Brickley's Homemade Ice Cream

While we’re big fans of this hotel all-year-long, it’s pretty great when the weather warms up. Grace Kelly’s favorite private beach is on premises—along with a 19th-century lighthouse—and you can rent the hotel’s yacht to picnic on a nearby island. Whether you opt for a room perched on the hill (beware, the walls in the hotel-proper are thin), a chalet by the harbor, or a beachside cottage, they are all beautifully appointed (and individually decorated) with stunning water views. Perks vary from room to cottage, including gas fireplaces, under-floor heating, whirlpool tubs, and private beaches/harbors. The two hotel restaurants—which source ingredients from on-property—are some of Newport’s best.

This classic New England hotel is situated on the mouth of Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, a seaside trail dotted with historic mansions, like the Vanderbilt family’s wonderfully, over-the-top summer homes The Breakers and The Marble House. It was the first mansion built along this route for Congressman Chanler and his wife, an Astor heiress, and it has been carefully restored. Each of the 20 rooms and private villas (most with seaside views, many with terraces) are decorated according to a historic period from Colonial to Greek Revival (with plenty of antiques and finds from the current owners’ travels.) Though the result is pretty trad—overstuffed chairs, voluminous drapes, four-poster beds—the hotel still feels remarkably unstuffy, and actually pretty romantic. Take advantage of their transportation service when you’re ready to head into town—they’ll drop you off and pick you up at any point, meaning you can avoid Newport’s notably tricky parking situation. Plus, during the summers the hotel offers a “Beach Butler” who will set you up on the beach of your choice with chairs, towels, an umbrella, a picnic lunch, and a ride to and from.

Occupying a gorgeous shingle-style building right on the water and walking distance from Thames Street and the famous gilded mansions, Forty 1° North has arguably one of the best locations in Newport. The hotel caters specifically to yachters (docking is actually cheaper than the valet parking) and a restaurant that overlooks the marina. In the rooms, you'll find Frette linens, marble bathrooms, and subtly nautical decor, including muted cable-knit throws and vaulted, wood-beam-lined ceilings. Ask for one of the marina-view suites with a balcony that looks out onto the water.

This stately home dates back to the early 1900’s and has been a much-loved B&B since 1995. The Hilltop Inn feels like staying at the cozy, inviting home of an old friend. The five individually designed guestrooms are full of character: think four-poster beds, fireplaces, and rich fabrics. Start each day with Hilltop’s renowned breakfast and come back each evening to freshly baked pies made by Inn Keeper Liz. Definitely a great option for visitors looking for a more homely and intimate hotel atmosphere.

This resort is fresh off an eighteen million dollar renovation. The Goat Island location has been the site of military forts since the Revolutionary War, largely due to its stellar views of Narragansett Bay. Thee resort has taken full advantage of their island site by adding an outdoor saltwater pool, patios and, their own marina which can accommodate boats up to 125 feet. We love the wellness-oriented details like complimentary bikes, weekend yoga, and aromatherapy treatments at the seawater spa. Aside from being well prepped for weddings, the resort is a great getaway option for families with kids: there's arts-and-crafts, sailing lessons, and so much more available. Downtown Newport is just across the bridge, but the views and the restaurants at the resort make it hard to leave.

Built by a member of the Vanderbilt family during the Gilded Age era, this three-story house has been completely restored to its former glory. The Vanderbilt has thirty-three rooms, a spa, multiple swimming pools and a fitness center, and is walking distance to all the downtown attractions. While the building has all the bones of a stately home, the decor is modern and fresh—think pastel colors and natural fabrics. The main draw (and best-kept secret) is the rooftop bar with harbor views.

The Black Pearl is a historic Newport institution with three dining options for every occasion. Eat outside on the waterfront patio, people watch and order the clam chowder, it’s hands-down the best in town. Below deck, the Commodore’s Room is the more classic option with wood-paneled walls and a seafood-centric menu. The Tavern is loud, fun and more of a sport’s bar. Whichever option you choose, both the atmosphere and the food are guaranteed to be good.

This Bannister Wharf eatery is the quintessential Newport dining experience. Frequented by locals and tourists alike, the summer sushi is a must order (even when it's not on the menu). Tom Gidley, fresh off a stint in The French Laundry kitchen, has been the Clarke Cooke House Executive Chef for twenty years and knows what the locals love to eat. After dinner, wander upstairs to the candlelit sky bar, after eleven the tables are pushed to the side and the dancing starts.

A visit to a Rhode Island seaside town would be incomplete without a clam shack stop, and if you’re only making one, go for Flo’s with its picnic tables and fishermen’s tchotchkes hanging from the ceilings. Open since 1936—when it first introduced New England to the fried clam—it’s now a major, two-floor operation overlooking Easton Beach. Besides fried seafood, they’re known for their chowder.

This classic neighborhood diner serves up gargantuan portions and bottomless cups of coffee for breakfast, brunch, and lunch every day starting at 6am. It’s nothing fancy, and the décor is expectedly kitschy with red vinyl booths, stools, and a long formica counter, but it’s worth making a stop for breakfast. You will likely brave a line of tourists and locals waiting for Blueberry stuffed French Toast or Eggs Benedict with lobster.

On any evening of the week, have a drink reclining in an Adirondack chair overlooking the East Bay at Castle Hill Inn’s outdoor restaurant. It opens for the summer each year and along with drinks, serves up delicious New England fare, which is some of the best around.

Grow, harvest, serve is the motto of this seafood restaurant just ten minutes from Newport and owned by actual oysterman Perry Raso. This is the freshest fish that you can eat, all sourced from adjacent Potter Pond with its shellfish beds and accompanying organic farm—so close, you can see it from the restaurant. Owner Perry is at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture (he has his own Ted Talk on the subject) with a menu that features a combination of wild-caught and farm-raised to reflect it. Start with a sampling of oysters from the raw bar, dive into tuna tartar tacos and scallop ceviche, and finish with the lobster and Alaskan king crab. Aim to be seated just before sunset and enjoy the view.

We’ve been told multiple times that this is hands-down the best burger to be had in Rhode Island. Mission is a low-key, family friendly burger and falafel spot that’s always full. The food sounds simple but the flavors are loud in the best way-be sure to get their signature "mission" sauce and homemade pickles with your burger. Meat options aside, Mission makes excellent falafel served in a warm pita with preserved lemon and all the traditional sides. In the summer try their popsicles, made in-house with locally grown fruit. Arrive early, seats are limited but the line moves quickly.

Head to this big, bustling Newport Wharf restaurant for lunch before visiting the museum and library just a few blocks away. It’s a no-frills and family-friendly affair during the day (lots of kids coloring on placemats), but the casual food is super tasty. In fact, it’s perfect waterside lunch fare, from the fresh and meaty Mexican white shrimp to the delicious Cajun Redfish Wrap. The real standout, though, is their Native Scallop Chowder, brightened up with bits of dill. Be sure to snag a table out on the patio overlooking Narragansett Bay.

Belly up to the circular bar at this soda fountain for classic shakes (specifically, the “Awful Awful”), sundaes, and cones, all with flavors ranging from black raspberry to maple walnut and crazy vanilla (vanilla flavor, crazy colors). Newport Creamery began by delivering local milk to residents in the ’30s. They then opened a “milk bar” on Main Road, a little north, but we head to this location for a quick, sweet, pit stop in town.

If you’re driving in on a Friday night, make this husband-and-wife helmed restaurant your first stop. Located in the northern part of town, where most restaurants are pretty tired/run-of-the-mill, this casual Mexican restaurant is the exception. Andi makes the cocktails (her cilantro-jalapeno martini is insane) while Dan heads up the kitchen, bringing his own brand of upscale Mexican to Newport. Expect perfectly battered fish tacos, a Mexican-infused kale salad, and avocado fries, which probably shouldn’t be missed.

The tavern dates back to 1673, when it was a colonial watering hole, and it looks it with patriotic flag curtains, deep fireplaces, and woodsy interiors. The food is of the delicious New England variety: Chef Rich Silvia sources local Rhode Island fish, meat, and vegetables to make traditional dishes like clam chowder, fish cakes, lobster macaroni & cheese, and clam boils. There’s a formal dining room upstairs, or stay downstairs and grab a snack and drink at the bar. There’s also a brunch menu on Sundays with local specialties like lobster stuffed omelettes and eggs benedict.

Lobster is a big deal in Newport. A group of life-long local fisherman built this shack as a type of co-op to sell their fresh catch directly to the public. The Lobster Shack is fully stocked with wild-caught crab, conch, and lobster, obviously. Feast on fresh catch cooked every way imaginable: lobster bites, bisque, cakes, and finally the best lobster roll to be found in Newport. If you’re craving a taste of Rhode Island from afar, you can have catch live shipped overnight to anywhere in the US, or why not try to recreate the Newport Lobster Shack experience at home and cook from their aptly named cookbook The Fisherman’s Table.

This achingly cute farmstand actually started as a hobby project by farmers Jan Paul and Michelle Eckhart, who finally made it into a full-time operation in the '90s. The farm specializes in the kinds of things that make incredible housewarming gifts, like fresh-cut flowers and jams. You can also come to the stand for breakfast, lunch, and take-home platters for dinner. A major win for the littles: year-round, pick-your-own produce, offering berries and peaches in the summer, apples and pumpkins in the fall, and Christmas trees in the winter.

This Newport spa is like a modern-day version of an ancient Roman bath house. The founders took the ocean as their inspiration for the treatment menu and the decor (lots of turquoise), offering hydrotherapy treatments alongside facials and massages. Wellness enthusiasts should try their six-step, circulation-boosting water journey treatment where you experience water in every form: salt-filled, hot, cold, and steamy.

Regardless of whether you actually possess a cottage or garden, you’ll most likely walk away with a little (or big) something from this inspiring indoor and outdoor decor store—or, at the very least, a few ideas for decorating your own place. The selection of bric-a-brac, new and vintage furniture, and garden decor is constantly replenished, all reflected in their great displays.

This pretty white-and-gold salon offers hairstyling, makeup application, and the full bridal-beauty service suite. The owner has years of experience, having worked on movie sets and photoshoots since the beginning of her career. Now settled in Newport with her family, visitors and locals can sit in Jennie’s chair for cuts, blowdries, and up-do’s. If you're stuck for inspiration, take a look at the Jennie Kay insta (she also has her own youtube tutorial channel) or drop in for a consultation. Brides, be sure to book in early as this salon is especially high in demand throughout the summer season.

Husband and wife team Jake and Steph Kopper started experimenting with making natural soaps in their home kitchen, got hooked, and The Shore Soap Company was born. Inspired by the simplicity of their surroundings and lifestyle, the couple wanted to create natural, high-end products that were affordable and sustainable. The soaps became so popular that the line has expanded to include candles, moisturizers, scrubs, and more. The Kopper’s are passionate about the environment and avoid harmful chemicals when crafting their products.

The Cliff Walk lives up to its name and is Newport's signature hike. On one side take in the stunning coastline and on the other you'll get a stellar view of many of Newport’s gilded age era mansions. Hike the full three-and-a-half mile trail and you’ll see original Vanderbilt family mansions: Marble House, Rough Point, and Renaissance-style The Breakers among others. There are plenty of different entry and exit points for those not wanting to do the full trail. Avoid hiking on a windy day as the terrain can get rough in patches and there are cliff drops not suitable for small kids or those prone to vertigo.

This is one of Newport’s most popular beaches (which means you’ll be braving the crowds) but it’s a worthwhile stop if you’re traveling with kids for its playground, old-school merry-go-round, dime-size aquarium, Del’s Lemonade (an RI classic), and lobster rolls at the snack bar. There are better swimming holes, but Newport’s only ocean beach boasts the most attractions.

The name pretty much explains why this is an ideal daytrip for kids. Take a picnic (stop by Le Petit Gourmet enroute) and head 20 minutes out of town to Portsmouth. There’s a mansion on the property with an antique toy collection, but the real attraction is the multitude of topiary animals, geometric shapes, and manicured flower gardens outdoors.

Newport's preppy reputation precedes it, so it's fitting that the town is home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Housed in the former Newport Casino (a grand, old shingle-style building that's officially a National Historic Landmark), it's home to exhibitions of historic memorabilia–including some incredible old-school tennis whites–as well as several beautifully maintained tennis courts. Book a time slot in advance, and you can play a few games on the immaculate historic grass courts.

Water lover Ed Sanchas was frustrated by how difficult it was to rent kayaks while traveling and founded Newport's first kayak delivery business to remedy the situation. Mobile Kayaks takes all the hassle out of renting water-sports equipment and brings the kayaks and paddle boards right to you: Ed and his team will meet you at the water’s edge in Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth (they also have plenty of insider hints on the best spots). Once you're done, they’ll come back and pick up all the equipment. Operating throughout the summer season only, be sure to reserve your kayaks in advance.

This farmer’s market has been providing Newport with fresh, seasonal, local produce for over twenty-two years. Each week dozens of vendors gather to sell everything from vegetables, fresh seafood, and homemade condiments to herbal skin care. All the food sold has been grown or made within a fifty-mile radius, making this market a truly sustainable farm-to-table shopping experience. Spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy your haul to a soundtrack of live music in the shade along Memorial Boulevard.

The permanent collection here focuses on American art from the 19th century to the present day, and, like the more contemporary exhibition, pays particular attention to art from Rhode Island and New England. In addition to the charm of perusing local art through the old creaky building, the museum holds great lectures.

Classic Cruises and their custom tours take full advantage of the amazing vantage point that is the water in Newport. Thrill seekers can relive the sea chases of the prohibition era on high-speed motorboat Rum Runner II, built in 1929. Meanwhile, the romantics can glide through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay on the seventy-two-foot schooner, The Madeleine. The incredibly knowledgeable crew will give you the insider scoop on every cove, lighthouse, and seaside home on the coastline. Aim for a sunset cruise to take in the scenery with a glass of wine‚ and for those looking for an even more special experience, the boats are available for small groups and private charter.

This great, year-round, roving film festival takes up digs in the town’s most historic spots, whether it’s outdoors at the Bird Sanctuary, on the lawn at Rosecliff Mansion, or inside the classic Jane Pickens art-house theater. The website updates often for the latest films and locations.

Each year, Fort Adams State Park, with its 360° views of the harbor and Naragansett Bay, hosts two long-standing music festivals (among the first of their kind): The Newport Folk Festival from July 25th to 27th, and The Newport Jazz Festival, August 1st through 3rd. While the folk festival veers toward indie musicians like Jenny Lewis, Conor Oberst and Band of Horses, the jazz festival, has stuck with traditional big-name headliners like Wynton Marsalis, Lee Konitz, and Ravi Coltrane.

The turn of the century brought millionaires and their heirs and heiresses to the Newport shoreline and along with them, some big houses. Taking their inspiration from Versailles and Italy’s Renaissance palazzos, The Vanderbilt’s built The Breakers and Marble House, Doris Duke commissioned Rough Point, and heiress Theresa Oelrichs built Rosecliff. Tours are a summertime highlight as many close during the rest of the year.

Newport's polo club is the oldest in the country (founded in 1876), so it's no surprise that the grounds are a huge part of the appeal here; the original property was called Glen Farm, and was complete with an incredible stone barn and stable. There are matches every Saturday in the summer, and the tailgate is an important part of the scene–regulars will have huge spreads and tents, but all you need is a bottle of champagne, cheese, and a picnic blanket to take part. Elaborate Kentucky-Derby-style hats are highly encouraged.

Newport is basically mecca in the sailing community. It hosts several big-name regattas, including the Americas Cup (The Newport Regatta was June 9th-12th). If you’re new to the sport, there are plenty of spots offering lessons, though this family-run business on Goat Island—in operation since the ‘60s—is one of the classics. They offer courses for beginner, intermediate, and advanced sailors in two to four class packages, ideal if you’re staying in Newport for a short stint. If you’re only in town for the weekend and looking to get out on the water, you can also book an hour’s tour of the harbor and Naragansett Bay.

There are no kites, joggers, or bike riders allowed in this 375-acre nature reserve on Aquidneck island—it’s for serious birders only. The number of species you’ll run across on any day is pretty impressive, and so are the seven, well-maintained miles of trails. They hold free guided bird walks every other Sunday.

Founded in 1747, this is the oldest lending library in America. Its history is pronounced: There’s a wide selection of rare and first-edition hardcover books on the shelves, while portraits of prominent leaders hang above. It’s a great place to think and read, especially in the large Terry Reading Room. There’s also their version of a bookstore in the back: At the 1747 Store, anything from an old design hardcover to an esoteric history book can be bought for as little as 50 cents.

While pro surfers head to Newport to catch ten and 15 foot swells at Ruggles break point, there are gentler beaches like Second where the waves are more appropriate for beginners. It’s here that Rhody’s instructors teach one hour private and group lessons (they also provide all the necessary equipment). Kids can also join their week-long morning surf camps—sign up online, as they fill up quickly.

Despite Newport's serious yacht culture, the gorgeous scenery can still be enjoyed with both feet on solid ground. Case in point: Sachuest Point is a close to three-mile oceanside hike through a wildlife sanctuary. This trail is home to birds, ducks, cottontail rabbits, and dozens of other species. Open all year long, Sachuest is a great option through the winter months when it’s less crowded and cooler. Take your time, watch the waves and hopefully spot a deer or two.