The old world charm still enchants me even years after my first visit to Newport RI.
A historical seaside town known for its iconic, Gatsby style parties during the Gilded Age, Newport RI still has plenty to offer modern travelers.
Whether its the fresh seafood or the glamorous, yet empty, mansions that lure you in, there’s a number of things to do in Newport RI that you just won’t be able to forget.
Learn more about this legendary New England vacation destination, and start planning your trip today!
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Where is Newport RI?
First off, you may be wondering…where exactly is Newport RI located?
Newport RI is a seaside city located on Aquidneck Island. The city is about 33 miles from Providence, Rhode Island.
NYC to Newport RI is just 180 miles away, or about a three and a half hour drive.
Boston to Newport is even closer at just 73 miles away, or about a two hour drive.
Where to Stay in Newport RI
Gilded
Though we’ve stayed at several different Newport RI hotels throughout the years, nothing quite compares to Gilded.
Located in the heart of Downtown Newport RI, Gilded is an upscale boutique hotel with all the amenities of home and more.
There’s a personal touch to every stay, and the whole atmosphere really takes you back to this famous era which Newport RI is so well known for.
Staying at Gilded was also an especially huge highlight for our winter girls’ trip to Newport.
Our room was cozy, even including a gas fireplace and complimentary Netflix.
We could’ve camped out at the hotel all day and been totally fine with it.
Check out the full review of Gilded here for more pictures of the beautiful pink interiors, their delicious breakfasts, and more!
What to Do in Newport, RI
1. Explore the Newport Mansion Tours
Newport RI was a popular summer destination for some of America’s most wealthy elites during the Gilded Age.
Families such as the Vanderbilts came here to play all summer long, enjoying a multitude of glamorous parties, sporting events, and other social activities.
America’s most noteworthy individuals and their families weren’t just staying in hotels or crashing on couches, though.
Instead, they built elaborate summer homes big enough to house themselves, their massive staff, and more.
Eventually, as times changed however, these homes became unmanageable and unaffordable for most families.
Their loss is in some ways Newport’s gain though, as many of these former private residences are now open to the public.
A few of the top historical mansions in Newport to tour are…
Get tickets to the Newport Mansion tours here.
The Breakers
When it comes to things to do in Newport RI, a tour of The Breakers is bound to come up at some point.
The most elaborate of all of Newport’s mansions, The Breakers was commissioned to be built by the Vanderbilt family in 1893 and served as a symbol of both their financial status as well as their prominent position in society.
There’s so much to see and learn about in this historical home, that you just can’t pass it up.
The Elms
The Elms is another historical landmark you won’t want to miss while in Newport.
The summer cottage of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind, the elaborate home was modeled after the mid 18th-century French chateau d’Asnieres (c.1750) outside of Paris.
The Classical Revival gardens on the property have also recently been restored and are well worth wandering along with the beautiful mansion.
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Rosecliff
My favorite of all the Newport Mansion tours is that of Rosecliff.
Commissioned in 1899 by silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs, this summer “cottage” was modeled after the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles called the Grand Trianon.
This home was host to a number of incredible parties as well, including a fairy tale dinner and even a party featuring famed magician Harry Houdini.
Several famous movies have also been shot here, including scenes from “The Great Gatsby”, “True Lies”, “Amistad”, and “27 Dresses”.
A tour of this amazing mansion takes me back the Gilded Age, and it always makes me feel like I’m hanging out right in Gatsby’s house!
Marble House
Commissioned by yet another Vanderbilt, Marble House was “a social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport’s subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent stone palaces.”
Though the marriage between Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt did not last, Mrs. Vanderbilt reopened Marble House following William’s death.
She even added on a Chinese Tea House by the seaside cliffs, where she hosted rallies for women’s right to vote.
As another awe-inspiring historical landmark, a tour of Marble House is another one of my personal favorite things to do in Newport RI that you won’t want to miss.
2. Explore the Newport Cliff Walk
One of the best ways to soak in the beautiful views in Newport RI is by exploring the Newport Cliff Walk.
Located on the eastern shore of Newport, the Cliff Walk is a public access trail running 3.5 miles along the shoreline.
Embarking on the walk is a free and fun way to experience much of what drew America’s elite to Newport in the first place, while also taking in the many historical mansions located alongside the path.
3. Do a Tasting at Newport Vineyards
Experience a touch of Napa right from Newport RI when you do a tasting at Newport Vineyards.
With tours, tastings, and a full lunch & dinner menu at your disposal, you’ll want to set aside some time to indulge here.
The vineyard also offers entertainment and special events, so don’t forget to check their calendar while you’re in town to see what’s going on!
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4. Shop Around Downtown Newport RI
Downtown Newport RI is a must see for anyone visiting the area.
With a number of charming shops and unique eateries, checking out the local scene is always a fun way to get to know Newport.
If you’re looking for somewhere to start, meander down to Bowen’s Wharf first. Here you’ll have the opportunity to walk along the water and check out the smaller, locally run shops, bars, and restaurants.
The Shops at Long Wharf feature more traditional retailers, but are still a fun to wander if you’re interested in browsing some of your favorite, well known fashion and beauty brands.
5. Grab a Meal at America’s Oldest Tavern
When it comes to restaurants in Newport RI, you’ll definitely want to make time for a meal at the White Horse Tavern.
The oldest operating restaurant in the U.S. (and the 10th oldest in the world), the White Horse Tavern has a 350+ year history to offer in addition to their delicious, hearty food.
So cozy up by the fireplace, and stay awhile!
6. Relax at Bodhi Spa
Who couldn’t use a little relaxation and pampering while on vacation?
My favorite place in Newport for this is the Bodhi Spa.
Their hydrotherapy setup is absolutely amazing, featuring both hot and cold tubs, as well as a sauna and aromatherapy steam room.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with hydrotherapy, the heat dilates the blood vessels, causing more blood to circulate near the surface of your skin.
The cold constricts your capillaries and removes toxins from the body.
According to the spa, “the process of stimulating the circulatory system with hot and cold, detoxifies and bathes your cells in fresh oxygen-rich blood; bringing youthfulness to your mind and body.”
7. Take a Sunset Cruise
You can’t get the full Newport experience without spending a least a little time out on the water.
Head down to Bowen’s Wharf and book a sunset cruise to enjoy the beauty of Newport during the summertime via sailboat.
It’s certainly one of those things to do in Newport that you won’t forget!
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8. Have a Meal by the Water
Another awesome way to enjoy the beautiful scenery in Newport is by grabbing a meal on the water.
Diego’s is a prime choice for craft cocktails and fresh Mexican cuisine (get the chicken nachos), and you just can’t beat the waterfront view.
9. Visit One of the Public Beaches in Newport RI
Wind down during your trip by visiting one of the several public beaches in Newport RI.
Easton’s Beach (known as 1st beach by the locals) is Rhode Island’s most popular public beach, located right at the beginning of Newport’s Cliff Walk.
Featuring carousals, playgrounds, special events, and more, you won’t run out of things to do at this destination.
Sachuest Beach (known as 2nd beach by the locals) is another popular choice, and there does tend to be less seaweed here!
2nd Beach also offers a concession stand, which makes it an ideal spot to camp out for the day with the whole family.
Other public beaches include 3rd Beach and Gooseberry Beach, which are nice options as well.
Overall, Newport is a beautiful city worth a visit no matter what time of the year.
It’s easy to see why the area has remained such a beloved vacation destination throughout the decades.
The city is rich in history, there’s plenty of shopping and good food, and the boutique hotel scene is on point.
Now all you have to do is start planning your very own Newport getaway!
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Have you ever been to Newport RI?
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For more information on lodging, dining, attractions, transportation and more, visit www.DiscoverNewport.org.
