Three Days in Newport, Rhode Island: Mansions, Sailing & Seaside Charm

Morning: Start your Newport adventure with the iconic Cliff Walk

Park along Memorial Boulevard near Easton Beach and begin your trek at the Chanler at Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile seaside path that runs between the Atlantic Ocean and the lawns of Gilded Age mansions. Be sure to stop at the “Forty Steps” where you can take the stone staircase to a landing just above the ocean waves.

For a shorter highlight, and an easier walk, stick to the paved section between Narragansett Avenue and Ruggles Avenue—you’ll still get the dramatic cliffs and mansion backdrops without the full trek. If you decide to continue to the southern section, you’ll enjoy the most dramatic views—crashing surf, stone bridges, and glimpses of The Breakers rising above the cliffs. Go early to beat the crowds and bring sturdy shoes—the southern end can get very rocky.

Afternoon: Travel back in time & tour Newport’s opulent “summer cottages”

These mansions are a living postcard of America’s Gilded Age—each one grander than the last. If you only have time for three, I suggest:

• The Breakers: The crown jewel. Cornelius Vanderbilt II’s 70 room summer home, inspired by Italian Renaissance palaces. Its scale alone is staggering—the ballroom ceiling is 50 feet high.

• Marble House: Built by Alva Vanderbilt and dripping with gilded detail, it’s a study in French opulence and early feminism—Alva later became a major figure in the women’s suffrage movement. And after your morning on Cliff Walk, you’ll want to treat yourself to afternoon tea, complete with a tower of sweet and savory delights at the Chinese Tea House on the grounds.

• The Elms: More refined and architectural, modeled after an 18th-century French château. The gardens here are the most serene of all—perfect for a quiet stroll. Get a taste of how the other half lived when you book the Servant Life tour.

Evening: Shop & stroll Newport Harbor’s wharfs

Head to The Black Pearl on Bannister’s Wharf for a quintessential Newport dining experience. The clam chowder is legendary—creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced—and the harbor views make it easy to linger. Sit on the patio if the weather allows, you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of the action. Or dine at 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille for classic New England seafood with a polished feel—their lobster mac and cheese is indulgent in the best way. Afterwards, stroll the wharfs or down Thames Street for live music or enjoy a nightcap.

Morning: Sail the harbor

Newport’s nickname as the “Sailing Capital of the World” isn’t an exaggeration—seeing the coastline from the water gives you a whole new perspective on the town’s maritime legacy. I booked a two-hour schooner cruise and loved watching the sails rise against the backdrop of the Newport Bridge. Bring a light jacket—even in summer, the breeze can be brisk on the bay.

Late morning: International Tennis Hall of Fame

After sailing, stop at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, located in the historic Newport Casino complex. Even if you’re not a tennis devotee, the architecture alone is worth the visit—think ornate shingle-style buildings and manicured grass courts. It’s where the first US National Championships (now the US Open) were played, and you can often catch members or visiting pros hitting on the same lawns. I found it fascinating how the museum blends sport, design, and history.

Lunch: Lobster roll time

You can’t leave Newport without a lobster roll. For harbor views and a lively vibe, head to The Lobster Bar on Bowen’s Wharf—generous portions, toasted buttered roll, and ocean air in every bite.

Afternoon: Choose your passion

• The Sailing Museum: A sleek, modern space celebrating Newport’s maritime spirit with interactive exhibits that test your racing reflexes.

• Audrain Auto Museum: A rotating showcase of classic and luxury cars—from vintage Rolls-Royces to rare Ferraris. When I visited, they were preparing for the Newport Concours, and locals said you might spot these cars cruising Bellevue Avenue that week.

• Kid-friendly option: If traveling with kids, swap a museum for a stop at the Newport Aquarium, a small but engaging spot with touch tanks.

Evening: Rooftop drinks & dinner

End the day at the Vanderbilt’s rooftop bar for sunset cocktails overlooking the harbor—it’s a hidden gem, especially if you arrive early enough to snag a front-row seat. For dinner, head to The Mooring, a waterfront favorite where the harbor lights shimmer off the waves. Order the “Bag of Doughnuts”—their signature lobster-crab fritters.

Morning: ocean drive

This 10-mile loop is pure coastal drama—cliffs, sailboats, and windblown sea grass at every turn. I loved pulling over at Brenton Point State Park, where you’ll often see locals flying kites against the backdrop of the Atlantic. The light here changes constantly, making it a photographer’s dream.

End the drive with brunch at Castle Hill Inn, a Newport icon perched right on the water’s edge. Their lobster hash is indulgent but absolutely worth it, and the terrace view stretches across Narragansett Bay. Pro tip: reserve early—this is one of the toughest tables in town on weekends.

Afternoon: hit the beach

Spend the afternoon soaking up the coastal charm at one of Newport’s beloved beaches. Easton’s Beach (First Beach) offers classic seaside nostalgia—think saltwater taffy, a vintage carousel (open seasonally), and soft sand perfect for a long walk. For something quieter, head to Second Beach in nearby Middletown, where locals go for wider sands, gentler waves, and fewer crowds. I grabbed pastries and sandwiches from Cru Café downtown, packed a picnic, and stretched the afternoon as long as I could—the kind of lazy seaside day that makes you forget you ever have to leave.

Evening: farewell dinner

End your Newport weekend with dinner at the White Horse Tavern, America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Candlelit and steeped in history, it’s where colonial charm meets fine dining. The menu leans into elevated New England classics—think pan-seared scallops, beef Wellington, and a superb lobster bisque. Ask for a table near the fireplace and toast to a weekend steeped in coastal elegance and centuries of stories.