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!

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?