Things to do in Newport, Rhode Island (RI): The Best Nature & Parks

December 5, 2021 Jacquiline Delozier

Once the summer playground of America's wealthiest families, Newport remains a popular vacation destination at any time of year. The famous mansions, each more opulent than the last, offer detailed tours and give a fascinating glimpse into Gilded Age extravagance. While the town rightly emphasizes its history with a variety of museums and tours, Newport also has a vibrant, contemporary side, made manifest in quirky shops and great restaurants.
Restaurants in Newport

1. Cliff Walk

Newport, RI 02840-3659 401 849-8048 https://www.discovernewport.org/things-to-do/cliff-walk/
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,342 reviews

Cliff Walk

A scenic 3.5 mile walkway that borders the back lawn of The Breakers and many other Newport mansions.

Reviewed By Kirkpatd - Whitehead, United Kingdom

We parked at Easton beach (free) so you also get the benefit of the beach before you start the walk At this point the walk is pathed so very easy and on one side you get great views of the Atlantic Ocean and views back over the town. On the other side you get a view of the mansions and stately homes of the rich and famous About a mile into the walk the path becomes a little more challenging as you have to manoeuvre across rocks and uneven ground but this is not majorly difficult and you can pass with care. Make sure you have good soled shoes or trainers to give a bit more support The walk itself is about 3.5 miles and you end up at a small beach and from there you can get a trolley bus back into town if you don’t want to do the return leg Bring water, sun cream and a camera you won’t be disappointed

2. Fort Adams State Park

80 Fort Adams Drive Fort Adams State Park Visitor Center, Newport, RI 02840-4388 +1 401-841-0707 [email protected] http://www.fortadams.org
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,102 reviews

Fort Adams State Park

Managed by the Fort Adams Trust, a 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization, in partnership with the RI Department of Environmental Management, this National Historic Landmark is now open to the public. The Fort Adams Trust provides public and private guided tours and youth group overnights. Additionally the Trust hosts weddings, lobster bakes, private site rentals and a variety of special events throughout the year. Most notably Historic Fort Adams is the home of the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals each summer.

Reviewed By gladysbarros66 - Connecticut, United States

Vacationing near home this year or should I say Daycationing. We took an hour and a half drive from CT to Newport the Saturday after Labor Day. Our first stop was Fort Adams. There was plenty of parking, clean restrooms. Even with masks and social distancing it was a very relaxed setting. Families were walking, picnicing, kids playing, and other families fishing. You could walk around the outside of the Fort and it's a big Fort. There is a walking path along the water which is breath taking. You can watch the boats of all sizes sail by or you can just take in the beauty of the rocks and water. So if you don't like the hustle and bustle of downtown this is the place to be, even if only for a few hours.

3. Touro Park

Mill St, Newport, RI 02840
Excellent
45%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Touro Park

Reviewed By markhN7964HJ - Washington DC, United States

This is one of my favorite places in Newport. Small and quaint, it is home to the Old Stone Mill (a.k.a. the Newport Tower), an iconic symbol of the town. There's also a statue of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, USN, whose expedition to Japan opened the country to foreign interaction.

4. Battery Park

Washington Street, Newport, RI 02840
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Battery Park

5. Newport Bristol Heritage Passage

Newport, RI 02842 +1 401-847-1608 [email protected]
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Newport Bristol Heritage Passage

This trail linking Newport and Bristol contains the greatest concentration of America's heritage sites.

6. Exploration Center & Aquarium

175 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840-3659 +1 401-324-6020 [email protected] http://www.savebay.org/aquarium
Excellent
62%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 58 reviews

Exploration Center & Aquarium

Whether you're a local or just visiting the Newport area, the Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium, with its beachfront location, is the perfect family destination. This interactive marine science center is home to more than 140 species from Narragansett Bay, three touch tanks, and a craft center. Children can get face-to-fin with lobsters, crabs, and fish from local waterways. With Newport's only ocean-facing beach just outside the front door, visitors can continue the beachcombing experience after their visit. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day Daily 10am to 4pm Open Labor Day to Memorial Day Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10am to 4pm See website for more details

7. Brenton Point State Park

Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840 +1 401-849-4562 http://www.newportkitefestival.com
Excellent
67%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 283 reviews

Brenton Point State Park

Reviewed By kimbV9931DN

Absolutely love Brenton Point State Park - been there several times. Beautiful clean park with phenomenal ocean views and great kite flying!

8. Storer Park

Washington Street, Newport, RI 02840
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Storer Park

9. Newport Shipyard & Marina

1 Washington St, Newport, RI 02840-1513 +1 401-846-6000 [email protected] http://www.newportshipyard.com
Excellent
83%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Newport Shipyard & Marina

Newport Shipyard & Marina is closed for the season. They will be reopening on March 12, 2019.

10. King Park

Wellington Ave., Newport, RI 02840
Excellent
38%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 29 reviews

King Park

Small beach located in Newport.

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