With its Gilded Age mansions, centuries-old sailing culture, and historic charm, there are few better places to spend a summer weekend than Newport, Rhode Island. And with Tradewind Aviation offering private service flights to Newport State Airport, this famed coastal getaway feels closer than ever before.
Newport travel guides often focus on the destination’s best-known attractions—The Breakers, Cliff Walk, The White Horse Tavern, among others—but for those who have already seen the greatest hits and are looking for something more off-the-beaten-path, this local’s guide to Newport will help visitors avoid groups of tourists and immerse themselves in everything Newport has to offer.
Photo: David Gleeson
Though summer can be crowded, the weather in Newport is reliably pleasant, and sticking to local hangouts versus tourist attractions will help you avoid the crowds. As for where to stay, Newport is home to many fine luxury hotels, but three stand above the rest: The Chanler at Cliff Walk offers just 20 guest rooms and a location that’s slightly removed from the bustle of downtown. Meanwhile, The Vanderbilt, part of Auberge Resorts Collection, is a former Vanderbilt mansion that’s been painstakingly transformed into downtown’s most polished hotel. For something newer—but no less charming—The Brenton Hotel debuted in summer 2020 as Newport’s newest luxury boutique hotel. Its modern coastal design and location on Long Wharf made it an instant classic.
Once you’ve settled in, here’s what to do during your Newport trip to feel like a true local.
Sip a drink at Empire Tea and Coffee
Beloved local hangout Empire Tea and Coffee has two convenient locations, and both are the ideal spot to start your day with a refreshing beverage. Its flagship location is on Bellevue Avenue near the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and it also has a second outpost in the historic district on Broadway. You’ll be sure to spot regulars who make a pit stop at the shop every morning.
Start your day with breakfast at Belle’s Cafe
This casual breakfast and lunch restaurant is tucked away from the crowds in Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard. It bills itself as one of Newport’s “best kept secrets,” and its menu of crowd-pleasing favorites such as the Texas-style French toast and Cubano panini keeps locals coming back.
Tour Rough Point Museum
The Preservation Society of Newport County operates tours of many of the town’s most famous mansions, including The Breakers, The Elms, and Rosecliff. All are worth seeing at some point, but for a more unique tour, opt to visit tobacco heiress Doris Duke’s Rough Point, which is operated by the Newport Restoration Foundation. Locals say it has a different vibe than any of the other mansions, and it’s the only one that still displays the art and decor the owner chose when they lived there.
Spend a day at Gooseberry Beach
Newport’s most famous beaches are simply known as First, Second, and Third Beach, but locals know Gooseberry Beach is a hidden gem that’s perfect for a day spent in the sun. Its sheltered location on a cove means the water is relatively calm, making it perfect for families with young children.
Cool off with Del’s Lemonade
One of Rhode Island’s most famous exports, the frozen lemonade served at Del’s is a classic for a reason. Del’s pushcarts and signature green umbrellas can be found all over town, and it’s the perfect treat for cooling off on a hot summer day.
Catch a match at the International Tennis Hall of Fame
The International Tennis Hall of Fame museum is a can’t-miss for tennis fans, and its pristine grass courts will impress players and spectators alike. Those who are visiting in July should make an effort to secure tickets to the Infosys Hall of Fame Open. The open offers an intimate venue to see some fan favorite tennis players compete under the summer sun.
Take in ocean views at Norman Bird Sanctuary
Cliff Walk offers visitors stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and waterfront mansions, but it quickly grows crowded during peak summer months. Instead, opt to drive outside of town to Norman Bird Sanctuary, which has more than 300 acres and seven miles of hiking trails. The serene environment offers some of the region’s finest ocean views, yet is still one of Newport’s best-kept secrets.
Walk to dinner on Broadway
Thames Street near the wharf is Newport’s classic bustling thoroughfare, and many of the town’s beloved seafood haunts are found in the same few-block radius. But locals typically opt for dinner on Broadway, where there are fewer crowds (and shorter waits for tables). The Fifth Element has an eclectic menu of American classics with a twist, and locals go to Caleb & Broad for the cocktails but stay for the ever-changing menu.
Check out a film set
Classic movies like the 1974 version of The Great Gatsby, Lolita, 27 Dresses, and Moonrise Kingdom all shot scenes in Newport, and the destination’s reputation as a filming location continues to this day—the popular HBO Max series The Gilded Age filmes in Newport this summer and Hocus Pocus 2 was shot there last fall. It’s not unusual to see film crews while walking around town in Newport. Keep an eye on The Newport Daily News website and social media for updates on filming, and you just might spot one of your favorite actors dressed in a period costume.
Newport offers a quintessential seaside getaway for visitors from around the world, but with this list of suggestions, you’ll live like a true local.
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