My Travel Guide to Newport, Rhode Island

A few weeks ago, Matt and I took a mini vacay up to Newport, Rhode Island. Newport is a picturesque little town surrounded by the Narragansett Bay. Known for its charm, historic mansions and seafood. Today, I’m breaking down where we ate, where we stayed and what we did in Newport, RI.

Matt and I booked a four night stay at the Newport, Marriott. Located in the heart of downtown Newport, right along the Newport harbor and an easy walk to shopping and restaurants. The hotel rooms, lobby and meeting areas are all designed to have a nautical feel. At a great price, you can chose a room with a harbor side view or a room with an interior balcony. The hotel has excellent amenities as well: the skiff bar for drinks, mainsail dining room for a meal, plank bar in the lobby for a cup of coffee or quick breakfast, indoor pool, full gym and spa.

OTHER NEWPORT HOTELS

• Hotel Viking – A bit further from the center of town, but still within walking distance. Closer to Newport’s historic hilltop neighborhood. A “boutique-y” type hotel, quiet, quaint and recently, beautifully renovated. My parents still rave about the rooftop bar! The Top of Newport is the hotel Viking’s rooftop bar. This bar boasts amazing views of the city and harbor. Even if you don’t plan on staying, head here for a beautiful sunset view.
• Castle Hill Inn – When you think Newport, you probably envision something like the Castle Hill Inn. It’s enchanting and authentic Newport. You do pay a pretty penny to stay. If you’re willing to splurge, check out the beach cottage rooms. WOW. Literally, on the sand dunes of the beach. Definitely a bucket list stay. If you don’t stay at the Castle Hill Inn, grab a drink on “the lawn” where you can sit on one of their white Adirondack chairs and look out to the water.
• Gurney’s Newport – I’ve never stayed, but this was a contender during our hotel search. One word – location, location, LOCATION! Right along the water and they have their own marina! So, dock your boat and stay! We really wanted to try the Pineapple Club, but it was closed for the season. It’s right alongside their pool with great water views.

WHAT WE ATE AND DRANK

• The Red Parrot Restaurant – We left NJ around 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Newport is about a 3 1/2 hour drive (without traffic) from Morristown. By the time we arrived and checked in, we really wanted a relaxed and casual dinner. A short walk down America’s Cup Ave to Thames St. is The Red Parrot restaurant. Family friendly and great food. They boast “THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS FROZEN DRINKS IN NEWPORT.” Go check them out, they’re fun and tasty. The Cajun Burnt Chicken Quesadilla was out of this world and Matt ordered the Famous Baby Back Ribs. Famously fall off the bone AND apparently a favorite of the terminator?! Arnold, can you comment?!

• The Lobster Bar – No trip to Newport would be complete without a Lobster Roll! The Lobster Bar is right at the end of Bowen’s Wharf with beautiful views. Lunch was ok, but if you’re going to the lobster bar, you’re going for the waterfront views and atmosphere! You also have the option to eat indoors or outdoor, there was no wait, and our food came quick.
• The Black Pearl – This was the cutest little spot on Bowen’s Wharf! They had outdoor seating that was covered and heated. The menu looked great. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a wait for lunch so we did not eat here, but it’s on my list for lunch when we go back!

• Clarke Cooke House – Labeled on its website as the “Quintessential Newport Experience” and I would have to say, this restaurant is just that! The casual dining area’s walls are lined with American Cup Prints reminding you that you’re still in Newport, but you almost feel you’re somewhere else. The restaurant is split upstairs and downstairs. When you make your reservation, see if you can request a spot downstairs by the windows over looking the harbor. I would suggest making a reservation. Matt ordered a “Newport Water,” almost an aperol spritz I would say, Newport style. I had the kale salad and oven-roasted deboned chicken and it was out of this world!

• Skiff Bar (Inside the Newport Marriott) – Due to covid, while we were staying in Newport, the state of Rhode Island had mandated all bar customers must order food with drink. Before our dinner at Clarke Cooke House, we went down to the Skiff Bar, ordered the Charcuterie and Cheese Board and each had a drink. They have fun cocktails on the menu! I tried the Pear Jalepeno Martini and Matt had the Blueberry Lemonade. The staff was very friendly and welcoming and if it’s warm enough, you can sit outside on the balcony and look out to the harbor – PICTURESQUE!

• Corner Cafe – If I had a dollar for every friend or family member who recommended the Corner Cafe for breakfast! A tiny little spot located right on the corner of Broadway street. Not many tables and first come, first serve. The food was delicious and both Matt and I were big fans of the potatoes :). A small little cafe with HUGE flavor!
• 22 Bowen’s – A seafood and steakhouse along the end of Bowen’s Wharf right by the Lobster House. Try the truffle mac and cheese! The sides are large and are enough for 2-3 people.

• Belle’s Cafe – We ate here on the day we were leaving Newport. It’s within walking distance of the Marriott. Tucked away in the Newport Shipyard, you’re going to feel like you’re going the wrong way when you walk into the shipyard, but it’s there I promise!! You can dine with the sailors, sit outside and watch them wash the sail boats.

• Liberty Donuts – Small donut place right across the street from the Marriott. The shop has fun flavors and even donut specials. Stop here for a donut and a cup of coffee.

THINGS TO DO

• Cliff Walk – The cliff walk is a trail right along the shore’s edge. The trail from start to finish is about 3.5 miles. Most of the trail is on flat surface, however, make sure to bring your sneakers because there are certain parts of the trail where you’re walking over rough, rocky shoreline. If you do not want to walk the whole trail, I would recommend starting your trek at 40 steps and heading to your right towards Salve Regina University. Right off the 40 steps trail marker there is street parking. Off season, you can park right along the street for free and in season it’s just metered parking. It’s a beautiful walk and you’re walking along the shoreline of the old mansions that Newport is known for. There are several stops throughout the walk and if you bring your phone, you can scan QR codes along the way giving you background and history of the point you’re at.

• Mansion Tours – Truly a highlight of Newport and what Newport is known for. Gilded Age Mansions along the shore line. These large, ornate mansions are truly a sight to see. I understand this is not for everyone, but if you like to add a bit of history into your trips (like Matt and I do), don’t pass up a mansion tour! While we were in Newport (end of April), the Marble House was the only Mansion open for tours. I have heard the Breakers Mansion is now open and is known to be the grandest of them all. There was one other mansion open on weekends, but unfortunately our trip to Newport was during the week. Belcourt of Newport – apparently haunted?! Recently purchased and restored by the owner of Alex and Ani. Check out the Belcourt website for times of weekend tours.

• Beaches – Of course when Matt and I were in Newport, it was a tad too cold to hit the beach, but I did hear First and Third Beaches were the best beaches in Newport! First beach is right along the cliff walk – touristy and a bit more crowded than third beach which is on the bayside.
• Shopping (markets, boutiques, souvenir shops) – No trip with Jackie Troum would be complete without a little bit of browsing! So many cute little boutiques line Thames Street including, Rochelle’s Boutique. Bowen’s Wharf, Long Wharf and Bannister’s Wharf has the Mansion Store with cute trinkets and Newport Souvenirs. If you have a little one, check out the Groovy Gator kids boutique!

If you’re interested what I packed, shop my looks below :).

I hope you enjoyed my Newport travel guide. So, tell me, where are you heading on your next trip to Newport?!