Things To Do
Purgatory Chasm
The best spot to watch the sunrise. This special spot overlooks Second and Third Beach and is a great spot to watch the surfers below, see "Hanging Rock" in the distance and watch the sunrise and/or the waves roll in. We definitely recommend! Directions: Visit Purgatory Chasm on Tuckerman Avenue in Middletown just after the junction with Purgatory Road. There’s a small parking lot. It’s also possible if visiting from Second Beach to walk. Photo Credit: https://www.kvhmobileworld.kvh.com/kvh-coastal-pollution-near-headquarters/
Newport Mansions
Incredible historic sites, meticulously maintained and preserved, must see! Fun to walk through by yourself or take a tour, the self paced audio is our favorite way to see and learn about these beautiful places. Rosecliff, The Marble House and The Breakers are our favorites! Photo Credits: https://www.visitrhodeisland.com/listing/newport-mansions-the-preservation-society-of-newport-county/8901/
Shopping
Click "View" below to see information about the popular spots to shop in Newport including: Thames Street Long Wharf Mall Brick Market Place Bowen's Wharf Bannister's Wharf Spring Street Bellevue Avenue Broadway Newport Mall Photo Credits: https://www.discovernewport.org/things-to-do/shopping/
Drinks On the Lawn at Castle Hill Inn
If you’re looking for great food and incredible views, Castle Hill is the place to go! You can make a reservation to eat at the restaurant or get drinks and small bites (first come first served) and sit in the Adirondack’s on “the lawn”. Photo Credits: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thisldu.com/home/guide-to-newport-rhode-island%3fformat=amp
Second Beach
The best beach on the island (at least in our opinion!). Second beach has a beautiful stretch of smooth sand and fun waves! The end of the beach closest to Newport is known as “Surfer’s End” and usually has a tent to rent surf boards and/or take lessons. This beach is nearby to Purgatory Chasm and is the beach St. George’s School (where Anna went to high school) overlooks. It’s also nearby to Norman Bird Sanctuary and the popular “Hanging Rock”. This is a popular place for the Del’s Lemonade trunk to park (pro tip: ask them to blend the lemonade and strawberry lemonade together, it’s the best!) Parking is usually $25 and can get busy later in the morning, so make sure to get there early if you want to go to the beach! Photo Credits: https://www.visitrhodeisland.com/listing/sachuest-beach-%28second-beach%29/8519/
Norman Bird Sanctuary
“With 325 acres & 7 miles of marked hiking trails, we have trails for people of all abilities”. The trail to “Hanging Rock” is our favorite, no need for hiking boots but we would recommend closed toe shoes! Adults: $7 Senior/Military: $6 Students w. ID: $3 Children (3-18 yrs): $3 Under 3: Free Photo Credits: Norman Bird Sanctuary LinkedIn Page
Bannister's Wharf
Included in the Shopping section as well but a special place that deserves its own shoutout! The Wharf John Bannister built was the social and commercial lifeline to colonial Newport, the connector between an active harbor and an enterprising, young town. It was here that commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was received on his victorious return from the battle of Lake Erie in 1813 and it was Bannister's Wharf that hosted the successful 1977 America’s Cup defender, Ted Turner. Photo Credits: https://newenglandparisienne.com/2017/08/02/newport-rhode-island-in-64-photos/amp/
Cliff Walk
Free and open sunrise to sunset Dogs: Leash only Facilities: Public restrooms at Narragansett Ave. open during daylight hours. Map to Start: Google Map to End: NOT at Ledge Rd. Google Parking: First Beach Memorial Blvd . Entrance: GPS: -71.297055 41.475944 or Narragansett Ave. Forty Steps: GPS: -71.297055 41.475944 Best place to view with limited time: Narragansett to Ruggles Ave. Handicap Access: North end only. Stairs just south of Marine Ave., each side of Webster St. Time to Finish: 2.5 hours if walking briskly and/ or in a hurry Bike: Not on walk, but bike stands at Narragansett Ave. Photo Credits: https://www.tripsavvy.com/newport-cliff-walk-complete-guide-4159186
Ocean Avenue
A long road with beautiful ocean views and gorgeous houses! A great drive to do with the windows down or top off, especially for the sunset! Brenton State Park is off of Ocean Drive. Photo Credits: Richard Toledo
Fort Adams Drive
Known as "America's Largest Castle", this state park has incredible views (especially of sunsets), group and self-guided tours, and a 2.5-mile "bay walk" if you're looking to get your steps in! Fort Adams also hosts historical ships, so keep your eyes out for those! This is where the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals are hosted.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Go on a group or self-tour of the museum and walk around their pristine grounds. A must-see for any tennis fan!