The Perfect Guide to a Day Trip to Newport, RI (One Day Itinerary)

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Looking to spend the perfect day in Newport? ⛵️

If you’re looking for a charming New England city to visit for a day trip, look no further than Newport, Rhode Island. This place is brimming with lots of cute shops and incredible restaurants downtown, beautiful beaches, and even the famous Newport mansions.

I was able to take a day trip to Newport, RI back in 2020, and it was one of the cutest little towns that I’ve been to in the Northeast. I could have spent the entire weekend there!

I’ve put together a Newport, RI travel guide if you’re looking to spend a day here to see this town for yourself. This guide will help you make sure to fill up your time well and see all of the best sights and attractions in the area- from the Cliff Walk to the Newport mansions.

Newport, RI Itinerary: What to Do in Newport

Looking for a good overview of what to expect on your Newport, RI day trip? Check out this quick itinerary for ideas of how to spend your day. Feel free to deviate from this exact list though depending on what you enjoy or would prefer to pass on.

• Breakfast with coffee or pastries at Corner Cafe or Mad Hatter Bakery (if you’re arriving early) – also a favorite of mine is Coffee Grinder!
• Go see the Newport, RI Mansions – or book a tour (or two)
• Newport Cliff Walk for great views and get your steps in
• Lunch – Cliff Walk area or back to Thames Street
• Shopping/Touring on Thames Street
• Dinner with a view

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Top Things To Do in Newport, RI

Here’s a list of some of the best things to do if you have one day in Newport, RI. It’s not a complete list but it’s a good list of some of the most popular activities!

1. Cliff Walk in Newport, RI

If the weather is nice enough and you’re looking for what to do in Newport, RI outdoors on your day trip, take a stroll along the Newport Cliff Walk while you’re here. This is a great way to pass a couple of hours while you’re in town and to see beautiful views of the water as well as other sights along the way.

Established in 1879, this trail is located along the shoreline of Narragansett Bay. The Cliff Walk is free and open to the public from sunrise to sunset daily. Depending on what kind of walk you’re looking for (easy-breezy or a little more challenging) there are different areas of the trail you can choose to start from.

Some of the most popular spots to start include just outside of Easton’s Beach on Memorial Boulevard or near the 40 Steps landmark at the end of Narragansett Avenue. Anywhere between Memorial Boulevard and Ruggles Avenue is generally considered the easier section of the trail, as it’s flatter and paved. Areas beyond Ruggles Avenue get a little more challenging and rocky, and it might not be for everyone.

How long is the Cliff Walk in Newport?

3.5 miles long but you don’t have to walk the entire path. Most people choose to walk a portion of it for the ocean views and the Newport Mansions along the way.

Where to Park

You can park at Easton’s Beach parking lot or on the street, if you can find an open spot. This is the beginning of the Cliff Walk area. There are several areas along the walk that you can park or start from. The other area where you can find parking is at the Forty Steps area at the end of Narragansett Avenue. Here you’ll find a pay-by-plate parking for up to 4 hours.

Tips for the Cliff Walk

Wear comfortable footwear while walking the Cliff Walk because some areas are rockier than others! If you’d like to walk further, you might have to walk along rockier terrain or more difficult areas along the shoreline. The view is well worth it, but, again, this part of the trail might not be for everyone depending on your fitness level or comfort level.

If you don’t have a lot of time to walk along this path, I’d recommend starting at Narragansett Avenue near 40 Steps and walking to Ruggles Avenue as this is where you’ll experience some of the iconic spots along the way like The Breakers Mansion.

2. Newport Mansion Tours

The most well-known attractions in Newport are the many historic mansions located along Bellevue Avenue. These ‘summer cottages’ (quite the oxymoron) were built during the Gilded Age between 1880 and 1920 by America’s wealthiest families. Many of these mansions were built in the Beaux-Arts and Italian Renaissance styles.

If you’re spending a day in Newport, Rhode Island you might only have time to tour one or two of the mansions. I would recommend touring at least one and maybe driving (or walking on the Cliff Walk) by the others.

✔️ The Breakers Mansion

The Breakers is the most visited mansion in Newport with over one million visitors every year. It is located at the end of Ochre Point Avenue and can be seen from most places along Ocean Drive. Construction on The Breakers began in 1892 with the mansion completed in 1895. The Breakers is the grandest of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions. The mansion belonged to Cornelius Vanderbilt II.

The Breakers Mansion tour will take you through 45 rooms of the 70-room mansion. You will not only see Vanderbilt’s home but also their collection of luxurious furnishings and art pieces. Take a look at the beautiful gardens while you’re there and make sure you catch the breathtaking view overlooking the ocean from the back of the mansion on the second floor.

Tours run about every 20 minutes during peak season from 9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., with tours starting every 5- 10 minutes in between these hours. This is a self-led audio tour that lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. You can purchase a ticket from the estate on arrival or online before you go.

🚎 Check availability with the Newport Mansions Trolley Tour that includes admission to The Breakers!

✔️ The Elms

The Elms was built as a summer home for Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind. It is located at 367 Bellevue Avenue and faces west over the Cliff Walk and the Atlantic Ocean. Construction began in 1901 and ended in 1903. The exterior of the mansion is constructed from Indiana limestone and features twelve Corinthian columns.

The tour of Elm House will take you through the Victorian-style home and let you see some of the finest examples of Tiffany stained glass in America. You will also be able to discover what went on behind closed doors with a tour of The Elms Servant’s Quarters.

The tours run every half hour starting at 12:30 pm and last about an hour each. You can purchase tickets when you arrive.

✔️ Rosecliff Mansion Tour

The Rosecliff Mansion was built in 1902 by heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs, who inherited much of her wealth from her father Hermann Oelrichs. The mansion is located at 548 Bellevue Avenue and was modeled after the Grand Trianon in Versailles, France.

The tour will take you through the main living areas of this Beaux-Arts-style mansion like the Winter Garden, Dining Room, and Library which are all still furnished with original pieces. You’ll also get to visit the second floor and see how an upper-class family like the Oelrichs would have lived in Newport.

The tour lasts about 90 minutes and you can purchase tickets when you arrive. There are no guided tours available for Rosecliff, but it has its own audio tour that will guide you through the rooms of the mansion.

✔️ Explore Marble House

Marble House is located at 596 Bellevue Avenue and faces the Atlantic Ocean. It was built in 1892 by William K. Vanderbilt, son of Cornelius Vanderbilt who also owned The Breakers Mansion. Marble House was modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles in France. There are 50 rooms throughout this mansion with some unfinished rooms blocked off to the public.

The tour of Marble House will take you through nine different rooms, including the Music Room which is the largest room in the mansion. The decor was inspired by Ancient Rome and include works from Pompeii! You can also visit two Italian Renaissance-style loggias (porches) with views overlooking the ocean.

3. Scenic Ocean Drive Rhode Island

Newport’s famous Ocean Drive faces the Atlantic Ocean and is often called the 10-mile drive. It’s a scenic drive in Newport that goes from Narragansett Avenue in the East to Ocean Drive in the West.

Many of the well-known, opulent mansions are located on this drive where you can easily pull off and stop for a self-guided audio tour. There are so many great places to stop along the way and some incredible views to be had. This drive is relaxing and is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time.

Some of the best places to pull off along the way include Bailey’s Beach, Touro Park, Gooseberry Beach, and Brenton Point State Park. The view from the cliffs at Brenton Point State Park is amazing and it’s a great place to stop and take photos of Newport! Driving along this road is also an epic way to see the sunset while you’re in town.

This road passes through gorgeous scenery, and you can download an app to help give you a reference point for all of the spots you’ll pass on the way. You can start at either side, but it’s recommended that you start at Thames Street and work your way west and then back East to Bellevue Avenue. You can’t go wrong with the views either way!

4. Visit Touro Park and Newport Tower

Touro Park is located at 55 Chestnut Street in Newport, RI. If you’re looking for a quiet spot to take a stroll through, Touro Park is a great place to visit.

What’s even better than the serene greenery of the park is the mysterious stone tower in the park. The Newport Tower (Old Stone Mill) is a stone tower that was built in the 17th century (so they say). The tower has been restored but it’s still a mystery as to why this tower was built and who exactly constructed it. It’s not open to visitors and there is no access inside.

The park and the Newport Tower is a cool spot for those interested in unique things to do in Newport or those curious about town mysteries.

5. Thames Street and Trinity Church

The famous Thames Street area is one of the main streets in Newport. It’s about one block south of Washington Square. Check out this street and the surrounding area if you want to see some of the city’s most historic buildings. Thames Street is also known for all of the great shopping as well as fine dining and drinking. This is one of my favorite places in Newport to enjoy the waterside views and great food!

If you’re a history buff, check out Trinity Church located at 1 Queen Anne Square which is the oldest church in Newport. The church was built in 1726. Some notable visitors to the church include George Washington, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. You can tour the church to see the box pew where these notable visitors sat that is decorated with silver plaques to commemorate these visitors.

6. Fort Adams State Park

Fort Adams State Park is located on Ocean Drive at the northern tip of Aquidneck Island. You may recognize this park from scenes in the movie “The Great Gatsby” which was filmed here!

There are walking trails and great areas to picnic, so stop by for a visit if you’re looking for somewhere beautiful to relax. You can also see great views of the Newport Bridge and the Narrangaset bay from the Fort Adams Bay Walk.

7. Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI

Bowen’s Wharf is located along the waterfront at 49 America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, right on Thames Street. It’s a great place to enjoy some shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

There are lots of restaurants here for you to check out popular New England dishes like seafood chowder, lobster rolls, and clam cakes! You’ll also find shops that sell clothes, souvenirs, and even novelty items. The wharf itself is pretty scenic and a nice place to stroll along the waterfront.

8. International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum

The International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 194 Bellevue Avenue in Newport. The museum is a celebration of the history and heritage of tennis, and there are also interactive exhibits that’ll teach you how to play.

You can see an extensive collection of trophies, photographs, medals, clothing worn by famous players, and memorabilia from past matches. Junior clinics and classes are offered here, so tennis lovers will have a great time!

9. Head to the Beach

A day trip to this coastal city is never complete without a trip to the beach. And Newport delivers with lots of great beaches nearby.

• Easton’s Beach: Also known as First Beach, Easton’s Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Located at the start of the famous Cliff Walk, this beach is known for its clean sands, carousel, and snack bar. It’s a fantastic spot for a family day out.
• Second Beach (Sachuest Beach): Located in Middletown, Second Beach offers a more tranquil setting compared to Easton’s Beach. It’s a hot spot for surfers and features a wildlife refuge at one end.
• Third Beach: Third Beach, also in Middletown, is a calm oasis perfect for families with small children. Its calm waters and boat ramp make it popular for swimming, boating, and fishing.
• Gooseberry Beach: Tucked away on Ocean Drive, Gooseberry Beach is a private beach that’s open to the public. Known for its calm waters and soft sand, it’s a lovely spot for a quiet, relaxing beach day.

10. Go Shopping in Newport

Shopping isn’t always everyone’s cup of tea, but if it is, you’re in luck! There are plenty of amazing shops in Newport – everything from adorable boutiques to cute gift shops for the best souvenirs and home decor. Here are some top shops in Newport, RI:

• Wald & Sea: Offers a curated collection of sustainable goods reflecting Newport’s coastal essence. Explore artisanal home décor, jewelry, and accessories inspired by the beauty of the sea and the natural world.
• Harper & Tucker: This trendy boutique offers timeless women’s fashion and accessories. Discover classic basics and statement pieces to elevate your wardrobe.
• Kiel James Patrick Flagship Store: A Newport staple offering preppy style for your wardrobe and home. Discover colorful sweaters, ties, seashell jewelry, and nautical décor to bring the spirit of Newport with you.
• Cottage & Garden: This vintage-style boutique offers a wide variety of unique home accessories, furniture, and gifts. From garden decor to kitchen accents, find special pieces to bring home with you.
• The Newport Sweet Shoppe: Indulge in some sweets at this charming candy store. Filled with old-fashioned treats, you’ll find everything from gummies to chocolates and more.

11. Eat A Fresh Lobster Roll

You can’t take a day trip to Newport, Rhode Island and not order a fresh lobster roll – it’s practically a rite of passage! If you haven’t had one before, it’s plenty of lobster meat dressed in a light mayonnaise or butter sauce wrapped in a lightly toasted, buttery bun.

Some of the top places for Lobster Roll include:

• The Lobster Shack, it’s tiny, but don’t underestimate – their rolls pack a punch! So go ahead, take a bite out of Newport’s best, you won’t regret it!
• The Lobster Bar Newport is a great spot to sit down and enjoy a lobster roll with friends and family on the waterfront. They also have other seafood dishes such as clam chowder, lobster tacos, and steamed mussels.
• Anthony’s Seafood is technically in Middletown nearby but it’s a great spot that was featured on Diner’s Drive-ins & Dives for their overstuffed lobster roll. It’s a great place to grab lunch on a sunny day and people rave about how fresh and tasty the rolls are.

12. Cruise Around Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay

What better way to see Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay then from the water? Head aboard a fully restored, open-air lobster boat on this narrated tour that will take you past the beautiful harbor fronts of Newport and Jamestown.

See plenty of landmarks along the way like Fort Adams State Park to the iconic Newport Bridge and the unusual charm of the Clingstone House. You’ll also pass by Hammersmith Farm, once the summer retreat of Jackie Kennedy.

And the experience doesn’t stop with sightseeing – you’ll also enjoy a Rhode Island-styled refreshment onboard with a cash bar to top it all off.

😍 Check availability on this popular Newport Tour!

13. Visit Goat Island Lighthouse

Just a mile’s stroll from downtown Newport, you’ll find the iconic Goat Island Lighthouse, also known as the Newport Harbor Lighthouse. This quaint beacon, built back in 1842, sits on the scenic grounds of the Newport Harbor Island Resort.

While you can’t venture inside, it’s a great spot for the perfect lighthouse selfie. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for its signature green light as dusk falls – it casts a magical glow visible from across the bay. So enjoy the walk and immerse yourself in a popular spot for Newport history.

Tip: This is also the perfect spot for beautiful views of the scenic Harbor and the Claiborne Pell Bridge!

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Best Places to Eat in Newport, Rhode Island

There are lots of great places for food or drinks downtown and on Thames Street. There are also some pretty solid restaurants along the waterfront at Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister’s Wharf, and near Atlantic Beach! You can get anything from fresh seafood to baked goods or even BBQ here.

Lunch In Newport

✔️ The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn – A great spot with fantastic views of the ocean. I definitely would say you’re paying for the view more so than the food itself. Enjoy a drink, some oysters, or a sandwich with your view. This is a great spot if the weather cooperates, if you know what I mean (wind, rain, etc.).

✔️ Newport Lobster Shack – A pretty low-key spot to grab a bite to each for lunch in Newport. Grab fresh lobster or a lobster roll. They even have what they call “lobster bites” which are deep-fried for you to enjoy. There are several picnic tables to eat at here but don’t expect anything too fancy. Great local spot!

✔️ The Red Parrot Restaurant – A very popular spot on Thames Street, the Red Parrot Restaurant is a great spot to grab some lunch with an extensive menu. Great burgers, lobster, flatbreads, or even their delicious sweet potato fries. Oh, also good to note that they have great drinks and cocktails!

✔️ O’Brien’s Pub – A great local spot with your typical pub food type of options. They have a great selection of seating for outdoor dining, which is one of my favorite parts of this spot. Try the fish and chips, beef stew, a burger (can never go wrong), or even the lobster mac and cheese! A great spot that is kid and dog friendly with a casual vibe.

✔️ Diego’s – Diego’s is a great casual spot on Bowen’s Wharf for some Mexican cuisine. Many recommend this spot for the great margaritas and drinks, the Guac Del Mar (guacamole with lobster and shrimp), the calamari, or the fish tacos. It’s a great spot for gluten-free options also.

✔️ Midtown Oyster Bar – If you’re looking for a cool spot with a coastal vibe as well as great outdoor dining, when the weather is good of course, check out Midtown Oyster Bar. Great oyster selection, drinks and location. It’s also got a dog-friendly patio so you can bring your four-legged friends.

Dinner in Newport

✔️ The Mooring- The Mooring is a great restaurant for dinner with outstanding seafood and views of Newport Harbor. You can enjoy dinner with a view of all of the well-to-do yachts docked in the harbor. While you’re there try the clam chowder, the fish & chips, lobster, or the scallops. It’s a little pricey but you can’t beat the location and the food.

✔️ 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar and Grille- This is a cool spot on Bowen’s Wharf with great seafood, steak, and, if you guessed it from the name – wine! A really great selection of wine. Other recommended items are the clam chowder, fresh oysters, their truffle mac and cheese (yum!), and their seafood tower. The outside view is lovely with views of the sailboats and the wharf.

✔️ White Horse Tavern- The White Horse Tavern is a great spot with a lot of history. It’s claim to fame is that it’s the oldest operating tavern in America, a big draw to the restaurant. It’s located near Thames Street and can be a little pricey, but it’s a cool experience with the ambiance of an old-fashioned pub (feels like being in England). Try the lobster bisque, beef wellington, scallops, lobster ravioli, or the grilled swordfish.

✔️ Restaurant Bouchard- If you’re in the mood for some great french food, definitely add Restaurant Bouchard to your dinner list. It’s a very impressive upscale restaurant with an intimate dining room as well as creative and well-presented cuisine. You can get all kinds of great french food here- duck, escargot (if that’s your thing), lobster, pear salad, and a tasty souffle to finish off with.

✔️ The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn- A very popular spot in Newport, you can’t beat the views or the cocktails at The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn. It’s a little pricey but perfect for nice weather and a waterfront view. The menu is “prix-fixe,” where you can order a starter, entree, and a dessert. Notable options include their lobster roll, oysters, scallops, ravioli, and the souffle.

✔️ The Clarke Cooke House- The Clarke Cooke House is a high-end restaurant located on Bannister’s wharf. It has a fantastic patio, a good atmosphere, and an open window layout. It’s somewhat pricey but has great options such as Steak Au Poivre, Seafood linguini, Caesar salad, Crab cakes, and much more. So dress up for this spot!

I’ve listed the above restaurants as either lunch or dinner but really you can mix and match based on what type of mood you’re feeling for eating out. You can’t go wrong with a lot of these, and many are on the water with some amazing views.

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How to Get to Newport, Rhode Island

It’s pretty easy getting to Newport no matter how you’re getting there. There are plenty of options such as flying, taking the train, or even driving or taking a bus. Check out some of these ideas for how to get to Newport if you’re looking for a great day trip to Newport RI.

By Train

Amtrak is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable way to get from the city into Newport. You can take it from Boston or New York or many areas on the east coast to Providence and Uber to Newport. I’ve taken Amtrak all over the place and enjoy taking them as it’s relaxing and more effortless than navigating the airport, in my opinion.

By Plane

You can generally find flights that land in the Providence airport and then either take a bus (or Uber) from there. The Providence Airport is about a 30-minute drive from Newport. You can also choose to take a shuttle from the airport if you book it ahead.

By Car

The beauty of the northeast is that you can often take day trips to other states and cities in a short amount of time! It’s one of the things I love most about the northeast and especially New England.

• A drive from Providence takes about 40 minutes. Just follow I-95 S to Route 4 and head over the Jamestown Bridge.
• If you’re driving from Boston, you can take 93-S to Route 24-S to 114 S/W Main Rd or 93-S to I-95 S to Route 4 and over the Jamestown Bridge.
• Driving from New York, it’s about a 3-hour drive. You’ll want to take I-95 N to RI-102 S, RI-138 E to RI-238 S.

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Where to Park in Newport, RI

There is a fee for most of the lots and garages in downtown Newport, but most of them do offer free parking on Sundays and holidays. You can find street parking, garage or lot parking pretty easily downtown.

Check out an app like SpotHero to get a better sense of where you can park and for how much on your 1 day in Newport, RI.

You can also check out this website to find parking in Newport. They include all of the city garages and lots so you can get a sense of where to park in Newport.

Tip: there is also free parking on some streets downtown after 8 pm. Check signs for more information. Always read the signs and then re-read them again!

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How To Get Around Newport, RI

While in town for the day in Newport, the best experience is to either walk or rent bikes. You’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, plus it’s a great way to soak in the city’s breathtaking coastal scenery and historic architecture.

Trust me, those grand mansions and cute, cobblestone streets are way too beautiful to just zip by in a car. Most places to visit are located downtown Newport and easily walkable, but there are some places where you might need a car or will need to plan on Ubering.

In the summer there’s also the free Bellevue Trolley that can take you to different areas around town (use that link to see the schedule and routes)!

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FAQs: Newport, RI in a Day

Need some more information on your one day in Newport? Here’s some common questions and answers.

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Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Newport, RI

If you’re looking to take a day trip from Boston, Providence, or any other nearby cities and want the perfect destination for an afternoon outing with friends or family, a Newport, Rhode Island day trip is definitely worth considering.

The city has something for everyone – whether you enjoy visiting historic mansions, walking along the Cliff Walk, enjoying fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants in Newport (or on the waterfront), shopping your way through Thames Street, or driving the 10 Mile Drive.

There are so many ways to spend your time here, and it’ll soon be one of your favorite spots! You’ll almost have to come back for a whole weekend after your day trip.

What spots are you adding to your list? After taking a day trip to Newport, RI, what spots do you highly recommend? Comment below, we’d love to hear!