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11 things to do in Newport Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island was the historic playground of the ultra wealthy and has become the summer playground of New England. Tourists come for the beaches, the restaurant scene and to tour some of the most over the top mansions in the United States.If you are planning a trip to Newport and haven’t booked a hotel, here are our recommendations.
Here are the 11 best things to do in Newport Rhode Island:
Best mansion tours in Newport, Rhode Island
One of the main attractions of Newport, Rhode Island are the mansions built by New York’s ultra rich as their summer “cottages.” The Vanderbilts, the Astors, the Morgans and many other titans of industry built lavish homes overlooking the water in Newport.
The Breakers Mansion tour
If you can only tour one mansion this is the one to tour! It is the most opulent, incredible mansion you will see in Newport. (It is also the most visited and open year round.)


The Elms
The Elms was the home of the Berwinds of Philadelphia. Edwin Berwind had made a fortune in the coal industry and they built their home in 1901. The home was built to look like a French chateau and is the 2nd most visited mansion in Newport.

Rosecliff
Rosecliff is vastly different from The Breakers and the Elms in style but still very grand. It was built in the style of the Trianon in Versailles and is much more French in style than any other mansion in Newport

The Newport Cliff walk
The cliff walk in Newport is a great way to spend an afternoon. The walk is 3.5 miles of trail that takes you around the cliffs of Newport. You will be sandwiched between stunning mansions and glorious coastlines as you make your way along the path.
- Begin at the Northern part of the walk for the best paved parts and the widest parts, it is great for strollers.

- If you want to scramble along the cliffs start at Narragansett Avenue and head north.
Can you see my crazy cousin and my husband carrying her stroller?
- Narragansett Avenue
- Webster Street
- Sheppard Avenue
- Ruggles Avenue
- Marine Avenue
- Ledge Road
- Bellevue Avenue
Newport Trolley Tours
If you want a great tour that will give you an overview of Newport I recommend Newport Trolley Tours. These narrated tours are on a climate controlled trolley and take you to all the major points of interest in Newport. The tour guides are very engaging and informative. The tour is especially good for people who have limited mobility as you can cut down on walking.Head to the beach
The beaches in Newport are beautiful and the scenery is first rate! They get very busy in the summer so get there by 10 am if you want to find parking.
Walk along Thames street
Thames street runs parallel to the wharf and is the heart of Newport. There are all sorts of boutiques, amazing restaurants, bed and breakfasts and hotels running along the street.
Eat some amazing food
Newport is renowned for its food scene. There is fresh seafood, traditional New England fare, and lots of international cuisine. Here are our favorites:Midtown Oyster Bar
Looking for fresh seafood with a great view? They have an extensive raw bar as well as yummy calamari. Burgers are great too. Plus there is a roof deck that feels festive any time of year.Diego’s
Fresh Mexican food with a twist. Enjoy the beet and butternut guacamole, ancho duck enchiladas and other unusual bites. Plus its right on the wharf!The Black Pearl
The best clam chowder ever! Don’t miss it. YUMGo for a sail

Ocean drive
Ocean drive is also known as 10 mile drive and is a scenic road that rambles around Aquidneck Island. The coastline along the drive is stunning and there are lots of places to pull over to enjoy the view.

Fort Adams State Park
Fort Adams was an army post from 1841 to 1950 and is the centerpiece of the state park. Tours are offered daily from 10-4. The tour guides make it fun for the little ones too!

International Tennis Hall of Fame
I’ll be completely honest, this was not a highlight for my family. No one plays tennis or watches tennis, but if you do you will enjoy the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
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