Neighborhood Guide

Magnolia Manor and Magnolia Portside are walkable to nearly everything Newport. Stroll downtown, take the trolley, or grab an Uber when your feet need a break because Newport is packed with things to explore.

 

 

For a full list of events and seasonal activities, browse: DiscoverNewport.org. Below you’ll find a curated list of our personal favorites so you can make the most of your stay!

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)

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

Mexican Food 

  • Diego’s a Baja-style cantina offering the best nachos, and quesadillas, plus easy harbor-side strolling  
  • Perro Salado creative modern mexican food meets historic Newport.  The sticky port ribs are “fall of the bone” tender.  Their full bar includes some terrific mezcal options

Italian

  • Giusto classy Italian vibes right on the waterfront of Hammett’s Wharf.  Their Narragansett Clams are a must  
  • Sardella’s Italian Restaurant long time local favorite near the corner of Memorial and Bellevue (and adjacent to Imbriglio if you’re in the mood for pizza – so good!)  Go in for the chicken parm but we dare you to try the eggplant parmigiana.  You won’t regret it
  • Mamma Luisa Ristorante (southern Thames) authentic Northern Italian cuisine with fresh pasta and a cozy, intimate feel

Late Night Pizza

After a long day at the beach and a late night on Thames, let’s be honest — you’re getting pizza.
  • Nikolas Pizza dependable, delicious, and ready when you are 
  • A1 Pizza dough made in house and pizza’s topped with their secret ingredient…cheddar cheese (don’t question it, just enjoy it)

Need more recommendations or have questions as you plan your stay?

Just reach out— we’re always here to help you make the most of your Newport getaway.

Tell Us What You Loved

Our neighborhood guide is just the beginning. Once you’ve experienced Newport and stayed with us at Magnolia Manor or Magnolia Portside, we’d be thrilled to hear your favorite highlights, hidden gems, and anything that made your time special. Your insights help future guests feel even more at home and help us continue shaping the Magnolia experience.

Save on Your Next Trip

Save 15% on your next Newport getaway when you book direct at Newport744.com

Return guests can contact us directly for the best repeat-guest pricing.

Thanks you for staying with us.

We hope this guide helps you experience everything Newport has to offer!