What To See In Newport, Rhode Island When You Only Have 8 Hours
By Melissa Mahoney|Published September 26, 2022
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Known for its scenic seaside charm, sailing, and gorgeous Gilded Age mansions, the Rhode Island city of Newport has long been a vacation destination. Whether it’s the rich and famous or the not-so-rich and famous who come here, there’s something in Newport for everyone. I grew up in Smithfield in the northern part of the state, so going to the coast to Newport was always a treat! I always got giddy just crossing over the Newport Bridge. I also loved the feeling of walking up and down Thames Street, popping in and out of shops, sitting in the back seat of my parent’s car as we ogled over the mansions we drove by, and catching our breath as we spotted the coastline. Funny thing is, after all these years, I still feel that way. There are some places that hold a special place in your heart and your memory, and Newport is certainly one of those places for me.
I am going to delve into my favorite places to visit and things to do in this seaside city. And you can easily do these things on an eight-hour day trip. Are you ready to read about all the incredible things about Newport? Well, I am excited to tell you!
Welcome to Newport, Rhode Island! Home to nearly 25,000 residents, this city has all the charms of a small seaside town.
Bowen's Wharf, Bowens Wharf, Newport, RI 02840, USA
When you visit, one of the main things to do is to take a stroll down Thames Street. Check out the local clothing, jewelry, and souvenir shops as well as art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. You must also explore Bowens Wharf (pictured here).
While you're in downtown Newport, checking out the White Horse Tavern is a must! Built in 1673, this is the oldest tavern in America and one of the oldest in the world.
Come in for a drink and/or a meal, and maybe, just maybe, you'll encounter something strange, perhaps paranormal. Because White Horse Tavern has been around for nearly 350 years, it may come as no surprise that it's considered one of the most haunted bars in Rhode Island.
Also located in downtown Newport is St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. This is the historic church that held the wedding of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier back in 1953. It's a must-visit location in town.
The next stop is the Cliff Walk. Walking the Cliff Walk is a highlight here in Newport. With unparalleled views along the coastline for 3.5 miles, make sure you bring your walking shoes and a camera!
The Cliff Walk runs between Bailey's Beach and First Beach, but you can find parking on any number of side streets along the route and access it from there.
Melissa Mahoney
Aside from the maritime scenery along the cliffs on one side, you'll also get to see the backsides of some of the most extraordinary Gilded Age mansions on the other side. The Cliff Walk is truly remarkable with all the jaw-dropping views!
Melissa Mahoney
Of course, if you're here in Newport, your trip would not be complete without touring one of the mansions that have been around since the Gilded Age. Among the best-known is The Breakers. If you only have time to tour one mansion, make it this one.
The 140,00-square-foot Breakers mansion sits on nearly 13 acres of property and has 70 rooms. It was once the summer home of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and was built in the late 1800s. It's impressive, to say the least!
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Once you've taken a tour of at least one of the awe-inspiring Newport Mansions, hop in the car and take a scenic drive along Ocean View Drive. You will want to stop at Brenton Point State Park along the way.
Brenton Point provides gorgeous seaide views and oftentimes, groups of people will fly kites here. It's a stunning park to spend some time.
One of my absolute favorite places in Newport is Castle Hill Inn. While you can spend the night here (although I never have), they have an incredible restaurant that's open to the public. You can dine inside the luxurious dining room or, in the warmer months, dine out on the lawn.
Why not end your time in Newport with views like this? The Adirondack chairs on Castle Hill Inn's lawn are perfect for taking in views of the passing sailboats as well as the Newport Bridge.
Melissa Mahoney
In your opinion, what are some of the other best things to do in Newport? Do you have any other favorite places in Rhode Island? Please mention them in the comments.
