Newport is a top vacation destination for East Coasters, and it’s not difficult to understand why. From the towering cliffs along the ocean to the endless seafood shacks and clothing boutiques on Thames street, there is no shortage of things to do in this waterfront town. 

Enjoy a coffee and breakfast at a cafe 

Best breakfast: Franklin’s Spa

If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast that many tourists don’t know about, Franklin’s Spa is the place to go. Don’t expect to be greeted with facials and mani-pedis, but definitely be prepared to eat some good food. Menu options range from french toast with syrup and whipped cream to elaborate egg dishes.

Best coffee: Cru Cafe in Newport or Custom House in Middletown 

Cru Cafe is the place to be on a Friday or Saturday morning in the summer. For good reason, too; the coffee is delicious and the menu extensive. They offer traditional breakfasts and breakfast burritos as well as paninis for lunch and even a few dinner options. 

Grab a lobster roll from Easton’s Beach (or from one of the hundreds of restaurants)

If you’re anything like me, your summer vacation to Newport is never complete until you’ve had a buttery lobster roll. For the best lobster roll in town, head to Easton’s beach. The snack bar offers high quality seafood, making it the perfect post-beach stop.  

Rent a surfboard at Second Beach 

While there are several surf shops around Newport, the easiest place to grab a board is at Surfer’s End. Located at Second Beach, here you’ll find a surf truck where boards can be rented for around $20 per hour. These are some of the best waves in the area, but conditions really depend on the time of day and weather forecast. Be sure to check the conditions beforehand!

Tour the mansions 

The Newport Mansions are the reason Newport is such a renowned vacation spot today. Many of the estates, such as The Breakers, The Marble House, and The Elms, can be toured daily between 10:30am-3:30pm. Ticket prices start at $28 for one mansion visit, but vary depending on how many estates you want to see. If you are traveling on a budget, consider doing the Cliff Walk (see below) instead and viewing the mansions from afar instead of touring.

Walk along Cliff Walk

During the Gilded Age in the late 1800s, many wealthy families began building “summer cottages” along the waterfront next to what is now Easton’s Beach. These estates are what make Cliff Walk one of the most popular attractions in Newport. The walk starts at Memorial Boulevard, at the end of Easton’s beach on the Newport side. From there, you can walk all the way to Bellevue Avenue, which ends up being around 3.5 miles one-way. Paid parking can be found along most of the side streets,, and access to the is free. 

The northern half of Cliff Walk is easy to navigate with paved paths, but if you plan on going to the end be sure to wear good sneakers as the path changes to rocks and sand. You’ll see some of the magnificent mansions along the way, including The Breakers estate and the Salve Regina University campus. 

Go on a walk at Purgatory Chasm 

Purgatory Chasm is located at the end of Purgatory Road in Middletown. Parking spots can be found outside of the entrance, or you can bike or walk if you are staying nearby. Once inside, visitors can walk to the bridge to view the chasm or sit on the cliff overlooking the ocean. The area is usually not crowded, making it the perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch. 

Jump off the rocks 

Towards the East side of Easton’s beach, there is a row of rocks that follow the line of the shore and continue all the way to Second Beach. There are several public access points to the beach, and jumping off the rocks and into the ocean is a great way to spend a summer afternoon. There are even a few rocks further out that you can swim to and stand on to catch your breath. While there used to be a few diving boards in certain areas, they were removed years ago for safety concerns. Don’t forget to check if the water is deep enough before jumping, and never jump at high tide! 

Newport is the perfect spot for a family vacation, and we hope this article has given you plenty of ideas for how to spend a day in this beautiful seaside town. Don’t forget to check out our other posts before your next vacation!