Newport, Rhode Island, has certainly been having a moment as of late. You can attribute it to the Gilded Age dramas taking over small screens, the old-money aesthetic taking over TikTok, the Real Housewives of Rhode Island taking over Bravo, or just the fact that it’s beyond beautiful all year long. Either way, it’s undeniable that this compact coastal city has become a mecca of sorts for travelers eager to live out their East Coast fantasies—seafood, seersucker, sailboats, and all.
But truth be told, Newport has never been a bad idea. The charming city has been a popular summer destination since the early 19th century, first as a playground for America’s elite, with families like the Vanderbilts and Astors building massive mansions along the water to serve as vacation homes (more on those later). Today, it’s a little less exclusive and a hot spot year-round, with New Englanders and international visitors alike spending sunny days becoming one with the sand at Easton’s Beach, breezy afternoons hiking the Cliff Walk, and chilly nights imbibing their way through Bowen’s Wharf before retreating to shingled cottages and luxurious hotels across town.
If all that sounds like your kind of bliss, keep reading for a guide to seeing Newport in all its glory, as compiled by two New Yorkers who have been returning over and over again for the past decade. Here’s where to eat, stay, and play in the City by the Sea.
Where to eat
We’d argue the food and drink scene in Newport is reason enough to come to town, boasting old favorites and newer hubs that have given the city’s dining scene some fresh energy. Early birds, hit up Cru Cafe for a cozy bistro vibe and elevated comfort dishes like smoked salmon avocado toast. If you’re willing to wait in line, The Nitro Bar is a newer favorite (especially among influencers) with coffee and pastries that just might be worth the hype. Or, head to locally loved Franklin Spa, a legendary diner that hasn't changed its retro greasy-spoon energy in decades, and still serves one of the best lunches in town.
Speaking of lunch, if the weather calls for it, take yours alfresco. Use Bowen’s Wharf as your hub: Belly up at 22 Bowen’s outdoor bar-restaurant area, have a casual seafood lunch at The Mooring, or get your clam chowder fix at The Black Pearl, with its lively dockside setting. You'll also find Clarke Cooke House, one of Newport's most popular restaurants, at the wharf. Its ship-like setting is one for the books, and the bistro offers a big menu spanning summer sushi to burgers, native cod, and even steak frites. For something less serious, Wally’s Weiners is another classic, and the kind of place you'll want to work into a day of wandering around Thames Street, known for being the center of the city.
For harbor views and a Mediterranean-inspired menu, head to Flora, one of the newer names in town housed within the Gardiner House hotel. White Horse Tavern, on the other hand, offers classic Americana, with upscale farm-to-table dining (and stellar rum drinks) inside a building dating back to 1673. Crossing the bridge into Jamestown? Head to Beech if you want dinner to be the main event, with tasty, seasonal American fare headed up by locals.
Where to stay
Newport has no shortage of gorgeous hotels scattered from busy Thames Street to breezy Castle Hill Cove. Most guest rooms fall on the smaller side—this is a compact city, after all—but the best properties go big on glamour, offering gobsmacking views, old-world interiors, and exceptional in-house eateries and wellness facilities.
Those looking for a taste of the Gilded Age should opt for spots like The Vanderbilt, an Auberge property built by a member of the Vanderbilt family in 1908, or Francis Malbone House, a Georgian-style mansion that dates back to 1760. If you’re all about location, location, location, book The Chanler at Cliff Walk for easy access to the popular waterfront hiking trail, Hammetts Hotel if you want to be steps from some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, or Forty 1º North Hotel Marina Resort to be so close to the water you’re basically swimming. Whether you’re staying there or not, you don't skip a stop inside Castle Hill Inn, a landmark Victorian mansion and one of the most iconic hotels in town. With an incredible location atop rocky bluffs that overlook the sailboat-studded ocean, the property’s Lawn Terrace is where you’ll want to grab a glass of Sauv Blanc and pretend you’re an Astor.
Of course, hotels in Newport can be pricey, so if you’re on a budget or traveling with a group, an Airbnb might be a better bet—especially if the sound of a kitchen or common hangout space tickles your fancy. You can find smaller homes and apartments in Newport proper, like this four-bedroom with harbor views right downtown or this minimalist waterfront condo in the Historic District, but many visitors look to Middletown, Rhode Island—a town right outside Newport—for bigger, more affordable rentals. This adorable three-bedroom cottage with a shingled façade, for example, is technically in Middletown, but just five minutes from downtown Newport.
Where to play
The soul of Newport is rooted in the very concept of play. It’s a family-friendly destination and a romantic coastal escape; a place where sweet boutiques meet cool bars and Gilded Age history meets a working harbor. In the warmer months, chase the sea: Easton’s Beach is the most convenient option near town, Gooseberry Beach is tucked along Ocean Drive, and Second (or Sachuest) Beach offers a long stretch of sand and Atlantic surf. Post up at Second for a lobster roll and fries (sold from a beachside concession stand, the best), then grab an icy, refreshing Del’s Lemonade served from its iconic truck before heading home. Oh, and before you go, buy your next beach read at Commonwealth Books of Newport in the Historic Hill neighborhood.
If you time it right, you can hit Newport's renowned Jazz Festival and the Newport Folk Festival, both hosted annually at the end of July (and sometimes running through early August). Plan in advance to secure tickets, as they can go quickly. For a more last-minute excursion that's completely free to the public, walk the Cliff Walk on the southeastern shoreline. The scenic coastal path threads between the Atlantic and the Newport Mansions, which, of course, you'll want to go inside and tour. If you’d rather be on the water than beside it, Sail Newport offers a Try Sailing experience, as well as afternoon-to-sunset sails.
For something further from the coast, the International Tennis Hall of Fame is a great rainy day pit stop for exploring the history of the beloved sport and sniffing your way through the gardens surrounding the iconic grass courts. The Preserve in Blackstone Valley offers guided horseback tours, carriage rides, and sunset strolls, while Shephard’s Run Winery is a dreamy estate that gives you an excuse to head inland in South Kingstown for a tasting. As for a great Irish pub, The Fastnet has frosty beers on tap, while O’Brien’s is ever-abuzz and makes a mean house mudslide. If you want to make a night of it, have a drink and bites at Hotel Viking’s French-inspired Pescadou restaurant, then dance to the live DJ at its rooftop bar, Cap Club. Midtown Oyster Bar is perfect for a nightcap.