Most people travel to this famous seaside town for its beaches, but there are so many more fun things to do in Newport RI! From cliff walks and unreal 19th-century mansions to a thriving restaurant and art scene, this is truly one of the best places to visit in New England. Join us as we travel to Newport Rhode Island, and take you through some of the best activities to enjoy during your stay!
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New England Travel Inspiration
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18 Fun Things to do in Newport RI
1. Newport Rhode Island Cliff Walk
Let’s start off with one of the best outdoor Newport Rhode Island activities! The Newport Cliff Walk is a world-renowned walking path that takes you 3.5 miles along the scenic Atlantic coast.
The ocean views are stunning, but you may want to look inland on this epic seaside walk. That’s because some of the world’s most extravagant mansions still stand here from the late 19th century!
→ Cliff Walk Newport RI: 6 Fun & Easy Tips For Your Ocean Stroll
2. Gilded Age Mansion Tour
After the Newport Cliff Walk, we recommend seeing more of these unbelievable mansions. Fortunately, you can explore inside two of the most exquisite ones!
Take a self-guided tour of The Breakers or Marble House to see how some of America’s most wealthy families lived. The well-preserved mansions will give you a look into the Gilded Age as you experience the beautiful architecture of Newport Rhode Island.
→ The Breakers Newport Rhode Island: The One Mansion Tour You Can’t Miss!
→ Marble House Newport: Helpful Tips & How to Visit
3. Easton’s Beach in Newport RI
Funny enough, the cliff walk actually begins at Newport’s most popular beach! Easton’s is the spot to be in the summertime, and the white sandy beach is the perfect place to relax.
The beach is not long, but there’s more than enough room to spread out and enjoy the Rhode Island sunshine. So pull up a chair and catch some rays before you take on more fun things to do in Newport RI!
4. Newport Rhode Island Local Seafood
Seafood lovers rejoice! Newport Rhode Island is home to some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in New England. One of the most famous seafood restaurants is actually Flo’s Clam Shack, located right on the end of Easton’s Beach.
What we loved most about the seafood scene is how many different options you have. Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy night out or just a side of the road clams, Newport has you covered!
→ Best Food in Rhode Island: 11Famous Eats in the Ocean State
5. Cruise Ocean Drive
Didn’t get enough mansions and scenery on the cliff walk? Ocean drive has more insanely beautiful architecture and ocean views. This is also a great option if you don’t have much time, or prefer driving instead of walking the 3.5 mile cliff walk.
6. Castle Hill Beach & Lighthouse
Located at the end of Ocean Drive on stunning Narragansett Bay, this historic lighthouse is a must-see on your travel to Newport RI! Although it was built in 1890, it’s still used today for navigation to ships entering the passageway between Aquidneck Island and Conanicut Island.
7. Brenton Point State Park in Newport RI
While you’re in the area, another one of the most fun things to do in Newport RI is visiting the state parks! Brenton Point sits on the former estate of Rhode Island legend William Brenton. It offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and is known as a great place to go hiking or fishing.
8. Fort Adams State Park
The most famous of all the state parks in Newport RI is Fort Adams. Here you’ll find a mix of nature and history and even take a tour of the massive fortress. Fort Adams also plays host to some of the best Newport Rhode Island summer activities, including concerts like the jazz and folk festivals.
9. Goat Island Lighthouse
By now you should know that you’re in the land of lighthouses, and Goat Island has one of the most impressive! As you may have guessed, the island is named because early Newport settlers used to raise their goats here. This piece of Newport maritime history was built in 1842, and features an epic backdrop of the Claiborne Pell Bridge.
10. Bowen’s Wharf Newport Rhode Island
Exploring the harbor is one of the most fun things to do in Newport RI, and Bowen’s Wharf is the star of the show! The streets are filled with life and often crowded from early morning to late at night.
Here you’ll find some of the best shops and restaurants on your travel to Newport RI. It also plays host to oyster and chowder festivals, among other exciting attractions on the water.
11. Historic Thames Street of Newport RI
Thames Street is the heart of downtown Newport Rhode Island. You’ll find everything from fancy restaurants to local dive bars, and more. It’s important to note that Thames Street is HUGE and spans almost the entirety of downtown Newport.
It makes for the perfect place to stop in and grab a meal after all the best Newport Rhode Island activities. Don’t miss out on french cuisine at Restaurant Bouchard or an Italian dinner at Mamma Luisa.
12. Newport Rhode Island Sailing Tour
Ready to get out on the water? This city by the sea offers an abundance of ways to do just that! Hop on a sailing day trip right from the marina, or opt for a magical sunset cruise. It’s only right that you experience some sailing in the longtime home of America’s Cup.
13. Museum Hop Around Newport RI
Founded in 1639, Newport is one of the most historical cities to explore in New England. And with that, comes so many amazing museums to visit!
In addition to the different mansion tours, you’ll want to check out the Newport Art Museum, National Museum of American Illustration, Naval War College Museum, and the Museum of Newport History.
14. International Tennis Hall of Fame
If you’re looking for some more recent history, the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a huge draw for sports fans! Celebrate the former champions of Tennis, and learn more about how the sport has grown through various exhibits.
15. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
While technically just over the border in nearby Middletown, Sauchest Point is totally worth a visit on your travel to Newport RI! The 3 miles of walking trails circle a saltwater marsh and provide views of the stunning Atlantic Coast.
Here you can see rare birds, fish, and more Rhode Island wildlife. Also, make sure to check out Sachuest Beach on your way out for a swim!
→ Sachuest Point: Beautiful Ocean Stroll in the Wildlife Refuge
16. Attend a Newport RI Summer Festival
Newport is the place to be in the summer, and we totally recommend planning your visit around one of the many festivals. The Newport Jazz and Folk festivals are held every July at Fort Adams, but it’s not all about the music!
Celebrate all the great cuisine of Rhode Island with food truck gatherings, and wine and craft beer throughout the warmer months.
17. Audrain Automobile Museum
Sailboats, mansions, and what else? How about some classic cars! Right on the famous Bellevue Ave, you can learn the history of the automobile.
With over 100 incredible cars from every time period, this makes it one of the most fun things to do in Newport for history buffs. You also visit the Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth for more classic cars.
18. Oldest Restaurant in the USA
Your travel to Newport RI would not be complete without a trip to America’s oldest restaurant! White Horse Tavern was built in the 17th century, and the interior will make you feel like you’re back in colonial times. This is a great way to enjoy history while also experiencing more local eats.
Have any questions on this blog, or want to share your own fun things to do in Newport RI? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Where To Stay In Newport RI
Ultra Luxury – The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection – This former Vinderbilt mansion has been restored into one of the most exclusive hotels in Newport! Enjoy the rooftop bar for drinks in the summer while being just steps from the waterfront.
Fun Vacation – Attwater Hotel – Beautiful boutique hotel close to all the great attractions of Newport. Bed and breakfast feel, with a unique touch of class and stylish decor.
Bed & Breakfast – Bellevue House – Opening in 1828, Bellevue is known as the first and oldest hotel in Newport. Comfy accommodations and convenient location to the center of town.
For more places to stay on your travel to Newport RI you can explore the latest prices here!
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USA Travel Planning
Flights: We always find great flights using Skyscanner and Kayak. This way you can plan your trip around the cheapest and most direct routes.
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld can be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for hundreds of activities around the country. Book a tour of Fenway Park in Boston, skip the line at the Empire State Building in NYC, or go on a Sea Cave Kayak Tour in La Jolla California!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
