Spring has a way of greeting you like an old friend. The soft arrival is surprising, pleasant, and nostalgic. The winds are warmer, the days are longer, the sunsets linger, and blooms are sprouting up from almost every angle. 

Springtime in Newport is unlike anything else, explore fields of swaying daffodils glimmering yellow, take a drive on Ocean Drive with the windows rolled down, and delight in a cup of afternoon tea overlooking the sea. Seasonal, yet classic. 

Check off these staples from your spring to-do list this season.

 

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Seasonal Adventures | Spring Events | Hotel Deals

SEASONAL ADVENTURES

From historic museums to new and expanded experiences, there’s a little bit of everything to awaken your senses this spring.

Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise on Coastal Queen

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Where:
Departs from Bowen’s Wharf, Newport
When:
Saturdays & Sundays, Starting May 2nd
Cost:
Starting at $38

Picture this: a springtime breeze with a hint of sea spray from the harbor, a complimentary mimosa and iconic lighthouses to spot along the way. 

Beginning in April, hop aboard Coastal Queen Cruises for a narrated boat tour with up-close sights of Newport Harbor and our surrounding lighthouses; Rose Island, Castle Hill and Goat Island to name a few. Sip a mimosa while you enjoy this 75-minute morning cruise featuring unmatched coastal views.

Make it a family affair, and gather the crew for a special cruise on Easter weekend or Mother’s Day

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Copy of Coastal Queens

 

Rail Explorers

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Where:
1 Alexander Rd, Portsmouth
When:
Starting Saturday, April 25th
Cost:
Varies

Pedal along railroad tracks conveniently set along the breathtaking coastline of Aquidneck Island.

Choose between various different tours: the Northern Ramble, a six-mile exploration of the historic railroad between Portsmouth and the Sakonnet River (a one-way tour), the Southern Circuit, a six-mile round-trip tour (three miles out, three miles back) down towards Newport and back, along with many more.

All tours begin at 1 Alexander Road in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and last approximately 90 minutes.

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Afternoon Tea at Chinese Tea House

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Where:
Chinese Tea House, Marble House
Cost:
$65 per guest

Perk up with tea along the sea.

Come April, the Chinese Tea House, situated on the lawn of the Marble House mansion, will reopen for afternoon rendezvous. Happening rain or shine, this elevated tea time is a one-of-a-kind experience for a tower of dainty bites from Stoneacre Hospitality, sips from authentic teaware, and small talk among friends.

THE SCHEDULE: 
  • April 3 – May 10: Fridays through Sundays
  • May 14 – 17: Thursday through Sunday
  • May 21 – 25: Thursday through Monday

Keep calm, the kettle is on. 

 

OTHER AFTERNOON TEA LOCATIONS

Whether it’s a spot or a pot, tea time on The Classic Coast is the idyllic way to sip, savor or spill the tea with friends or family. 

  1. The Vanderbilt
  2. Stoneacre Brasserie
  3. Hotel Viking
  4. Blithewold
  5. Tatters
  6. Kellie's Cafe
  7. FairyTea Room
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Afternoon Tea at Chinese Tea House

 

Stay Overnight in a Lighthouse

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Where:
Rose Island, Newport
When:
Starting in April
Cost:
Varies

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, explore the 18-acre paradise of Rose Island, just off the coast of Newport. This charming getaway is ideal for those looking to be enveloped in history, nature, and peaceful solitude.

This quiet travel excursion is unlike any other offering available in Newport, and may just be the unique spring escape you are hoping for.

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Explore a Daffodil Field

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Springtime is daffodil time on The Classic Coast.

Just as millions of hibernating daffodils prepare to make their debut along the city's cobblestone paths and sun-drenched shores, Newport and Bristol counties prepare to celebrate with two annual celebrations.

Please be kind, do not pick (or step on) the daffies, they are for all to enjoy! 

🌼  Along Memorial Blvd., Newport
💛  Ballard Park, Newport
🌼  Blithewold Manor, Bristol
💛  Broadway at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Newport
🌼  Castle Hill Inn, Newport
💛  Cliff Walk, Various Spots, Newport
🌼  Coddington Hwy, West Main Rd., Middletown
💛  Dunlap-Wheeler Park, Middletown
🌼  Morton Park, Newport
💛  Miantonomi Park, Newport
🌼  Potter League for Animals, 
💛  Redwood Library & Athenaeum, Newport
🌼  Great Friends Meeting House, Newport

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Eastons Beach Daffodil Days

 

Save The Bay Aquarium

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Where:
23 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport
When:
Daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost:
Varies

Bowser and friends are ready to meet you! 

Both educational and interactive, Save the Bay's Hamilton Family Aquarium is located just off America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, with immersive educational programming for visitors of all ages.

See marine life creatures from Narragansett Bay up close and personal, while learning about ways you can protect them while in the Ocean State.

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Hiking at Norman Bird Sanctuary

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Where:
583 Third Beach Road, Middletown
When:
Open Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost:
Adult: $7, Senior or Military: $6, Student or Child: $3, Members: Free

There’s nothing quite like the fresh air at Norman Bird Sanctuary.

Nestled on 300 acres of preserved land just past Third Beach in Middletown, this natural oasis offers seven miles of hiking trails and programming ranging from guided bird walks to geology hikes at golden hour. 

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Hiking Norman Bird Sanctuary Middletown RI

Food Tours in Newport

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Where:
Downtown Newport, Exact location varies by tour selected
When:
Starting in April, Rain or Shine
Cost:
Varies

Take the hassle out of choosing just one place to eat.

Beginning in April, Newport Foodies Stroll and Newport Neighborhood Food Tours offer guided walking tours of downtown Newport, paired with tastings from iconic restaurants in the area.

Learn the history and culture of the food scene here in Newport, while indulging in samplings that will leave you wanting more.

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Bike the East Bay Bike Path

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Where:
Begin at Colt State Park, Bristol or Police Cove Park, Barrington
When:
Open Daily
Cost:
Free

Ride through the quaint seascapes of Bristol, Warren, and Barrington.

Consider renting an electric bike, and wind your way through this gradual 14.5-mile path from Bristol to Providence. If hoping for a sweet treat along the way, stop mid-way at Del's Depot for lemonade in Warren.

For other biking spots, check out our guide here

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Biking East Bay Bike Path Bristol

 

The Sailing Museum

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Where:
365 Thames Street, Newport
When:
Open Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost:
Varies

While you are visiting the Sailing Capital of the World, learn more about the history of the sport at The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame

Sailing starts here. This state-of-the-art museum is filled with interactive exhibits kids will love, history about the legends of sailing and its Newport roots, and of course, a gift shop for a souvenir to remember your trip. 

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MORE EXPERIENCES: 

11. Cruise on Ocean Drive
12. Attend a foodie festival 
13. Try local wine and brews at these spots 
14. Explore a Topiary Garden
15. Grab an Ice Cream at a local shop 
16. Take a classic car or trolley tour of Newport
17. Watch the sunset at Van Zandt Pier
18. Explore Cliff Walk
19. Shop at a Farmers Market (Bristol, Tiverton, Newport)
20. Take a beach walk at sunrise

 

BEST SPRING EVENTS IN NEWPORT

Dockside foodie festivals, local road races, and the arrival of millions of hibernating daffodils. Classic.

Newport Daffodil Days

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Where:
Across Newport, RI
When:
All April

Newport’s Daffodil Days celebrates the arrival of over 1,500,000 (and counting!) bright yellow daffodils throughout the area with decorated store windows heralding their arrival. 

More information and a locator map to the largest fields of daffodils can be found here.  

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daffy activities

   

Newport Night Run - A Race for Education

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Where:
ROGERS HIGH SCHOOL
When:
April 4th, 2026
Cost:
$32.58 - $36.79, Student pricing available

Newport's first and only nighttime race, Newport Night Run returns on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The 5k serves not only as a community wide opportunity to get moving, but also as a fundraiser for the Newport Public Education Foundation. 

NPEF is an independent, non-profit whose mission is to improve the performance of Newport public school children by enhancing their educational opportunities and by building broad-based community support for quality public education.

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Blithewold: Daffodil Days

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Where:
Blithewold Manor, Bristol
When:
APRIL 12 - MAY 11

Each April, Blithewold opens its gates to welcome visitors just as springtime begins. The famous display, covers the 33-acre seaside estate with around 100,000 daffodils that delight visitors for nearly a month.

The first week, timed to the annual school vacation week, is filled not only with flowers, but lots of fun-for-the-whole-family programming that celebrate our favorite yellow-flower friends. 

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Blithewold Daffodil Days

   

Newport Rhode Races

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Where:
Easton's Beach (First Beach)
When:
Saturday, April 18th
Cost:
Marathon: $110, Half Marathon: $85, 5K: $35 (Virtual registration also available, prices may increase as event draws closer)

Race through the Daffodils on this award winning, scenic, seaside course. 

Newport Rhode Races offers a full and half marathon, a 5K and a beach mile race. Note: The marathon course is USATF certified and is a Boston Marathon Qualifier. Register here

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Newport Beer Festival

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Where:
Fort Adams State Park
When:
Saturday, May 2nd, from 1:00 - 4:30 PM
Cost:
Varies ($25 – $55)

The Newport Beer Festival, formerly known as the Newport Craft Beer Festival, returns this May.

The festival brings with it a day full of craft beer taste-testing, live music, local flavors from 50 craft brewers at historic Fort Adams State Park.

See you at the fort for craft beer, live music and more. 

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Newport Craft Beer Festival

 

Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival

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Where:
Bowen's Wharf, Newport
When:
May 16th & 17th from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost:
FREE ADMISSION

Taste your way around the Ocean State. Sip champagne and enjoy oysters from local growers on the waterfront all weekend long. Oyster growers will be shucking alongside local restaurants and live music under our striped festival tents.

The event has free admission and is open to the public. All food will be available for purchase directly from vendors. Multiple cash bars will also be on site. 

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Rogue Island Comedy Festival

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Where:
In & Around Newport
When:
May 21st - 24th

The area's bi-annual comedy festival features four days of comedy shows at multiple locations throughout the area. 

Created and produced by native Rhode Islanders Doug Key and Katie Latimer, the Rogue Island Comedy Festival is Rhode Island’s first stand-up comedy festival.

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Rogue Island Comedy Festival

 

Newport 10 Miler

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Where:
Fort Adams State Park
When:
Saturday, May 31st
Cost:
Varies

The BankNewport 10 Miler returns for its tenth annual running annual running on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

The oceanside course has stunning views throughout Newport and Fort Adams State Park. This race proudly supports the Fort Adams Trust and the Boys and Girls Club of Newport County. Register here

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Newport International Polo Series Begins

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Where:
Newport Polo Grounds, Portsmouth
When:
June 6th - September 26th

Watch the home team, USA/Newport, take on challengers from around the world and major U.S. cities in one of the most exciting spectator sports in the world.

Matches will be held every Saturday, June – Sept., at Newport Polo, home of America’s First Polo Club. Festivities include Opening and Closing ceremonies, half-time Divot Stomp, Player’s Salute, Trophy Presentation, Après Polo Lounge, fan prizes, and other special weekly features fieldside.

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British Motorcar Festival

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Where:
Bristol
When:
June 12th & 13th
Cost:
Free and Open to All (Charity Donations Accepted)

Start your engines! British Motorcars will be descending on the beautiful seaside village of Bristol, Rhode Island June 12th & 13th. Event subject to change. 

Driving tours, Block party and show dates have been set for the second week of June. 

More Details

 

Newport Bermuda Race Start

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Where:
Newport Harbor
When:
June 19th

And they are off! The 635-mile biennial Newport Bermuda Race is the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race.

Founded in 1906, celebrating 100 years and the 54th running, the Newport Bermuda Race is scheduled to depart from Newport Harbor on June 19th, 2026, destination: Bermuda. 

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Newport Bermuda Race

 

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SPRING HOTEL DEALS

Below are some of the best deals from local hotels and B&Bs.

Brenton Believes - Gift Card to Local Business of Choice

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📍 BRENTON HOTEL

Spring awakenings call for shopping sprees. When you book this offer at The Brenton, 10% of your room revenue will be applied to a gift certificate of your choice to a local shop or restaurant. Nightly rate minimum, and two-day advanced booking required.

A way to visit like a local, while supporting incredible businesses in the Newport community.

Call for more details, restrictions and limitations may apply.
 

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Lionel Champlin Guest House - April Special, 10-20% off

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📍 LIONEL CHAMPLIN GUEST HOUSE

Lionel Champlin Guest House - April 2026 Special. April Special - 10% off a 3-night reservation, 20% off a 4-night reservation.

Mention the Jamestown Chamber April special when booking or call for reservation.

 

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Spring Picnic Package

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📍 WELLINGTON RESORT

Nothing beats a picnic on the coast! When you stay at Wellington, you can enjoy a spring afternoon at leisure with this thoughtful package curated in partnership with Newport Wine Cellars and Gourmet

Choose from red, white, or sparkling wine, along with artisanal cheeses, crackers, and cookies—perfect for enjoying by the harbor, your private patio, or fireside at sunset.

Valid on stays April 1 - May 22, 2026

 

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Spring into Newport - 50% Second Night!

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📍 HAMMETTS HOTEL

Stay two nights and get 50% off your second night. Experience Newport in full bloom —stroll the scenic waterfront, savor fresh seafood, and relax in coastal charm!

Valid on stays April 1 - June 30, 2026

Giusto Newport

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Spring Blooms - Save 20%

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📍 ISLAND HOUSE NEWPORT

Refresh yourself with a spring getaway to Island House Newport! Save 20% off Best Available Rate/

Valid Now through June 30, 2026.

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Looking to make a trip even more special? Consider these packages:

GIRLS’ ESCAPE

Spread out or gather close in spacious rooms or suites, with a charcuterie board and bottle of Prosecco included per stay. 

Available Year-Round

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MONTH OF MOM

Delight Mom with a surprise sweet treat, seasonal floral arrangement, and 1:00 PM late checkout for a relaxed morning.

Valid on stays May 1 - May 31, 2026

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Newport Playcation Package

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📍 NEWPORT HARBOR HOTEL AND MARINA

Make your Newport getaway even more fun with the Newport Playcation Package. Enjoy harborside comfort at Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina plus built-in entertainment for the whole crew.

Package Includes:
  • Overnight accommodations
  • One $28 gaming play card to Ryan Amusements
  • Newport Aquarium tickets for each registered guest

Available Year-Round, play cards and aquarium tickets can be obtained from the front desk upon arrival.

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Tide for Change: Eco-Conscious Package

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📍 WAYFINDER NEWPORT

Tide for Change invites you to slow down, explore the coast, and give back to the waters that shape it. For every night of stay, $10 is donated to 4ocean in support of ocean cleanup efforts—helping remove plastic and debris from our shorelines, one stay at a time.

Here's the Deal:

  • Stylish accommodations for post-exploration comfort
  • Two (2) tickets to Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium
  • Aquarium SWAG bag to remember your visit
  • 10% off at the Aquarium Gift Shop
  • Giving Back with $10 per night donated to 4ocean

Available Now through December 22, 2026

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Daffodil Discover Package

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📍 NEWPORT HARBOR ISLAND RESORT

As Newport blooms with 1.5 million daffodils, our signature yellow façade stands ready to welcome the season. Throughout Newport's Daffodil Days, a full month of festive events, dining experiences, and coastal traditions unfolds across town.

Celebrate springtime with our Daffodil Discovery Package and enjoy seasonal experiences and curated special amenities:

  • Up to 10% off guestroom rates
  • Daffodil field map and shuttle to Cliff Walk daffodils
  • Disposable camera to document explorations
  • Two yellow logo'd baseball hats
  • Two tickets for any two Newport Mansions
  • Two specialty daffodil cocktails at check-in
  • Room upgrade on arrival*
  • Early check-in and late check-out*

Available Now through April 29, 2026

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Tide for Change: Eco-Conscious Package

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📍 WAYFINDER NEWPORT

Tide for Change invites you to slow down, explore the coast, and give back to the waters that shape it. For every night you stay, $10 is donated to 4ocean in support of ocean cleanup efforts—helping remove plastic and debris from our shorelines, one stay at a time.

Here's the Deal:

  • Stylish accommodations for post-exploration comfort
  • Two tickets to Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium
  • Aquarium SWAG bag to remember your visit
  • 10% off at the Aquarium Gift Shop
  • Giving Back with $10 per night donated to 4ocean

Book by December 22, 2026 for stays throughout 2026.

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Are you a local?

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Save big by just being a neighbor to The Classic Coast.

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Jan 01, 2026 - May 31, 2026

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