Newport holidays
On the southern tip of Aquidneck Island, Rhode Island’s ritziest seaside destination is dripping with old-school glamour. A holiday in Newport isn’t complete without exploring its Gilded Age mansions, which give a fascinating insight into the lives of America’s 19th-century elites. Add sandy beaches, a spirited sailing culture and seafood fresh off the fisherman’s hook, and you have the ultimate coastal escape.
Newport holiday highlights
Rhode Island Commerce Corporation/Visit Rhode Island
Walk through history
The historic Cliff Walk is a rite of passage on holidays to Newport. This short pathway packs in rugged coastal scenery on one side and impressive Gilded Age mansions on the other. Start at The Breakers, an Italian Renaissance-inspired palace built in 1895. Then explore Rough Point, the Gothic home of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, preserved as she left it when she died in 1993.
Hoist the sails
Newport’s boating history goes back centuries, and its harbour teems with old schooners, yachts and dinghies. Learn the ropes with a lesson at a local sailing school, or live the high life on a sunset cruise. Aboard a vintage schooner, you can sip champagne and look out for sights like Fort Adams and Castle Hill. Prefer to stay on dry land? Newport also has a brilliant sailing museum.
Where to stay
Downtown Newport is a dreamscape of 18th-century buildings and cobblestone streets. It’s also home to historic stays that’ll suit every budget. Rest your head at a luxury hotel in a grand colonial building, a cosy Victorian bed and breakfast or a budget guesthouse in an old jail. For pubs and patio restaurants, head to nearby James Street.
Newport: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
May – September
Low season
January – February
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Photographer name
Things to do in Newport
Rhode Island Commerce Corporation/Visit Rhode Island
Places to eat
Newport’s culinary delights come fresh from the sea and can be found everywhere from low-key seafood shacks to star-studded restaurants. Look out for Rhode Island clam chowder and ‘stuffies’ (stuffed quahog clams). Don’t miss the White Horse Tavern — originally opened in 1673, it’s the oldest operating restaurant in the US. Expect classic New England dishes in a colonial building. Reservations are essential.
Shopping
Stock up on gifts for your loved ones on Thames Street. This cobblestoned waterfront boulevard is home to the city’s best shops, from clothing boutiques to decades-old country stores, sailing outfitters and chocolatiers. For some retail therapy by the sea, Bowen’s Wharf is a great spot, offering a selection of souvenir shops and local galleries.
Beaches
Nicknamed ‘First Beach’, Easton’s Beach is the first port of call for sun-and-sea-craving visitors. And with a wide stretch of sand, calm waters and plenty of food stalls (including the historic Flo’s Clam Shack), it’s easy to see why. If you prefer a quieter spot, Sachuest Beach (Second Beach) in nearby Middletown is where the locals go. The neighbouring wildlife refuge offers great birdwatching.
FAQs about Newport holidays
While this city is considered safe to visit, the best way to have a carefree holiday to Newport is to follow a few sensible precautions. Before you head out, plan your journey so you're not caught off guard in unfamiliar areas. Be alert while exploring, and always trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.
The cost of your city break in Newport will vary depending on factors like where you're travelling from, the time of year, and your preferred hotel. Newport flights and hotels typically cost more during busier periods, but you can save by travelling in the off-peak months.
January brings the coolest conditions for a Newport holiday. Go then and you can expect lows of -5ºC (23ºF).
English is what you'll hear in most conversations. From common greetings to playful local lingo, you'll likely pick up a few new terms during your city break in Newport.
With temperatures hitting a maximum of 27ºC (81ºF), July is the hottest month in Newport.
If you’re looking for a relaxing seaside break with lots of things to do, a holiday in Newport is perfect for you. With stunning stretches of sand, plenty of historical attractions and a wide variety of dining options, you certainly won’t get bored here.
The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From tipping to shopping at local markets, having some cash readily available during your trip to Newport will be useful.
Allow at least three days for a holiday in Newport. This should give you enough time to stroll around town, check out the Cliff Walk and mansions, and take a boat trip. If you’re planning day trips to nearby towns, beaches or other parts of New England, consider a five-day trip.
With an average rainfall of 13 cm, October is the rainiest month to go on a Newport holiday. When the skies open up, venture indoors and make the most of the city's art exhibits, cafes, shopping centres and more.
With mild temperatures and fewer crowds, the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are the best time for a holiday in Newport. If your priority is warm weather and you don’t mind a busier atmosphere, head to Newport in summer, when temperatures average between 22°C and 26°C.
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