Newport, Rhode Island is one of the most layered destinations on the East Coast. Most visitors come for a day and leave with the feeling they’ve barely scratched the surface. Those who stay longer — and stay in the right place — tend to come back.
Here’s a guide to the three things Newport does better than almost anywhere else: the Cliff Walk, the mansions, and the beaches.
The Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk is 3.5 miles of coastal path running along Newport’s eastern edge, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the back gardens of Gilded Age estates on the other. The northern section is paved and accessible. The southern half gets more rugged — rocky, narrow in places, and considerably more rewarding for those willing to navigate it properly.
The full walk takes around two hours without stopping, but most people take longer. The views across the water are worth pausing for, and the rear facades of The Breakers and Rough Point visible from the path are genuinely spectacular in a way that no photograph quite captures.
The Mansions
Newport’s Gilded Age mansions are among the most extraordinary domestic buildings in America. The Breakers — built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II in the 1890s — is the centrepiece, a 70-room Italian Renaissance palazzo that needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Marble House, Rosecliff, and The Elms are all worth your time.
The Preservation Society of Newport County manages eleven properties in total. A combination ticket provides access to multiple houses and is good value for anyone planning to spend the better part of a day on Bellevue Avenue. Early morning visits in summer mean fewer crowds and better light for photographs.
The Beaches
Newport and Middletown between them offer three distinct beaches within easy reach of our properties.
- Easton’s Beach (First Beach) — The largest and most accessible, with parking, facilities, and a carousel that’s been operating since the 1800s. It handles groups well.
- Second Beach (Sachuest) — Quieter and more beautiful, with dunes and open ocean. The preferred choice of most locals.
- Third Beach — Calm, sheltered, and ideal for families with younger children or anyone wanting paddleboarding conditions without surf.
All three are within ten to fifteen minutes of our Middletown homes. Browse our properties and find the right base for your Newport visit.