Breakers & Beyond: Top 10 Things To Do in Newport, Rhode Island

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The idea of visiting Newport – a seaside city in the smallest U.S. state – might seem like a quiet respite. For this New York City traveler, I didn’t know what to expect. But, Newport is so much more than I could have imagined.

This small but mighty historic city is vastly and shockingly overstuffed with activities, adventures, and must-sees (and eats). From Gilded Age mansions to to cliffside hikes and dozens of beaches, there are endless ways to fill your days, year-round. 

Unsure where to begin? Never fear, readers. Stick with me as I walk you through the top 10 things to do in Newport, Rhode Island.

1. Visit The Breakers 

Prepare yourself for extravagance and opulence beyond your wildest American dreams. Think Titanic meets Downton Abbey with a splash of New England charm. Can’t picture it? No worries, The Breakers are available for guided tours year-round.

What are The Breakers? The Breakers is the name of Newport’s most notorious Gilded Age mansion, and the flagship of all of Newport’s historic homes. It was built and owned by the Vanderbilts – one of America’s most prominent families of its time –  as a summer cottage.

But, don’t be fooled by the cottage angle, this estate is massive. Built between 1893 and 1895, The Breakers features classical French and Italian Renaissance architecture, which includes a shocking 50-foot ceiling in the central Great Hall, tile mosaics in the Billiards Room, and a Music Room that was broken down and imported from France.

And, while the title is technically reserved for the Vanderbilt Estate, “The Breakers” has been popularized as a general term for the ten shockingly opulent Gilded Age mansions that line the Newport historic district. 

Where to Begin? Take a tour of The Breakers mansion, former summer home to one of the richest families in the world. The tour includes breathtaking walkthroughs of the Music Room, Breakfast Room, Music Room, kitchen, and more. 

P.S. – There is even a two-story room dedicated entirely to storing fine china.

Read More: Newport: The Perfect Getaway in Rhode Island

Ready for another dash of history? Great. Welcome to Queen Anne Square, one of the oldest settlement areas of Newport. This block has been both a residential and industrial hotspot since the early 18th century.

After a massive fire burned many of the large businesses, the city wanted to find a new way to repurpose the space. Queen Anne Square – dedicated the same year as Queen Elizabeth II – was christened by the city of Newport in 1976 as a public park and local green space. T

he square is buffered by Trinity Church. Founded in 1698 as an Anglican branch of the Church of England, Trinity is one of Newport’s oldest congregations.

Stop by Queen Anne Square and take in the New England foliage, then stroll through on your way to dinner at the Decatur House (located only half a block away). 

3. Walk the Edge of Cliff Walk

Want to walk on the edge of the world? Let’s go, readers. For the history buffs and thrill-seekers alike, the Cliff Walk is an absolute Newport must. This 3.5 mile scenic path gives up close and personal views of the Atlantic Ocean, Newport’s private beaches, and the ever-historic and ornate Newport mansions (including The Breakers).

While this walk might seem serene, don’t be fooled. This is not your average walking trail. Cliff Walk is aptly named for its thrillingly breathtaking views, narrow and steep terrain, and – you guessed it – cliffside wonders. With the massive and overwhelming waves crashing into the rocks below, it sometimes feels like you’re treacherously close to falling off (don’t worry, you won’t).

With entry points all along the trail, you are welcome to walk the full 3.5 route, or stop and tour the mansions along the way. Just watch your footing. This trail is not for the faint of heart. 

Onward, brave cliff walkers!

Ever wanted to grab dinner inside of an 18th-century historic landmark? Here’s your big chance. 

What is Decatur House? Built in 1714 and later moved to its current location on Charles Street in 1833, the Decatur House is one of Newport’s oldest and most well-preserved relic homes. Owned in the 1750s by Etienne Decatur, a French mariner, and later passed down to War of 1812 hero Stephen Dectatur, the home remained in the family for almost 70 years.

After the death of Stephen Decatur III in 1820, The National Trust for Historic Preservation moved the home to Washington D.C., where it was featured prominently as the home of a fallen war hero. The Decatur House was moved back to Newport in 1833, where it sits as a historic (and transient) relic. And, get this – it’s also a Mexican Restaurant.

Rich New England history with a side of guac? Yes, please. 

The moment you arrive in Newport, you’ll be overwhelmed by stunning waterfront views, small-town feels, and all the seafood and happy hours you could imagine. 

But, readers, there is a perfect time of day – aptly named ‘Golden Hour’ – when the setting sun hits the water and creates a flaxen-like glow that makes you feel like you’re on a movie set. It is at this peak time, readers, that you absolutely MUST explore Bannister’s Wharf.

At first glance, this deep-water marina might just look like your standard resting place for boaters and water wanderers, but there is so much here to see. If you turn off the main road and stroll down the cobblestone lane, you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into the early 19th century.

Original historic homes with wooden shutters and fresh flowers – now converted into modern restaurants, bakeries, and cafes – adorn both sides of the wharf. Head straight to the end of the wharf for outrageous ocean panoramic views. Once you’ve taken enough ‘Golden Hour’ photos, head back up the wharf for some waterfront dining. 

Make sure you stop for treats at The Cookie Jar. But get there fast – they sell out quickly.

6. Newport Beaches

Remember Cliff Walk? Well, we don’t stop there, readers. Newport has a LOT more coastline to offer. Fun Fact: Did you know that Newport has more than 400 miles of coastline? Me neither. From pebbled beaches to sandy shores, Newport has enough water views, marinas, and waterfront dining to last a lifetime. 

Looking for a beach day? Look no further than one of Newport’s dozens of local beaches. One of the biggest tourism spots is First Beach, located at the start of Cliff Walk. This small but mighty coastline gives stunning cliffside views, sneak peeks at waterfront mansions, and has an unruly current, making it the perfect spot for surfers and boogie-boarders.

Another popular coastal gem is Gooseberry Beach. Located in a cove, this offers quieter, calmer seas and a more serene beach experience for those just looking for some R&R. For families looking for a day of seaside fun, Fort Adams State Park is ideal. This small 225-foot beach overlooks Newport Harbor and offers calm waters and a designated swimming area for kids.

7. Historic Dinner at Clark Cooke’s House

Remember the ever so charming nautical vibes of Bannister’s Wharf? Well, we have to return to this Newport gem for just a moment. You can’t possibly walk by this historic home (adorned with hundreds of Daffodils in the spring) without wondering, “What is this place?”. Welcome to The Clarke Cooke House.

This colonial house, known as the “heartbeat of Newport”, is one of this New England town’s most historic attractions. Built in 1780 by Clarke Cooke, a wealthy Newport sea captain, the colonial was originally located on the bustling Thames Street. While Clarke Cooke eventually moved away, the house remained on Thames until the 1970’s, when it was disassembled over a six-month period and moved to its current location on Banister’s Wharf. 

The Clarke Cooke House is now a popular restaurant, full of the original nooks and crannies of the original colonial home. The second and third floors are the dining areas, and maintain entirely original floors, crown molding, and more. Stop by for fancy American fare, the Candy Store Bar, or just to do some historic snooping.

8. Wineries & Breweries

What goes best with Newport oysters, fish and chips, and other seafood fare? A cold glass of your favorite beverage, of course. And, where better to explore the hoppy and grape-fueled wonders of Newport than its intimate selection of wineries and breweries? Open for business year-round, these top-rated wineries and breweries are perfect for the thirsty New England wanderer.

Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. features a full calendar of events, including a taco/gelato truck and trivia nights! They also have a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages; a very nice inclusive touch for the non-imbibers.

For those looking for a rural getaway, check out Newport Vineyards, located on 100-acres of stunningly preserved farmland. A small, family-owned business, Newport Vineyards has been open for over 25 years and offers Sunday brunch, winery tours, and private events.

Napa vibes with Newport charm? Sounds good to me.

Read More: Cruising the New England Coast on Victory II  

9. Stroll Down Thames Street

Okay. Let’s talk about Thames Street. The perfect place for the wanderer without a Newport itinerary, Thames Street is full of shops, bars, restaurants, and architectural interests to keep you busy for hours.

Most notably, you must stop by Benjamin’s Restaurant & Raw Bar – The street-side, open layout and rustic and nautical decor makes you feel like you’re on the set of St. Elmo’s Fire. The fish and chips are legendary, and they even offer dollar oyster happy hour.

Keep on strolling and stop into Kilwins, conveniently located across the street from Bannister’s Wharf. Inside this sweets shop, you’ll find a Willy Wonky-level assortment of ice cream, chocolate, and assorted sweets and nibbles. Stroll and walk, walk and stroll. Oysters, chocolates, ice cream – What more could you need?

P.S. If you go to Kilwins, get the salted caramel chocolate squares. Trust me. 

10. Festivals, Fairs, and More

Planning a trip to Newport but worried you’ll miss out on the seasonal action? Not to worry, readers – Newport offers seasonal events for every month of the year. From the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival to Newport Jazz Festival and even a Daffodil Festival every spring, there are enough events and outings to fill a full week of Newport travel adventures.

P.S. If you are in Newport for the annual spring Daffodil festival, prepare for floral overload. The Daffodils cover every shop, cafe, and historic landmark in town. Just don’t pick them. It’s against the rules. 

Final Thoughts

Well, readers, this New Yorker is stunned. What I thought would be a short stint in a sleepy town turned out to be a palooza of food, history, architecture, cliffside adventures, and maybe the yummiest oysters I’ve ever had.

I am stunned by Newport, one of New England’s quietest delights, and I’m so glad we made time on our trip for some much-needed exploring. From The Breakers to cliffside beaches and beyond, Newport has everything this New York City wanderer needs for a New England adventure. 

What are you waiting for?

Read More:

• Newport: The Perfect Getaway in Rhode Island
• Experience the Coastal Charms of Newport, Oregon
• 6 Top Beach Destinations in the USA
• 8 Reasons to Visit London’s Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs

Author Bio: Aurie Ceylon is a writer, reader, and traveler from New York City. A quirky and self-proclaimed wanderer, Aurie writes detailed exploits of adventures on her blog – hey, it’s aurie! Stick with this New York wanderer as she fills her heart – and stomach – in small towns across America. Follow Aurie on Instagram to see more of her travel content! IG: @heyitsaurie