Top 12 Things To Do in Newport (2024)

We've got nearly 400 years of seriously historic rebellion and artistry and history and innovation. And don't even get us started on the downright stunning natural beauty of this place. It's a lot, in all the right ways. When you're not sure where to start, head to one (or all) of our 12 favorite spots.

  1. Ocean Drive
  2. Mansion Tours
  3. Cliff Walk
  4. Outdoor Recreation
  5. Trolley Tours
  6. Museums
  7. Beaches
  8. Wineries + Breweries
  9. Christmas in Newport
  10. Coastal Communities
  11. Local Eateries
  12. Festivals

Think: 10 miles of commanding coastline meets one winding road. Start your journey down Ocean Drivejust off historic Bellevue Avenue and continue along the drive for an undeniably tranquil journey. Warning: May cause severe relaxation.

Mansion Tours

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Experience life of high society in turn-of-the-century America inside the meticulously maintainedformer summer "cottages"of America’s wealthiest. From a 70-room Italian-renaissance style palazzo to the first home run on electricity without a back-up, the Newport Mansionslike nothing you’ve ever seen – we promise.

The Breakers

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The Elms

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Marble House

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Rosecliff

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Chateau sur Mer

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Kingscote

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Isaac Bell House

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Hunter House

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Chepstow

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There's a reason people travel from all over to experience Newport's 3.5-mile Cliff Walk. It's where the serenity of salt air and the familiar sound of crashing waves collides with the awe of Gilded Age architecture. It's also where total invigoration meets utter relief.

*Please notedue tostructural damage sections of the Cliff Walk are detoured or closed. Detours will be in place between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street for the foreseeable future. A small portion just south of the Chinese Tea House and Sheep Point is closed– to complete the entire Cliff Walk from this point, return back to Marine Ave exit, detour along Bellevue Ave and enter again through Ledge Road.The remainder of the walk will be open for all those walkers who make use of this iconic coastal trail.

Where should I park?

Parking is available at the Easton's Beach Lot on Memorial Avenue, just a short walk from the entrance to Cliff Walk located near The Chanler. Pay and Display parking is available for a limited time at Narragansett Avenue. Limited meter parking is available along Memorial Avenue.

WHAT SECTION IS BEST FOR AN EASY STROLL?

Cliff Walk is comprised of five main sections with separate paths for entry and exit. For an easy, leisurely stroll, explore the first half of the 3.5-mile path starting at Memorial Boulevard and ending at Ruggles Avenue. This section is paved with mostly flat terrain, and offers an up-close look at a number of famed Newport Mansions passing through Salve Regina University's campus and traveling alongside expansive coastline.

ARE DOGS ALLOWED ON CLIFF WALK?

Yes, but please pick-up after your dog and keep them on a leash.

Where are public restrooms located?

Public restrooms are located at Narragansett Avenue and remain open during daylight hours.

Outdoor Recreation

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There’s something transcendent about being outdoors on the coast. A pantheon ofhiking trails, invigorating harbor cruises, one-of-a-kind immersive experiences (hint:Rail Explorers), abike pathalong the bay that’ll leave you feeling brand new—all infused with a side of sea breeze.

Hiking + Walking Trails

From light and leisurely scenic walks along the coastline to moderately intense trails in picturesque New England forests, here are our favorite spots to get outdoors.

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State Parks

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Rail Bike Tours

Rail bike tours have returned for the season, book your pedal-powered tour today!

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Biking In + Around Newport

Whether you're looking for a light and leisurely ride or something a bit more challenging, Newport offers some of the most scenic paths for exploring on two wheels.

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Trolley Tours

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Nearly 400 years of history leaves a lot to look at in its wake. From some of the oldest buildings in the country to breathtaking architecture and sweeping ocean views, travel between sites and centuries aboard an iconicold-fashioned trolley.

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When you step foot on The Classic Coast, you see how proud we are of our diverse culture and history. Wander unique art museums, historical house museums, car and sailing museums and more.Take your pick and immerse yourself.

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U.S. Naval War College Museum

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Herreshoff Marine Museum

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Newport Car Museum

The private collection of nearly 70 automobiles at the Newport Car Museum offers a journey through…

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International Tennis Hall of Fame

Step foot on the historic grass courts at the International Tennis Hall of Fame where legends have…

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Museum of Newport History

Located in the heart of downtown Newport, the Museum of Newport History is, as you guessed it, a…

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Newport Art Museum

The Newport Art Museum, located on Bellevue Avenue, was founded in 1912 and features artwork from a…

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Audrain Auto Museum

Established in 2014, the Audrain Automobile Museum retains access to collections with more than 200…

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Interactive Exhibits at The Sailing Museum

Experience sailing through exciting hands-on activities and exhibits that are fun for the whole…

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There’s a feeling you get when you step foot on these beaches. The warmth of the sand. The Atlantic drying on your skin. The perfect amount of sunshine and sea breeze. It’s where relief and invigoration meet, and it’s completely classic.

Wineries + Breweries

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Settle into an Adirondack chair as warm light settles over rolling vines with an aromatic glass oflocal wineas your company. Or savor a glass ofcraft beerbrewed with locally-grown ingredients at one of the area's craft breweries. This is where your senses indulge.

Guide to Wineries

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    Guide to Breweries

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      Christmas in Newport

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      Come Christmas, the historic charm of the Classic Coast transforms into a scintillating wonderland of twinkling lights and evergreen aplenty. Experience festive events for each day throughout December as part of theChristmas in Newportcelebration.

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      Coastal Communities

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      Discover the understated magic that dwells in eachcoastal communitythat together comprise the Classic Coast. Explore the oldest topiary garden in the U.S. in Portsmouth, or the 325-acre bird sanctuary in neighboring Middletown, or Beavertail State Park that rests at the southernmost tip of Jamestown.

      Jamestown

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      Middletown

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      Portsmouth

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      Tiverton

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      Little Compton

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      Barrington

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      Bristol

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      Warren

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      Newport

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      Local Eateries

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      A bowl of killer clam chowder after a day in the sun. A platter of oysters hauled from local waters. Catch of the day served over a menagerie of fresh, straight-from-the-farm offerings. This Classic Coast is nothing if not aculinary oasis.

      Clam Shacks You Can't Skip

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      Spots for Lobster Rolls

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      Waterfront Restaurants

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      Food Tours

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      Where To Brunch

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      Top Spots for Oysters

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      This is the place where 13 acres of sailboats dot the harbor like clockwork each year for theInternational Boat Show. Where one million daffodils bloom come each April for the annualNewport Daffodil Days Festival. Where legendary musicians take the stage at theNewport Folk&Jazz Festivals. It’s also the place where warm memories are made.

      Top 12 Things To Do in Newport (2024)
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