5AM-10PM, varies depending on route. Although RIPTA primarily serves Providence, there are several routes here that visitors and tourists may find helpful. All routes will stop at Newport Transportation Center. Bus #64 connects with Kingston station, while #67 serves many of the mansions on tourist checklists. Bus #63 is great for locals, #60 connects directly to Providence via Bristol, and #14 connects across the far side of the bay; stopping at Wickford station and connecting with TG Green Airport before arriving at Providence.The #68 will take you to First Beach. Buses run about once an hour, with the more popular routes running every 30 minutes. $2. (updated May 2023) Orange Cab, ☏ +1 401 841-0030. (updated May 2023) Newport Pedicab, ☏ +1 401 432-5498.

Visitors awed by Newport's numerous mansions, immaculate public gathering places and well-preserved historic sites might be surprised to hear that the city has a higher-than-average crime rate. While it is generally very safe, visitors should take common sense precautions. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings in the same way you would in any densely populated area where criminals may seek to target the easily distracted. One area where visitors should be particularly cautious is the Cliff Walk. Though crime is virtually unheard of here, more than a few people have been injured―some of them seriously so―while wandering off the path. Dramatic views come with the risk of dramatic falls. No matter how tempting a closer look may be, stay on the path and you'll have nothing to worry about.