Rhode Island Travel Guides

Newport Edition

A curated summer travel guide to Newport, Rhode Island by a local girl who goes out to eat too much! Happy trip planning to all <3

Coffee Shops

• Nitro Bar: Our viral tried and true. They go hard on the seasonal drinks so I am always going to recommend you try them. There are two locations in Newport: Thames St and Pond Ave. Thames St. has a slighter bigger food menu. My go to orders are pesto mozzarella tomato toast, pizza bagels, Cole’s sandwich and pancakes (Thames location only).

• Beaucoup Café: A little walk down Thames street but worth it. The interior is stunning. My go-to order is an iced vanilla latte and I always grab a pastry.

• Springline Coffee: Right on the water in Bannisters Wharf. The perfect place to grab a coffee and watch the boats sail by. I love their chai, iced coffee and iced vanilla latte.

• Simple Merchant: A great place to stop on your drive in to Newport. They have a killer salted caramel latte! It’s located in a community co-working space if you need a spot to get some work done.

• Custom House Coffee: A gem in Middletown right near Second Beach. This spot has quickly become my favorite. I haven’t had a bad coffee here. The Zombie killer, iced or hot coffee and the seasonal latte’s are great.

Breakfast/Brunch

• The Corner Café: One of my favorite spots to get breakfast in Newport, everything on the menu is good. It is small and can fill up fast so I recommend getting there early. My favorites are the beast, any omelette and the Portuguese french toast.

• Belle’s Café: Dockside dining with great views of all the boats. The eggs benedict, avocado toast and lox bagel are great. Park along Washington Street or in the Gateway Center lot across the street from the Shipyard gate.

• Cru Café: A Newport favorite, a laid-back spot with outdoor seating. Another spot where everything is good. It does get busy, you can order online if you don’t have time to wait! My go to orders are the Newporter, next level avocado toast and the night shift egg burrito.

• Flora at Gardiner House: Brunch is every Sunday and not to be missed. The food is wonderful, the views are great and the interior makes you feel like you’re in a Nancy Meyers movie. They will do workout classes on the lawn in the back so be sure to keep an eye out for that!

• The Dining Room at The Vanderbilt: The Conservatory is a sunlit patio with lots of plants and fabulous vibes. You can grab breakfast everyday and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. I love the blueberry pancakes, omelette and the local eggs any style.

• Harvest Market: A cute little market that has great breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Some of my favorites are the Boradway, Ruggles and Fort Adams. They share a space with the Coffee Guy which, has amazing coffee!

Lunch

• The Lawn Terrace at Castle Hill: Enjoy a scenic lunch overlooking Narragansett Bay and the sail boats passing by. Grab a drink on the lawn and relax in the Adirondack chairs before or after your meal. I love the lobster roll and the caesar salad add lobster salad!

• The Mooring: One of my go to lunch spots in Newport. Water views, great food and drinks. In my opinion you cannot go to the Mooring without trying the lobster-shrimp fritters. I also love the caesar salad add blackened salmon, scallop chowder and lobster roll.

• Bar Cino: Cute little spot that has a few outdoor dining seats. Everything is good here! You cannot skip the grilled pizzas or the caesar salad add chicken milanese.

• Newport Lobster Shack: A waterside shack with fresh seafood right off the fishing boats. It’s well loved for a reason. You cannot go wrong with a lobster roll here. If you are feeling crazy get the lobster bisque and dip your lobster roll in it.

• O’Briens: A locals spot with an outdoor area great for kids. Great mudslides! They have my favorite mac and cheese and a great southwest fried chicken wrap.

  Dinner

• Flora at Gardiner House: This has quickly become my favorite spot for a meal. A perfect view for sunset, outdoor seating and an interior straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie. There is not a bad seat in the house. I haven’t been disappointed by any meal or drink here. Don’t skip any of the handmade pasta dishes, shitake croquetas, george bank scallops or the fish of the moment.

• Giusto: This has been a favorite since they opened. A free style italian spot right on the water with a great outdoor bar, amazing service and great drinks + food. Their menu is seasonal so it’s everchanging the I have loved every pasta dish I have tried. The scotch meatball and the caesar of the season is always amazing!

• Clarke Cooke House: A classic New England spot. Whatever you do, get the There are two dining options: the candy store ad the porch dining room. The candy store has your classic New England vibe. Summer sushi is always awesome, I love the New york roll. One of my favorite spots to get oysters! I love the moules frites, lobster salad roll and the candy store burger, The porch dining is fancier with a dress code so definitely check that. This will be your fancier more romantic dining option. You cannot go wrong with any of the food here. Whatever you do, get the snow ball in hell for dessert!

• Thames Street Kitchen: A boutique steakhouse that is a locally loved spot! The raviolo, house rolls, caesar and filet with bearnaise butter are my favorites on the menu! They also have a new sister restaurant Audette that opened right down the street serving French cuisine.

• Perro Salado: A cozy spot serving amazing Mexican dishes. You must get the sticky ribs!! Other amazing dishes are the avocado fries, empanadas, fish tacos and salmon toastada.

• Flo’s Clam Shack: Flo’s is set right behind Easton’s Beach and the place to go if you want fresh seafood! Any fried seafood dish will be amazing and if you want to try it all go with the fisherman platter (this can easily be shared). Great spot for kids also as there are awesome hot dogs and chicken tenders on the menu.

  Bars

• The Lawn at Castle Hill: A New England staple. A trip to Newport is not complete without a cocktail on the Adirondack chairs at Castle Hill.

• Clarke Cooke House Midway Bar: One of my favorite spots to get oysters and a cocktail with a water view. Do not skip the Newport water!!

• 41 North: Water front summertime staple. A beautiful outdoor bar with live music and great space to lounge. There is live music in the summer!

• Bar and Board Bistro: A great spot for a unique cocktail and a cheeseboard. The Leopard Lounge upstairs is late night and sometimes has live music.

• Wally’s Wieners: If you love espresso martinis, this is your spot. They have a giant espresso martini, espresso martini towers and a ton of unique specialty espresso martinis.

• Rooftop Bars

  • The Vanderbilt: A great place to grab a drink and a snack

  • The Brenton Hotel: Views of the harbor

  • The Viking: Fire pits and great views

• Late Night Bars

  • One Pelham/Dueling Piano’s: Live music and open late

  • The Landing: Live music and waterfront

  • The Fastnet Pub: Open late and a locals dive

  Other activities

• Sunset Sail: One of my favorite things to do in the summer. Seeing Newport from the water and enjoying a sunset at sea is magical. If you have a group definitely check out Heron Luxury. You can bring food/drinks on board and they will serve you and take great care of you. The Wine & Cheese sail on the Schooner Aurora is a great BYOB option. Newport Classic Cruises also has great options.

• Cliff Walk: A 3.5 mile (one way) walkway along the coastline. A perfect morning activity. You can catch a glimpse at the Mansions, Forty Steps and the beautiful wild flowers. Parking is available at Easton’s Beach, Forty Steps or the end of Narragansett Ave.

• Newport Mansions: Tour one or many of the historic Newport Mansions. My favorites are the Breakers, The Marble House and the Elms.

• Newport Polo: A Polo match is always a great thing to add to a trip. Get a ticket for the Veuve Clicquot lounge or a spot on the lawn and of course stomp the divots at half-time.

• Newport Vineyard: Amazing local wine and great bites. A great spot for couples or big groups. There is a beautiful outdoor area and a great gift shop where you can purchase bottles of wine.

  Hotels

• Hammett Hotel: The hotel I continually recommend for many reasons. Location, valet parking, clean spacious rooms and great water views.

• Gardiner House: A hotel straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie. One of Newport’s newer hotels. Water views, beautiful rooms, valet parking, a great bar and great location.

• Newport Harbor Island Resort: A great spot for families. Set on Goat Island with amazing views of the harbor. There is a lot of parking and a shuttle that will bring you right to Bowen’s wharf and back. The fire pit area is my favorite spot to get a drink. Dog friendly!

• Cliffside Inn: A boutique hotel with stunning interiors. Right near the Cliff Walk and beaches. Each room is designed uniquely and have gas fireplaces. Gourmet breakfast is included in your stay, Waffle kimono robes are included and there is complimentary use of beach chairs, towels and insulated beach bags.

• Castle Hill Beach Cottages: Perched on the sand dunes of a beautiful beach. All of the cottages are beautiful. A great place for couples who want a relaxing vacation. Dog friendly!

  Local Shops:

• Shore Soap Co: A locally loved business with the best scented soaps, candles and more.

• Little Chateau: A Mother-Daughter owned boutique that is so perfectly curated it is hard to leave without purchasing something!

• Matriarch: A woman owned gift/book shop that is fueled by fun, food-related and feminist merchandise.

• Sundance: A woman owned clothing business with bathing suits made from recycled materials and coastal New England inspired clothes.

• Homeport: Is for the the Martha Stewart, Ina Garten and Wishbone Kitchen lovers. You can find all your entertaining needs with a coastal flair.

• Newport Mansions Store: A gift shop on Bannister’s Wharf with amazing souvenirs.

  Bonus Content:

• Where to see the sun set:

  • Castle Hill

  • Ocean Drive (grab to-go pizza from Pasta Beach)

  • Gardiner House

  • Bowen’s and Bannister’s Wharf

  • Fire pits at Newport Harbor Island Resort

• Beaches

  • Second Beach

  • Easton’s Beach

• Where to see hydrangeas (Mid June-Mid July)

  • The Chanler

  • The Marble House

  • Bannister’s Wharf