Start your day with Le Bec Sucré. 

This not so hidden gem attracts a line and sells out quickly each morning, and for good reason. Choose from authentic French recipe baguettes, croissants, and pastries like Pain au Chocolat aux Amandes will have you screaming magnifique!

Insider Tip: Don’t miss their sister spot across the parking lot, Le Bec Salé for savory sandwiches, salads and more.

Located just across the parking lot from Le Bec Sucré, power up your morning with organic cold-pressed juices, nut milks and bites at the Power of Juice. Multiple servings of veggies in one tasting glass? Yes please!

Looking for a deeper dive of health? Ask about their juice cleanse kits, and don’t forget to check out their selection of curated gifts and trinkets.

Hop back in the car and trek just down the street for a custom cup of joe (see what we did there).

A coffee house in every meaning of the word, walking into Custom House Coffee is a bit like a warm hug. The smell of their coffee roaster, the cozy seating and friendly service is the perfect way to start your day. 

Think: A coastal loop path, miles of trails through a bird sanctuary, and views of beaches and the open sea. 

Norman Bird Sanctuary

In the beach region sits 350 acres of preserved land, with 7 miles of trails and some of the best bird watching around. We’re talking about none other than the Norman Bird Sanctuary, a haven of nature just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Newport. If you’re feeling adventurous, do not miss Hanging Rock trail that will provide you with some of the most epic vistas on the island.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

Just around the corner lies the most peaceful peninsula at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. With over 3 miles of trails and 242 acres of protected land overlooking the Sakonnet River and Narragansett Bay, you will be greeted by ocean vistas at nearly every point, along with a number of paths that lead you down to rocky shorelines to explore. Ideal for hiking year-round, in the winter some have even spotted an elusive Snowy Owl.

Middletown Valley Park

Located in the center of Middletown, Valley Park offers a reprieve of nature right in the center of Middletown’s commercial district. This 40-acre hidden gem is a great stop to stretch your legs during your day in Middletown, or perhaps even if you’re staying at one of the nearby hotels.

Sand, sunshine and the perfect amount of sea breeze. 

Sachuest Beach

AKA Second Beach

Perhaps the most visited beach on Aquidneck Island is Sachuest Beach, also known as Second Beach. Stretching 1-mile long this beach is known for its surf and sand, but is a beautiful spot year-round for walks and surfers spectating at Surfer’s End.

Visiting during the holiday season? See if the iconic beach Christmas tree pops up at Surfer’s End, a quintessential coastal tradition.

Insider's Tip: Sunsets here are stunning year-round, so be sure to have your camera ready.

Surfers End

Head to Surfer's End for, you guessed it, surfing; plus, kayaking and kite flying. Large waves and ample space culminate the perfect beach scene. 

Purgatory Chasm

Before or after your visit to the beach, don’t miss the gem of Purgatory Chasm, located just up the road from Surfer’s End, this hidden spot has one of the coolest views on the island.

A short walk will bring you to one of the most wild natural wonders, a chasm that is 120 feet long, 10 feet wide at the top, and over 150 feet deep. A small parking lot is available for limited-time parking.

Third Beach

Located down the road from Second Beach and fairly off the beaten path, Third Beach provides a quiet oasis for those looking to unwind. Perfect for families, Third Beach is set in a cove, so there aren't many waves, but don't worry, the breeze is still plenty. 

Wild open spaces, perhaps some ducks, and friendly goats will have you feeling the farm frenzy.

Simmons Farm

Simmons Farm is a perfect pit stop for all ages. Located off of East Main Rd. this 120 acre family owned and operated farm has a great farm stand, but most known for their adorable farm animals including goats, cows and chickens.

Don’t forget to check their website first for any available events, even perhaps a Goat Hike? (And yes it’s a real thing!)

Rocky Brook Orchards

Pick your own at Rocky Brook Orchards, a family-run orchard with more than 80 varieties of apples, plus a variety of other delicious products to choose from. 

Sweet Berry Farm

Enjoy nature’s bounty throughout several seasons at iconic Sweet Berry Farm, with pick-your-own farm grown fruits, veggies, and flowers.

Don’t forget to check out their indoor market, cafe, and seasonal Farmaesthetic's Shed for locally made natural skincare located right on property.

Check out these two surviving windmills of more than dozens that once stood on Aquidneck Island. 

Prescott Farm

Pair your stop to Simmons Farm with the neighboring Prescott Farm across the street. A colonial farm site featuring an 1812 windmill, historic buildings, gardens and walking trails.

Insider's Tip: Check out their pond to see if you spot any ducks relaxing their afternoon away.

Paradise Valley Park

Picnic and picture perfect Paradise Valley Park features beautiful grounds and a historic windmill that believe it or not was originally located in Portsmouth for 185 years before being relocated to this beautiful setting in Middletown.

Head back to explore the rest of Aquidneck Avenue’s food gems like The Food Shack, that serves up the flavors and feels of Pacific and Caribbean islands, Central America and the west coast.

Just across the street venture over to Foodlove Market, a Newport Restaurant Group chef-crafted marketplace that marries fresh goodies, prepared dishes from their signature restaurants and order-to-go breakfast and lunch.

Just south on Aquidneck Ave and just behind Custom House Coffee, you’ll find a hidden gem not to be missed, Sprout & Lentil. This vegan restaurant is serving up everything from pizza, burgers, nachos, and more. 

Fun Fact: Sprout & Lentil was crowned Best Plant-Based Burger in the 2024 Newport Burger Bender. 

Golf anyone? Newport Mini Golf is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Opened in 2024 it is Aquidneck Island’s newest family attraction but perfect for adults as well.

A new perspective on Middletown, get a thrill with Skydive Newport or take a tour of the island with Newport Helicopter Tours.

Ever dreamed of horseback riding on the beach? Yep, Middletown has that too.

Take a trail ride or try riding lessons for the ultimate equestrian experience, no previous riding experience needed, with Newport Equestrian Academy. 

Newport Vineyards

After a morning of exploring, the afternoon is calling for some wine. With over 70 acres of vines, spanning over 100 acres of preserved farmland, the vineyard has been family owned and operated for nearly 30 years.

Newport Vineyards is a destination in itself. While you are there, take a tour, grab a tasting, stay for the food, or shop in the well-stocked gift shop. 

Kick up your feet and raise your glass to an afternoon of being on ‘vineyard time.

Taproot Brewing Co.

While the vineyard boats over 30 varietals of estate grown wines, multiple hard ciders, and a full cocktail program, they also have their own micro brews from onsite Taproot Brewery. 

Equipped with a state-of-the-art seven-barrel brewhouse, focusing on unfiltered hop-forward beers made in small batches and meant to be enjoyed immediately for the ultimate freshness.

Rejects Beer Co.

Good beer, without the fuss. The vibe: Retro counter culture meets 80's basement. 

Welcome to Rejects Beer Co., inside you'll find a 28-seat bar with six beers on tap alongside neon lighting and oak wooden barrels housing the latest brews. Outside, you'll find a patio equipped with a fire pit and seating with a water view.

Coddington Brewing Company

Founded in 1995 as Newport County's first brewpub, Coddington Brewing Company is conveniently only 3 miles from downtown Newport.

Looking for a great spot to bring families and friends? Look no further, Coddington has a large food menu, seven rotating craft beers on tap, billiards and a fireplace.

Check out Diego’s Barrio Cantina, sister restaurant of the downtown Newport Diego’s, serving up Mexican-fusion food from scratch and some killer views from their deck overlooking Easton’s Pond. 

Insider's Tip: Stop by neighboring Rejects Beer Co. for fresh brews and views.

All that exploring have you hungering for a burger? Don’t miss Mission, the home of the smash burger and out of this world ‘mission sauce.’

Fun Fact: Worth a breakfast stop for their Taylor Ham Breakfast Sandwich which took top honors on The Food Network’s ‘Best Bite in Town’ show in 2024.

Also don’t miss their sister store adjacent to the restaurant, Utility, for professional grade cookware and can’t live without homeware and gifts, all sourced from independent brands.

Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream

After your dinner walk over to Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream for your sweet tooth (open seasonally, be sure to check their website before stopping).

Flo's Clam Shack

Featured on Food Network's Best of Rhode Island, Flo's Clam Shack has been a staple for life-changing seafood in Newport since 1936. Grab a menu and place your order at the counter—we recommend the award-winning clam cakes—then grab a seat on either floor of this casual, oceanfront shack. For a worthwhile view, head upstairs to the front sun room overlooking Newport's First Beach. Open seasonally.

Pro tip: Food Network's Chris Cosentino named the fried clam roll the best thing he's ever eaten. Don't skip it.