Travel Guide: Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is a popular summer destination in Rhode Island.

How to get to Newport:

The best way to get to Newport, Rhode Island is by car. Newport is located about two hours from Boston and about 40 minutes from T.F. Green Airport International Airport (PVD) in Providence, Rhode Island.

How to get around Newport:

While you may need a car to get to Newport, you likely don’t need one once you get there. Newport center is pretty small and accessible from most of the hotels. Uber is also available in the area which is a nice option to travel throughout Newport.

Best time to go to Newport:

The most popular time to visit Newport is the summer (June-August) when you can take advantage of the beautiful beaches, al fresco dining, and all the outdoor activities. That being said, summer is when accommodations are the most expensive and the town is most crowded. If you are looking for the best time to visit Newport, May, September, and October are fantastic options. The weather is usually nice during this time, and accommodations aren’t as expensive.

There are a few considerations when it comes to visiting Newport:

• Newport definitely a more opulent destination and, thus, you can expect to pay a premium on hotels and accommodations
• Newport is a popular wedding destination, so you will find that accommodations book up quickly throughout the wedding season and high tourism season
• There are a few colleges around Newport so you will find that Newport is busy year-round. While you can definitely visit Newport in the winter, it can get cold, and some of the primary benefits such as outdoor seating and beaches may not be possible to enjoy as much!

Things to Do:

• The Cliff Walk: The Cliff Walk is an oceanfront walking trail that runs parallel to all the historical mansions of Newport. While many of these homes are the private residences of some of the wealthiest families since the Gilded Age, some of these mansions are public museums. The trail is about 3.5 miles and mostly flat with a few rugged sections throughout.

• Spend the day at the beach: One of the best ways to spend your weekend in Newport is at the beach. Newport is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and its beautiful coastline. Two of the most popular beaches in Newport are Easton Beach and Second Beach. Along the beach, there are also a few places that have public facilities and restaurants you can grab food.

• Boat ride in Newport Harbor: One of the most popular activities when in Newport is to take a boat ride along the coast of Rhode Island. It is the perfect way to see the scenery from the water, especially if you visit during the summer when the temperatures are warm and the skies are sunny!

• Tour the historical mansions: Taking a tour of the historical mansions is one of the most popular activities for visitors when in Newport. While some of the mansions are family owned/privately owned, others operate as museums and are open to the public for tours. The most popular mansions to visit are Rosecliff, The Breakers, and The Elms.

• Explore Newport Center: Downtown Newport is incredibly lively, filled with tons of restaurants, bars and shops. You can definitely spend a few hours exploring Thames Street, the main street in Newport.