Newport Rhode Island Two Day Itinerary First-Timers
It is difficult to determine how to best use your 48 hours in Newport Rhode Island, there are so many great things to see and do. Newport is famous for its Gilded Age mansions and America’s Cup sailboat race. You will find mansions, a gorgeous harbor full of yachts, a gorgeous cliff walk, lighthouses, and a lot of sailboats. This 2-day itinerary is jam-packed with must-see sites and top attractions, including, Cliff Walk, Newport Harbor, Easton’s Beach, Bowen’s Wharf, Bannister Wharf, Thames Street, and more. Have more time? Add a day trip to Providence. It is possible to travel the world with limited PTO, here’s how to visit Newport in two days. Enjoy your time out of the office!
READ Two Week New England Road Trip Itinerary: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut
Day One: Cliffwalk, Mansions, and Bannister Wharf
9 am Take a walk on the Cliff Walk and take the 40 Steps down to the beach.
11 am Check out the Castle Hill Lighthouse and have lunch on the lawn at Castle Hill Inn.
1 pm Tour Chateau-sur-Mer, one of the first Bellevue Ave mansions.
2 pm Tour the Elms mansion, consider adding on the servant life tour.
3 pm Tour Marble House, a Vanderbilt summer cottage.
5 pm Shop the boutiques on Thames Street or relax in an Adirondack chair with a cocktail on Bannister Wharf. Have dinner at the Black Pearl (order clam chowder) before returning to the hotel.
Day Two: Ocean Drive, Mansions, and Bowen’s Wharf
9 am Take a drive along Ocean Drive before the road gets busy. Stop for photos along the way, and don’t miss the Ida Lewis Yacht Club.
10:30 am Go for a walk on Easton’s Beach and eat fried clams at Flo’s Clam Shack.
1 pm Tour Rosecliff Mansion, filming location of Great Gatsby.
3 pm Tour the Breakers, a Vanderbilt summer cottage.
5 pm Take a harbor cruise out to the Rose Island Lighthouse. Shop for souvenirs on Bowen’s Wharf and have dinner at The Landing before returning to the hotel.
Check the Rhode Island Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Looking for more options? Continue reading for additional things to do in Newport to supplement this itinerary.
Additional Things to Do in Newport Rhode Island
Have more time? Supplement this day trip itinerary with these additional things to do in Newport.
- Explore the Newport Mansions
- Check out the boats at Newport Yacht Club
- Take a seal watching cruise
- Ride the carousel at Easton’s Beach
- Spend the night at the haunted Rose Island Lighthouse
- Check out the Save the Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium
- Relax at Gooseberry Beach or Block Island
- Stop in the White Horse Tavern, the oldest tavern in the US
- Wander through the Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth
- Check out the Newport Tower
- Photograph the Newport Harbor Light and Bridge
- Explore the secret underground tunnels at Fort Adams
- Go sailing in Narragansett Bay
- Watch a polo match
- Visit Trinity Church and see George Washington’s Pew Box (81)
- Enjoy a craft beer at Newport Storm Brewery
- Browse the collection of Norman Rockwell at the National Museum of American Illustration
- Go for a sail on a former America’s Cup Yacht
- Take a tennis lesson at the International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Play in the water at Brenton Cove
- Go wine tasting at Newport Vineyards
- Visit St Mary’s Church, the site of JFK and Jackie O’s wedding
- Explore the coast and bay on a rail bike
- Explore Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge
- Visit the Museum of Sailing
- Explore the 17th Century Homes in The Commons
- Browse the 19th Century American Art at Newport Art Museum
- Learn about Newport’s history at the Museum of Newport History
- Learn about Naval Warfare at the Naval War College Museum
- Check out the rare vehicles at the Audrain Automobile Museum
- Enjoy a lobster roll at Brick Alley Pub
- Have lunch at the Newport Lobster Shack on Long Wharf
- Drink a Del’s lemonade
My Favorite Booking Resources
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- Trainline Explore effortlessly by train and bus.
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- Hostelworld Hostelworld has great inexpensive options.
- Get Your Guide Don’t chance it, the best attractions sell out.
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- Welcome Pickups Airport and port transfers.
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