Everything You Need to Know for a weekend away in Newport, Rhode Island

Enjoy the charming activities, sumptuous cuisine, and picturesque sights of Newport this spring with a memorable getaway. This Rhode Island town was once home to millionaires who certainly went all out in their extravagant summer cottages and ostentatious yachts during the Gilded Age. Now you can experience luxe living too when visiting this exquisite destination!

Nestled at the southern tip of Aquidneck Island, in the captivating heart of Southern New England is Newport–rich with five hundred years worth of history. To explore all that this amazing place has to offer, be sure to schedule a few days so you can absorb its splendor.

Shopping, dining and many recreational activities are an easy walk from downtown’s cobbled paths. The famed Newport mansions are only a few miles away. If you want to experience some truly stunning views, take a ride on the 10-mile Ocean Drive or a stroll the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk high above the ocean. Some drops are as high as 70 feet.

WHERE TO DINE

22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille

22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille is the ideal representation of Newport’s classic charm, located on one of the city’s beautiful cobblestone lanes. Diners may anticipate luxurious yet traditional foods, with old-world tastes mixing with contemporary methods and presentations.

Diego’s

Diego’s on Newport’s Waterfront specializes in Mexican style dishes with a modern twist. Our focus is fresh ingredients, homemade sauces and bold flavors. Our bar offers Newport’s widest variety of both Mexican inspired and prohibition age cocktails. Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner with brunch hours added on the weekends.

22 Portside

A world-class steakhouse with an award-winning wine list that offers harborside dining on the docks of downtown Newport. Inside, guests enjoy the easy elegance of an upscale dining experience; outside, our summertime bar, Portside, delivers refreshing cocktails, casual fare, and all of the action of Newport in season.

WHAT TO DO

The Breakers

Of the 10 luxurious mansions available for public viewing in Newport, The Breakers stands out as especially immense and opulent. Constructed by an elite group of international craftsmen and artisans to emulate 16th-century palaces, it was completed in 1895 with some walls adorned with platinum. With 70 rooms highlighting an Italian Renaissance style architecture, this former summer home of the Cornelius Vanderbilt II family is a sight to behold! To make your experience even more special, download the free audio tour from the Newport Mansions app and bring along earphones or earbuds – you won’t be disappointed.

The Elms

If you’re looking for an exclusive and unique glimpse into history, make sure to add The Elms on your itinerary. This grand mansion was built in the style of a mid-18th century French chateau by a wealthy Philadelphia coal baron back in 1898 – so it’s truly one-of-a kind! Take part in their Servant Life Tour to get unprecedented insight into how those who were less privileged lived and worked here. And if that wasn’t enough, be sure to also visit Green Animals Topiary Garden for gorgeous photos worthy of any fantasy landscape, with whimsical geometric shapes scattered throughout. As spring arrives, thousands of tulips and 49 different varieties of daffodils erupt into bloom. It’s the perfect spot for your picnic – you won’t find any view quite as stunning!

Experience the luxurious sailing culture of Newport with a Coastal Queen Cruises from Bowen’s Wharf and cruise on either Narragansett Bay or Newport Harbor. After a long day, there’s no better way to relax than catching an evening cocktail cruise and marveling at lighthouses, forts and other stunning sights from the open-air upper deck! Your knowledgeable guide will explain each point of interest along your journey.

If you’re looking for an authentic maritime experience, visit Newport and explore its unique lobstering and fishing culture. Fish’n Tales Adventures offers 90-minute excursions on the 50-foot Northeastern vessel in Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor! Lend a helping hand while baiting traps, sorting catches – all equipment rentals included with your $30 ticket price! It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to witness the local seafaring like never before.

Visit the distinctive stores at Bowen’s Wharf and explore Sea Bags to discover how old sails are converted into stunning handmade totes and handbags, while fishermen’s rope is crafted into beautiful baskets and mats. 25 Bowen’s Wharf, (207) 553-0144, seabags.com

At Gineva, you’ll find locally handcrafted Murano glass jewelry. 8 Bowen’s Wharf, (401) 846-1654, ginevajewelry.com

Primavera offers a wide range of works by local artisans. 4 Bowen’s Wharf, (401) 841-0757, primaveranewport.com

Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

The Newport area is home to 45 oyster farms. In May, Bowen’s Wharf is the site of the weekend-long Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival. Opening night admission includes a dozen oysters and an alcoholic beverage, Saturday and Sunday admission includes six oysters or a cup of chowder. (401) 849-2243.