A Day in Newport - Tourism Tips

Top things to do in Newport - recommended by an expert!

Newport tourism attractions are legendary . . . gilded mansions to tour, gorgeous beaches to lie on, and all sorts of interesting things to do. 

Find out what a Newport, Rhode Island native recommends for a day trip - or long weekend.

Cliff Walk, along the Newport shore, with mansions in the background
Courtesy of Jeanpaul Ferro

Only about 60 miles (100 km) from Boston, Newport RI makes a perfect day trip destination - although with so much to do and see plus wonderful hotels and restaurants, it also makes a great weekend getaway.  You'll quickly understand why Newport tourism attractions have made it a long-time favorite for New England vacations.

Best Newport tourism recommendations from a local

To find out about the best Newport tourism attractions, I turned to Paul, a native Newporter who knows all the best things to do in this exciting Rhode Island city overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  Paul shares them along with great photos and insider tips on his website, Newport Discovery Guide.

Here are Paul's recommendations in response to my questions:

Susan: Paul, for visitors who want to spend just a day - or maybe a weekend - in Newport, what top attractions and places do you recommend?

Paul: If you only have one day or a weekend to visit Newport, I suggest you see some of the following attractions:

• Newport Cliff Walk – Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and many of the fabled Newport mansions along the 3.5 mile long Newport Cliff Walk
• Newport Mansions – You can't leave Newport without seeing at least one of the incredible Newport mansions, built a century or more ago by some of the country's richest tycoons to use as summer "cottages"
• International Tennis Hall of Fame – Amazing history and interactive exhibits in the old Newport Casino building.
• Fort Adams – Explore the Fort itself, the Museum of Yachting and The Eisenhower House all located on the same property!
• Touro Synagogue - The oldest synagogue in America. Visited by George Washington during his trip to Newport promoting the Bill of Rights.
• Tour Newport Harbor – Enjoy the ocean breeze and a cocktail while seeing some of Newport's landmarks up close and personal from one of many great vessels.

Newport Harbor at sunset

Susan:  Newport's mansions sound amazing...but there are so many of them!  Which ones do you recommend as most interesting to a visitor, and why?

Paul:  All of the Newport mansions are fascinating, but I'd recommend seeing one of these 3 first:

• The Breakers is by far the grandest of all the Newport mansions. It was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II (President and Chairman of the New York Central Railroad), and you simply can't imagine the opulence of this “summer cottage” until you see it for yourself.
• Rough Point was the home of tobacco heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke until her passing in 1993. It opened to the public in 2000. You can now see the priceless paintings, the salt-water swimming pool in her basement, and the 300 year old furniture she allowed her dogs to lounge on!
• Astors' Beechwood is Newport's only living history museum.   Once the home of “The Mrs. Astor” who hosted the most lavish summer events of the Gilded Age, this property was recently purchased by Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle and the 4th richest man in the world. It may not be open to the public forever, so check it out now if you have the chance!

The Breakers, one of Newport's famed mansions

Susan:  Newport is also known for its gorgeous water views and beautiful beaches.  What's your favorite beach that you'd recommend to others?   Why do you love it?

Paul:  If you're looking for Newport's ultimate beach experience, check out Easton's Beach (known as 1st Beach to the locals) on Memorial Boulevard.

You can attend summer concerts and volleyball tournaments here, get married on the beach or in the Rotunda, and provide hours of entertainment for your children at the:

• Great snack bar (try their famous Twin Lobster Rolls!)
• Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium
• Children's playground
• Skateboard park

Beach in Newport, Rhode Island

Susan:  What's your favorite thing to do in Newport?

Paul:  My absolute favorite thing to do in Newport is to take a leisurely cruise (either on my bike or in a car) around the famous 10-mile Ocean Drive.  Like on the Cliff Walk, you'll see beautiful homes, breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the entrance to Narragansett Bay here.

You can easily spend your whole day out here with a chair and a good book, your camera or your fishing pole. If you're with a group, you can picnic at Brenton Point State Park and enjoy the cool ocean breezes while you watch people fly their kites and play with their dogs.

If I could only see one thing during my trip to Newport, it would be the Ocean Drive, without a doubt!

Photo of Goose Neck Cove taken from Ocean Drive on a misty morning
Courtesy of Daniel Case

Susan:  With so many Newport tourism attractions to choose from, can you sum up for us why it's a great place to visit?

Paul:  There are few places in America that have the rich history, breathtaking scenery and multitude of attractions, events and entertainment that Newport is blessed with. 

I may be a little biased since I grew up here, so I think everyone reading this should come see for themselves what makes the “City by the Sea” such a special place!

The Black Pearl, other restaurants, and shops on Bannister's Wharf in Newport, RI

Susan:  Paul, thank you so much for sharing your favorite Newport places and experiences with us. 

After hearing about these wonderful Newport tourism attractions, I'm ready to jump into my car and drive south for a daytrip - or even better, a long weekend getaway. 

Boats in Newport Harbor, photographed in late afternoon