Is Newport worth visiting?
Yes!! Newport is a city set on Aquidneck Island in the New England state of Rhode Island. It is about 175 miles from New York City, and it usually takes us three and a half hours to get there. We just returned from visiting the city of Newport for the fourth time, and today I am rounding up a list of favorite things that you could do during your next visit to The Classic Coast!
What is Newport known for?
This beautiful seaside city in Rhode Island is known for its Gilded Age mansions, spectacular sailing, all-around nautical vibes, miles of beaches and magnificent sights. If you are into sailing, you might be aware that Newport has hosted the American’s Cup, a renowned annual sailing regatta, for many years.
If you are looking for a vacation destination that has beautiful beaches, restaurants, is family-friendly, then Newport is for you! Here is a selection of the best spots in the city that will surely take your breath away. At the bottom of the post you will find a list of hotels & restaurants to enjoy during your stay in Newport!
Cliff Walk & The Forty Steps
Cliff Walk has been an icon for centuries. It runs 3.5 miles and about two-thirds of the walk is in easy walking condition. The walk starts at the western end of Easton’s or First Beach at Memorial Blvd. and runs south with exits at Narragansett Ave., Webster St., Sheppard Ave., Ruggles Ave., Marine Ave., Ledge Rd., and ends at Bellevue Ave. This enjoyable walk offers panoramic ocean views and the perfect amount of sea breeze. A total must-see!
The Forty Steps is a landmark dating back to the 1830s that is located right by Cliff Walk (at the east end of Narragansett Ave).
Castle Hill Lighthouse
The Castle Hill Lighthouse was built in 1898 and it is located on Narragansett Bay in Newport, at the end of the historic Ocean Drive. The lighthouse is not open but the grounds are adjacent to the Castle Hill Inn and are open to the public. It is worth noting that the lighthouse is still an active navigation aid for vessels entering the East Passage between Conanicut Island and Aquidneck Island! We explored the area around sunset, and it was incredibly peaceful! The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
How do you get to the Castle Hill Lighthouse?
The easiest way to arrive to the lighthouse is by parking your car at the Castle Hill Cove Marina and walking across the street. Follow the sidewalk to the left until you see a small white sign that says “Castle Hill Lighthouse” on your right. Walk through the trees, luckily it is a short path to the lighthouse! Be sure to bring your camara!!
Newport Harbor
Newport Harbor is the area across Bowen’s Wharf, between Goat Island Marina and Fort Adams State Park. During this trip to Newport we stayed on a hotel located right on the harbor, so we enjoyed daily walks in the area with our pups!
Bannister’s Wharf & Bowen’s Wharf
Bannister’s Wharf is a historic spot located between the Old Port and Bowen’s Wharf. Cobblestone paths, local boutiques, galleries and award-winning restaurants are some of the things you will find in this charming area of Downtown Newport.
Newport Mansions
Newport was the summertime playground of America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age. The Newport Mansions is a collection of about a dozen historic house museums ranging from the 18th century to the Gilded Age. And, your visit to Newport would not be complete unless you experience the opulence of one of the mansions! To plan your visit to the The Breakers, The Elms, Rosecliff or Marble House, click here!
Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive is a 10-mile coastal drive and a total must-see during sunrise! Although we drove our way around this winding path to enjoy the scenic coastline, another option is to do so with a bicycle. Either way, you will absolutely love it!
King Park
King Park is a gem along the water that I love visiting each time I am in Newport! Street parking is free and available so it is easy to park your car, walk around, take pictures of Pell Bridge and enjoy the view! If you are traveling with pups, this is a great spot for relaxing by the water! You will also find a beautiful gazebo, the statue of Rochambeau, and other memorials at this peaceful park.
Where is Rochambeau’s statue located?
This statue of Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau is located in King Park along the waterfront at the south end of Newport. Rochambeau led the French forces against the British at the decisive Battle of Yorktown.
Where to Stay in Newport
During this trip, we stayed at The Brenton Hotel on Newport Harbor, and it was the best decision! We had previously stayed here, so we were very familiar with the hotel. Our waterview king room was spacious with an ultra comfortable bed, and it had the most spectacular view of the marina across the street. Walking anywhere from the hotel was easy because it is located just steps from Newport’s downtown area. The Brenton Hotel has a modern nautical elegance, and all of its 57 rooms face views of the harbor and historic Newport. We loved the hotel’s rooftop and enjoyed dining at the hotel’s restaurant, The Living Room (the best cocktails!).
Here’s the list of beautiful Newport hotels that I am familiar with and recommend, click on any below to check out their rooms and property!
- The Brenton Hotel
- The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection
- Castle Hill Inn
- The Chanler at Cliff Walk
- Gurney’s Resort & Marina
- Hotel Viking
To read my review about our previous stay at The Vanderbilt, click here!
Where to Eat in Newport
There are so many great restaurants in Newport! Here are the ones that we loved on this trip:
The Living Room – This restaurant is located inside The Brenton Hotel and it offers tons of seasonally inspired “small plate” dishes designed to share. I loved the clam chowder, grilled octopus and warm farro salad. My husband loved his truffle fries, pork belly steam buns and grilled lamb lollipop!
White Horse Tavern – Cozy and upscale restaurant in a historic setting dating to 1673! This is America’s oldest tavern, the oldest operating restaurant in the U.S., and a National Historic Landmark. We highly recommend it!
Diego’s – This casual restaurant offers Mexican food with a twist, plus delicious margaritas! I love that they have a gluten free menu. This spot is located in Bowen’s Wharf and it is great if you are looking for a low-key casual lunch or dinner.
Drift Cafe – This is my favorite breakfast spot for Açaí bowls, smoothies and lattes! You will find it tucked in Downtown Newport, next door to some of the cutest local boutiques (totally worth checking out!).
22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille – This classy nautical-themed dining room offers steak and seafood with waterfront views. So many people have recommended this restaurant to us, and we always leave Newport without trying it!
Have you been to Newport?!
I’d love to hear your thoughts of this coastal city in New England! 🙂
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