Rhode Island is about 37 miles across…you could walk that in a day.
But would you want to? Probably not, because for starters, why would you do that? And also there’s just too much to do in this tiny state.
As much as I’d love to give you the low-down of the Ocean State, I’ve only been there a few times so I’m gonna focus on Newport, Rhode Island.
When you first arrive in Newport, you’ll feel as though you are transported back in time to the 1800s to a small seaside town. Either that or you’ve suddenly been cast in a movie that takes place in the 1800s. You’ll be surrounded by colonial brick buildings, large, old-style mansions, and miles of beach.
Here’s a list of what you have to do when visiting Newport.
Visit the Breakers
The Breakers Mansion, a Gilded Age-style mansion, was built by the Vanderbilts. So you can imagine the intricacies of the floors and ceilings, the carefully selected fabrics and curtains, and the pristine lawn that extends to overlook the ocean.
You can choose to tour this mansion for $26, or a bit more if you also want a garden tour.
When I was there, we spent a bit of time relaxing on the lawn staring in awe at the beauty and grandeur of the estate. Some people even brought little picnics and were popping champagne. If I were to do it again…that’s the way I would be doing it.
Stroll Along the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island
When I first looked into visiting Newport, I didn’t imagine cliffs or any type of rocky shore. Maybe that’s ignorance or maybe you don’t hear about Rhode Island beaches very often.
But once I saw the Cliff Walk, I knew I had to do it.
The walk itself is a 3.5-mile long walk one way. If you start from the far end to end your walk near the town, I suggest you take an uber there. We Ubered to Bellevue Ave to start our walk from the end.
As you stroll along the Cliff Walk, you’ll see beautiful, white-crested waves crashing on the rocks near the shore. You’ll pass by enormous mansions, all of which have a different style to them.
You can pause on some of the rocks to sit and enjoy the cool, salty breeze or a small picnic.
Tour the Elms Mansion
With so many mansions available to tour in Newport, Rhode Island, the Elms Mansion is another one you have to see.
The mansion was built in 1901 as a summer home. Emphasis on summer home. Back in the day, it was built for $1.4 million. If I did the math correctly, or I guess if the inflation calculator did it right, this home is worth over $44 million today.
Again, emphasis on a summer home.
If you have time on your weekend getaway to Newport, I highly suggest touring this mansion and staying to spend time in the gardens as well.
Dine Somewhere on Bowen’s Wharf
What was once a thriving seaport for a bustling harbor, Bowen’s Wharf now offers fine dining, a few boutiques, and unbeatable views of the Newport Harbor.
If you’re not up to shopping, it’s still worth wandering around aimlessly. You’ll be able to take in the sites of old wharf-style buildings, sounds of boats and seagulls, and the salty smells of the wharf.
There are a ton of options to choose from if you’re a foodie, but my favorite was Diego’s. If you plan to eat here while visiting Newport, plan ahead and make a reservation. We had to come here three times before getting a table on our last day.
Take a Sailing Tour in Newport, Rhode Island
One of the best ways to see and get a feel for Newport is by sea.
And this leads me to one of my favorite things that we did in Newport, Rhode Island, which was taking a sailing mimosa tour!
You’ll get one mimosa included in the cost of the tour itself and all the others are only $5. Your captain will bring you around the harbor. You’ll see the old fort, a few mansions set on the water, and other sights worth seeing.
Pretty great deal if you ask me.
