Neighborhood Guide

Must See Spots

All walkable or a short ride away:

• Bowen’s Wharf & Bannister’s Wharf waterfront dining, shops, boat tours
• Cliff Walk one of New England’s most beautiful shoreline paths
• Thames Street Newport’s lively stretch of restaurants and shopping
• Bellevue Avenue historic mansions, boutique stores, classic architecture
• Easton’s Beach (First Beach) perfect spot for a morning walk 
• Ocean Drive classic Newport experience; breathtaking 10-mile route with ocean views and beautiful estates

Kids & Families

• Mansion Tours kid-friendly audio guides (which we prefer even as adults!)
• Harbor boat rides departing from Bowen’s Wharf
• Newport Gulls Baseball at Cardines Field fun summer games in one of America’s oldest ballparks
• Scooter World cruise the scenic Ocean Drive in a 3-wheel scoot coupe
• Ryan’s Family Amusements (Thames Street) arcade + duckpin bowling
• Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge (Third Beach area) easy, scenic oceanfront walking trail
• Island Adventure Rentals luxury open-air LSVs (street legal carts)
• Rail Explorers in Portsmouth – pedal powered railbikes  

Golf

• Newport National Golf Club (Middletown) championship course consistently ranked among New England’s best
• Green Valley Country Club (Portsmouth) beautifully maintained public course
• Montaup Country Club (Portsmouth) great value with sweeping views of Mount Hope Bay
• Jamestown Golf Course scenic 9-hole with ocean breezes and relaxed play
• Exeter Country Club (Exeter) 18-hole wooded course and a local favorite

Mansions & Museums

Favorite Mansions:

• The Breakers
• The Elms
• Marble House

Museums & Historic Sites:

• International Tennis Hall of Fame
• Fort Adams
• Newport Art Museum
• Sailing Museum
• Save the Bay Aquarium
• Audrain Auto Museum

Beaches

• Easton’s Beach (First Beach) closest option; red seaweed seasonally
• Second Beach (Middletown) a local favorite with great waves
• Third Beach (Middletown) calm, family-friendly waters
• Gooseberry Beach sheltered cove with beautiful scenery

Wineries

• Newport Vineyards tastings, tours, events and an on-site restaurant
• Greenvale Vineyards (Portsmouth) small waterfront winery with live music and beautiful river views

Breweries

• Rejects Beer Co. (Middletown) creative brews with a fun, irreverent vibe
• Ragged Island Brewing Co. (Portsmouth) huge outdoor space and a great summer stop
• Taproot Brewing Co. (at Newport Vineyards) house-made craft beer on the same property as the winery
• Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co. one of Newport’s originals; beer + rum + whiskey tastings

Favorite Restaurants

Breakfast  

• Cru Café crafts a fresh, scratch menu with local ingredients, including the Bellevue Burrito, Avocado Toast, and the Grown-Up Grilled Cheese.  Enjoy coffee inside or on the sun-filled garden patio, right next to the International Tennis Hall of Fame
• Corner Café unique dishes, large portions, great coffee, and a cozy vibe consistently ranked the #1 breakfast spot in Newport per TripAdvisor
• Drift Café artisan coffee, wholesome bites, smoothie bowls and relaxed energy 
• Belle’s Cafe dockside gem serving waterfront breakfast-acclaimed pancakes, avacado toast, make-your-own sandwiches, and outdoor seating

Casual Outdoor Dining

• Surf Club (seasonal) right in the center of the action on Thames; good food and quick beverages
• The Landing (seasonal) waterfront deck with live music and classic seafood

On Thames Street

• Gas Lamp Grille great food, live music, and unmistakable Newport energy.  From lobster burrata crostini and steak tacos to handcrafted cocktails and late-night nachos  
• Speakeasy Bar & Grille stop by for happy hour or later on when the music fills the air.  We love the ten-ounce double burger and grilled chicken “Donnelly” sandwich 
• Benjamin’s serves up their famous Rhode Island Clam Chowder and Benjamin’s Linguini packed with scallops, clams, and mussels.  Offers a 3rd-floor bar overlooking Thames
• Brick Alley Pub a casual pub packed with eclectic decor, a broad kids’ menu and a self-serve soup & salad bar to keep little ones entertained 
• Wally’s Wieners (southern end of Thames) bold dogs, old school vibe, and an espresso martini menu that pulls its weight at any hour
• O’Briens Pub (southern end of Thames) garden patio with built-in fish fountain (kids love it!).  Try their lobster rolls and mudslides!
• Protective Club (southern end of Thames) historic vibes and a laid-back New England charm that makes it the perfect chill spot

Upscale Dining

• 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille if you’re planning something worth celebrating, 22 Bowen’s is a spot that makes the moment feel special.  The steak dinner and sunset views speak for themselves 
• The Mooring floating deck with boat-watching views and hearty seafood menu
• Midtown Oyster Bar features a rotating selection of local oysters, shared seafood platters, handcrafted cocktails and stylish vibes
• Castle Hill blends sweeping oceanfront lawns with adirondacks and an outside bar with a meal that taps New England coastal flavor.  This dining experience is more than a meal 

More Favorites

• Jo’s American Bistro comfort and quality without the fuss.  Handcut fries, award winning burgers, and the more creative cocktails around 
• Wharf Southern Kitchen (Bowen’s Wharf) bold southern-inspired dishes, and one of Newport’s best whiskey selections.  Favorites include fried chicken and waffles, Creole shrimp with fried green tomatoes, and crisp local fish and chips

Broadway Favorites

• Pour Judgement this pub doesn’t take itself too seriously.  It has a laid back vibe with classic cocktails
• Tavern on Broadway hearty comfort food with a neighborhood vibe.  Looking for something different?  Try their fig and goat cheese pizza.  Otherwise you can’t go wrong with the classic bacon burger 
• The Fastnet Pub this Irish pub is a favorite by locals.  Their classic beer battered haddock is a real crowd pleaser