Welcome to Newport, America's first resort where iconic lighthouses and classic sailboats dot the shoreline, while on land, Colonial Architecture, an eclectic food scene, dynamic shopping and charming history await. It's the place where the ocean takes 100 pounds off your shoulders, and for the next 24 hours, it's your oasis.

If this is your first time in Newport and you're looking for the can't-miss Classics, head on over to our Guide for First-Timers. If you're ready for a day off the beaten path, you're in the right place.

3:00 PM: CHECK-IN

Time to settle into your home away from home. For an escape in the heart of downtown, check-in to the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa, on iconic America's Cup Avenue with balcony fire pits overlooking Newport harbor and a new Hideaway Terrace poolside oasis. Or make your way to Gardiner House, an airy and artistic waterfront boutique hotel that feels and flows like a seaside house full of playful design.

Discover a quiet retreat at the Cliffside Inn, featuring unique architectural details and located steps from the Newport Cliff Walk. For larger groups, consider Island House Newport, for fresh, luxury suites perfect for gathering.

Looking for something truly out of the ordinary? Click here for Unique Places to Stay in Newport

Hideaway Terrace Newport Marriott Photo: Hideaway Terrace at Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa

4:00 PM: SUNSET ISLAND TOUR FROM ABOVE

Ready for a true lay of the land? Climb aboard Newport Helicopter Tours for the Island Tour to explore some of the area's most stunning sites from above. You'll pass the Newport Mansions, Ocean Drive, the Newport Bridge and more on this 20-minute journey through the sky—consider the sunset as your backdrop an added bonus.

Newport Helicopter Tour

5:00 PM: STROLL DOWNTOWN

Make your way to the heart of downtown on America's Cup Avenue and Thames Street where you'll find a mix of local boutiques, exquisite galleries, eclectic artisans, and award-winning restaurants along historic cobblestone streets and picturesque byways.

For pre-dinner drinks and light bites, make your way to Begin the night with pre-dinner drinks and light bites at Stoneacre Garden. Sip thoughtfully created cocktails or sake and a menu of snacks perfect for sharing. During the warmer months, enjoy sunset views and libations from the rooftop bar or catch a live DJ set on Sunday afternoons to close out the weekend.

7:00 PM: INDULGE IN AUTHENTIC CUISINE—TRAVELER'S CHOICE

Audette

For a taste of Paris in Newport, head to Audette, an authentic French fine dining experience located at 505 Thames Street.

Formerly Bouchard's, this newly reimagined restaurant is still dressed with traditional white tablecloths and candlelight accents, with a curated modern touch.

Start your meal with a Caviar service or choose from hors-d’oeurves like Escargot and Beef Tartare, moving on to the plats principaux for a fuller fare, and the star of the show, don't leave without getting the Grand Marnier Souffle for dessert. Trust us.

A few doors down you’ll also find Thames Street Kitchen, a sister restaurant to Audette, and intimate steakhouse with signature classics for everyone.

Chomp Newport

When all you need is a juicy, flavorful burger with a salty side of fries and dipping sauce, Chomp Kitchen & Drinks has got you covered.

With locations in Providence and Warren, this comfort food haven can now be found in Newport at 111 Broadway in Newport. Aside from the burger and fry options, you’ll find a variety of monthly specials, starters, salads, sandwiches and wings that blend all kinds of food cravings.

To wash it all down, local brews await across the street at Pivotal Brewing Co., located at 140 Broadway. This newly introduced second taproom, based in Bristol, offers a space mixing urban hideaway with local charm.

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8:30 AM: START YOUR DAY

Good morning, ready for breakfast? Whether you're a die-hard French toast lover or you always find yourself with a hankering for something savory, Newport has some of the best breakfast dishes around. Head over to Franklin Spa, a diner-esque spot on the corner of Franklin and Spring that serves up bottomless cups of coffee (heard that right!) and gargantuan portions to start your day.

Or stop in to Atlantic Grille, where the breakfast was dubbed the best in town by Conde Nast Traveler and the combo plates are aptly named after Newport's local beaches.

Beehive Cafe Breakfast

10:00 AM: EXPLORE—TRAVELER'S CHOICE

BELCOURT OF NEWPORT

Step inside Belcourt of Newport, the former summer cottage of Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont designed by famed architect Richard Morris Hunt. Construction began in 1891 for this 60-room villa modeled after Louis XIII's hunting lodge at Versailles, and was completed in 1894 at a cost of $3.2 million. The house stayed in the Belmont family until 1940, at which point it changed hands several times until coming under the ownership of the Tinney Family in 1956, who used the estate to showcase their expansive art and antiques collection. The Tinneys lived in the house for 56 years until 2012, when it was purchased by Carolyn Rafaelian who restored the property to its former glory.

Belcourt has a long reputation of being haunted, with accounts of cloaked figures in the night and armor that moves on its own. Ready to see for yourself? Hop on a 50-minute guided tour.

Belcourt of Newport

SALT BOUTIQUE SPA

Carving out time for some needed R&R is always a good idea, no matter how short or long the trip.

Salt Boutique Spa will leave you revived and refreshed for the inevitable, dare we say, post-vacation. The variety of Salt services nurture both the body and spirit, and are backed by a team with over 30 years of experience in the wellness industry.

Find the treatment that aligns with you; from deep tissue massages to anti-aging facials using luxury, clean products. Consider a body collagen wrap or relax in the sauna studio, you can't go wrong.

For more ways to unwind, find all options here.

12:00 PM: SAVOR LOCAL FLAVORS

Sometimes the best way to experience a place is by tasting your way through it. Rhode Island Red Food Tours provides a unique opportunity to sample food from at least six Newport restaurants in just one afternoon. You'll gain new insight into the historical, architectural and cultural aspects of the city and learn the stories behind creatively inspired cuisine. Experience tastings from an local Mexican restaurant, a Central American bodega, an ice cream shop, a TIkTok famous cafe, and more on this 3-3.5 hour tour.

People inside Stoneacre Brasserie Restaurant in Newport Rhode Island