It’s no secret that Newport, Rhode Island is one of my favorite places in New England. We would move there if we could, but luckily it’s a short enough drive that we can visit at any time. It’s the perfect place for a day trip, an overnight, or a long weekend getaway. Condé Nast Traveler named Newport the Best Walking City in the United States – I’m not surprised. Who doesn’t love walking along Newport’s cobblestone streets?

Where to Stay

Gurney’s Newport

• Early morning coffee at For Five Coffee.
• Brunch at Tillie’s (order the house-made croissants and the egg breakfast!)
• Get your second cup of coffee (or tea), and enjoy a walk along the grounds of the resort – make sure to visit the lighthouse and Cornelius and William (Gurney’s adorable goats!)
• A drink at the Pineapple Club (May through September)
• Dinner and wine at Scarpetta (extensive wine list, and delicious spaghetti!)
• A nightcap and a cheese board at the Regent Lounge

Highlights: Cornelius and William, the ice skating rink (mid-December through the end of February), a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and cozy sweatshirts at the gift shop!

Newport Marriott

• Coffee from Plank Bar
• Brunch at MainSail (a la carte or buffet)
• Drinks and small plates at Skiff Bar
• Dinner at The MainSail

Highlights: Indoor Pool, Full-Service Spa

Up next: Hotel Viking 

Favorite Spots

Flat Waves Food Shack (Middletown, Rhode Island) for a little taste of aloha in New England. This is one of our go-to stops on the drive into Newport!

Liberty Donuts for made-to order donuts, delicious coffee, ice cream, and breakfast sandwiches. Get the warm Liberty Donut and a coffee – you won’t be disappointed. When you’re done, take your coffee and walk around the Long Wharf Mall.

Shopping up and down Thames St. and Bowen’s Wharf

Museum of Newport History and Shop (great books and gifts) – you can spend so much time just walking around this shop!

Kilwins Chocolate and Ice Cream

Newport Vineyards for dinner or a cheese board at Brix Restaurant, wine and beer tastings, and shopping in their on-site wine shop! (Check out the chalk drawings around the vineyard created by their in-house artist!)

Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Tour the mansions

Visit the Newport Cliff Walk

Ryan Family Amusements (arcade)

Grab breakfast at the Corner Café

Enjoy a cheese board and a drink (or brunch) at Bar and Board Bistro

Audrain Automobile Museum

National Museum of American Illustration

The Redwood Library — this library is steeped in history, and it’s a must-see for anyone who loves books and libraries as much as I do!

Newport is ideal for a family getaway, or for a romantic overnight – it’s the first place that comes to mind when people ask where to go for a night away. It’s just about 2 hours from Boston, and just under 4 hours from New York City. It’s the perfect place for a change of scenery and water views, for inspiration, and a place to clear your head. I love that New England destinations are great for summer and fall getaways, and also for cozy winter ones. If you’re looking for travel spots, I would add Newport to the list.

Just a tip: It’s less expensive in the winter months, and also less crowded — it’s always a good time of year to visit Newport!

What are some of your favorite spots to visit in Newport?