Spring in Newport is a time of rebirth and renewal. In Newport, it is filled with millions of blooming daffodils, snowy cobblestones that transition into al fresco venues to dine, bike paths with a bay view, and art that is yearning to be discovered.
Spring Photo Spots
Here are 10 sights that are worth grabbing your camera for that scream—spring is here.
Easton's Beach
Back to Top of List📍 Location: 175 Memorial Boulevard, Newport, RI
Start off by the water and begin at Easton’s Beach, known locally as First Beach. Take is the views of the Atlantic and look for shells that wash ashore, then walk up Memorial Boulevard for an even more exceptional, panoramic view at the start of the Cliff Walk.
Come April, daffodils bloom by the thousands at nearby Dunlap-Wheeler Park and along Memorial Blvd.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Afterwards, see the quiet beauty of The Chanler at Cliff Walk, and if you are feeling adventurous, embark on the 3.5 mile Cliff Walk with Gilded Age mansions on one side, and ocean views on the other. Or head to Clementine's Homemade Ice Cream for a sweet treat and nearby Mission for a bite to eat.
King Park
Back to Top of List📍 Location: 125 Wellington Ave, Newport, RI
Located in Newport’s Fifth Ward, King Park not only has a beautiful, unobstructed view of the Newport Bridge, but also Newport Harbor.
Follow winding sidewalks to the notable Rochambeau monument and sit along the sea wall for the most optimal shots of the bay. There are also benches, covered picnic tables, and barbeques calling your name for a sunset dinner with family and friends.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
If the sun is out and temperatures up, consider taking a blanket and charcuterie from Bellevue Boards to picnic with your group.
Ragged Island Brewing
Back to Top of List📍 Location: 54 Bristol Ferry Rd, Portsmouth, RI
Lose yourself in a lush plant jungle at Ragged Island Brewing Co. and their flourishing greenhouse in Portsmouth. This unique brewery is dressed head to toe with a variety of plant species, shimmering in the sunshine.
Strike a pose and sip a pint in one of their orange adirondack chairs or take in the views from their multiple decks overlooking their farm property. Check out their website for more information on food trucks, trivia, and live music!
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Explore 37 acres of this “farm-brewery.” Yes, you heard right, this place has views, brews, and farm animals all in one place.
Touro Park
Back to Top of List📍 Location: Mill Street & Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
Step back in time at Touro Park, located just off Bellevue Avenue. At the center, for at least 350 years, Old Stone Mill is memorialized, and in springtime the park is sprinkled with daffodils and cherry blossoms.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Head across the street to the Newport Art Museum to see the latest installations and photo-worthy architecture of the historic Griswold House, designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt.
Chinese Tea House
Back to Top of List📍 Location: 596 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI
Perched just above the Cliff Walk (although not accessible via this iconic trail) on the Marble House grounds, sits Chinese Tea House.
Open April through late fall, this elevated tea time is unlike any other in Newport. Raise your pinkies and create for an unforgettable afternoon at this iconic building. Please note: This experience is exclusive to Preservation Society members and Newport Mansions tour ticket holders (the purchase of a mansion tour ticket does not buy the guest tea service.)
A self-service cafe with pre made sandwiches, salads, fruit cups, pastries, cookies, and biscuits is open May through October.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Tour the Marble House, and learn about the storied history of this 39th birthday present to Mrs. Vanderbilt.
Jamestown Windmill
Back to Top of List📍 Location: 378 North Road, Jamestown, RI
The landscape of Jamestown never disappoints. Away from the waterfront and along North Road, you'll find Windmill Hill and the Jamestown Windmill at the center of the island. Operations of the structure ceased in 1896, but locals since have rallied around preserving its history for years to come.
Pink skies often compliment this site at sunset, along with peaceful trees, daffodils during April, and a neighboring stone wall to frame your picture-perfect moment. Starting in late May, the windmill is open Friday - Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 PM, or by appointment. Admission is free, donations are welcome.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Check out nearby Windmist Farm for local produce and meats or book a glass blowing lesson at Clancy Designs, a true hidden gem.
Daffodils at Blithewold
Back to Top of List📍 Location: 101 Ferry Road (Rt.114) Bristol, RI
Blithewold opens its gates to welcome visitors just as springtime begins. This famous display, covers their 33-acre seaside estate with almost 100,000 daffodils of over 8p varieties that delight visitors for nearly a month.
Across the property, you may even spot some Bamboo Birds nestled throughout. And don't miss the Water Garden complete with a lily-filled pond, an arched stone bridge, and Asian-inspired landscape elements, such as the blooming Japanese Maple.
Related: Daffodil Days Bloom In Newport & Bristol This April
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Check out the newly curated series of rooms on the third floor of Blithewold Manor.
East Bay Bike Path
Back to Top of List📍 Location: Varies, 14.5 miles total, from Bristol to Providence, RI
The outdoors is calling you to a leisure ride along the East Bay Bike Path. This inviting trail stretches through the quaint seascapes of Bristol, Warren and Barrington, with plenty of moments for pause and photos along the way.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Need a bike? Rent an electric bike or cruiser from Bristol Bikes just next door to Independence Park and grab a bite to eat at the nearby Beehive Cafe to fuel up before your ride.
Murals on Broadway
Back to Top of List📍 Location: Along Broadway, Newport, RI
If Newport had a ‘cool kid’ neighborhood, Broadway would be it. Strolling about you’ll find murals with local flair, quirky pub signs, and vibrant illustrations hiding throughout. Allow yourself to wander and tune into the eclectic energy of the area, while stopping to shop or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants, shops, and cafes.
Stay tuned for a full mural guide coming soon!
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Don't miss Rhode Island's first Rainbow Crosswalk, surrounding Equality Park on Broadway. While the crosswalk itself is picture-worthy, add to your background viral sensation The Nitro Bar and their newly refreshed mural, and on the other end of the park, Parlor Bar + Kitchen with their 90-by-27-foot vibrant colored creation by local artist Chris Wyllie (pictured below.)
Green Animals Topiary Garden
Back to Top of List📍 Location: 380 Corys Lane, Portsmouth, RI
Already have May on your mind?
Add to your list a journey to the oldest and most northern Topiary Garden in the United States, Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth. Admire more than 80 blooming animals and figures in colorful, manicured perfection.
A haven for garden lovers alike.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
See how many figures you can find in this 7-acre seaside estate (hint: there are over 80).
more to explore
GET SOCIAL
Tag your photos #TheClassicCoast for the chance to be featured on our accounts.