the best places to visit in newport, rhode island
Did you know that the smallest state in the U.S. (Rhode Island) is only a three hour drive from NYC? (That’s the same distance from Montauk to NYC!) With beaches, lobster rolls, mansions, and vineyards galore, Newport is the perfect getaway for a summer weekend. These are the best places to visit while you’re in Rhode Island.
newport restaurants
Image courtesy of Fluke Newport | Photography by Chef Eddie Montalvo
bowen’s wharf / new american / $$$
This is the perfect spot for when you want to have a fancier dinner. Located on the wharf by the water, Fluke has elevated fare like steak, lobster, and oysters to satisfy all your bougie cravings.
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narragansett / ice cream / $
I love the uniqueness of Brickley’s ice cream flavors and how deliciously creamy they are! With options like apple pie, butter Brickley, and maple walnut, Brickley’s will have a flavor for you no matter what you’re craving.
newport wharf / seafood / $$
Your search for an amazing New England lobster roll ends here. Located right on the wharf, this lobster shack has seafood freshly caught from nearby Aquidneck Island, so you know you’re getting the freshest fare.
middletown / seafood / $$
Come hungry to this seafood establishment. (Note that they don’t have seating available so you will need to take the food to-go. We brought it with us to eat at Greenvale Vineyards - see more below on that!) With menu items like clam chowder, clam cakes, and fish tacos, this restaurant will satisfy all your New England seafood cravings.
bowen’s wharf / seafood / $$$
This restaurant has the perfect setting and amazing food to match. Make sure you book an outdoor patio table if you want to sit right on the water. We ordered the bag of donuts, New England lobster roll, and atlantic salmon which were all phenomenal.
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things to do in newport
portsmouth / vineyard / $$
I will forever be obsessed with this beautiful vineyard. The grounds here are absolutely stunning - with rows of grapevines as far as the eye can see and a lovely view of the Sakonnet River. With occasional food trucks and live music, and plenty of picnic table seating with garden games available to play, this vineyard is the perfect spot to kill a few hours of a day. Not to mention their wine is absolutely amazing! My biggest regret is not bringing a bottle of their 2019 Chardonnay back home with me (best white wine I’ve ever had - seriously!) They also allow you bring in your own food, so you can pack a picnic and make a day of it! They are not taking reservations so you can just show up!
ocean drive historic district / scenic route
This scenic route is perfect to take just before sunset. Leading to the historic Castle Hill Inn, a beautiful inn overlooking the cliffs, Ocean Avenue is rife with cliffside views.
the pineapple club at gurney’s resorts
goat island / resort / $$$
This is another perfect spot to view the sunset in Newport. It is also a beautiful and laidback place to hang out with a drink. Fire pits and spacious seating with hammocks and a grassy lawn make for the perfect sprawling grounds. Make sure to make a reservation in advance if you want to grab a drink here - otherwise, you can just show up to view the sunset!
beach
This private beach is away from the crowds of Easton’s Beach. While you will have to pay a parking fee ($15 during the week and $30 during weekends and holidays), this quaint beach has soft sand and gentle waters to enjoy without the ruckus of screaming children running around or people packed beach chair to beach chair on the sand.