10 Best Things to Do in Newport
Find Fun in the World's Sailing Capital
Newport is home to numerous exciting things to do, whether you’re looking to explore the local history, enjoy outdoor adventure, or experience high-end shopping and dining. Newport is home to numerous mansions owned by the legendary Vanderbilt family that are often open for tours.
The local parks are quite impressive as well, especially considering that they border pristine waters. Of course, the shopping offers a variety of options everyone can enjoy. Check out the 10 best things to do in Newport.
1. The Breakers
Explore an opulent mansion
Good for: History, Luxury
The Breakers is a mansion you can tour to explore what the high life was like when the Vanderbilts established it in the late 19th century. Taking a tour of this historical landmark is a great way to gain valuable insight into what the upper class got to enjoy during the time period.
In addition to the mansions, you can also visit the stable and carriage house about half a mile away from the main house. Not only can you learn more about the property, but the stable house has an exhibit on the New York Central Railroad. You’ll find this mansion near Easton Bay southeast of downtown.
Location: 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 401-847-1000
The Breakers
2. Cliff Walk
Go for a scenic stroll
Good for: Adventure
The Cliff Walk is an iconic walking path along the eastern shore of Newport where you can see the natural beauty of the water as well as Gilded Age mansions. The walk stretches for 3.5 miles, and about two-thirds of it has easy conditions. The trail features several rocky parts when visitors get close to the shore.
Travelers will need to be careful here when traversing these areas. Making the effort is certainly rewarding, however, as the views along the water are breathtaking. The entire walk shows off some of the best of Easton Bay.
Cliff Walk
3. Ocean Drive
Take the Ten Mile Drive
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Ocean Drive is a scenic part of Ocean Avenue that offers spectacular views of not only the pristine coastline but also of the impressive homes along the shore. The road is wide and without any sharp turns, making driving easy and allowing you to relax and take in the sights. Aside from the drive itself, you can enjoy a variety of other attractions.
The drive has been turned into protected parkland, so you can enjoy biking, picnicking, fishing, and kite flying when the winds are kicking. Ocean Drive is located on the southern end of the peninsula a short drive south of downtown.
Open: 24/7
Ocean Drive
4. Marble House
Explore a historic site and museum
Good for: History
The Marble House is a Gilded Age mansion from the late 19th century that has since been turned into a historic museum that you can visit. The Beaux Arts architecture tends to stand out, but the interior manages to be even more opulent than the exterior design.
This property also features a tea house that’s modeled after Song dynasty temples from the 12th century. You can see it all for yourself a short drive south from downtown near the edge of Sheep Point Cove.
Location: 596 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Phone: +1 401-847-1000
Marble House
5. Fort Adams State Park
Enjoy outdoor adventure
Good for: History, Adventure
Fort Adams State Park is a 200-acre protected nature area that offers a variety of outdoor activities around Narragansett Bay like swimming, boating, picnicking, and sports. The park is most widely known for its rugby pitch that’s often used by the Newport Rugby Football Club.
This park also contains the remnants of Fort Adams. You can explore this historical site to learn more about the fort that was active since the mid-19th century. All of this can be found east of downtown on the other side of Brenton Cove.
Location: 80 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 401-847-2400
Fort Adams State Park
6. International Tennis Hall of Fame
Learn the history of tennis
Good for: History
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a museum where you can learn all about the major players and contributors to the sport and see their memorabilia. You’ll find an extensive collection of equipment, apparel, and trophies on display in addition to videos and photographs of iconic moments and matches.
Within the museum, you’ll find much more than just exhibitions. Being a part of a former casino building, this museum has plenty of space, which they’ve used to construct an indoor tennis facility. You’ll find it all downtown just east of Aquidneck Park.
Location: 194 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Phone: +1 401-849-3990
International Tennis Hall of Fame
7. Thames Street
Stroll through the center of the action
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Thames Street is the center of Newport’s downtown area where you’ll find shops, bars, and restaurants offering a wide variety of items and cuisine to enjoy. This 1.5-mile-long stretch of road features several pubs like Brick Alley Pub along with exotic restaurants like Thai Cuisine at Thames Street and Sumo Sushi Japanese Restaurant.
The shops are quite appealing, as you’ll find a variety of well-known chains and local stores offering clothes, jewelry, and glassware. You’ll find Thames Street on the western edge of downtown near Newport Harbor.
Thames Street
8. Brenton Point State Park
Relax in a tranquil park
Good for: Families, Adventure
Brenton Point State Park consists of 89 acres of protected land where you can go for a lovely stroll along the water or across vibrant grasslands among other activities. Kite flying is quite popular thanks to the frequent winds and wide-open space. In fact, this park hosts the annual Newport Kite Festival.
In addition to hiking and kite flying, fishing is also quite popular here. In fact, the popularity of fishing is the only reason the park is open after dusk. You’ll find this park southwest of downtown on the edge of the peninsula.
Location: Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Phone: +1 401-849-4562
Brenton Point State Park
9. Easton’s Beach
Find fun in the sun
Good for: Families, Adventure
Easton’s Beach is a popular coastal destination in Newport with inviting waves and pristine white sands that the whole family can enjoy in addition to other beach amusements. The waves are relatively calm in some areas, but other spots offer intense enough waves for some thrilling surfing opportunities.
Apart from the sand and surf, this beach features an iconic 1950s carousel that’s still available for riding. You can find it all just a short walk east of downtown between Easton Bay to the south and Easton Pond to the north.
Location: 175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Phone: +1 401-845-5810
Easton's Beach
10. Bowen’s Wharf
Go shopping near a bustling harbor
Good for: Couples, Families, Shoppers, Food
Bowen’s Wharf is a comprehensive shopping center that shows off the best Newport has to offer with shops, restaurants, scenic tours, and impressive art galleries. Among the wharf’s shops, you’ll find the standard souvenir and clothing stores along with more unique shops offering handmade crafts.
The restaurants typically focus on seafood, but you can also find a steakhouse and a French restaurant. Don’t forget to check out the local boat tours that can show off some of the best sights around the harbor and beyond. Bowen’s Wharf is located on the western edge of downtown along Newport Harbor.
Location: Bowen’s Wharf, Bowens Wharf, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from noon to 5 pm
Phone: +1 401-849-2243
Bowen's Wharf
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.