Author
Discover Newport
Discover Newport is the non-profit organization dedicated to promoting of the City of Newport and its eight surrounding coastal communities. We speak in seasides and sunsets.
Your browser is not supported for this experience.
We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
Lobster rolls and harbor walks, ahh, classic Newport. Large summer cottages, world-class events, and hall's of fame, we've got 'em too. But our nature hikes, small quiet beaches, secret gardens, and shipyard cafes with pancakes you have only dreamt about are some of the best riches in and around Newport.
Find hidden gems around every corner on The Classic Coast, below are just a few.
Ever dreamed of being a lighthouse keeper? Here's your chance. Check-in to Rose Island Lighthouse B&B, a working lighthouse built in 1870 just one-mile off the coast on Rose Island in Narragansett Bay. During the day, the decades-old structure operates as a living museum where you can explore the interior rooms that feel untouched by time, or head outdoors to beach-comb, fish off the rocks, picnic, and wander the 18-acre island and its walking trails. (Note: During the summer months, the hiking trails are off limits to protect nesting birds).
Come nighttime, experience life away from the buzz of the city as a lighthouse keeper would. Settle into an Adirondack chair and enjoy the night sky without city lights hindering your view of the stars. In the morning, change the linens and have the room back in order before the museum opens.
Located in Little Compton near the tip of Sakonnet Point, Stone House Inn offers 16 guest rooms, some with soaking tubs and gas fireplaces. Complete with a basement restaurant that was formerly a speakeasy, easy beach access and a cozy fire pit, Stone House is the perfect, quaint spot for a quiet, relaxing getaway.
Everything at Moore House looks like it was designed straight from an ethereal dream. This family-run business restores forgotten homes into perfectly-appointed guest stay spaces, each touting its own unique ambiance. This is where the comforts of home meet the amenities of a hotel—only better. Explore their line up of spaces set in Tiverton, including The Quonset Hut, a one-of-a-kind property built to entertain with a hot tub, ping pong table, outdoor bar and even a secret kids room.
Nestled in between Newport's famed 40 Steps at Cliff Walk and First Beach is The Cliffside Inn, a Lark Hotels property and Second Empire Victorian Manor House with 16 well-appointed rooms and suites. With gas fireplaces in every room, private outdoor spaces, a wrap-around front porch, parlor and library, Cliffside Inn is an unexpected breath of fresh air tucked away from the buzzing downtown area. Plus, it’s no secret their gourmet breakfast is one of the best in town.
The Blue Garden, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. in 1913, is a classic example of American landscape art. As the name suggests, the garden has a rich blue and purple color palette, with hints of white, and there is something in bloom each month that the garden is open to the public. Think: blue, purple and white perennials, annuals, shrubs and vines, stunning pools, and pergolas adorning the perimeter of this secret garden. Tours are guided and take place exclusively on Thursdays, May - October.
Doris Duke’s Rough Point is just as she left it: in pristine condition. Take a step back into time and see how she lived in her extravagant mansion filled with wall to wall eclectic style. Each item has a story and history behind it ready to be discovered. Self-guided tours are available Tuesday - Sunday from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, open seasonally, hours and tours subject to change.
It's time to travel back in time to when poets and artists drank absinthe. Skeleton key in toe.
Make your way to The Vanderbilt Parlour room and open the Hidden Bar, imagined after Lady Vanderbilt's secret entertaining closet, to an exclusive Absinthe experience. Admiring hand-selected absinthe bottles, a custom made fountain, and a curated menu of light bites to pair with your absinthe pour and cocktail.
Located at Fort Adams State Park on Ocean Drive, this small 225-foot beach overlooks Newport Harbor with calm waters and a roped-off swimming area perfect for kids.
Pro-tip: Access might depend on events at Fort Adams State Park, check before you arrive.
Learn about Newport’s most famous attractions in style in a classic vintage car with Newport Jaguar Tours. During this guided, private tour, you and your friends and family will enjoy a wealth of information from the local tour guides. Sit back, sip on your favorite beverage, and learn about some of what Newport has to offer.
Pro-tip: Pets are welcome on tour.
Greenvale Farm, located along scenic Sakonnet River, has been in the same family since 1863. The vineyard, which has been family operated since 1982, serves 100% estate grown, award-winning wines created from 27 acres of grapes and nurtured by rich history and a commitment to the preservation of open space.
Sowams Cider Company in Warren has been around for eight years growing high-tannin, cider-friendly apples on land and fermenting them in the cellar of their storefront to produce high-quality cider. Make your way over to enjoy a flight or a glass in their tasting room.
For our beer lovers—we have a spot for you. A farm meets brewery with sweeping views of Narragansett Bay? Head to Ragged Island, based in Portsmouth, who recently expanded to a 37-acre farm. Think: hop fields, outdoor decks, walking trails and lush greenhouses. Not to mention, great beer, available on tap and in cans for home.
One of five national wildlife refuges in Rhode Island, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is home to 242 acres that offer an important stopover and wintering area for migratory birds in Middletown. Situated on the coast overlooking the ocean, a hike at Sachuest Point is relatively flat and easy, and offers scenic views without having to climb.
We've heard people say the pancakes at Newport Shipyard's Belle's Cafe are the best they've had in their life. We won't argue. This dockside cafe tucked away in Newport Shipyard (yes, an actual working shipyard) is often referred to as one of Newport's hidden gems, and with good reason. The menu has just about every breakfast favorite out there, including avocado toast, French toast, a make-your-own-breakfast-sandwich option and more. Place your order at the counter then grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables conveniently placed about as close to the water as you can get.
Note: Belle's Cafe is open seasonally.
Indulge in classic Newport inspired cocktails or some late night bites in this one-of-a-kind space, located on the second floor at Bar & Board Bistro. Think: lounge style furniture, a massive bar overlooking Thames Street, mood lighting, and trendy vibes. Enjoy nightly entertainment in the lounge featuring DJs, musicians and other pop-up events.
As they say at the Leopard Lounge, it’s up to you how you get spotted.
Sheltered from the hustle and bustle of Thames Street, Smugglers Waterfront Bar, located off of Ann Street Pier, next to the Newport Maritime Center, is an Irish bar situated on Newport Harbor. Enjoy food, cold drinks, and games including pool, darts and ping pong, or sit outside on the adirondack chairs to soak up the view of the waterfront.
Pro-tip: Go at sunset for some serious golden hour hues.
Located on the picturesque Bluebill Cove in Portsmouth, Sunset Cove has everything you need from your coffee and pastry in the morning to your cocktail and sunset bites by evening. Recently opened under new management, this Island Park spot will be a staple in no time.
Open for early risers with bagels, sandwiches, pastries, and array of coffees, and there to host and satisfy all your afternoon and evening cravings with sandwiches, classic New England fare, comfort food, homemade ice cream, and boozy beverages (mocktails available too!)
Tucked away at the tip of Bannister’s Wharf, Springline Coffee serves up nautically-inspired, premium, micro-roasted coffee. Sip your coffee on their patio overlooking Bowen’s Wharf, or soak up the sun in an Adirondack chair while enjoying your brew.
Located above Wally’s Wieners, the Copper Club is Newport’s self proclaimed chic and classic speakeasy. Ascend the staircase and enter a room filled with copper-tiled walls, luxurious red velvet benches, gilded-style black and gold wallpaper, and a bar calling your name. The Copper Club is the perfect place to enjoy an elegant cocktail, a giant espresso martini, and everything in between.
From the team behind Square Peg Warren comes Stingy Alley, Warren’s newest cocktail bar that oozes speakeasy vibes. Their beautifully crafted housemade cocktails and demure ambience will set the mood for a perfect night of merry making.
This Mediterranean-style wine bar, with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, has opened for dinner inside the Village Hearth Bakery in Jamestown, and they are bringing the ‘night out’ vibes to this well loved daytime cafe. With indoor and outdoor seating, twinkling lights, farm focused menu and curated drink list, cross the bridge or jump on the Jamestown Newport Ferry and head to Salty Wine Bar for a killer evening out.
If you have your own hidden gems of Newport you want to share, tell us here.
Tag your photos #TheClassicCoast for the chance to be featured on our accounts.
Discover Newport is the non-profit organization dedicated to promoting of the City of Newport and its eight surrounding coastal communities. We speak in seasides and sunsets.