Looking for things to do in the area?
We’ve got some ideas!
A favorite Newport activity is a flight with Newport Helicopter Tours. Established, safe and professional, we can recommend this as a unique way to see Newport and surrounds. There are a variety of options in route and time aloft – we find that time flies while taking in the vibrant boat traffic on Narragansett Bay and the beauty of the coastline and historic structures. Be sure to mention your trip with On Watch Sailing if you make a flight reservation so they can optimize your day’s itinerary!
Walking distance of downtown Newport
• Cliff Walk – One of the top things to do in Newport, this 3.5 mile walk (one way) is leashed dog friendly. It runs along the coast in front of the Bellevue Mansions, difficulty ranging from easy to moderate further in.
PRO TIP – Take the free Hop-On Hop-Off RIPTA BUS when you’re ready to stop walking.
• Mansions – Our favorites are the Elms, Rough Point and The Breakers or Marble House. If any of the Servant’s Tours are open, they are fascinating. If touring huge, over the top places is your jam, consider a Multiple Properties pass from the Newport Historical Society.
PRO TIP – Take the free Hop-On Hop-Off RIPTA BUS
• Tennis Hall of Fame – Did you know that Tennis, as a game, was first imported to the United States to Newport? Grass courts.
• King’s Park – With a beautiful view of Newport Harbor, Green’s family has wiled away many hours here. There is lots of grass, a small playground, a covered picnic area and chill beaches facing the harbor. A 20 minute walk from downtown, also enjoy free street parking. There are even free Sunday Concerts in the summer.
• Audrain Car Museum – Located on Bellevue Avenue near the Tennis Hall of Fame, there are rotating exhibitions of outstanding quality. Car enthusiasts beware, you’ll have to be dragged out of this small museum when it’s time to leave!
By car or bike – On the Island
• Ocean Drive – Drive or cycle on a shared roadway
• Fort Adams – free unless you want to go inside for a tour.
PRO TIP – Picnic on the Hammersmith Farm/Eisenhower House property line with an incredible view of Narragansett Bay.
• Newport Car Museum – 20 minutes from Newport in Portsmouth, this museum is sizable and high quality. There’s parking.
• Sachuest Point – hiking, visitor center, variety of rocky beaches, parking
• Norman Bird Sanctuary – For a small donation, there are forest hikes and walkways. Our favorite is the semi-difficult hike up to Hanging Rock, where there’s a gorgeous view out over 2nd Beach.
• Newport Vineyards – Tour the island’s local vineyard for a delightful afternoon. Home of Tap Root Brewing, a restaurant, BBQ events and bar.
• Simmon’s Farm – Cooking at home? How about some farm to table? Also… They have Goat Hikes. Mic Drop.
• Sweet Berry Farm – More farm to table, with a beautiful storefront and cafe. Oh yeah, you can pick berries and stuff if they are in season.
• Newport Beaches – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Reject’s (and more!) Beaches.
PRO TIP – Seriously consider the free Hop-On Hop-Off RIPTA BUS. Beach parking in the area is somewhere south of awful and is expensive!
Off the Island
• The Glass Station – Wakefield, RI – A very special place, talented onsite glass blowers Eben Horton and Jennifer Nauck have created a high quality showroom featuring both their work as well many offsite artists’ pieces. There is something unique here for everyone. Consider eating at the Mews or Matunuck Oyster Bar while you’re in the area!
• Herreshoff Museum – Bristol RI – One of our favorite museums in the area, documenting the Herreschoff’s immense contributions to sailing design and construction.
• New Bedford Whaling Museum – New Bedford, MA – A large and well stocked museum dedicated to the whaling heritage of New England. Kid friendly with a whale ship playground and lots of hands on exhibits.
• East Bay Bike Path – Bristol to Providence – 16 miles of designated bike path.
Local(ish) Breweries
• Newport Craft
• Rejects
• Ragged Island
• Tap Root