Weekend getaway from New York · #10 of 10
Newport
Gilded Age Newport: tour a Vanderbilt mansion, watch yachts fill the harbor, and graze the wharves and Bellevue Avenue boutiques on a salty New England city-by-the-sea weekend.
Think Gilded Age glamour meets salty ocean air. Just four hours from NYC, Newport serves up grand Vanderbilt 'cottages,' jaw-dropping coastal cliff walks, yacht-filled harbors, and the best lobster roll shacks around.
Getting there
Your best bet for total freedom. Plus, that final drive over the Newport Bridge offers some seriously gorgeous bay views.
A solid car-free alternative. It takes a bit longer, but Newport is incredibly walkable once you arrive at the waterfront.
Day 1
Gilded Age Glitz & Coastal Treks- 18:00 AMDrive
Head northeast to Newport
Hit the road early to escape the city traffic. You'll cruise into Rhode Island and cross the scenic Newport Bridge just in time for lunch.
📍 New York, United States
Tip · Flee early on summer mornings - that bridge bottleneck is no joke.
- 212:00 PMFood
Lunch on the wharves
Stretch your legs at Bowen's and Bannister's. Grab a harbor-view table and kick off your weekend with fresh, local seafood.
📍 Bowen's Wharf, Newport
- 31:30 PMSight
Tour The Breakers
Step inside Cornelius Vanderbilt's mind-blowing 70-room Italian Renaissance palace. It's the ultimate symbol of Gilded Age wealth.
📍 The Breakers, Newport
Tip · Skip the ticket line by booking online - it's by far the busiest spot in town.
- 43:30 PMActivity
Walk the Cliff Walk
Stroll this stunning 3.5-mile path along ocean bluffs, right behind the mansions. Make sure to head down the iconic Forty Steps.
📍 Cliff Walk, Newport
Tip · Watch your step on the unpaved parts, and catch the free RIPTA trolley back to save your feet.
- 55:30 PMActivity
Browse Bellevue Avenue
Wander down the famous avenue to browse local galleries and chic boutiques. It's the perfect post-walk wind-down before dinner.
📍 Bellevue Avenue, Newport
- 67:00 PMFood
Seafood dinner on the wharves
Head back to the lively waterfront for a fresh catch with harbor views. There are tons of great spots, so pick whatever smells best.
📍 Bannister's Wharf, Newport
- 7NightStay
Check in near downtown
Settle into a cozy New England inn near the harbor. You'll be within easy walking distance of both downtown and Bellevue Avenue.
📍 Newport, Rhode Island
Day 2
Historic Forts & Scenic Cruising- 89:00 AMFood
Breakfast downtown
Fuel up with coffee and pastries downtown before heading out for a morning of coastal fresh air and historic forts.
📍 Newport, Rhode Island
- 910:00 AMSight
A second mansion: Marble House or Rosecliff
Pick your vibe: the Versailles-inspired Marble House (Vanderbilt style) or the gorgeous Rosecliff, which starred in The Great Gatsby.
📍 Marble House, Newport
- 1011:30 AMSight
Fort Adams State Park
Explore the nation's largest coastal fort. Check out the Naval War College exhibit inside, then soak in the epic harbor views outside.
📍 Fort Adams State Park, Newport
- 111:00 PMFood
Lunch back on the wharves
Double back to the harbor for one last meal. Go all out at a raw bar or grab a comforting bowl of clam chowder.
📍 Bowen's Wharf, Newport
- 122:30 PMActivity
Ocean Drive
Cruise this legendary coastal loop past Brenton Point. It's the ultimate scenic drive, with plenty of places to pull over and watch the waves.
📍 Ocean Drive, Newport
- 134:00 PMDrive
Drive back to New York
Cross the bridge and point the car south. Cue up a playlist and reminisce about a weekend of ocean views and mansion-hopping.
📍 Newport, Rhode Island
Tip · Sunday traffic returning to NYC is notorious; give yourself a nice time buffer.
Where to eat
Bowen's and Bannister's are your go-to zones for freshly shucked oysters, hot clam chowder, and overstuffed lobster rolls.
Sleek, charming cafes hidden away near the boutiques - ideal for a quiet latte between mansion tours.
When to go
Newport's peak party season. The harbor is packed with yachts, the music festivals are in full swing, and the ocean walks are stellar.
Crisp, quiet, and absolutely beautiful. It's still warm enough to conquer the Cliff Walk without the summer crowds.
Quiet coastal charm. While some mansions close or shorten hours, it's the perfect season for cozy harbor views and boutique shopping.
Good to know
- Grab your Breakers tickets online before you go to bypass the long entry lines at Newport's biggest highlight.
- Snag a multi-mansion combo ticket to save some cash if you plan on touring more than one historic estate.
- Ditch the flip-flops for the Cliff Walk; you'll need sturdy shoes for the unpaved parts, and keep an eye out for poison ivy.
- Hop on the free RIPTA trolley to hitch a ride back to Bellevue Avenue once you reach the end of the Cliff Walk.
