Newport

This iconic Rhode Island coastal town is famous for its gilded-age mansions, pristine beaches, and harbor views that have attracted the wealthy and fashionable for over a century. Visitors can tour opulent estates like The Breakers, stroll the Cliff Walk, or enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the Atlantic.

Things to do

• The Breakers Mansion Tour — Explore this 250-room Italian Renaissance-style palace built by the Vanderbilt family in 1895, showcasing gilded-age opulence and architectural grandeur.
• Cliff Walk — Hike this scenic 3.5-mile cliff-top trail offering dramatic Atlantic Ocean views and access to the backyards of historic mansion estates along the coastline.
• Newport Harbor Boat Tour — Take a guided cruise around Newport Harbor to view mansions from the water and learn about the town's maritime and social history.
• Preservation Society Mansion Tours — Visit multiple estates including Rosecliff and Marble House with guided tours that detail Newport's wealthy residents and architectural styles.
• Easton's Beach — Enjoy this popular sandy beach with calm waters perfect for swimming, equipped with a historic carousel and beachfront dining.
• International Tennis Hall of Fame — Tour the grass courts and museum housed in the 1881 Casino building, celebrating Newport's historic role in American tennis.

Food to try

• Rhode Island Clam Chowder — Order this local specialty made with clear broth rather than cream, served fresh at waterfront restaurants throughout Newport.
• Lobster Roll — Enjoy locally-caught lobster meat tossed with minimal mayonnaise on a buttered roll, a quintessential New England seafood experience.
• Fresh Oysters — Sample oysters harvested from nearby Rhode Island waters at upscale seafood restaurants and casual bars along the waterfront.
• Fish and Chips — Try crispy beer-battered local white fish with fries at casual seafood shacks with harbor views throughout downtown Newport.
• Scallops en Coquille — Seek this elegant dish of seared local scallops served in cream sauce at fine dining establishments reflecting Newport's refined culinary tradition.

Local customs & good to know

• Plan mansion visits in advance — Many estates require timed entry tickets or guided tours that book quickly during peak summer season, so purchase ahead when possible.
• Dress appropriately for coastal weather — Newport can be windy and cool even in summer due to Atlantic breezes, so bring layers and comfortable walking shoes for the Cliff Walk.
• Respect private property on Cliff Walk — The trail passes behind private mansion estates, so stay on the designated public path and respect the marked boundaries of residential properties.
• Visit during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds — September and October offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists than peak July-August, making it easier to explore mansions and beaches.