This blog post highlights things to do in Newport RI from the iconic tourist spots to the local recommendations.
For the most up to date info and recommendations on all things Newport RI. Follow the Discover Newport instagram account https://www.instagram.com/discovernewport/
NEWPORT RI BUCKET LIST
- Walk the Newport Cliff Walk (pro tip: go at sunrise)
- Go to the Gardiner House’s restaurant Flora for food or drinks!
- Stay or grab drinks on the Castle Hill Inn lawn
- Walk & shop local along Thames Street, Bowen’s Wharf, and Bannister’s Wharf
- Take a tour of one of the Newport mansions
- Rent a vintage car with Newport Classic Car Tours and head down Ocean Drive
- Take a surf lesson or grab a rental and head for Second Beach
- Enjoy the patio at sunset at Newport Harbor Island Resort
- Looking for a fancy spot for drinks? (like a post proposal spot to celebrate) head to The Chanler
- International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Go to Newport Vineyards (Tastings, Tours, and Farm to Table Dining)
- Book a private sail with Pineapple Sailing
- Take a Newport RI sunset cruise on the Madeleine or Adirondack II
- Watch a polo match
- Pick your own at Sweet Berry Farm
- Do an escape room at Paradigm Escape Rooms
- Watch the Bit Players Improv Show
- Catch a show at the Newport Playhouse
- Walk around the trails of the Norman Bird Sanctuary
NEWPORT RI COFFEE SHOPS
The Nitro Bar (the number one coffee shop in Newport RI and the lines prove it- worth the wait at either of their two locations)
Kaffeology
https://www.kaffeologycafe.com
Empire Tea & Coffee
https://www.empireteaandcoffee.com
WHERE TO STAY: NEWPORT RI HOTELS
Gardiner House
Castle Hill Inn
Newport Harbor Island Resort
https://www.newportharborisland.com
The Chanler
The Vanderbilt Hotel
https://aubergeresorts.com/vanderbilt
WHERE TO GRAB DRINKS IN NEWPORT RI
Gardiner House’s restaurant Flora
https://www.gardinerhouse.com/food-drinks
Patio at Newport Harbor Island Resort
https://www.newportharborisland.com/dine/
Want someplace super fancy for drinks? Then go to The Chanler
https://www.thechanler.com/dining
Like Espresso Martini’s: Then head to Wally’s Weiners
Go to Newport Vineyards (Tastings, Tours, and Farm to Table Dining)
The Vanderbilt Hotel (Roof deck for views!)
https://aubergeresorts.com/vanderbilt/dine/the-roof-deck
WHERE TO GO SHOPPING IN NEWPORT RI
Walk & shop local along Thames Street, Bowen’s Wharf, and Bannister’s Wharf ( I love Shore Soap or stopping the the Kiel James Patrick flagship store!)
NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND THINGS TO DO
Tour one of the Newport Mansions
https://www.newportmansions.org/plan-a-visit/
Rent a vintage car with Newport Classic Car Tours and head down Ocean Drive
https://www.newportclassiccarsri.com/tours
Take a surf lesson or grab a rental and head for Second Beach
https://www.discovernewport.org/listing/sachuest-beach-(second-beach)/330
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Newport Art Museum
Book a private sail with Pineapple Sailing
https://www.pineapplesailing.com
Take a Newport RI sunset cruise on the Madeleine or Adirondack II
https://sail-newport.com/public-cruises/sunset-sail-schooner-madeleine
https://sail-newport.com/public-cruises/sunset-sail-schooner-adirondack-ii
Watch a polo match
Pick your own at Sweet Berry Farm
https://www.sweetberryfarmri.com
Do an escape room at Paradigm Escape Rooms
https://www.paradigmescaperooms.com
Watch the Bit Players Improv Show
Catch a show at the Newport Playhouse
https://www.newportplayhouse.com
Walk around the trails of the Norman Bird Sanctuary
https://normanbirdsanctuary.org
WHERE TO EAT IN NEWPORT RI
For Mexican food: Diego’s or La Vecina
For a more cafe style brunch or dinner: Kaffeology
https://www.kaffeologycafe.com
Drift Cafe
The Red Parrot
https://www.redparrotrestaurant.com
Pasta Beach Newport RI (does have GF options!)
https://www.pastabeach.com/newport
Flo’s Clam Shop
Stoneacre Garden
The Mooring
https://www.mooringrestaurant.com
Breakfast at the Cru Cafe
NEWPORT RI HOLIDAY BUCKET LIST
- Stop at one of the coffee shops above for one of their winter specialty drinks
- Go to the tree lighting on Bowen’s Wharf on Saturday Dec. 6, 2025. Festivities begin at 12:30PM and the tree lighting is at 6PM https://bowenswharf.com/events/annual-tree-lighting/
- Go ice skating at the Newport Harbor Island Resort rink (If open)
- Holidays at the Newport Mansions- see the mansions in full decorations! https://www.newportmansions.org/events/holidays-at-the-newport-mansions/
Looking to book a photographer for a Newport RI proposal, engagement session, or wedding? Check out my website! https://meghanlynchphotography.com/
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