2-Day Itinerary For Newport, RI: All You Need To Know (2025)

Newport, Rhode Island, is a popular tourist destination and wedding location in the summer. Its coastal charm, walkable downtown, abundant restaurant/bar/cafe options, and ocean activities make it a summer hub in New England.

If you’re coming to Newport for the weekend, here are some ideas for maximizing your time. Enjoy this 2-day itinerary for Newport, RI 2025 edition.

When Is The Best Time to Visit Newport?

Newport is at its peak during the summer months. From June through September, you can enjoy outdoor patio dining, easy access to ocean activities, and bask in the sun. Summer and early fall are also the busiest times in Newport, with crowds of people. 

To avoid heavy crowds, traffic, and parking problems, visit Newport on a sunny weekend in April or May. There’s noticeably less congestion and difficulty maneuvering around town.

If you intend to visit for their famous festivals, here are some dates for upcoming events in 2025: 

• Newport Jazz Festival: August 1 through August 3, 2025
• Newport Folk Festival: July 25 – July 27, 2025
• Polo Matches: Held every Saturday in the summer from June 7 through September 27 for the 2025 season. 
• Bowen’s Wharf Oyster and Chowder Festival May 17 & 18, 2025
• Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival: October 18 & 19, 2025
• Newport to Bermuda Race: Starts June 19, 2025
• Newport Regatta: July 12-13, 2025

2-Day Itinerary In Newport, RI

Here are some suggestions for spending a fabulous 2 days in Newport. Check out these other posts if you want more tips for Newport and other local spots.

Day 1 in Newport, Rhode Island

Spend your first day in Newport learning about its history and touring its most famous mansion, The Breakers. The Breakers was a summer residence for the Cornelius Vanderbilt family and holds a wealth of American history.

Grab Coffee and a Breakfast Sandwich from The Nitro Bar

The Nitro Bar has two locations in Newport: on Thames Street and Broadway. It became a viral social media sensation for its unique drink combinations and nitro cold brew, a must-try in Newport. 

Get in line early or order online; they are a popular spot. The Broadway location tends to be less crowded than the Thames Street store. 

Tour The Breakers and Walk The Cliffwalk

Next, head to the sea. The paved Cliff Walk trail offers terrific views of vast estates from the Gilded Age and the ocean. The paved trail begins on Memorial Avenue, right next to the beach. It runs for about 1.5 miles and passes The Breakers and other notable estates. You can continue down the Cliff Walk for another couple of miles. However, it does go off-trail and requires some scrambling over rocks. 

Stop at The Breakers and take their audio walking tour of the impressive grounds. You’ll learn about the history of the Vanderbilt family, who once owned the home, as well as about the architecture and design of the impressive estate. 

Grab a bite for lunch at the cafe at The Breakers, or head back to the wharf and enjoy one of their many fine eateries.

Walk Around Downtown

Thames Street, Bannister’s Wharf, and Bowen’s Wharf are Newport’s main thoroughfares for shops, bars, and eateries. You can spend days walking in and out of stores, art galleries, and boutiques. There are plenty of places to eat, and I highly recommend getting some fresh seafood while you’re in Newport. 

Restaurants in Downtown Newport 

• 22 Bowen’s: A waterfront prime steakhouse, wine bar, and sophisticated charm.
• The Mooring: Sits right on the waterfront of Bowen’s Wharf and offers indoor/outdoor seating and an elevated traditional New England-style menu. 
• Benjamin’s Raw Bar: Has all of your fresh raw bar and seafood delights
• The Black Pearl: Offers classic fresh cuisine and a raw bar with waterfront patio seating.
• The White Horse Tavern: Known as the “oldest opening restaurant in the US,” it is an institution in its history, architecture, and culinary delights. 
• Ben & Jerry’s: Have 2 locations downtown to enjoy a sweet cold treat

Sunset Sail 

After a day in the sun, it is time to relax at sunset. Take a sailboat from the wharf to enjoy a fantastic sunset view. Newport Classic Cruises and Sightsailing of Newport offer sunset cruising options. 

Dinner & Drinks Downtown

Enjoy the rest of your night in historic Newport. There’s a bustling nightlife scene. Check out some of the establishments mentioned above or below for dinner, or walk around town and find a menu that suits your tastes.

More Restaurants/Pubs In Newport

• O’Brien’s Pub: A local favorite with an extensive menu, frequent special events, and good vibes. In the summer, they have a large, bustling outdoor patio. 
• The Landing: Located on the waterfront at Bowen’s Wharf, it offers an excellent view for a cocktail with live music. I recommend this more for an after-dinner spot to grab a drink.
• Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant: A Newport favorite, this cozy pub serves your favorite local comfort foods.

Day 2 in Newport, Rhode Island

Day 2 in Newport is what you make of it. You may get a slow start and walk around early in the morning, so sleep in.

Here are some ideas for how to spend your second day in Newport.

f you’re eating breakfast brunch or want coffee, here are some spots to try. 

• Corner Cafe
• CRU Cafe
• Annie’s
• Empire Coffee and Tea
• Newport Creamery 

Go To The Beach or Enjoy A Museum 

Newport has two easily accessible beaches where you can sit and walk on the water. Easton’s Beach (First Beach) and Sachuest Beach (Second Beach) are some of the top beaches in the area. You can pack a lunch to enjoy while you’re out or eat at one of the many restaurants in this post.

If you’re not in the mood for the beach, enjoy one of these Newport activities:

• International Tennis Hall of Fame
• Newport Art Museum 
• Tour more of the Newport Mansions

Visit  Fort Adams State Park

Fort Adams State Park is on the western tip of Newport Harbor and is a 15-30 minute drive from downtown, pending traffic. An original military installation from the 1800’s, you can take a 75-minute guided tour of the structures on-premise, including underground tunnels. 

Outdoors, you can enjoy a 2-mile paved walking, biking, and cycling trail with beautiful views of Newport, the bay, and the bridge. 

Enjoy the sunset at Castle Hill Inn

Venture another 10 minutes from Fort Adams State Park and land at the iconic Castle Hill Inn. This inn is on the lush seaside at the entrance to Narragansett Bay, the perfect place to watch the sunset. 

I highly recommend reserving an outdoor table for dinner at The Lawn, with patio-style sunset seating. 

There is also first come, first serve seating in the Adirondack chairs on the lawn, as well as indoor tables and bar seating. 

Recap: 2-Day Itinerary In Newport, RI

Newport, Rhode Island, is the perfect weekend getaway in New England for history and luxurious coastal charm. With plenty of restaurants, cafes, stores, outdoor activities, and historical landmarks, you have plenty to see and do here.