Curator’s statement
Newport, Rhode Island offers a delightful blend of history, luxury and coastal charm. Visitors can explore the opulent Gilded Age mansions, stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk with breathtaking ocean views and enjoy a vibrant waterfront dining scene. Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is renowned for its picturesque beaches, quaint seaside villages and rich maritime heritage. The Cape offers activities ranging from whale watching and biking along the Cape Cod Rail Trail to exploring charming towns like Provincetown and Chatham. Providence, Rhode Island, known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene, is home to prestigious Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. The city’s revitalized waterfront, WaterFire events and eclectic dining options make it a culturally enriching destination. Together, these locations offer a diverse mix of historical exploration, natural beauty and urban sophistication, perfect for a week-long getaway.
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Things to do in New England
Providence
Explore WaterFire Providence: This iconic art installation features a series of bonfires set along the rivers of downtown Providence.
Stroll through Roger Williams Park: A large urban park featuring gardens, a zoo, a natural history museum and more. Ideal for families and nature lovers, offering scenic walks, paddle boating and animal exhibits.
Walk through historic Benefit Street: A mile-long street lined with beautifully preserved colonial and Victorian houses. Perfect for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into Providence's past.
Newport
Newport's Cliff Walk: This is a 3.5-mile scenic path along the coast with beautiful views of the ocean, beaches and century-old Rhode Island mansions.
Newport Gilded Age mansions trolley tour with Breakers admission: Discover the beauty of Newport, Rhode Island, and its historical mansions on a trolley tour that takes you past more than 150 points of interest along Ocean Drive, Bellevue Avenue, Cliff Walk and more. Also included is admission to The Breakers, a Vanderbilt mansion and US National Historic Landmark.
Fort Adams State Park: Explore the largest coastal fortification in the United States and enjoy panoramic views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. The park also hosts events and concerts throughout the year.
Thames Street: Wander along this lively street lined with shops, restaurants and historic buildings. It's a great place for shopping, dining and soaking in the local atmosphere.
Ocean Drive: Take a scenic drive along Ocean Drive, which offers stunning views of the coastline, Castle Hill Lighthouse, historic landmarks and beautiful estates.
Cape Cod
Heritage Museums & Gardens: Located in Sandwich, this attraction offers beautiful gardens, a car museum and art exhibits.
Sandwich Glass Museum: Learn about the history of glassmaking in Sandwich, the oldest town on Cape Cod.
Cape Cod Canal: Walk or bike along the scenic canal paths and enjoy the views of boats passing by.
Hyannis: Visit the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum to learn about the Kennedy family's connection to Cape Cod.
Chatham: Explore the charming downtown, lighthouse and fish pier. The Chatham Lighthouse offers great views and photo ops.
Martha's Vineyard
Take a short ferry over to one of the country's most exclusive islands and walk around the beautiful beaches.
Stroll through the picturesque streets of Edgartown, known for its historic whaling captains' homes, boutique shops and waterfront dining options.
Places to eat & drink in New England
Newport
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar: Located on Newport's waterfront, this restaurant offers fresh seafood with stunning harbor views. Their signature "Bag of Doughnuts" (lobster fritters) is a must-try.
White Horse Tavern: As one of America's oldest taverns, dating back to 1673, this historic restaurant serves upscale New England fare in a charming, colonial atmosphere.
22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille: Situated in Bowen's Wharf, this elegant steakhouse and seafood restaurant provides a refined dining experience with an extensive wine list.
Cape Cod
The Ocean House Restaurant (Dennis Port): Known for its beachfront location, this restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes with a stunning view of Nantucket Sound. Their clam chowder and lobster risotto are popular choices.
The Lobster Pot (Provincetown): A Cape Cod classic, this family-owned restaurant serves fresh seafood — including their famous lobster and clam bake — in a casual, waterfront setting.
Viera on Main (Chatham): This cozy bistro offers a mix of contemporary American cuisine and seafood, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Their seared scallops and house-made desserts are highlights.
Providence
Gracie's: An upscale restaurant offering inventive American cuisine, Gracie’s emphasizes seasonal ingredients and has an award-winning wine list. Their tasting menu is a favorite among diners.
Al Forno: Famous for its wood-fired pizzas and grilled pizzas, Al Forno offers a delectable mix of Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Their homemade desserts are also not to be missed.
Hemenway's Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar: Located by the river, Hemenway’s is a top spot for fresh seafood, including raw bar selections and beautifully prepared entrees. Their lobster boil is a standout dish.
Martha's Vineyard
The Sweet Life Cafe: Upscale spot in a tranquil space with seasonal, area-sourced New American fare and an ample wine list.
Travel Advisor
Sarit Rothschild
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Newport. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Doing Iceland on a Budget.