5 Ways to Discover Newport, Rhode Island This Summer

In our series on long weekend getaways, we’ll help you maximize your summer Fridays, school vacations, and the season's extended daylight. Tune in weekly for inspiring itineraries and effortless escapes.

If you’re looking for a nautical New England retreat away from the busy Cape Cod, Newport, Rhode Island’s historic coastal playground, is your destination.

Located just an hour and a half from Boston, three and a half hours from New York City, or a short ferry ride from Providence, Newport boasts fresh lobster, stunning beaches, and opulent mansions. Renowned during the Gilded Age as the summer haven for affluent families like the Vanderbilts, Newport now invites travelers from all walks of life with its luxurious hotels, seafood-centric dining, and seasonal activities.

Set aside a long weekend and save this guide for an ideal coastal New England retreat in Newport this summer.

Stay on an island

The sole hotel on Goat Island, Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina offers something for everyone, including two friendly goats for guests to feed and interact with. The resort features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, numerous lounge spaces (including hammocks) with stunning views of Narragansett Bay, the opulent Seawater Spa and salon, and a branch of the delightful Italian restaurant Scarpetta overlooking Newport Harbor. With two vibrant bars (one by the pool) and a coffee shop, along with daily activities like yoga and pilates, guests can easily enjoy their entire day at the resort. Plus, accessing the town is a breeze, whether by walking or cycling (the resort provides bikes), or using the resort's boat or van shuttle.

Take a stroll

One of Newport's top attractions is its stunning Cliff Walk, which runs from the western end of Easton's, or First Beach, to the eastern edge of Bailey's Beach. This flower-adorned path, designated as a National Recreation Trail within a National Historic District, spans miles and is relatively easy to traverse. The walk beautifully merges the rugged coastal scenery with the architectural heritage of Newport, as many historic mansions are situated along the route.

Newport is renowned for its extravagant "summer cottages" built for the affluent families of the Gilded Age. After admiring them from the Cliff Walk, take a step inside a few to experience the lifestyle of the elite at the turn of the century. Begin your journey at the beautiful new Breakers Welcome Center, which helps visitors explore the area’s many mansions and tours. While the Vanderbilt family’s The Breakers is one of the most iconic estates, other highlights include the resplendent Marble House, inspired by Versailles, the Rosecliff — commissioned by a silver heiress — and the Belcourt, designed by Richard Morris Hunt, which is currently undergoing a multi-year, multimillion-dollar renovation but remains accessible.

Savor the seafood

Being by the water, Newport naturally shines in seafood offerings. From lobster in various styles (be sure to try it at the Newport Lobster Shack) to clam chowder and oysters fresh from the Bay at Benjamin's Raw Bar, the toughest decision during a long weekend in Newport might be what to order. Visitors can also indulge in clam cakes, a Rhode Island favorite, at Flo's Clam Bar.

Newport is also known for its breakfast scene (check out Cru Cafe, Belle's Cafe in the Newport Shipyard, and Salvation Café, all of which require an early start to beat the crowds) and is home to Mission, one of the top burger spots in the country. One of the oldest restaurants in the United States, White Horse Tavern (established in 1673), is located in Newport, alongside several upscale dining establishments that boast stunning ocean views, including The Spiced Pear, Castle Hill Inn Restaurant, and The Vanderbilt Grill.

Get on the water

Whether you're relaxing on the beach or sailing on Narragansett Bay, Newport embodies a nautical spirit. For the best beach experience, visit Easton's or First Beach, where the action (and dining) thrives, or opt for Gooseberry Beach, nestled in a serene cove. For a more tranquil shoreline, try Reject's Beach, the unroped section of the private Bailey's Beach, which remains relatively unknown.

Sailing in Newport Harbor is essential, as the city is celebrated as the Sailing Capital of the World. Visitors can admire the lavish yachts while enjoying the refreshing sea breeze. Numerous tours and charters are available, with many departing from Bowen's Ferry Landing or Bannister's Wharf.

Explore the museums

While Newport is famed for its mansion-like museums, it also boasts several exceptional museums dedicated to the arts, sports, and classic automobiles.

For instance, the Newport Art Museum showcases works by artists such as Dale Chihuly, Gilbert Stuart, and Rita Rogers, with a particular emphasis on American artists connected to the local art scene. At the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the site of the first US National Tennis Championships in 1881, visitors can find the nation's oldest continuously-used grass courts, which can even be reserved for play. This museum, housing over 15,000 items, hosts the Tennis Hall of Fame induction ceremony and various summer tennis tournaments. Adjacent to it is the Audrain Automobile Museum, featuring a rotating collection of cars from 1899 to the present. The current exhibition includes a variety of charming vehicles perfect for summer drives along Ocean Drive, like a 1959 coral-colored Fiat 600 Jolly with wicker seats, a compact 1957 Inter 175A Berline Microcar from an aeronautics company, and a sleek 2018 McLaren 720S.