Planning a trip to Newport and not sure how to spend your time? You’re in the right place.
Newport is the perfect place for a fun coastal getaway. It’s full of New England charm, with grand Gilded Age mansions and lots of scenic cliffside walks to enjoy. We think it’s ideal for a long weekend, or a stop on a great American road trip!
We’ve put together this 3-day Newport itinerary to help you make the most of your time here, from touring famous mansions and cruising Narragansett Bay to enjoying the famous Cliff Walk. And we’re big foodies, so you can be sure that there’ll be plenty of fresh seafood and local specialties along the way.
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Newport was this trolley tour of the Gilded Age Mansions! This was the best way to see all of the mansions, including time to tour The Breakers – the most famous one of them all!
Itinerary Overview
Newport isn’t a huge city, but for this itinerary, we do recommend having a rental car. Some areas are easy to explore on foot, especially around the wharf and downtown, but a car will make it much easier to reach places like Castle Hill Inn, Fort Adams State Park, Newport Vineyards, and Ocean Drive.
This 3-day itinerary gives you a great mix of Newport’s famous mansions, coastal views, historic sites, great food, and classic New England charm. You’ll start with the big-ticket sights, then we’ll move on to Newport’s coastal scenery, food scene, and quirky local history. By the end, you’ll feel like you know this place well!
Day 1: Start your Newport trip by diving into the city’s Gilded Age history on this mansion trolley tour, which includes admission to The Breakers. Afterward, grab a lobster roll for lunch, cruise around Narragansett Bay, and end the day with sunset drinks at Castle Hill Inn before dinner at the historic White Horse Tavern.
Day 2: Today, it’s time to check out Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, where you’ll get ocean views on one side and grand mansions on the other. Then spend the afternoon tasting your way around the city on this food tour before shopping in Bowen’s Wharf and ending the day with a sunset sail.
Day 3: Spend your final morning exploring Fort Adams State Park, then head to Newport Vineyards for lunch and wine tasting before one last spooky adventure on this Newport ghost tour.
Day 1
Breakfast – Corner Café
Start your first morning in Newport with breakfast at Corner Café, a cozy local spot that’s perfect before a busy day of sightseeing. It’s known for its hearty breakfasts and friendly neighborhood feel, so it’s a good place to fuel up before your mansion tour.
The menu has lots of breakfast classics, from eggs and pancakes to breakfast sandwiches and Portuguese-inspired dishes. Since you’ve got a full day ahead, we’d recommend going for something filling and taking your time here before heading out.
After breakfast, you’ll make your way to the start of your trolley tour, which is the big activity for the morning. This is where the Newport magic really begins!
Morning – See Newport’s famous mansions on a trolley tour
After breakfast, it’s time to see Newport’s famous Gilded Age mansions on this trolley tour. We recommend booking the 10 am tour, which finishes around 1 pm, so it fits perfectly into your first day.
This tour is such a good introduction to Newport because you’ll cover a lot of ground without needing to navigate or worry about parking. The trolley passes more than 150 points of interest, including Ocean Drive, Bellevue Avenue, the Cliff Walk, Fort Adams State Park, and Bowen’s Wharf. You’ll also get commentary from a local guide, which really adds to the whole experience.
Best of all, this tour includes admission to The Breakers, the most famous mansion in Newport. It was built for the Vanderbilt family in the late 1800s and is still the city’s most iconic Gilded Age “summer cottage”, although the term cottage is definitely doing a lot of work here!
The tour also passes other famous mansions like Marble House, Rosecliff, and The Elms, so you’ll get a great overview of Newport’s extravagant past. It’s the perfect way to understand why this little seaside city became such a playground for America’s wealthiest families. It’s also one of the best-reviewed activities in Newport, with over 3,600 5-star reviews!
Lunch – Newport Lobster Shack Kitchen
Lobster rolls are a New England staple, so you have to try at least one while you’re in Newport! After your mansion tour, head to Newport Lobster Shack Kitchen for lunch. This is a convenient stop because it’s close to both your morning trolley tour and your afternoon bay cruise, so you won’t need to rush across town.
This is a casual waterfront spot known for fresh seafood, and it’s perfect for a quick lunch before this afternoon’s cruise. We kept it simple here and grabbed a lobster roll and fries, but you could also add some of their clam chowder if you’re feeling especially hungry.
Afternoon – Get the best views on a Narragansett Bay cruise
After lunch, it’s time to get out on the water with this Narragansett Bay cruise. We recommend booking the 2:15 pm tour, which ends around 3:30 pm, so that you can just stroll over to the wharf after lunch. The departure point is only about a 10-minute walk away, and if you have some extra time, you can explore the area a little bit before boarding.
This cruise takes you through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay on a restored lobster boat, so it feels very fitting for Rhode Island! Along the way, you’ll get views of the Newport and Jamestown waterfronts, Fort Adams, Newport Bridge, Castle Hill Lighthouse, and Clingstone, also known as the “House on the Rock.”
We loved seeing Newport from out on the water, and it’s a fun way to get a different perspective after spending the morning exploring the mansions by land. Plus, Newport is known as “the Sailing Capital of the World,” so a cruise here is practically mandatory!
This tour is narrated too, so we got to learn more about the landmarks that we cruised past. We also got a complimentary Del’s Lemonade, which is an iconic Rhode Island drink. In fact, “Del’s” is synonymous with frozen lemonade here, so you really do have to try it while you’re in town. There’s also a cash bar on board if you fancy a beer or a glass of wine.
Evening – Castle Hill Inn
Once your bay cruise wraps up, drive over to Castle Hill Inn for one of the best views in Newport. It’s about 15 minutes from the end of the tour, so you’ll have plenty of time to head over and enjoy the scenery before dinner.
Castle Hill Inn is a historic waterfront property set on a gorgeous stretch of coastline, and even if you’re not staying here, it’s well worth visiting for a drink. We grabbed one of the Adirondack chairs on the lawn, ordered a cocktail each, and enjoyed soaking up the views over Narragansett Bay. It’s the perfect way to unwind before dinner, as there’s just something so peaceful about sitting there and watching the boats go by!
Dinner – White Horse Tavern
For dinner, head to White Horse Tavern, one of Newport’s most historic restaurants. It dates back to 1673 and is often described as the oldest tavern in the United States, so this is definitely more than just a dinner stop.
The tavern is set in a beautiful colonial building, with an old-world feel that makes it a fitting place to end your first day in Newport. After spending the day learning about Gilded Age mansions and cruising Narragansett Bay, it’s nice to finish up somewhere that shows off an even older side of the city.
White Horse Tavern is about a 15-minute drive from Castle Hill Inn, so it’s easy to get to after sunset drinks on the lawn. It’s usually open from 5 pm to 9 pm, and since it’s such a popular historic spot, we’d definitely recommend booking a table in advance.
Day 2
Breakfast – The Hungry Monkey
Start your second day bright and early with breakfast at The Hungry Monkey. It opens at 7 am, which is perfect because we recommend getting an early start today before tackling the Cliff Walk.
This is a casual breakfast spot with a big menu, so it’s a good place to fuel up before an active morning. You’ll find lots of classic breakfast options here, from eggs and pancakes to breakfast sandwiches, plus plenty of coffee to get you going.
The Hungry Monkey is also only about a 6-minute drive from the start of the Cliff Walk, so it’s a really convenient stop before heading over. We’d aim to eat early, then make your way to the trail before it gets busy. The Cliff Walk is one of Newport’s best experiences, and you’ll want plenty of time to enjoy it properly.
Morning – Newport Cliff Walk
After breakfast, head to the north end of the Newport Cliff Walk, one of the most iconic things to do in the city. This scenic coastal walk is 3.5 miles each way, with ocean views on one side and Newport’s famous mansions on the other. It’s a quintessential Newport experience!
We started our walk here, at the north end of the trail, and we recommend that you do the same. The northern section is the easiest part of the route, with about 1 mile of paved path that’s accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The southern section gets much rockier, so you’ll want proper shoes if you plan to continue the whole way.
You can walk as far as you like and then turn around, but if you have the time and ability, we definitely think that the full route is well worth it. It took us about 3 hours to walk the entire way. Then, at the end, there’s a free shuttle that can take you back to your car – how convenient is that? We were really impressed by this service!
For a map of the route and up-to-date parking information, check the official Cliff Walk website before you go.
Afternoon – Taste your way around Newport on a food tour
After the Cliff Walk, head into downtown Newport for this food tour. It starts at noon and finishes around 3:15 pm, so it works perfectly as your lunch stop for the day. Just make sure you come hungry because there’s a LOT of food along the way!
This is such a fun way to experience Newport beyond the mansions and waterfront views. You’ll visit local restaurants tucked away from the busiest tourist streets, with tastings that might include Jamaican patties, seasonal farm-to-table bites, locally inspired Mexican dishes, craft coffee, and more! There’s also the option to upgrade if you want alcoholic drinks included, which is always a nice bonus.
I love that this tour isn’t just about the food, either. As you walk between stops, your guide will share stories about Newport’s history, architecture, and local culture, so you get a much better feel for the city as you eat your way around it.
It’s also a small-group tour, which makes the whole thing feel more relaxed and personal. You get to try a mix of places without having to research every restaurant yourself, and it’s a great way to try a lot of different foods in a relatively short amount of time.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Late afternoon – Shop around Bowen’s Wharf
After your food tour, spend some time wandering around Bowen’s Wharf. This is one of the main waterfront areas in Newport, and it’s a lovely place to explore for an hour or so before dinner and your sunset sail.
You’ll find lots of local shops, boutiques, galleries, cafes, and little places to browse here. It’s a quaint, historic area with many old brick buildings and plenty of boats in the harbor. We used this time to grab a couple of souvenirs and enjoy some coffee by the water. There has been quite a lot of walking so far today, so now is a good time to rest for a bit and enjoy the wharf’s idyllic New England charm.
Evening – Relax on a sunset sail
End your second day in Newport with this sunset sail on the Schooner Adirondack. The tour usually runs from around 7 pm to 8:30 pm, though the exact time may vary depending on when you visit and when the sun sets. The meeting point is only about a 6-minute walk from Brick Alley Pub, so it’s super easy to get there after dinner.
This is a dreamy way to experience Newport from the water. You’ll sail around Narragansett Bay on a classic sailboat, with views of historic lighthouses, bridges, mansions, and waterfront landmarks along the way. The route can vary depending on the wind, but we got to pass sights like Hammersmith Farm, which was once JFK’s summer White House!
After a busy day of walking, eating, shopping, and exploring, this is the perfect way to chill out and enjoy the evening. The crew also shares local stories and points out different landmarks, so it’s informative and entertaining, but very relaxed and informal.
Just make sure to bring a warm layer, even in summer, because it can feel chilly out on the water after sunset. This tour is likely to book up, especially in peak season, so we’d definitely recommend reserving your spot in advance.
Day 3
Breakfast – Ocean and Fifth Cafe
Start your final morning in Newport with breakfast at Ocean and Fifth Cafe. It opens at 7 am daily, so it’s a great option if you want to get going early before heading to Fort Adams State Park.
This is a cute spot for coffee and breakfast, and it works perfectly as a quick stop on your way across town. We’d especially recommend the croissant breakfast sandwich. It was so yummy, and exactly what we needed before walking around the fort and the waterfront all morning!
Morning – Fort Adams State Park
After breakfast, drive over to Fort Adams State Park for a deep dive into Rhode Island’s military history. And if you’re not super into that, don’t worry, because the park also offers panoramic views of the harbor and Narragansett Bay, and there are scenic walking trails to enjoy alongside the historic fort.
Speaking of which, Fort Adams has roots dating all the way back to 1799! It was used from the Civil War through World War II, so there’s a lot of history packed into this site. We found exploring the main fort really interesting, especially the hidden underground tunnels! However, the park is much more than just the fort itself.
In fact, the whole site covers 105 acres, with a beach, biking and walking trails, scenic viewpoints, and lots of open space. We did the Fort Adams Bay Walk, a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) loop around the perimeter of the fort and park. The views over the water were just gorgeous!
The park opens at 10 am, and we’d plan to spend around 2-3 hours here, depending on how much you want to explore.
Afternoon – Newport Vineyards & Restaurant
After you’re done at Fort Adams State Park, take the 20-minute drive across town to Newport Vineyards. Or, since we’re heading to a vineyard, you can always drop your rental car off back at your hotel and take an Uber here instead, so no one has to miss out on the wine! There’s a brewery on site, too, which is good news if you’re more of a beer drinker.
Newport Vineyards opens at 11 am, or 10 am on Sundays, so it’s an ideal lunch spot for today. You can book a vineyard picnic here during the summer months, or head to the on-site restaurant for yummy farm-to-table dishes. The menu changes regularly, as they use seasonal produce whenever possible. But I definitely recommend trying the New England clam chowder if it’s available, because well, when in Rhode Island…
Walk-ins are accepted here, so you can turn up and join a beer or wine tasting, or just grab a glass and explore the vineyard by yourself! There’s also the option to take an in-depth tour if you prefer, but you’ll need to book this. Reservations are released a month in advance and can be made here.
We’d plan to spend around 2-3 hours here in total. After a busy couple of days exploring Newport’s mansions, coastline, and historic sites, this is a lovely way to wind down and enjoy a different side of the area.
Late afternoon – Your choice!
After lunch and wine tasting at Newport Vineyards, you’ve got some free time to play with. You can absolutely just stay at the vineyard for as long as you like, especially if you’re enjoying the setting and don’t feel ready to leave yet. This is your final afternoon in Newport, so there’s no need to rush!
If the sun and wine have you feeling sleepy (I can certainly relate!), there’s always the option to head back to your hotel for a rest before dinner. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy some downtime after a busy few days, and recharge before this evening’s ghost tour adventure.
Or, if you still have some energy, you can use the afternoon for one last little adventure. The Newport Car Museum is close to the vineyard and usually closes at 5 pm, so it’s a good option if you’re interested in classic cars. You could also head to Easton’s Beach (aka First Beach) for a stroll by the water if you prefer.
And if you have a designated driver in your group, another option is to drive Newport’s Ocean Drive, a scenic coastal route around the southern side of Aquidneck Island. It’s often called the Ten Mile Drive, and it’s a lovely way to see more of Newport’s coastline before your final evening here.
Dinner – The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
For your final dinner in Newport, head to The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar to round off your trip with classic New England seafood and harbor views! We loved this place because it had a fun, buzzy feel, and since the weather was good when we visited, we were able to sit out on the patio and make the most of our last evening by the harbor.
As you can probably guess from the name, seafood is the main event here, so it’s a good chance to get your fill of oysters and lobster. It’s also worth asking about the catch of the day!
Since this is a popular spot, we booked ahead to secure a patio table. We’re glad we did, as there was a queue forming outside when we got here! Make a reservation for around 6:30 pm so that you have plenty of time to enjoy your meal before the ghost tour at 8:30 pm.
Evening – Discover Newport’s spooky past on a ghost tour
End your final night in Newport with this ghost walk through the Old Town! The tour runs from 8:30 pm to 10 pm, so it’s a fun way to squeeze in one last experience after dinner.
We’ve learned a lot about Newport’s history over the past few days, but now it’s time to see a darker side of this idyllic New England city! You’ll walk through the city at dusk or after dark (depending on the time of year) with a storyteller guide, who will fill you in on the spooky stories that still haunt these quaint old streets.
We had so much fun on this tour. The route took us past plenty of historic landmarks, including the White Horse Tavern, Washington Square, Trinity Church, the Artillery Company of Newport, and the Jailhouse Inn, and we even heard some local legends about these famous sites.
I also like that this tour is spooky without being too intense. The stories are just creepy enough to make it fun, but they’re still suitable for families. Plus, dogs are even welcome to come along, as long as they’re well-behaved!
After three days of mansions, coastal walks, boat rides, wine, and seafood, this is such a fun way to wrap up your time in Newport. We had a blast, and we’re clearly not the only ones – check out all the 5-star reviews here.
Where to Stay in Newport
Now that you’ve got the perfect three days in Newport planned, you just need a great place to stay! To make following this itinerary as easy as possible, we recommend staying in the historic Newport area or close by.
With that in mind, we’ve picked out the best hotel options below. Whether you’re seeking a luxury stay or a budget base, we’ve got you covered!
Luxury – $$$
America’s Cup Inn Newport is a great luxury pick if you want to stay right in the heart of historic Newport. It’s located on Thames Street, so you’ll be within easy walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops, and the waterfront.
The inn has a classic New England feel, with individually decorated rooms and colonial-style furnishings that give it lots of character. Some rooms even have four-poster beds or antique wicker furniture, so it feels much more charming than a standard hotel. There’s also a common room, a library, and a rooftop deck where you can relax after sightseeing.
Rooms here usually start at around $350 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Mid-range – $$
Gilded is a stylish option in Newport’s historic area, and it’s a great choice if you want somewhere with personality. The hotel has a fun, boutique feel, with bold decor, comfortable rooms, and a shared lounge where you can relax between exploring. There’s also free parking, which is a big bonus in Newport, especially if you’re following this itinerary with a rental car.
Breakfast is included here, which is another great perk, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame is nearby. Easton’s Beach is also less than a mile away!
Rooms here usually start at around $300 USD per night. Check availability and book your stay here!
Budget – $
Atlantic Beach Hotel Newport is a good budget-friendly option if you don’t mind staying slightly outside the center. It’s located across from Easton’s Beach and Easton’s Pond, so it’s ideal if you want easy beach access while still being close to Newport’s main attractions. Plus, it’s still just a short drive into the historic center, so following our itinerary from here is easy-peasy. Downtown Newport, the mansions, Cliff Walk, and Ocean Drive are all around 2 miles away.
The hotel also has some handy amenities, including a lovely rooftop sundeck and an indoor pool! We think it offers awesome value for this price point, plus they offer a generous cancellation policy and the option to pay on arrival.
Rooms here usually start at around $275 USD per night during summer, but they book up quickly, so don’t wait too long. Book your stay here!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
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We loved visiting Newport and experiencing that classic New England charm. If you love historic mansions, sailing, and a tasty lobster roll, don’t hesitate to book your trip here!
Before you go, check out the rest of our USA blogs. We love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related blogs to inspire your next destination – cheers!
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