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The Late Checkout Guide to Newport, RI
If you're heading to the City by the Sea, make sure to prioritize these restaurants, hotels and sights.
What comes to mind when you think of Newport, RI? Maybe its the yachts or historic mansions, or it could be all the linen and lobster rolls.
But there's really so much more to the historic City by the Sea. Here’s where to stay, where to eat and where to go on your next visit, and if you need some tips on what to pack for your next visit, we've got those covered too.
Every hotel recommendation on Late Checkout is independently selected by us. If you do book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Where To Stay
Gardiner House
The newest hotel on the list, Gardiner House is “a modern boutique perfect for living out your Gilded Age fantasies,” says Condé Nast Traveler. The 21-room hotel sits on the water on Lee’s Wharf, steps from Thames Street – the main artery running the length of downtown Newport. With a vibe that feels both whimsical and historic, the hotel has views of the Newport Harbor and Fort Adams State Park. Inspired by owner Howard Cushing’s great-grandfather, the artist Howard Gardiner Cushing, Gardiner House celebrates Newport’s art, music, drink and history. Rates start at $455, book now.
The Vanderbilt
A short walk from Bowen’s Wharf, Queen Anne Square and the shops of Spring Street, The Vanderbilt is set inside a historic downtown mansion once owned by businessman and scion Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt. Walking through the front door to the sweeping staircase gives all the Gilded Age vibes but through a modern lens. The hotel is also great for kids, with the staff delivering customized night lights and toys. Meanwhile, you’ll feel like a titan of industry when you order a bourbon neat at the secret bar. Rates start at $394, book now.
Castle Hill Inn
Sophisticated while still laid-back, Castle Hill Inn has arguably the best view of Narragansett Bay going. The only Relais & Châteaux property in Newport, reservations are tough but worth it. The hotel is set on 40 acres and has options to stay in cozy cottages on the beach, on the hill in the historic Agassiz Mansion or on the bay in the Harbor Houses, famously known as one of actress Grace Kelly’s favorite hideaways. No matter what you do, your stay in Newport isn’t complete without a trip to The Lawn for a Newport Spritz and a $42 lobster roll (we know, we know). Rates start at $700, book now.
Gilded
Tucked away on a tree-lined street in the heart of Newport's historic area, Gilded is a boutique hotel with a bed-and-breakfast feel in a central yet quiet location. Part of Lark Hotels, known for their portfolio of boutique properties in New England and beyond, Gilded features a colorful interior that draws inspo from the Rococo and beaux-arts styles of the city's famous ''Gilded'' era. While we can’t guarantee you’ll spot Ada Brook or Agnes van Rhijn milling about the lobby, the tasty small plate breakfast will help prep for a long day of music, sailing or exploring. Rates start at $290, book now.
The Firehouse
If you’re traveling with a big group or just prefer having a house, The Firehouse is a fun place to stay. Set on Thames closer to the south end of the street, i.e. a little less busy, The Firehouse was originally built around 1888 and served as the Newport Fire Department's Hose Co. Six for the south section of Newport. The Firehouse can be rented as a six-bedroom vacation rental with five guest rooms, a gourmet kitchen and a lounge on the first floor. Just around the corner from the main entrance is the Firehouse Studio, which is separate from the rest of the rooms and it has its own private entrance. Perhaps the biggest perk of The Firehouse, however, is off street parking for six cars – a total luxury in downtown Newport. Rates start at $719, book now.
Where To Eat & Drink
Yagi Noodles
Located in a shopping center right off America’s Cup Ave., Chef Basil Yu’s American ramen-focused menu has boba, craft spirit-free cocktails, dumplings and more. When you overdo it on lobster rolls – which you will – this is a great place to reset your palate and chow down on dishes like the miso caesar, spicy scallop ramen and yuzu black sesame cake.
Pasta Beach
With locations in Providence and Boston, the original Pasta Beach lies in Newport’s historic district on Bellevue Ave. The outdoor patio is packed in summer, making dinner reservations almost impossible to get (unless you like to go early bird style and eat at 4:30) and here’s why. The pasta is out of this world good and, with seasonally changing specials, there’s always something new to try. Don't sleep on the lasagna, mezze maniche carbonara or cacio e pepe con tartufo pizza. And if you still have room at the end of your meal, get the Nutella pizza. You can thank us later. Book Now.
beaucoup café
A newer cafe and boutique on the southern end of Thames, beaucoup has a bright-yellow striped awning and robin-egg-blue Fiat parked out front. From Cheryl Guibone, the owner of the nearby home goods store, Guibone Living, beaucoup checks all the boxes. Adorable setting? Check. Delicious coffee and espresso? Oh yeah. All your French pastry dreams come to life? Mais oui. You can also pick up some cute napkins, a Porsche photography book, colorful striped beach bags, and handmade palm hats. Give them a follow for daily updates.
Belle’s Cafe
Host to the America's Cup from 1930-2003, Newport is where a lot of the super-rich send their yachts to summer. To get close to some of these sleek bad boys, head to the Newport Shipyard for lunch at Belle’s. Great for families and kids, the menu features coastal classics like lobster rolls and crab cake Benedict, as well as hot dogs and grilled cheese. What makes Belle’s a must-see though is sitting dockside and rubbing elbows with yachties milling about on break from their $20 million dollar cabins.
White Horse Tavern
The “oldest operating restaurant in the U.S.” and the 10th oldest in the world, White Horse Tavern is a National Historic Landmark having served guests since 1673. The cozy dining room with its low ceilings and roaring fireplace will make you want to put on your waistcoat and breeches before grabbing your musket to battle the British. Continental classics like New England clam chowder, bacon-wrapped scallops and Beef Wellington draw from local farmers and purveyors are hearty and delicious.
Where To Explore
What To Pack
Newport Mansions
According to Vogue, “A visit to Newport is incomplete without a tour of Bellevue Avenue’s famous homes.” Though most of these houses were summer “cottages” for the New York elite – think Vanderbilts, Astors, Morgans – these are unlike any summer cottage you’ve probably ever seen. From the all-marble interior Marble House, the fascinating servant quarters tour of The Elms and the breathtaking views from The Breakers, touring one of – if not all – the mansions is a must-do for any trip. Be sure to bring your headphones as audio tours are only available via the Newport Mansions app.
Easton’s Beach
Known to locals as First Beach, Easton’s is a sprawling beach just down the hill from Newport. Occupying a ¾-mile long stretch of sand with an old-school boardwalk and Atlantic-facing surf, it’s an easy and accessible way to dip your toes in the water. If you’re really feeling it, take a surf lesson from Rhody Surf before popping across the street to Flo’s Clam Shack for fried clam bellies and more lobster rolls.
Cliff Walk
A beautiful way to see the Newport Mansions, get your blood pumping and enjoy the temperate summer weather. Running 3.5 miles each way, the walk starts at the western end of Easton's or First Beach at Memorial Blvd. and runs south to the east end of Bailey's Beach, locally referred to as “Reject's Beach.” Starting July 4th, Art & Newport and The Great Elephant Migration, a nonprofit organization meant to amplify indigenous knowledge and inspire the human race to share space, celebrate the arrival of 100 life-sized elephant sculptures along the Cliff Walk.
Bowen’s Wharf
Bowen’s Wharf is centrally located on the waterfront at the foot of Newport’s Historic Hill, contributing to the city’s business and life since the 17th century. Sailmaker’s shops, sail-drying lofts and a whole array of buildings that were essential for a busy maritime wharf have transformed into shops, restaurants and the loading spot for harbor tours. Stop by Kiel James Patrick to get geared up in your New England finest before dinner at The Black Pearl or The Clark Cooke House. Pop into Anchor Toffee before boarding a sunset cocktail cruise on the Rum Runner II.
America’s Cup Charters
Newport is home to the largest America’s Cup fleet in the world and arguably offers the best sailing venue on the East Coast of the United States. So much so that the New York Yacht Club chose Newport, RI to host the America’s Cup from 1930-2003. With a fleet of 12-meter yachts, America’s Cup Charters offers two-hour private or ticketed sails, as well as three-hour racing charters for those who know their port from starboard. Regardless, you will get an unbeatable, firsthand view of Narragansett Bay – the perfect break from festival going and eating.
