Just an hour and a half from Boston, and three hours from NYC, a day trip to Newport, RI is the perfect summer getaway. One day in Newport, RI is enough to take a break from city life and be transported to a bygone era, where the rich and famous used to retreat for the summer. Known for its mansions and sailing history, Newport has become a hot spot destination without losing that old world charm that drew us there in the first place.
Best Time to Spend a Day in Newport, RI
This fall as we were saying goodbye to the east coast where we were spending time with family, we decided to spend one day in Newport to make the most of the last nice days of the year before hunkering down for a long, Chicago winter. Although Newport is mostly thought of as a summer destination, the off-season provided ample street parking, easier reservations, and far fewer crowds.
To avoid the crowds while still enjoying great weather, head to Newport during fringe season, April-May or Sept-Oct.
Where to Stay in Newport
It’s easy to fit a lot in if you are only taking a day trip to Newport, but if you’re lucky enough to spend a weekend there are a number of great options whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge and live like a Vanderbilt.
We booked at the last minute, and opted to stay in Middletown at the Wyndham Newport, just across the bay and a quick 5 minute drive to the heart of Newport. A little more budget friendly than the Newport options, they offered an hourly shuttle into town center and free parking. For a quick overnight it was all we needed.
Here are some great options in the heart of Newport.
Newport Harbor Island Resort (Formerly Gurney’s Newport)
The Perfect Day Trip to Newport
Nitro Bar: Beach Breakfast
Our first stop for our day in Newport was Nitro Bar for a creative caffeine fix and small breakfast to fuel the day ahead. Although we didn’t plan on a beach day in Newport, we did manage to squeeze in some time in the sand by taking our breakfast to go and eating on Easton beach, just past the start of the Cliff Walk. We arrived early and were able to find easy metered street parking along Memorial Blvd.
The Newport Cliff Walk
Once fueled, we made our way to the entrance of the Cliff Walk and started the 3.5 mile trek. The full walk takes around 2-3 hours from Easton Beach south to Bailey’s Beach; If you’re only spend one day in Newport and short on time, traveling with kids or someone who requires accessibility, it is easy to see the highlights along a smaller portion of the walk, with multiple exits and entrances throughout the trail. Narragansett Ave to Ruggles Ave will cover a few highlights along paved terrain like the Forty Steps, The Breakers, Ochre Court, and Salve Regina, all against the backdrop of the Atlantic crashing on rugged cliffs.
Towards the last third of the trail, the path becomes rocky and slick at times, and is not recommended for those unsure on their feet. As a general rule of thumb, the farther you walk, the more rugged the trail becomes. Whether you just pop in for a portion or commit to the full walk, be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and layers.
The Cliff Walk is free, and open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. Go early to avoid crowds.
Keep your eyes out for a few landmarks along the way.
- Forty Steps
- Newport Mansions: Ochre Court, The Breakers, Rosecliff, Marble House, and more
- Chinese Tea House
- Salve Regina
At the end of our journey, we had worked up an appetite and called an Uber to bring us back to our car before heading towards Newport Harbor to put our feet up with a cold drink and classic New England clam chowder.
Bannister’s & Bowen’s Wharf
Bannister’s Wharf and Bowen’s Wharf sit adjacent to each other, and have a number of pop up bars to grab a drink at while you wait for a table for lunch. Pop into Coffee Grinder for an afternoon caffeine fix, or window shop in the many stores featuring art, nautical decor, jewelry and more.
There are also a number of sailing trips that leave from here. Capacity is limited so be sure to plan ahead!
Lunch at the Black Pearl
The Black Pearl is located on Bannister’s Wharf and has a large outdoor patio as well as a cozy dining room reminiscent of Newport’s rich sailing history – think dark wood paneling and brass accents. This classic Rhode Island spot is a can’t miss for any day trip to Newport. Due to COVID-19, the Black Pearl was reservation-only when we visited. If you find yourself without a reservation, you can still take advantage of their to-go window and sip your clam chowder in an Adirondack chair at the end of Bannister’s Wharf.
Shop around Thames Street
Thames Street is the central nerve of Newport, adorned with historic buildings now home to bars, restaurants, and shops. If you’re visiting in peak summer months, avoid driving through Thames and instead opt to wander the mile or so through the heart of Newport. If you have a sweet tooth like me, pop into Newport Fudgery and snag some treats for the ride home after your day trip.
Drive Ocean Avenue & Watch Sunset at Brenton Point (or Castle Hill Inn)
One day in Newport should always include an hour of watching the sun set over the dramatic Rhode Island coastline. From central Newport, the path of least resistance to Castle Hill Inn is via Harrison Ave; However, the path of least resistance is not always the most rewarding. Instead, take Ocean Avenue along the southernmost tip of Aquidneck Island. For just a few extra minutes in the car, you’ll catch spectacular ocean views to the left and stunning real estate to the right.
If you’ve seen an Instagram post of Newport, chances are it features cocktails sipped in white Adirondack chairs on the lawn of the Castle Hill Inn. Unfortunately upon arriving at the Castle Hill Inn gate, we learned the lawn closed to those without dinner reservations due to COVID, and like many other things this year, had to quickly pivot our plans.
We drove back up Ocean Avenue to Brenton Point and climbed down onto the rocks to watch the sunset. What wasn’t even part of the original plan ended up being one of the highlights of our trip, and the perfect close to a day in Newport.
Other Ways to Spend One Day in Newport, R.I.
Cruises & Sailing Tours
No guide for a town crowned the Sailing Capital of the World would be complete without the option to take sail. There are a number of sailing cruises and harbor tours from Newport that’ll put the wind in your hair and give you a glimpse into life on deck.
Mansion Tour
Here’s an unpopular opinion — I don’t love mansions. Don’t come for me for saying this but even Versaille… just didn’t do it for me. I’m content catching a glimpse over the fence of the Cliff Walk, but for those whose curiosity doesn’t stop there, most Newport mansions offer tours. The Breakers and Marble House, both Vanderbilt built, are among the most popular. Be sure to check prior to arrival for current COVID protocol and possible closures.
White Horse Tavern
Stick around Newport after sunset for dinner at the oldest tavern in US, operating since 1673.
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