Things to Do in Rhode Island
Cliff Walks
The Cliff Walks of Newport is a 3.5 mile walkable history tour! Stroll along the cliffs of Newport, Rhode Island and gawk at the several Newport mansions along the way. The Cliff Walks is a public right-of-way over private property. We parked along the street at the Narragansett Ave Waterfront Public Access Point. This is the perfect spot to start the Cliff Walks, with public restrooms and a set of stairs that takes your down the cliff to amazing views before your start your walk. Be prepared with walking shoes, water, and snacks, because you will be walking a couple miles on both paved and unpaved trails. This is self guided, so walk as little or as much as you’d like. With four little kids, we were always cautious along the walk (since it’s literally a “cliff walk”) and only did the 0.6 mile walk from Narragansett Ave to The Breakers mansion, where we enjoyed the self-guided tour. We did bring a stroller along the way, but strollers ARE NOT ALLOWED inside the mansions. If you have a baby with you, make sure you also bring along your carrier.The Breakers
The Breakers is a Gilded Age mansion located at 44 Ochre Point Avenue. It was built as a summer home for a member of the Vanderbilt family. The girls loved the self-guided tour and listening to their own headphone sets throughout the mansion. They offer a children’s version with music, sound effects, fun facts, and information for them to listen to. All the kid’s did amazingly well during the tour, as there is lots to see since the entire mansion is one gigantic piece of art!Take a further walk and enjoy the iconic Rosecliff Mansion, Marble House and The Elms!
Thames Street
This is the center of action in Newport, with plenty of shops, bars, restaurants, and beautiful historic homes. Find an outdoor café, if the weather is nice, and enjoy some people watching before or after getting in some shopping.Sightsailing of Newport
See Rhode Island by water and book a private or public sailing! Relax or get involved on the sailing of your choice. Book a Morning Mimosa or Sunset Champagne sailing for added luxury.Beavertail State Park & Beavertail Lighthouse Museum
Just 20 minutes from Newport, Beavertail State Park offers hikes and trails with more beautiful rocky views. The Beavertail Lighthouse Museum and FREE Beavertail Aquarium are both short and fun “must-explores” while you’re there.Ocean House in Westerly, RI.
A resort you could stay at for a weekend or just take a day trip to enjoy their Sunday Jazz Brunch in the summer or Fondue Village in the winter.
Providence, RI.
A short 45 minute drive will take you from Newport to the capital city of Providence. Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood is known at Rhode Island’s “Little Italy”, where you can satisfy your wine, lasagna, and Bolognese cravings!Visit Brown University.
Honestly I didn’t even know Brown University was located in RI until I started my travel search for this great state. Grab some takeout coffees and explore the charming grounds of this Ivy League.Ocean House in Westerly, RI.
A resort you could stay at for a weekend or just take a day trip to enjoy their Sunday Jazz Brunch in the summer or Fondue Village in the winter.Yawgoo Valley Ski & Water Park
Located within an hour of Providence, Yawgoo Valley is home to Rhode Island’s only ski area. Take a day trip for some skiing and tubing in the winter, or hit up the water adventure park in summer months.Where to Eat in Rhode Island
Castle Hill Inn
This belongs in all categories. Eat, Stay, or just spa at Castle Hill Inn! We ventured over after we did the Cliff Walks and mansion tours. We ate on patio, then headed down to “the lawn” out by the water for some after-lunch drinks with magnificent views at Narragansett Bay. The kids ran around and played on the hill while the adults enjoyed wine and views, baby! We even got to see the local Sailing Team come into harbor after practice. Everything about this place is a dream, and an absolute MUST when visiting Rhode Island.
White Horse Tavern
Visit the old’s tavern in America! The White Horse Tavern dates back to 1673 and is a perfect spot to grab a bowl of New England Clam Chowder or dinner from their tasty seasonal menu. The White Horse Tavern is located at 26 Marlborough St in Newport.Thames Street in Newport favorites
Federal Hill Neighbor in Providence
