15 Best Things to Do This Summer in Newport, RI

Newport, RI has a lot to love, and I don’t just say this because I grew up here. It’s a historic town with miles of scenic coastline, charming shops, luxurious mansions and more.Newport was Rhode Island’s original shipbuilding port and is still considered to be the Sailing capital of the world.It has also hosted the America’s Cup for over 50 years (I have not But two family members sailed among several of them). Newport Rhode Island is home to incredible colonial-era architecture, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, stunning beaches, great boutiques and plenty of fresh seafood. If you’re looking for a coastal getaway, Newport is a great place to visit this summer.

If you are planning a trip, don’t miss it My Comprehensive Newport Guide. There are hundreds of personalized tips on where to stay, eat, play and shop, all written by a Newport local (me!). There are also exclusive discount codes, custom itineraries and day trip recommendations. Check it out here.

You might also like: 15 Best Beaches in Rhode Island and 10 Best Places to Eat Brunch in Rhode Island

15 Best Things to Do This Summer in Newport, RI

Explore the Cliff Walk

Cliff Walk Always one of my top tips for Newport visitors, especially in the summer. It runs 3.5 miles along the coast. Some trails are paved and easy to walk, while others have rugged and rocky coastlines. The Cliff Walk begins near First Beach and Memorial Blvd, with several exit points along the way, ending at Bellevue Ave before Bailey’s Beach. This is a beautiful walk that will take you along Newport’s stunning coastline, past historic mansions and rocky beaches. Metered parking is available along Memorial Boulevard at Easton (First) Beach and on Narragansett Boulevard near Forty Steps. Please note that there is currently a detour between Forty Steps/Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street.

Visit Bowen Pier

The bustling harbour in the heart of Newport, Bowen Quay Famous for its quaint shops, art galleries, bustling restaurants and deep water marina. Boats and boats have direct access to the port, including famous tours such as Rum Runners and Aquidneck. Shop, dine and enjoy beautiful views of Newport Harbor.

Drive or bike around Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive covers 5 miles and has some of the most stunning coastline in Rhode Island. It’s free to the public, so you can take a car or bike and enjoy the incredible views along the way. If you’re an early bird, there’s no better time than sunrise to enjoy sweeping views of the sea and sky. Start at Bellevue Avenue Along the way you’ll pass Gilded Age mansions, Cape Brenton State Park, Fort Adams State Park and more.

Take a Sunset Cruise in Newport Harbor

There’s no better way to catch the sunset in Newport during the summer than from Newport Harbor. Book a sunset cruise and join one of the many boat tours in town.My favorite is private charter Newport Charter (Get exclusive promo codes with The Newport Guide) or Antique yacht.

Newport Flower Show

One of my favorite summer activities, Newport Flower Show Host a beautiful event at the Rosecliff Mansion in Newport. This year’s dates are June 17-19. See garden exhibits, floral designs, award-winning flower competitions with local gardeners, and select shopping vendors.

Visit the oldest synagogue in America

Rhode Island was the birthplace of religious freedom in the 1600s. Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island It is the oldest synagogue in the United States, built in 1763. Touring resumes at Touro Synagogue for the first time since spring 2020, where you can visit the National Historic Site and learn more about why Touro Synagogue is a symbol of religious freedom for all Americans.

Visit Fort Adams State Park

Always one of my favorite hidden gems on the island, although maybe not so hidden anymore. adamsburg state park Located on the site of a 19th-century fort, it is also home to events such as the Newport Folk Festival and Jazz Festival. A walk with the dog or an actual tour of the fort is a beautiful loop. Bring a picnic and some chairs in the summer and watch the sun go down on the beautiful lawn in front of the Eisenhower House.

Take a walk around Point

Did you know that Newport is full of old houses – more colonial houses in use than anywhere else in New England! Historic Point Neighborhood One of my favorites to walk around and visit the many restored homes dating back to the 1700’s.do not miss it Third and Elm Press and Cottage and Garden.

down Bellevue Avenue

If you’ve been to Newport before, chances are you’ve driven down Bellevue Avenue. Bellevue Ave is home to some of Newport’s grandest estates, with historic Gilded Age mansions including The Breakers, The Elms, Chateau Sur Mer, Marble House and Rosecliff, among others. Stop to visit mansions and shop at one of the many boutiques on Bellevue Avenue near Memorial Avenue.

Enjoy a drink on the lawns of Castle Hill

Watching the sunset over Narragansett Bay and the view of the Pell Bridge is spectacular, especially from Castle Hill Lawn. Sit in one of their Adirondack chairs and sip a cocktail while watching the sailboats go by as the sun goes down. Castle Hill also has great food and a lovely patio for al fresco dining.

Visit the Newport Museum of Art

The Newport Museum of Art has an incredible year-round collection and interesting rotating exhibits. It’s centrally located and is the perfect after lunch activity.In the summer They also hold various events Outdoors include concerts and parties.

Watch tennis at the Tennis Hall of Fame

The International Tennis Hall of Fame on Bellevue Avenue was the site of the first US Open tennis tournament held in 1881. The museum has a variety of exhibits and features an on-site tennis club and a variety of courts for hire.You can also watch some tennis greats play here every summer During Tennis Week, July 10-17.

Eat oysters at Clark Cook House

Nothing says summer like fresh oysters, and Cook House is the place in Newport. Clarke Cooke House in Bowen’s Wharf is a Newport landmark. Bistro/Candy Store has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere with a fresh sushi bar in summer. The menu always features fresh ingredients and the oyster selection is unbeatable!

Take a self-guided tour of the Newport Mansion

You can’t go wrong anywhere Newport Building and self-guided tours are family friendly activities give everyone. Go back to Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff or Breakers. All parking at the Newport mansion is free, and you can also purchase an outdoor-only ticket that allows you to picnic on the grounds of Green Animals and Marble House.

Kite flying in Cape Brenton State Park

Take a boat ride along Ocean Drive and drive into Cape Brenton State Park There you can fly kites, have a picnic or admire where the Atlantic Ocean meets Narragansett Bay. There are also walking trails, restrooms, and usually you can find Del’s Lemonade Truck!