Weekend Itinerary for Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island is a charming coastal town with a rich history and beautiful scenery. This weekend getaway is also where I was raised, making it a special place to me. I might be biased but the walkability and proximity to major cities such as Boston and New York make it the perfect weekend destination. From the gilded age mansions to the ocean excursions there are endless attractions in Newport to experience.
Where to Stay
The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection
A stately Newport mansion reimagined as a luxurious retreat, blending traditional glamor with contemporary coastal elegance.
FORA PERKS
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Castle Hill Inn
A historic retreat blending refined New England charm with sweeping ocean views and tranquil luxury.
FORA PERKS
VIP welcome amenity.
Breakfast daily.
The Brenton Hotel
A stylish waterfront haven in downtown Newport, blending modern design, personalized service, and panoramic harbor views.
FORA PERKS
$100 food / beverage credit.
Daily breakfast.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Day 1: Check Into Your Hotel
Morning:
Arrive first thing on Friday morning to make the most of the day. Check into your hotel and get your sneakers on to start walking!
Coffee and breakfast: walk over to Empire Tea & Coffee on Bellevue Avenue for the best coffee in town and a delicious breakfast sandwich.
Continue walking down Bellevue to admire the mansions and summer homes that were built in the 1800s. Stop into Rose Cliff for a tour, where the original Great Gatsby movie was shot. Follow up your first mansion tour with a tour of the grandeur Vanderbilt mansion, The Breakers.
Pro tip: Make sure to also get tickets to the Tea House on the property, where underground suffrage meetings were held by some of the most powerful women in America.
Lunch:
Walk down towards Thames Street, where you can pop into Midtown Oyster Bar for the best oysters in town and experience a lively crowd.
Afternoon:
Head back to your hotel to get ready for dinner.
Cocktails & Dinner:
Take a car from your hotel to Castle Hill Inn. On the way there, you will experience Ocean Drive, where you have the best coastal views on the Island. Once you get to Castle Hill check into your reservation at The Lawn. The Lawn has numerous Adirondack chairs where you can enjoy a cocktail and experience the best view on the island. Head to your table on the patio to eat dinner.
Pro tip: Ensure to secure a reservation at The Lawn weeks prior on OpenTable.
Day 2: Walk Down to The Franklin Spa
Breakfast:
Take a walk down to Franklin's Spa for an old school diner experience for breakfast.
Enjoy a leisurely morning by walking down to Bowen's Wharf and pop into some of the boutiques. Make sure to visit my favorites: Mandarine and Monelle.
Lunch:
Grab a seat on the patio at the Black Pearl to experience their award-winning New England clam chowder and the famous "Pearl Burger".
Afternoon:
Experience Newport's maritime charm with a sailing tour. Many companies offer day or sunset cruises that provide stunning views of the coastline, but I recommend Newport Classic Cruises.
Head back to your hotel to get ready for dinner!
Dinner:
Head back to Bowen's Wharf to have dinner at the iconic Clark Cooke House. Make a reservation on the Candy Bar level to be in the thick of the liveliness. After dinner head up to the Sky Bar on the top floor for cocktails and dancing (men have to wear jackets for entrance into the Sky Bar).
Day 3: Head to the Cliff Walk
Grab coffee and breakfast at your hotel before heading to the Cliff Walk, a scenic 3.5-mile path along the coast with breathtaking views of the ocean and historic mansions.
Before you head back home for the weekend, be sure to experience one last oceanside meal at 22 Bowen's to experience their lobster roll!
