Sean Spicer's guide to Newport

Everything you've got to see, eat and do in Newport, RI

Morning Activities

Newport Harbor Shuttle

Start your day with a delightful tour on the Newport Harbor Shuttle. This convenient shuttle service allows you to hop on and off at various stops throughout the harbor, including Goat Island and Fort Adams. You can even bring your own beverages and snacks aboard! Tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for kids, departing from Perrotti Park near the Marriott. This is a budget-friendly and efficient way to see the harbor and its attractions. For more details, visit Newport Harbor Shuttle (https://newportharborshuttle.com/).

Explore Brick Market Alley

After your harbor tour, take a stroll through Brick Market Alley. Continue down America’s Cup Avenue to Bowen’s and Bannister’s Wharfs. Here, you can indulge in a bowl of chowder at the Black Pearl – a must-try, though perhaps not worth a full meal.

Midday Shopping and Sightseeing

Lower Thames Street

Head to lower Thames Street for some more shopping. Walk as far as O’Brien’s Bar (a pet and family friendly place to stop for lunch, dinner or drinks) to explore local stores and boutiques.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Tennis Hall of Fame

Continue up America’s Cup Avenue, which becomes Memorial Drive, and visit St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the historic site where the Kennedys were married. Just a few blocks further, you’ll find the Tennis Hall of Fame on Bellevue Avenue. While the museum is best for tennis aficionados, the grass courts are worth a look. Nearby, you’ll find more shopping opportunities (antiques and men’s and women’s clothing). (There are plenty of places to stop for a quick bite on Bellvue but next to the  Car museum is Cru which has great pastries, salads and sandwiches and ample seating)

Lunch Options

Newport Lobster Shack

For a casual and affordable lobster meal, head to the Newport Lobster Shack at the bottom of Long Wharf, around the corner from the Marriott and across from the Wyndham. This outdoor/very casual spot offers fresh seafood without the long lines or need for reservations.

Coffee Break

Coffee lovers should check out Springline Coffee on Bannister’s Wharf, a cozy spot with views of the harbor just down from the Black Pearl.

Afternoon Adventures

Easton’s Beach (First Beach)

Easton’s Beach, also known as First Beach (Second is further down the road…and Third is, you guessed it, a little further) is about half a mile further down the road after Bellevue. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the ocean.

Lunch/Dinner options near First Beach: 

Tickets: very family friendly outdoor and indoor seating, typical bar food with seafood options.  Flo’s Clam Shack: a Rhode Island Institution for clams, clam cakes, chowder (Pro tip: New England Clam Chowder is cream based, Rhode Island Chowder is broth based).  Mission Burger: Best burger on the Island - not even close.  

Ice Cream:  many options up and down Thames Street but Clementine’s near First Beach is in a league of its own.

Mansion Tours

No trip to Newport is complete without touring the famous mansions. The Breakers and The Elms are top recommendations, showcasing the opulent summer homes of America’s wealthy families like the Vanderbilts. You can catch a transit bus or shuttle from the bus station to the mansions. For more information, visit Newport Mansions (https://www.newportmansions.org/).  

Save the Bay Aquarium

Located in the bus station at 23 America’s Cup Avenue, the new Save the Bay Aquarium is perfect for families, offering an engaging experience for kids. Learn more at Save the Bay (https://savebay.org/aquarium/).

Cliff Walk

Take a stroll down Cliff Walk (access off Memorial Drive near First Beach) and check out the Brreakers, Salve Regina College. It can be a bit rugged so be prepared.

Evening Entertainment

Newport Gulls Game

Catch a Newport Gulls game at Cardine’s Field (20 America’s Cup Avenue). This college baseball league offers fun and affordable entertainment for families.

Ryan’s Family Arcade

If it rains, head to Ryan’s Family Arcade on Thames Street, across from Bowen’s and Bannister’s Wharf, for some indoor fun.

Sailing:  

Newport is the sailing capital of the world and hosted the America’s Cup until 1983.  There is a new Sailing Museum on lower Thames. You can charter several large boats in the harbor - Madeline is a pleasure cruise option based out of Bowen’s Wharf and the old 12 Metre America’s Cup boats can also be chartered.  Sail Newport is a public sailing facility located in Ft. Adams state park where lessons and rentals are available.

Dining Options

Family-Friendly Restaurants

    •    Red Parrot

    •    O’Brien’s (Irish, family and pet friendly usually pretty easy to get into)

    •    Tavern on Broadway

    •    FastNet Pub (Irish off Broadway)

    •    Pasta Beach (off Bellvue near Tennis Hall of Fame, family friendly)

    •    Nickolas (Pizza), (on Memorial, past Tennis Hall of Family, quick, easy, family friendly)

    •    Sardellas (Italian) (On memorial)

    •    Bar Cino (Downtown)

    •    Brick Alley Pub (on Thames in Brick Alley)

    •    Fifth Element. (On Broadway, down from the police station, casual and more local, nightly live music)

    •    Thames Street Kitchen

Near First Beach:

    •    Diegos

    •    Tickets

    •    Atlantic Grille

    Mission Burger

    Bottega Bocconi (amazing takeout Italian sandwiches and meals)

Nicer/Adult Restaurants (Reservations Highly Recommended):

    •    22 Bowen

    •    Clarke Cook House

    •    White Horse Tavern (oldest pub in in America)

    •    Black Pearl

    •    Giusto in Hamett’s Wharf (get the meatball and the corn ravioli)

    •    Scales (Seafood)

    Midtown Oyster

Additional Recommendations

Farmers Market

Visit the farmers market on Wednesdays at Bellevue and Memorial for local produce, seafood, bakery items, and unique Newport gifts.

Scenic Views

Castle Hill offers stunning views of Newport and the bay. Though reservations can be tough and it’s pricey, it’s worth visiting for a drink on the Adirondack chairs on the lawn with views of the ocean. OceanCliff next door is another great option.

Must Get:

Del’s lemonade is a must during your visit.  Trucks run throughout the city but there is also a stand at the corner of America’s Cup Ave and Lower Thames.  

Lobster Rolls are another Newport institution - the best deal (they do large orders too) is the Snack Bar at Second Beach, Salty’s (www.twinrolls.com).

Day trips:

There are ferries to Block Island (about 55 minutes on the high speed ferry) and Providence from Perrotti Park (where the shuttle goes out from) and a high speed ferry to Martha’s Vineyard from Quonset Point.

ON THE WATER TOURS AND LINKS

FISHING Looking for a day trip or a harbor tour - call/Text Nik at 781-856-1256

COASTAL QUEEN HARBOR TOURS https://www.coastalqueencruises.com/daily-cruises

FAST FERRY TO PROVIDENCE This is a great cheap way to see Narragansett Bay or just have a nice boat ride without the narration that comes with a guided tour https://seastreak.com/ferry-routes-and-schedules/between-providence-newport-ri/

FERRY TO MARTHAS VINEYARD FROM QUONSET POINT https://www.fastferry.com/rhode-island-bay-cruises/

PARASAILING. https://islandstyleparasail.com/parasailing/

Afterhours:

For the college kids, Pelham is the place at night, for those over 35/40: The Landing in Bowens Wharf or the upstairs bar at Clark Cooke House

For a printable map of Newport, visit:

Newport Harbor Shuttle Map (https://newportharborshuttle.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/NewportShuttleDowntown2021V2.pdf)

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