Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer on The Classic Coast. Rooftop bars, al fresco patios, seaside lawns and outdoor attractions reawaken and reopen just as the warmer weather breathes new life into our stunning coastal enclave. But that's just the start. From harbor cruises and wine tastings to special deals and the perfect places to soak up the sun, MDW is on. Are you in? 

A TASTE OF SUMMER

Call us biased but we think summer in Newport is synonymous with heaven on earth. Where do we even begin? 

Brunch On A Boat

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Rise and shine, you’re in Newport! Start your day with an invigorating Morning Mimosa Sail aboard Adirondack II, an elegant, 80-foot, turn-of-the-century-style pilot schooner. Feel free to bring brunch to compliment perfectly poured mimosas.

 

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Dine + Sail

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Enjoy a two-hour harbor cruise with 12 Meter Charters followed by dinner at Newport's iconic Clarke Cooke House. For a true taste of summer, opt for oysters on the half shell while enjoying CCH's harbor view.

 

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Clarke Cooke House

 

Ride The Rails

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Rail Explorers offers a unique scenic ride along historic Aquidneck Island and Narragansett Bay on custom built pedal-powered vehicles. This eco-friendly business offers a 6-mile waterfront journey along existing railroad tracks.

 

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Iconic Ice Cream Shops

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From classic flavors to funky experiments, your sugary, summery bliss starts right here. 

ROOFTOP BARS AND OUTDOOR PATIOS

Harbor side rooftop bars and patios, that Atlantic-drying-on-your-skin feeling after a perfect day at the beach. Classic. 

Portside at 22 Bowen's

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This open-air, harbor-side bar located next to 22 Bowen's serves seasonal cocktails and culinary noshes overlooking the harbor on Bowen's Wharf. Snag a seat at the bar or a stool by the water and enjoy the salt air.

Portside is open for the season weather permitting.

 

Giusto Newport at Hammett's Wharf

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Located at the new Hammett's Hotel in downtown Newport, this freestyle Italian restaurant is the first solo venture from renowned Executive Chef and Rhode Island native Kevin O'Donnell. His original take on Italian dining comes complimented by a carefully crafted bar program offering a mix of classic and reinvented cocktails, beer from local breweries and a predominantly Italian wine list. As for the menu, think small but robust, with offerings including Ricotta Love Letters, Tagliolini and Corn Found on an Italian Street (AKA the only corn we want.) 

Giusto

Lawn at Castle Hill Inn

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This seaside lawn spotted with Adirondack chairs overlooking the bay at Castle Hill Inn is a Newport icon. Offering panoramic seaside views, classic New England fare and warm-weather cocktails, you might find it hard to leave.

 

AN AL FRESCO DINING EXPERIENCE

The Lawn is currently open every Thursday through Monday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM and 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday and Wednesdays, weather permitting. Seating is first-come first-serve. Note: There is a capacity limit that is often reached on weekends, so visitors are advised to have backup plans. Service for the chairs is walk-up only, and does not include food options – only beverages.

 

 

The Café at the Chanler

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This dreamy outdoor patio at The Chanler overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers a robust menu of Mediterranean-inspired classic New England fare for lunch and dinner. Not to mention, a sunset-inspired palette, sculptural furniture, and soft flowing draped fabric panels commissioned from a local sail-maker set the stage for an ethereal experience.

The Cafe is open for the season weather permitting.

Cafe at The Chanler

 

The Roof Deck at The Vanderbilt

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Savor a glass of champagne or a specialty cocktail with a classic Newport sunset and the harbor as your backdrop. Situated in the heart of downtown, you'll have gorgeous views of Newport's bustling neighborhoods and the iconic Newport bridge. And you are in luck because this gem opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend. 

The roof deck is open for the season weather permitting. 

 

 

Top of Newport Rooftop Bar

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Hotel Viking's rooftop lounge and bar offers a full menu complete with local and traditional cuisine alongside a full bar. Dine at tables, lounge on couches or sit along the newly expanded bar, all with unparalleled views of the neighborhood's tree-lined streets.

New This Season

Fire features, furniture, and a new menu await—all paired with those killer coastal sunset views.

Top of Newport is open for the season weather permitting.

 

Stoneacre Garden

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Make your way through the open garage doors at Stoneacre Garden, past the collection of eccentric furnishings, and up to the rooftop bar overlooking America's Cup Avenue. Located in Swineburne Row, this extension of sister restaurant Stoneacre Brasserie features a cheerful yellow and red awning reminiscent of a circus tent from days gone by. Your whimsical al fresco experience comes adorned in lush greenery hung from the outdoor awning.

 

 

Skiff Bar at Newport Marriott

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Situated on the harbor, Newport Marriott's Skiff Bar offers craft and local beers, specialty cocktails, savory appetizers, and signature wings and flatbreads. Enjoy seating at their outdoor bar terrace with a coastal inspired atmosphere to compliment your experience. 

Skiff Bar

 

Midtown Oyster Bar

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A Newport classic, Midtown Oyster Bar is the area's largest working raw bar with two bars, two decks, a marble raw bar and oyster stout on draft. The atmosphere here is Colonial casual: high-ceilings, dim lighting and massive slabs of wood fixed above community tables.

The restaurant spans three floors, each with its own vibe and collection of nautical trinkets adorning the walls. The second and third floor are where you'll catch the restaurant's al fresco dining.

 

The Pavilion Bar

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Located directly on the harbor, the Pavilion at Forty 1 North is a modern outdoor bar overlooking the iconic Newport Bridge. This upscale favorite offers a scenic locale to savor classic fare or lounge on area sofas and arm chairs. Soak in the sights while sipping a signature cocktail. 

The Pavilion Bar is open for the season weather permitting.

 

 

The Rooftop at Brenton Hotel

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Located on the waterfront in downtown Newport, Brenton Hotel is one of Newport's newest hotels. Make your way to the rooftop for unobstructed views of Newport Harbor overlooking Perotti Park, alongside lush greenery and plush seating. 

Click here for more rooftops and outdoor patios.

 

Can't Miss Events

These weekend events are just what you need to celebrate the unofficial start of summer. 

Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial

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Where:
Fort Adams State Park
When:
Friday, May 26 - Monday, May 29
Cost:
Admission is free for all attendees

The Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial will be displayed at Fort Adams in Newport over Memorial Day Weekend May 26th – 29th, 2023. Hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, and Monday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Admission is free for all attendees.

 

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Rogue Island Comedy Festival

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Where:
Ragged Island Brewing Co., Jane Pickens Theater, Firehouse Theater and Top Of Pelham
When:
Thursday, May 25 - Monday, May 29
Cost:
All shows are $30 + $2 Processing Fee, tickets sold online only

Laugh your way through Memorial Day weekend at Rogue Island Comedy Festival, the area's bi-annual comedy festival featuring four days of comedy shows on Thursday, May 25 - Sunday, May 29. Shows will take place at four locations this season: Ragged Island Brewing Co.Jane Pickens TheaterFirehouse Theater and Top Of Pelham.

 

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Hotel Viking's Summer Kickoff Barbecue

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Where:
Hotel Viking
When:
May 27 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM
Cost:
Adults $75, Children $28 (plus tax & gratuity)

Head to Hotel Viking in Newport as they kick off the summer with a classic lobster boil. Guests will enjoy lobster, clams, chowder, corn on the cob, and all the iconic Lobster Boil fixins’! Select wines and beers for purchase, enjoy live entertainment, and bring the whole family for a kick-off to summer.

 

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Evening Cruise Featuring The “D” Train Jazz Band

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Where:
Coastal Queen Cruises, from Jamestown
When:
May 27 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Cost:
All Ages: $48

Spend an evening with The "D” TRAIN Jazz Band on the Coastal Queen. Enjoy their big band sound as they play hits from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Lady Gaga and more while taking in the Jamestown and Newport Harbor sights and scenery. This spacious boat has a weatherproof main deck and a covered top deck with side curtains for cruising comfort. The cruise is 90-minutes, departs from 1 East Ferry Wharf in Jamestown at 6:00 PM and tickets are $48.

 

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Ca' del Bosco Wine Garden

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Where:
The Chanler at Cliff Walk
When:
May 26 - May 29 from 1:00 - 6:00 PM

Ca' del Bosco and The Chanler have come together for an enchanting collaboration showcasing Italian renaissance charm and seaside beauty.

A family of internationally renowned luxury sparkling wines from Erbusco, Franciacorta, and Annamaria Clementi Zanella are presented at The Chanler's lush meadow lawn with sweeping views of the Atlantic. Sit back and relax with a gourmet picnic box, or simply take your time sipping on the decadent wine selection.

 

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Wine Garden Chanler

 

Memorial Day Ceremony - Strewing of Flowers

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Where:
Storer Park, Newport
When:
May 29 from 10:30 to 11:00 AM

The members of VFW Post 406, Newport, invite the public to a special Memorial Day Ceremony to remember and honor Service Members from all branches of the US Military that have been lost at sea during peace and wartime. At 10:30 AM, Monday, May 29th the public is invited to gather at the water’s edge in Storer Park (located at the corner of Washington Street and the Goat Island Causeway) to remember all those lost at sea in the service of their country.

Following a Presentation of Colors, local leaders will reflect on those lost. Attendees will then cast flowers into Newport Harbor.

 

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MORE EXPERIENCES

From world-class museums to enchanting wineries and breweries, these local, one-of-a-kind experiences are everything you need to get summer started on the right note. 

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