Sunday Manifest: Newport, Rhode Island
Located in the heart of Rhode Island’s Classic Coast, Newport is a town of beautiful contradictions. Both historic and modern, it’s home to incredible Colonial and Gilded Age architecture and historical landmarks, as well as miles of stunning New England coastline, family-friendly beaches, world-class resorts, and so much more.
Considered a shining gem of the New England coastal region, visitors come year-round to explore all that this City by the Sea has to offer. Sailing is huge here, and rightly so. The town’s ties to the Americas Cup, as well as its location on the spectacular Narragansett Bay, make it a popular vacation spot for anyone who loves to sail, wants to learn to sail, or just wants to enjoy the views of Newport’s famous coastline on one of the dozens of boat tours offered here daily.
Another draw is tennis. The first U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championship—a tournament that later evolved into the U.S. Open—was played in Newport in 1881. Today, tennis fans from around the world come to tour the International Tennis Hall of Fame, watch the annual Hall of Fame Open, or play on the Tennis Club’s famous courts.
For those less inclined to sports, Newport still has much to offer—whether you’re traveling with friends, vacationing with family, or enjoying a romantic couple’s getaway—as well as plenty of beautiful B&Bs, historic inns, and boutique hotels in which to base your stay.
The elegant Chanler at Cliff Walk, with manicured gardens and serene ocean views; the romantic Ivy Lodge Bed & Breakfast, set in a beautifully restored 19th century mansion with a grand, oak-paneled entry hall; and the artsy Cliffside Inn, a boutique hotel with a large wrap-around porch and luxurious rooms are just a few of the excellent—and historic—options to consider if you’re looking for unique accommodations that are convenient to some of Newport’s best shops, restaurants, and attractions.
When you’re ready to get out and explore, make sure to do the famous Cliff Walk trail, a 3.5-mile walk with breathtaking views of the shoreline on one side and the spectacular Newport Mansions on the other. Head over to the bustling waterfront area for shopping, lunch, and sightseeing. Visit local museums and take a self-guided tour of the mansions. Or enjoy a stroll along the beach if the weather is nice. Newport is a walkable town, making it easy to get from one place to another.
At night, enjoy dinner at any of the town’s amazing restaurants. The Landing is a good choice for casual dining and offers indoor/outdoor seating and harbor views. Or try the award-winning Bouchard Restaurant if you’re in the mood for upscale French fare. Wrap up the evening with a taste of Newport’s buzzing nightlife scene at the Clarke Cooke House’s exclusive (and seasonal) Sky Bar or the more accessible Tavern on Broadway.
If you have the time, you can fill the rest of your Newport getaway with fun guided trolley tours, day-trips to nearby vineyards, biking along scenic Ocean Drive, visits to local breweries and distilleries, or enjoying the many seasonal fairs and festivals that Newport hosts throughout the year.
We have a fabulous four-night Getaway to Newport trip, planned and ready to book on our Experiences page. But if a Northeastern coastal vacation isn’t what you’re looking for, let us know. We’ll be happy to curate a custom trip for you wherever you’d like to go.