Northeastern Weekend Getaway: Newport, Rhode Island
Updated: Aug 23, 2022
When you think of Newport, Rhode Island you think of regattas, people wearing pinstripes and Sperry’s, and a cold drink on a “hot” (seasonably comfortable) New England summer's day. I, personally, love Newport. It is the perfect “weekend getaway” for fellow Northeasterners. And now, I’ll give you the inside scoop on what to do while you’re there. The hottest tip we can give - make reservations everywhere you can because this place gets PACKED in the summer.
WHERE TO EAT:
Corner Cafe
The Black Pearl
The Landing
WHERE TO GO OUT:
One Pelham East
WHAT TO SEE:
Cliff Walk
Go to the Beach
Tour the Mansions
BEST PLACES FOR AN INSTAGRAM PHOTO:
Bowen's Wharf
Chanler at the Cliff Walk
Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina
WHERE TO STAY:
Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina - I stayed here for a birthday weekend one year, and found it reasonably affordable (although it was May so slightly off season) and extremely chic and luxurious. Gurney’s Newport is another location of the ever-so-popular Gurney’s in Montauk. This hotel is on Goat Island, so not in the hubbub of everything, but they have a stunning patio with full bar and restaurant service (and a view of the sunset). I also had a massage here which was the epitome of birthday relaxation.
WHERE TO EAT:
Corner Cafe - The Corner Cafe is a great casual spot for breakfast/brunch serving upscale diner food. There will probably be a wait if you go on a weekend morning, but it’s pretty quick and definitely worth it.
The Black Pearl - This 1967 restaurant is one of the best waterfront dining experiences you’ll find in Newport. In the summer they have an amazing outdoor space, reservations definitely needed for this restaurant as it is one of the most popular (but for a good reason).
The Landing Restaurant - It’s located dockside, at the end of Newport’s historic Bowen’s wharf in downtown. Famous for its water views and sunsets, seafood, live music and drinks.
WHERE TO GO OUT:
One Pelham East - This is the place to be if you’re young and want to go out in Newport. They have darts, shuffleboard, and live music. 2 floors, 3 bars, dueling pianos. It can get busy so go early.
WHAT TO SEE:
Cliff walk - The cliff walk is a leisurely, scenic 3.5 mile walk along the cliffs of Newport. You can catch glimpses of the mansions and stunning views of the sea for miles. If you’re not up for walking, there’s a 10 mile scenic ocean drive that boasts similar views of rocky coastline and crashing waves.
Go to the Beach - there are two main beaches in Newport, Easton Beach (also known as First Beach) and Second Beach. Easton Beach is a smaller, rocky beach that can basically disappear when the tide comes up (be sure to check the tides before planning your day). Second Beach is the place to be, although recently they have only been letting people with passes (people that live there) park there. Double check before you go. Otherwise it’s practically impossible to get to with no street parking.
Tour the Mansions - The 11 mansions part of the “Newport Mansions” are from the 1800s where the richest of the rich would use them as summer homes. They are exquisite and luxurious even today, and worth a stop in. Tickets are $20 for an adult.
BEST PLACES FOR AN INSTAGRAM PHOTO:
Bowen’s Wharf - The backdrop being water, boats and the sunset. Maybe you’re holding ice cream from Sprinkles Ice Cream & Espresso Bar.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk - if you can make it here for a drink, you’ll find the quintessential white adirondack chairs placed around the lawn, boasting stunning views of the sea. If it’s rainy or cold, the interior of the hotel is just as phenomenal and I’m sure you can find a leather couch or marbled wall around somewhere (cough cough, check the bathroom).
Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina - the only hotel/restaurant with a view of the Newport Bridge. Perfect for sunset.
That concludes our Newport, Rhode Island recommendations! Let us know if you have tried any of these before or are adding them to your list for your next Newport trip!
xx,
The Itinerary Girls