Newport, Rhode Island rewards those who come prepared. Whether you’re here for a long weekend with friends, a golf retreat, a wedding party, or simply a proper break from ordinary life, the city has a way of exceeding expectations — if you know where to point yourself.
Here’s a guide to making the most of your time in and around Newport, written for groups staying in the area rather than day-trippers passing through.
Walk the Cliff Walk
Newport’s most iconic experience costs nothing. The 3.5-mile Cliff Walk runs along the eastern shore, with the Atlantic on one side and the Gilded Age mansions on the other. The full length takes about two hours at a relaxed pace. The southern end gets more rugged — wear shoes with grip.
Tour the Mansions
The Preservation Society of Newport County manages eleven historic properties along Bellevue Avenue. The Breakers is the most famous and worth every minute. Marble House and Rosecliff are equally impressive and often less crowded. A combined ticket covers multiple properties and is well worth having if you plan to explore more than one.
Spend a Day at the Beach
Easton’s Beach (First Beach) is the closest to the centre and suits families and groups well. Second Beach at Sachuest Point is quieter and arguably more beautiful. Third Beach is the calmest — good for paddleboarding and kayaking.
Explore Thames Street
Newport’s main strip runs along the harbour and contains the bulk of its restaurants, bars, and independent shops. It’s best explored on foot in the evening, when the energy is right and reservations become important.
Visit the Tennis Hall of Fame
Newport International Tennis Hall of Fame sits on Bellevue Avenue and houses the world’s largest tennis museum. The grass courts are open for public play — one of the more unusual things you can do on a trip to Newport.
Take a Sailing Trip
Newport’s sailing heritage runs deep. Several operators run trips out of the harbour, from schooner cruises to private charters. For groups, a private sunset sail is consistently one of the more memorable things to book.
Ready to plan your Newport group stay? Browse our properties — both sleep up to 8 and are positioned perfectly for everything the area offers.