In the Neighborhood? Places to Visit in Newport RI (2023)

Over the years we've developed quite a list of favorite Newport destinations, from taverns and bistros to boutiques and spas. Slip into your favorite sundress and sandals, pack some sunscreen, and head to this charming city for a visit you'll remember all summer long.

Of course, we had to start with the estate that inspired the name of one of our jewelry collections. Completed in 1902, Rosecliff is a Gilded Age mansion built for the heiress to a silver-mining fortune. Known for its heart-shaped staircase and ballroom (Newport's largest), the mansion and grounds have been featured in several films, as well as PBS's Antiques Roadshow. It also hosts the Newport Flower Show every year.

Known for its "freestyle Italian" cuisine, Giusto is Haverhill's favorite restaurant in Newport. With an emphasis on fresh ingredients sourced from Rhode Island farms and fisheries, Giusto serves up a blend of traditional favorites and innovative new dishes. Be sure to save room for a scoop of gelato or a dessert cocktail to top off your meal.

For classic New England fashion, do not pass Go – just head straight for the Kiel James Patrick flagship store on Bowen's Wharf. With clothes for women, men, and kids alike, KJP creates designs that are steeped in a traditional Northeast aesthetic. Shop colorful cotton sweaters, a riot of Madras plaid, and nautical-themed accessories. No matter where you're from, you'll feel like a true New Englander.

Named one of the country's top 10 outdoor eating spots, Clarke Cooke House is known for its sophisticated cuisine. For a casual lunch, dine in the downstairs bistro, where you can see the building's original post-and-beam construction as well as numerous America's Cup prints and other sailing memorabilia. For a luxury dining experience, reserve a table at the upstairs Porch, filled with candles and flowers and offering a wonderful view of the harbor.

For a deeply relaxing, rejuvenating experience, book some time at the Bodhi Spa. Known as New England's premier hydrotherapy spa, Bodhi offers a wide array of hypnotherapy events (perfect for sharing with friends), massages, facials, and body treatments. Once you're glowing from top to toe, shop the spa's collection of all-natural, luxury skincare products and take the relaxing experience home with you.

Drop into Shore Soap's airy boutique and discover a wide selection of handcrafted bath and body products. Inspired by the sea, the company's all-natural soaps, lotions, and washes are created with nutrient-packed ingredients. Love the scent of a particular soap? Take it home in a clean-burning candle, roll-on, or solid fragrance.

On your way to Newport, stop in nearby Middletown and visit to Le Bec Sucré (The Sweet Tooth), a bakery that offers a mouthwatering variety of authentic French pastries, breads, quiches, and soups. Indulge in a traditional pain au chocolat, perhaps, or discover the earthy, slightly tangy taste of charcoal sourdough bread.

One of the most iconic buildings in Newport is the White Horse Tavern – the oldest operating restaurant in America, open since 1673. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the tavern offers the freshest in local seafood, as well as Rhode Island-style chowder and traditional favorites such as Beef Wellington. (Be sure to bring your appetite.)

New England's first designated National Recreation Trail, the Newport Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile walkway that hugs the city's coastline. On one side you'll enjoy a panoramic view of Narragansett Bay; on the other, you'll pass Salve Regina University as well as several of the city's famed mansions with their lush, rolling lawns. Most of the walk is very easy, but here and there it's a bit rocky, so wear a pair of sneakers or sturdy walking shoes.

Looking for some fun in the sun? Pack a picnic lunch and head to Third Beach, just minutes from downtown Newport. Facing Narragansett Bay, this family-friendly beach has grills, picnic tables, a boat ramp, and other amenities. Sink your toes into the soft sand, enjoy the gentle waves, and be sure to watch the windsurfers gliding past the shore.

Did you know that America's first car race was held in Newport? (Back in 1900.) The third annual Concours & Motor Week (Septmeber 28 – October 1) is a celebration of automobiles, featuring some of the world's most beautiful and expensive cars, as well as seminars, auctions, and celebrity guests. Bring your favorite motor enthusiast.

Which places will you be visiting in Newport? We're looking forward to our next city adventure – and we're sure you are, too.