7 Activities
Seaside Escape: Road Trip to Newport
Starts from
Boston
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
7
Duration
11 hours
Length
70 mi
In partnership with
Guide details
Starts from
Boston
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
11 hours
Length
70 mi
Kelsey Perrett
Travel Expert
- Score a history lesson at the whaling museum.
- Stroll along Newport’s famous Cliff Walk.
- Dine al fresco on the catch of the day on Newport Harbor.
The coastal Rhode Island city of Newport, Rhode Island, is known for its elegant mansions, great shopping scene, and waterfront restaurants. Travel south along the coast to enjoy one of New England’s favorite day-trip destinations, stopping to smell the roses along the way.
This road trip visits the traditional lands of the Pokanoket and Wampanoag peoples. It’s best to go in warm weather to take full advantage of the outdoor walks and dining.
This road trip visits the traditional lands of the Pokanoket and Wampanoag peoples. It’s best to go in warm weather to take full advantage of the outdoor walks and dining.
The coastal Rhode Island city of Newport, Rhode Island, is known for its elegant mansions, great shopping scene, and waterfront restaurants. Travel south along the coast to enjoy one of New England’s favorite day-trip destinations, stopping to smell the roses along the way.
This road trip visits the traditional lands of the Pokanoket and Wampanoag peoples. It’s best to go in warm weather to take full advantage of the outdoor walks and dining.
This road trip visits the traditional lands of the Pokanoket and Wampanoag peoples. It’s best to go in warm weather to take full advantage of the outdoor walks and dining.
In partnership with
Kelsey Perrett
Travel Expert
- Score a history lesson at the whaling museum.
- Stroll along Newport’s famous Cliff Walk.
- Dine al fresco on the catch of the day on Newport Harbor.
Day Itinerary
7 Activities
Day 1
70 mi0.4 mi
Navigate Narragansett Bay to Newport, Rhode Island
How about starting your day with a scenic stroll along the Plymouth Jetty, then heading over to the whaling museum to learn about the region's fascinating history? After that, take in the stunning gardens and mansion at the Blithewold Estate before grabbing lunch at a brewing for some delicious unfiltered beer and hop-forward dishes.
Next, take a leisurely walk along the famous Cliff Walk, admiring the panoramic ocean views and impressive mansions along the way. And for dinner, head over to a seafood restaurant on Sayer's Wharf to enjoy some top-of-the-catch seafood while taking in the gorgeous harbor views.
Next, take a leisurely walk along the famous Cliff Walk, admiring the panoramic ocean views and impressive mansions along the way. And for dinner, head over to a seafood restaurant on Sayer's Wharf to enjoy some top-of-the-catch seafood while taking in the gorgeous harbor views.
09:0030 min
Plymouth Jetty
Pier
Open Details
Begin your day in coastal Plymouth, Massachusetts, and take a quick stroll out to the Plymouth Harbor Breakwater for some fresh sea air and beautiful views of the harbor. It is a 3500-foot-long stone structure that leads out to the end of the jetty and is a great spot to relax and watch the boats coming and going. If you're feeling adventurous, walk the length of the breakwater and take in the scenery along the way.
Here you can find multiple cafés to buy your morning coffee and a quick bite to eat.
Here you can find multiple cafés to buy your morning coffee and a quick bite to eat.
32.4 mi
50 min
10:301 hr 30 min
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Museum
Open Details
New Bedford, a charming seaside city on the South Coast of Massachusetts, was once known as the “backbone” of the whaling industry. While it has moved on from that brutal legacy, the city still celebrates its history, culture, and relationship to cetaceans at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. From whale-inspired art to the latest in whale science, these exhibits are designed to educate as well as promote the preservation of our favorite marine mammals.
23.2 mi
30 min
12:301 hr
Blithewold
Garden
Open Details
As you travel south down Bristol Neck, the spit of land between the Narragansett and Mount Hope Bays, you’ll encounter the Blithewold Mansion, Gardens, and Arboretum.
This estate is considered “one of the most fully developed and authentic examples of the Country Place Era.” Wander the well-preserved 45 rooms of the mansion, lounge on the 10-acre Great Lawn, or enjoy the seasonal blossoms in the awe-inspiring gardens which mesh seamlessly into the historic landscape.
For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit their website.
This estate is considered “one of the most fully developed and authentic examples of the Country Place Era.” Wander the well-preserved 45 rooms of the mansion, lounge on the 10-acre Great Lawn, or enjoy the seasonal blossoms in the awe-inspiring gardens which mesh seamlessly into the historic landscape.
For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit their website.
9.2 mi
20 min
14:001 hr 30 min
Taproot Brewing Co.
Brewery
Open Details
Before you arrive in Newport, Rhode Island, stop off at Taproot Brewing. From its airy wood and metal quarters in Middletown, Rhode Island, this farm-to-table brewery serves fresh pours harvested from hops that you can practically see out the window. The inventive kitchen does great vegetarian fare, as well as twists on old pub classics.
Reservations for food service are required on Saturdays and highly recommended for other days of the week. For more information or to make a reservation, visit their website.
Reservations for food service are required on Saturdays and highly recommended for other days of the week. For more information or to make a reservation, visit their website.
4.2 mi
15 min
15:455 min
Parking Lot
Parking
Open Details
There are several public parking lots available in Newport, Rhode Island, including the Gateway Visitors Center, Easton's Beach, and the Newport Marina. Easton's Beach parking lot offers easy access to the north part of the Cliff Walk.
0.4 mi
10 min
16:002 hrs
Cliff Walk
Promenade
Open Details
The highlight of Newport, Rhode Island, is the Cliff Walk, a mostly flat 3.5-mile path along the jagged waterfront of Easton Bay where Gilded Age mansions overlook the sea. Here, you’ll encounter iconic sights such as the 40 Steps, The Breakers, and The Chinese Teahouse. There’s also beach access for those who crave a little more adventure. Walk as much or as little of the path as you like.
1.5 mi
10 min
18:301 hr 30 min
The Mooring
Seafood Restaurant
Open Details
Newport, Rhode Island, is chock-full of great seafood selections, but it’s hard to beat the harborside views at the Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar on Sayer’s Wharf. Plan to make a reservation for this upscale experience, where the raw bar and “from the water” menu are the stars of the show. There’s no better way to cap off your Newport experience than dining alfresco on the catch of the day.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Reservations are highly recommended.