Newport Rhode Island Hotels

Category: Things to Do

Guides to Newport attractions, Cliff Walk, mansions, boating, tours, parks and entertainment.

  • Newport RI Beaches: A Local Guide to Every Beach (Public, Private & Parking)

    Newport RI Beaches: A Local Guide to Every Beach (Public, Private & Parking)

    Newport beach guide · Reviewed October 2026

    Newport, RI has beaches for every kind of beach day. Surf and boogie board at Easton’s Beach, swim with toddlers in the calm harbor water at Fort Adams, or pay for a quiet cove at Gooseberry. A few famous names, like Bailey’s Beach, are private clubs, so it helps to know which beaches you can actually use before you go.

    Before you go: Parking rates, lifeguard hours and access rules are set by each beach and change from season to season. The details below were reviewed in October 2026; confirm current rates with each beach before you visit.

    Newport RI beaches at a glance

    BeachTownBest forWaterPublic?
    Easton’s (First) BeachNewportSurfing, boogie boarding, the Cliff WalkWavesYes
    Fort Adams State BeachNewportLittle kids, free parkingCalmYes
    Gooseberry BeachNewportQuiet cove, calm swimmingCalmPaid pass
    King Park BeachNewportHarbor views, playground, picnicsCalmYes
    Sachuest (Second) BeachMiddletownLong walks, surf lessonsWavesYes
    Third BeachMiddletownCalm waterCalmResidents’ parking
    Bailey’s and Hazard’sNewportSeeing from the Cliff Walk or Ocean Drive—Private

    Easton’s Beach (First Beach)

    Easton’s Beach is Newport’s main public beach, on Memorial Boulevard at the northern start of the Cliff Walk. Most locals call it First Beach. The rolling waves make it popular for surfing and boogie boarding, and lifeguards are on duty daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are wheelchair-accessible public restrooms.

    • Parking: Paid from April 1 to November 30. Recent non-resident rates have been $25 on weekdays and $35 on weekends and holidays, and parking is free from December through March.
    • Dogs: Allowed on a leash in the off-season only.
    • Tip: Park once and walk the Cliff Walk from here. See our Cliff Walk parking guide for other options.

    Fort Adams State Beach

    Inside Fort Adams State Park, this small beach (about 225 feet long) sits on calm harbor water with a roped-off swimming area. It is one of the best Newport beaches for young children. Lifeguards are on duty in season, and there are accessible restrooms, showers and a picnic area. Parking is free.

    Make a day of it: tour the historic fort, picnic on the lawn with views of the harbor and the Newport Bridge, then drive Ocean Drive. Families can compare family-friendly Newport hotels.

    Gooseberry Beach

    Gooseberry Beach is a pretty, calm cove along Ocean Drive. It is privately run by its shareholders but open to the public with a paid daily parking pass, sold online at gooseberrybeach.com. Recent daily passes have been about $30 plus tax per car, with up to five people per vehicle. Walk-on visitors and drop-offs are not allowed, though arriving by bike or scooter is.

    • Facilities: Lifeguards in season and a cash-only snack bar.
    • Best for: A quiet, low-key beach day with gentle water. Passes are limited, so buy early on hot weekends.

    King Park Beach

    On Wellington Avenue overlooking Newport Harbor, King Park is less a destination beach and more a neighborhood park with a small swimming area. It has public restrooms, a picnic area and a playground, plus boat-watching views across the harbor. Parking is available but limited.

    Sachuest Beach (Second Beach), Middletown

    Just over the line in Middletown, Second Beach stretches about a mile and a half toward the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. It is the area’s biggest beach, with surf lessons and board rentals in season, and bigger waves at the Surfer’s End section. Lifeguards are on duty in season, and there are restrooms, showers, a concession stand and a picnic area.

    • Parking: Non-resident daily rates have been about $25–$30 on weekdays and $35–$40 on weekends and holidays in peak summer. The Surfer’s End lot has been reserved for residents.
    • Dogs: Early morning only in summer (before about 7:45 am), anytime in the off-season.

    After the beach, walk the trails at Sachuest Point. See our hiking trails and parks guide.

    Third Beach, Middletown

    Third Beach sits in a sheltered cove down the road from Second Beach, with calm water and very few waves. In recent seasons, parking has been limited to Middletown residents with a seasonal pass, so most visitors should plan on Second Beach instead.

    Private beaches: Bailey’s Beach and Hazard’s Beach

    Bailey’s Beach, at the southern end of the Cliff Walk, is the private Spouting Rock Beach Association, a members-only club that has served Newport society since the Gilded Age. Hazard’s Beach, off Ocean Drive, is also privately run, with no public parking or listed public right-of-way. You can see both from the Cliff Walk and Ocean Drive, but plan your beach day at one of the public beaches above.

    Beaches near Newport worth the drive

    • Sandy Point Beach, Portsmouth: Calm, shallow water on the Sakonnet River. Good for families; no lifeguards.
    • Mackerel Cove, Jamestown: A quiet half-mile cove near Beavertail State Park.
    • Fogland Beach, Tiverton: Popular for windsurfing, kayaking and kite surfing.

    Which Newport beach should you choose?

    • Traveling with toddlers: Fort Adams State Beach (calm, roped-off, free parking).
    • Surfing or boogie boarding: Easton’s Beach or Second Beach.
    • Quiet couples’ beach day: Gooseberry Beach. Pair it with one of our romantic hotels.
    • Beach plus Cliff Walk: Easton’s Beach.
    • Long beach walk: Second Beach, then Sachuest Point.
    • Bringing the dog: Go in the off-season, or early morning at Second Beach. See our pet-friendly hotels.

    Where to stay near Newport’s beaches

    Easton’s Beach and Second Beach sit on the Newport–Middletown line, so hotels along Memorial Boulevard and Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown put you closest to the sand. Compare options in our Newport hotels near the beach guide, or browse budget-friendly hotels with free parking. If you want to walk to dinner downtown after the beach, see downtown Newport hotels.

    Newport beach tips

    • Arrive early on summer weekends. Lots at Easton’s and Second Beach can fill by late morning.
    • Check water quality. Rhode Island occasionally closes beaches to swimming after heavy rain because of bacteria levels. Check the RI Department of Health beach status before you go.
    • Bring a layer. Ocean breezes can make June and September beach days cooler than inland. Our Newport packing guide has a full list.
    • Plan around peak season. See the best time to visit Newport for crowds and rates.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the best beach in Newport, RI?

    Easton’s Beach is the best all-around public beach in Newport, with lifeguards, restrooms and surf. For calm water and small kids, Fort Adams State Beach is the top choice.

    Are Newport beaches free?

    Most charge for parking in summer. Fort Adams State Beach has free parking, and Easton’s Beach parking is free from December through March.

    Is Bailey’s Beach public?

    No. Bailey’s Beach is the private Spouting Rock Beach Association and is open only to members.

    Can you walk onto Gooseberry Beach?

    No. Gooseberry requires a daily parking pass bought online; walk-ons and drop-offs are not permitted, although you can arrive by bike or scooter.

    Which Newport beach has the calmest water?

    Fort Adams State Beach and Gooseberry Beach have the calmest water. Third Beach in Middletown is also calm but has resident-only parking.

    Are dogs allowed on Newport beaches?

    Generally only in the off-season. Easton’s allows leashed dogs outside of summer, and Second Beach allows dogs early in the morning in summer.

    More Newport guides

  • Things to Do in Newport, RI in Winter: 10 Cozy Ideas (2026–27)

    Things to Do in Newport, RI in Winter: 10 Cozy Ideas (2026–27)

    Newport seasonal guide · Reviewed October 2026

    Newport is famous for summer, but winter may be its best-kept secret. From December’s candlelit Christmas season to February’s Winter Festival, the City by the Sea stays lively, with far smaller crowds, easier parking and some of the lowest hotel rates of the year.

    Before you go: Many attractions and restaurants keep shorter winter hours, and some seasonal businesses close until spring. Check hours before you visit, especially midweek in January.

    Newport winter highlights at a glance

    1. Tour the Newport Mansions without the crowds

    The Breakers, the Vanderbilts’ 70-room summer “cottage,” stays open through the winter, and you will share it with a fraction of the summer crowds. Ask about the guide-led Beneath The Breakers tour, which takes you into the mansion’s mechanical systems and service areas. Other houses run reduced winter schedules, so check the operating calendar on newportmansions.org. In 2026, the Preservation Society offered free admission to The Breakers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so watch for similar offers.

    Stay close by: hotels near the Newport Mansions.

    2. See the mansions dressed for the holidays

    From late November to early January, the mansions are filled with decorated trees, poinsettias and garlands, and The Breakers adds its evening Sparkling Lights display. It is one of New England’s great holiday traditions. Our 2026 guide covers dates and tickets.

    3. Celebrate Christmas in Newport

    All December, Christmas in Newport brings concerts, candlelight events and community celebrations, and downtown buildings glow with white lights. Start the season with the Illuminated Boat Parade on Newport Harbor the night after Thanksgiving. Details are in our Christmas in Newport 2026 guide.

    4. Go to the Newport Winter Festival

    Billed as New England’s largest winter festival, the Newport Winter Festival packs more than 150 events into ten days each February, usually around school vacation week. Expect a chili cook-off, food and drink competitions, ice carving, tribute bands, comedy and kids’ events at venues across the city. The 2026 festival (the 38th) ran February 13–22. Watch newportwinterfestival.com for 2027 dates.

    The Newport Burger Bender usually runs alongside it, with local restaurants competing for the title of best burger.

    5. Walk the Cliff Walk in winter light

    With the summer crowds gone, the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk is wild and dramatic in winter, with big Atlantic waves breaking below the mansions. Wear sturdy shoes, stay on the path and skip the rocky southern section if it is icy. See our Cliff Walk hotel guide and Cliff Walk parking guide.

    6. Drive Ocean Drive and catch a winter sunset

    The 10-mile Ocean Drive loop is stunning on a clear winter afternoon. Stop at Brenton Point State Park, then finish with sunset over the water. Easton’s Beach is another quiet, beautiful place to watch the sun go down in winter.

    7. Go ice skating by the harbor

    Newport Harbor Island Resort on Goat Island has run an outdoor ice rink in recent winters, typically opening around Thanksgiving, with views of the Newport Bridge and the harbor. Confirm the 2026–27 season and hours before you go.

    8. Warm up in Newport’s museums

    • International Tennis Hall of Fame: Interactive exhibits on Bellevue Avenue, worth a visit even if you are not a tennis fan.
    • Newport Art Museum: Rotating exhibitions and a winter speaker series.
    • The Sailing Museum: Hands-on sailing history on Thames Street.
    • Audrain Automobile Museum: Rotating exhibits of rare and classic cars.
    • Newport Historical Society: Walking tours of colonial Newport, offered seasonally.

    9. Cozy up with chowder, wine and a fireplace

    Winter is the season for a bowl of chowder by the water, a pub with a fireplace and a long, lazy dinner. Newport Vineyards in Middletown stays open year-round for tastings and seasonal events. For dinner ideas, browse our Best Restaurants in Newport, Zelda’s and Tavern on Broadway guides.

    10. Shop Thames Street and Bellevue Avenue

    Winter is a relaxed time to browse Newport’s boutiques, galleries and gift shops, and many hold end-of-season sales after the holidays. Looking for something to take home? Browse our Newport souvenirs and gifts, drawn by a local and printed to order.

    What is Newport like in winter?

    Expect cold, windy weather, with daytime highs often in the 30s and 40s °F and occasional snow. The upside is real: fewer crowds, easier parking, a quieter waterfront and hotel rates far below summer. Pack layers, a windproof coat, a hat and gloves. Our Newport packing guide has a full list.

    Where to stay in Newport in winter

    Find the best rates with our Newport hotel deals and booking tips, or read the best time to visit Newport.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is Newport, RI worth visiting in winter?

    Yes. Winter brings holiday events, the Newport Winter Festival, open mansions with smaller crowds and some of the year’s lowest hotel rates.

    Are the Newport Mansions open in winter?

    The Breakers is open through the winter, and other mansions run reduced or seasonal schedules. Check newportmansions.org for current hours.

    When is the Newport Winter Festival?

    It is held for ten days in mid-February, usually around school vacation week. The 2026 festival ran February 13–22; 2027 dates will be posted at newportwinterfestival.com.

    Is the Cliff Walk open in winter?

    Yes, the Cliff Walk is open year-round, but sections can be slippery or icy, and some stretches occasionally close for repairs. Wear good shoes, check for closures and use caution on the rocky southern stretch.

    Does it snow in Newport, RI?

    Newport gets some snow most winters, though its coastal location usually means less than inland New England.

    More Newport guides

  • Holidays at the Newport Mansions 2026: Dates, Sparkling Lights & Tips

    Holidays at the Newport Mansions 2026: Dates, Sparkling Lights & Tips

    Newport events guide · Reviewed October 2026

    Holidays at the Newport Mansions runs from November 22, 2026 into early January 2027. Newport’s Gilded Age estates are filled with decorated trees, poinsettias, wreaths and garlands, and The Breakers adds an evening light display called Sparkling Lights.

    Before you go: Dates, houses, hours and ticket rules are set by The Preservation Society of Newport County and can change. Confirm details and buy tickets on newportmansions.org.

    Holidays at the Newport Mansions at a glance

    • Season: November 22, 2026 to early January 2027
    • Houses decorated in recent seasons: The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Chateau-sur-Mer
    • Evening event: Sparkling Lights at The Breakers (separate timed ticket)
    • Closed: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. In recent years the houses closed early on December 24.

    What to expect inside

    In recent seasons the Preservation Society has decorated the houses with close to 30 Christmas trees, plus poinsettias, garlands, wreaths and floral arrangements. At The Breakers, the Great Hall has featured a towering poinsettia tree built from about 150 plants.

    The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms have typically been open daily during the season, with Chateau-sur-Mer open on weekends. Check each house’s schedule before you go.

    Sparkling Lights at The Breakers

    Sparkling Lights turns The Breakers’ grounds into an evening light display and includes access to the mansion’s interior on the same visit. It requires a special ticket for a specific date and entry time:

    • Timed entry every half-hour from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, with the house and grounds closing at 8:00 pm
    • Regular Breakers tickets are not accepted after 3 pm on Sparkling Lights dates
    • Buy in advance. On-site tickets are sold only on the day, and only if it has not sold out.

    Tips for visiting

    • Weekdays are calmer. Weekends around Thanksgiving and in December are the busiest.
    • Pair a daytime house with an evening at The Breakers. Visit Marble House or The Elms in the afternoon, then go to Sparkling Lights after dark.
    • Dress for the cold. Grounds and Cliff Walk views are windy in December.
    • Add the Cliff Walk. Our Newport Cliff Walk guide covers the stretch that runs behind the mansions.

    Where to stay

    Bellevue Avenue and the Cliff Walk area put you closest to the mansions, while downtown keeps you near restaurants and the holiday lights on the waterfront.

    Frequently asked questions

    When does Holidays at the Newport Mansions start in 2026?

    The 2026 season begins November 22 and runs into early January 2027.

    Do I need a separate ticket for Sparkling Lights?

    Yes. Sparkling Lights at The Breakers requires its own ticket for a specific date and entry time.

    Which mansions are decorated?

    In recent seasons, The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Chateau-sur-Mer have been decorated. Check newportmansions.org for 2026.

    More Newport holiday guides

    The Preservation Society of Newport County (official site)