Location: Newport
Top Things to do in Newport
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What to do and see in Newport, Rhode Island (RI): The Best Free Things to do
Once the summer playground of America's wealthiest families, Newport remains a popular vacation destination at any time of year. The famous mansions, each more opulent than the last, offer detailed tours and give a fascinating glimpse into Gilded Age extravagance. While the town rightly emphasizes its history with a variety of museums and tours, Newport also has a vibrant, contemporary side, made manifest in quirky shops and great restaurants.
Restaurants in Newport
1. Aardvark Antiques
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
2. Blink Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
A vibrant little art gallery showcasing the photography of Newport's own Alexander Nesbitt. Featuring Nesbitt's iconic Newport images and savvy world travel photos, Blink also shows art work by many local artists including paintings, artisan made gifts, carbon fiber jewelry and funky ceramics. Blink Gallery has been voted "Best Gallery" numerous times! If you enjoy the arts then visiting our gallery is a great thing to do in Newport.
3. Newport Scrimshanders
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By kathy411117 - Dinwiddie, United States
The shop is well set up. There are so many items to choose from it's difficult to make a decision. They can tell you what type of materials are used, the background of certain items. Good price range. Netsukes, knives, jewelry, carvings, guitar picks and so much more. Take some time to really look. Shop is small and so many items!
4. Anchor Bend Glassworks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Anchor Bend Glassworks LLC is an unprecedented glass artist collaborative, established 2003! This award winning team is comprised of childhood friends, Michael Richardson, Justin Tarducci, and Timothy Underwood. All met while exploring their shared enthusiasm for art, glass, and creation. Combining their shared passion for hand blown glass after more than 10 years of personal development, anchor bend glassworks continues to redefine the glassblower's art. The talents from every artist encourage and compliment the energy and originality that permeates every piece of hand blown glass anchor bend glassworks creates. Their award winning designs can be seen at select galleries and museums nationwide. "Anchor Bend Glassworks is constantly striving to honor and expand the glass blowers art. Our innovation is fueled through experimentation and creation. Put simply, we love what we do and do what we love! Anchor Bend Glassworks is proud to share our labor of love with you! Thank you for your support and great taste in hand blown glass."
5. Bellevue Avenue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 594 reviews
Part of the 10-mile Ocean Drive and home to many well-known mansions.
Reviewed By Walsh13k - Saratoga Springs, United States
Good place to stroll and look at the magnificent architecture along the way. Beautiful mansions and landscaping. A very nice way to spend part of the day.
6. Cliff Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,342 reviews
A scenic 3.5 mile walkway that borders the back lawn of The Breakers and many other Newport mansions.
Reviewed By Kirkpatd - Whitehead, United Kingdom
We parked at Easton beach (free) so you also get the benefit of the beach before you start the walk At this point the walk is pathed so very easy and on one side you get great views of the Atlantic Ocean and views back over the town. On the other side you get a view of the mansions and stately homes of the rich and famous About a mile into the walk the path becomes a little more challenging as you have to manoeuvre across rocks and uneven ground but this is not majorly difficult and you can pass with care. Make sure you have good soled shoes or trainers to give a bit more support The walk itself is about 3.5 miles and you end up at a small beach and from there you can get a trolley bus back into town if you don’t want to do the return leg Bring water, sun cream and a camera you won’t be disappointed
7. Ocean Drive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,924 reviews
The marked scenic route along the dramatic Atlantic shoreline that circles Newport.
Reviewed By 1973romabella - New York City, United States
It’s just a wonderful drive or you can stop and sun bathe , or just have a picnic , you can also fly a kite , lots of fun for the whole family
8. St. Mary's Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
A National Historic Landmark and Rhode Island's oldest Catholic Parish where the Kennedys were married. Each Tuesday afternoon at 3pm, "Return to Camelot" to re-live the special day of September 12,1953 when Jacqueline Bouvier married then Senator John F. Kennedy. Watch vintage film clips and listen to a live performance of music and song from their wedding ceremony and reception at Hammersmith Farm, Jackie's summer home in Newport.
Reviewed By MartyB719 - Jensen Beach, United States
This Roman Catholic Church was made famous when in 1953 Senator John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier. It is easy to find as it is on a main avenue, Memorial Blvd. Even though smaller than the European counterparts, it is quite beautiful with the very high ceilings and all the stained glass. There is a certain elegant ambiance about St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s was constructed over a hundred years later—1848-- from the other historic church in Newport, Trinity Church. Visiting both churches would be a worthy and fulfilling. It was an easy walk from Newport’s harbor area to find St. Mary’s. If you continue on Memorial Blvd, you will come to the beginning of Newport’s famous three and a half mile “Cliff Walk.” There is plenty of see in Newport besides the famous mansions. If you found this review to be “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.
9. IYRS School of Technology & Trades
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Home of the oldest American yacht in existence and school where students restore classic yachts.
10. Thames Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 772 reviews
Popular Newport street filled with many shops.
Reviewed By hsaj2019 - Brooklyn, United States
Took a nice walk on Thames Street before and after our sunset cruise, our 1st evening in Newport. Went back several times for dinners and shopping.
