Location: Newport
Top Things to do in Newport
What to do and see in Newport, Rhode Island (RI): The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
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. Ochre Court
2. Common Burying Ground and Island Cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By lou1776 - Long Island, United States
This cemetery has been on my list of cemeteries to visit for a while due to my personal goal to visit all the Signers of the Declaration of Independence's graves. There are two cemeteries here combined into one, and there really isn't a clear division from the outside until you're in the middle and notice a fence. The two people of interest for me here were William Ellery and then Commodore Matthew Perry, hero of the war of 1812 who is buried in what seems to be the direct middle of the cemetery. We tried to find old maps, the sections of the graves prior to going, but for two people very used to wayfinding with cemetery maps, this place proved to be a huge challenge. Perhaps the office has better, updated maps marking the notable burials but they were closed at the time of our visit. Caution to drivers too, we didn't have an issue but there aren't many paved roads so drive cautiously in the cemetery. There are several one ways and the roads are narrow.
3. Bellevue Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 594 reviews
Part of the 10-mile Ocean Drive and home to many well-known mansions.
Reviewed By Walsh13k - Saratoga Springs, United States
Good place to stroll and look at the magnificent architecture along the way. Beautiful mansions and landscaping. A very nice way to spend part of the day.
4. Cliff Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,342 reviews
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
5. Thames Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 772 reviews
Popular Newport street filled with many shops.
Reviewed By hsaj2019 - Brooklyn, United States
Took a nice walk on Thames Street before and after our sunset cruise, our 1st evening in Newport. Went back several times for dinners and shopping.
6. International Tennis Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 560 reviews
With more than 2,000 unique objects on display, from racquets, to attire, to trophies, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits, there is something for everyone inside the walls of the International Tennis Hall of Fame museum.
Reviewed By wernerbuk - Brittany, France
If you love tennis, go and visit. The grounds are beautiful, the architecture is amazing and the museum is definitely worth a visit too: great history of the game and some fun interactive games.
7. Queen Ann Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By AlexB10499 - Providence, United States
This is a nice park on the upper portion of Thames Street with a really historic feel to it. With colonial-era homes on one side, historic commercial buildings on another, and the nearly 300-year-old Trinity Church at the head, Queen Anne’s Square is one of the historic hubs of the city. Picnic benches make it a great place to stop for a rest after a long walk exploring the city, and you can hear musicians performing by the sidewalk pretty regularly.
