Summer is officially here and the weather is beautiful. Newport is a beautiful, historic destination, with plenty to do if you like to spend as much time as possible outdoors during the summer. Whether you like to walk, lay on the beach, be out on the water or sip cocktails from an outdoor patio, Newport has you covered.
Cliffwalk is one of Rhode Island’s most popular attractions, and while parts of it are still closed until mid-July, the section from Memorial Boulevard to Marin Avenue offers spectacular views. As you walk, you’ll get picturesque views of the water and cliffs you’re walking along, as well as the historic mansions on your other side. When Cliffwalk re-opens in its entirety, the full 3.5 mile walk is a must.
If you’re looking for more, Fort Adams’ Baywalk, the Norman Bird Sanctuary and Sachuest Nature Preserve are all great places to get in a couple miles of walking, while enjoying different breathtaking views. Not only can you tour the historic fort at Fort Adams State Park, relax on the beach, or learn to sail, there’s also a 2 mile walk called Baywalk that affords views of the downtown waterfront, the Newport Pell Bridge and views over into Jamestown. The Norman Bird Sanctuary offers a variety of walking trails, one of which takes you on the rocks that overlook Second Beach. If you’re not satisfied with those, the Sachuest Nature Preserve offers two trails, with views of Second Beach, Third Beach and the ocean.
If laying on the beach and swimming is more your style, there are plenty of beaches at your disposal in Newport. First, Second, Third, Gooseberry, and Reject’s Beach are all open to the public and each offer something a little different. First Beach, also known as Easton’s Beach, is located on Memorial Boulevard. This Beach offers a snack bar, carousel, aquarium, skate park and gift shop and hosts a variety of tournaments and concerts during the summer. Second Beach, or Sachuest Beach, is located in Middletown, past First Beach and is quieter than First Beach. It’s bigger and offers better waves for those who enjoy surfing. Third Beach is past Second Beach and offers calm waters without many waves. It’s a great spot for windsurfing or SUP and also has a public boat ramp. Gooseberry Beach is located along Ocean Drive and is in a cove so the waters are calmer. This beach is great for families and has a cafe where food can be purchased. Finally, Reject’s Beach is a public section at the end of Bailey’s Beach, which is private. You can only access it by walking or biking and is usually less crowded.
If you’d rather be on the water than in the water, Newport offers a variety of boat tours for every taste. Whether you’re looking for a sunset sail with a cocktail, a boat with a story to tell, or a private charter, Newport has it. Classic Cruises of Newport offers outings on both their Schooner Madeline and Rum Runner II. The Schooner Madeline is a 72 foot rig schooner that allows you to experience a 19th century Bermuda rig schooner. They offer day tours and a sunset cocktail cruise. If sailing isn’t your thing, they have a classic speedboat, the Rum Runner II, which is a high speed motor yacht that will bring you back to the days of rum smuggling during the prohibition. Day sails and cocktail cruises are available. The Adirondack II is an 80-foot, turn-of-the-century-style pilot schooner where you have a choice of mimosa sails, dark and stormy sails, day sails and sunset sails. On Watch Sailing offers private charters of their Lyra, a 6 passenger sailboat for those who want to spend the day on the water with a close group of friends or family. These are just a few of the wonderful boating options Newport has to offer. For other options and more information, click here.
Finally, for those who just want to relax all day with a cocktail, or wind down after a long day of exploring Newport, there are some great outdoor bars that offer some of the best views in town. Pineapples on the Bay on Goat Island, The Lawn at Castle Hill, Top of Newport at the Hotel Viking, and the Roof Top Bar at the Vanderbilt Grace all offer great cocktails with incredible views.