We love an easy weekend escape and to feature local places that can make that perfect three days away happen effortlessly. Only an hour and thirty minutes drive from Boston, Newport is a perfect destination for a quick getaway. It is just one of those places where there is something for everyone to enjoy from touring seaside guilded age mansions, walking the famed cliff walk along the Atlantic, discovering amazing foods, to local shops, and more!
This beautiful ocean town is a romantic and fun visit all year round. Check out our recommendations for getting the most out of your weekend retreat to Newport!
STAY
Castle Hill Inn
The Castle Hill Inn is quintessential Newport with its beautiful location overlooking Narraganset Bay and its historic seaside charm. The accommodations range from rooms, suites, or cottages and a full gourmet breakfast plus daily afternoon tea is included in a stay here. The boutique spa uses local natural brand Farmaesthetics products in their treatments offered. Dining here year round is exquisite but there is nothing quite like the relaxing al fresco dining offered seasonally at the Lawn with casual bites, cocktails and amazing water views.
590 Ocean Drive, Newport RI
(401) 849-3800; www.castlehillinn.com
Forty 1°North
This eco conscious hotel has a very convenient and cool downtown water front setting. Forty 1°North is the first LEED certified hotel in Rhode Island with state of the art technology and eco friendly amenities. The location combines the best of what Newport has to offer from a relaxing marina setting right in the heart of downtown area bustling restaurants and shops. There are also multiple dining options on site including seasonal al fresco dining.
351 Thames Street, Newport RI
(401) 846-8018; www.41north.com
Gurney’s Newport
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina on Goat Island offers the feel of an island escape but still the convenience of being located close to downtown and all of Newports best attractions. They have absolutely beautiful grounds for strolling and enjoying the waterfront views. This resort also boasts amazing dining options (including Scarpetta an extension of the iconic Manhattan Italian restaurant), an outdoor pool, and a spa.
1 Goat Island, Newport RI
(401) 849-2600; www.gurneysresorts.com
PLAY
Tour the Mansions
No trip to Newport would be complete without a tour of a Gilded Age mansion or two! The Preservation Society of Newport County has 11 unique properties showcasing American architecture and social history from the Colonial era through the Gilded Age. A tour of these beautiful properties truly does take you back in time and they are breathtaking….many of them located right along the famed Cliff Walk right along the Atlantic coast. The Breakers and The Elms are two of favorites to tour here! The Breakers is particularly great for families visiting as it has has a special audio tour for children which gives the perspective of what it was like for children of the time to be living and visiting at the Breakers during those summers in Newports Gilded Age. Click here for more informations on the mansions, tours, and tickets.
Green Animals Topiary Gardens
Also run by The Preservation Society of Newport County, the Green Animals Topiary Gardens is a unique and beautiful stop with over 80 pieces of topiary to explore across 7 acres of land overlooking the Narraganset Bay. The topiaries are beautiful and range from animals and birds to ornamental design and geometric figures. Pack a picnic lunch and spend some time here enjoying this special place. Click here for more information.
The Cliff Walk
The famous Cliff Walk is an absolute must on any trip to Newport. It is 3.5 miles along the beautiful rocky shoreline and along the backyards of some of the most beautiful historic gilded age mansions in Newport. There are easy exit points along the walk if you are not up for the whole walk and certain parts are an easy walk with the later half getting more rugged, unpaved and rocky. Click here for more information, tips, and directions.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
This is a must stop for tennis lovers but also those interested in the history of Newport. It is a fun museum to tour with lost of interactive exhibits and beautiful grounds. It is still and active tennis club with indoor/outdoor courts including grass courts. Click here for more information and tickets.
Beach
Newport is a beautiful coastal town and a walk along the beach here is beautiful all year round. We love Easton’s Click here for information on all the Newport beaches to explore!
DINE
There are lots of fun local dining experiences, including local breweries and wineries, around Newport. Here are just some of our favorites to visit!
The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn
Dining here year round is exquisite but there is nothing quite like the relaxing al fresco dining offered seasonally at the Lawn with casual bites, cocktails and amazing water views.
590 Ocean Drive, Newport RI
(401) 849-3800; www.castlehillinn.com
Brick Alley Pub
A Newport staple with casual, pub style food and great drinks.
140 Thames Street, Newport RI
(401) 849-6334; www.brickalley.com
Diego’s
This is the spot in Newport for a margarita and delicious Mexican fare.
11 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport RI
(401) 486-5378; www.diegosnewport.com
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
Amazing scenic waterfront spot with amazing wine list and elevated local seafood cuisine.
1 Sayers Wharf, Newport RI
(401) 846-2260; www.mooringrestaurant.com
Liberty Donuts and Cafe
This is the spot for delicious made to order donuts, breakfast sandwiches and coffee. Their specialty donuts are made before your eyes and are customizable with toppings such as s’mores, espresso glaze with chocolate chip, oreos with vanilla drizzle and much more! A great casual spot for a morning treat on vacation!
590 Ocean Drive, Newport RI
(401) 847-1320; libertydonutsnewpo.wixsite.com/website
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