From the minute you cross the Pell Bridge, the sweeping views of Newport Harbor transport you…to a place where the sea meets land on rocky shores, countless sailboats dot the vista, plates of sumptuous, fresh seafood are washed down with local brews, and history abounds around every corner. Newport has an amazing story to tell, spend time here soaking in the salt air, amazing views and experience its history. The ‘City by the Sea’ is a feast for the senses. And when you’re ready to book your getaway, just contact Carla at carla@vacationkids.com

Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor It all starts on the water. Book one of the many harbor cruises with the local outfitters for an unforgettable experience. Your first decision: experience a sailing adventure aboard a schooner or choose a motorized craft that can get up close to the historic landmarks. It was near impossible to decide, but we chose Classic Cruises classic restored 1929 Rum Runner.

The early bird ‘Lighthouses and Mimosas Cruise was as good as it sounded. Learning the harbors history, taking in the spectacular views, getting up close to 4 distinct lighthouses plus the sights along the Bay and Harbor including Jacqueline Kennedy’s childhood home, Castle Hill, Fort Adams and ??? State Park. All while sipping mimosas with a pleasant backdrop of morning music. A must do!

Bowen’s and Bannister’s Wharfs Bustling with energy, stroll onto either wharf and you’re practically overwhelmed with choices. Where to eat? Where to drink? Where to shop? The answer: do it all, or most of it as everything is just a few steps away. Our advice, bar/restaurant hop sampling plates of local oysters, clams, shrimp and of course lobster! Try the local brews, sit outside and watch the boats come in, take in the sunset and stay till the music starts. If you can’t have fun here it’s your own fault! A few can’t miss spots:

Aquidneck Lobster House sit on the back deck for the best views, or pull up right to the raw bar for the ultimate service…do an oyster shooter for the fun of it, you can thank us later!

The Black Pearl The outside bar and tables put you in the center of activity, a great place to socialize with visitors and locals all out for a day into night party.

Fluke try the upstairs cocktail bar just before sunset, and don’t miss the fried oysters.

Add to your list: Bowen 22, Clarke Cooke House and the The Landing (which has live music from Happy Hour to Late Night).

The Cliff Walk Designated as a National Recreation Trail, the incredibly scenic pathway runs for 3.5 miles along some of the most beautiful coastline in all of New England. The 360 degree views are stunning, with steep cliffs and rocky shores on one side, and the perfectly manicured lawns of the Mansions on the other.

The Walk itself ranges from paved, easy to navigate paths with railings to unpaved rocky areas through which can be a bit challenging, especially with two way traffic on a busy day. Caution is advised along the entire walk, warning the Instagrammers against climbing out on ledges that drop over 70 feet.

The recently rebuilt and paved beginning at 1st Beach and Memorial Boulevard is the easiest part. The last portion (from Ledge Road to the end at Reject’s Beach and Bellevue Avenue) is where it can become more challenging. It will take about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop for pictures. The good news is that there are entry and exit points along the way so you choose the portion your most interested in, and most comfortable with.

Here are a couple of recommendations for shorter excursions:
1. Start at the 40 Steps (Narragansett Avenue) and exit at Ruggles or Marine Avenue. This will allow you to see some beautiful coastal views, along with Ochre Court (part of Salve Regina University) and The Breakers mansion.
2. Start at Ruggles or Marine Avenue and exit at Ledge Road. In this section you’ll still see the ocean views, but you’ll also see Rosecliff, Beechwood, Marble House, the Chinese Tea House and Rough Point (Doris Duke’s home).
Catch the trolley back for fun (but slow) experience. But hey, who’s in a run a rush?

The Mansions The leading architects of the 19th and early 20th centuries built magnificent mansions for the nation’s social and financial elite along Newport’s spectacular coastline. These “summer cottages” provided the backdrop for a society centered on sport, fashion and parties in settings of incredible natural beauty.

Ten of these properties have been preserved by The Preservation Society of Newport County and are open to the public. From the homes of a colonial merchant and leading China traders of the Victorian era, to the great Italian and French Renaissance palaces of the Gilded Age, these houses span over 250 years of American architectural and social history.Visit the Newport Mansions: The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff, Chateau-sur-Mer, The Elms, Isaac Bell House, Kingscote, Chepstow, Hunter House, and Green Animals Topiary Garden.

Seafood Enjoy the freshest catch from local waters right to your plate as you enjoy a waterside table. Make up raw bar platters of oysters, clams and shrimp. And have as many Lobster Rolls as you can possibly fit in. All the Wharf restaurants are fantastic, and add Benjamin’s on Thames Street (directly across from the Wharf) to your must-do list.

Downtown and Thames Street Stroll along the shops, ranging from local souvenirs, to crafts and galleries, to antiques and one of a kind treasures. More restaurants with Lobster baked into everything, including grilled cheese and tacos. Sample some fudge and candy as you explore. There’s a ton of upscale brand names at The Shops at Long Wharf, mixed with just enough local options.

Scenic Ocean Drive Breathtaking views and quaint neighborhoods will delight you as you delve deeper into Newport. Plan a few stops along the way, consider having your beach chairs and a picnic lunch for that perfect spot you’re sure to find at one of the many parks and beaches…slow down, stop time for a bit and and enjoy the views…and make a couple of stops along the way…

Fort Adams and the Bay Walk a former United States Army post that was established on July 4, 1799 as a First System coastal fortification, Fort Adams, named for President John Adams who was in office at the time. Its first commander was Captain John Henry who was later instrumental in starting the War of 1812. The current Fort Adams was built 1824–57 under the Third System of coastal forts; and daily tours are available for the history and architecture buffs.

Adding the Bay Walk to your itinerary is the best way to understand the Forts Position in protecting Newport Harbor, and the pleasant, easy walk takes just over an hour, providing countless photo opportunities. Today, the park is widely know as the location for the famed Newport Jazz Festival.

Castle Hill This is a true gem, a place to make memories. Plan the better part of a day here. Once you’re seated on the lawn in a white Adirondack chair , sipping sangria, having a shrimp cocktail and lobster roll while an endless parade of sailboats pass by, why would you ever want to leave?

The incredibly posh, upscale Inn itself is a landmark Victorian mansion on 40 waterfront acres. Accommodations include rooms in the mansion, as well as beach houses and cottages with kitchenettes. All are individually decorated in traditional style. Amenities vary, but may include fireplaces, ocean views and/or 2-person soaking tubs.

The outside bar and patio serve a Sunday brunch with a jazz trio entertaining. And it is one of the most perfect spots on earth to savor a sunset.

It happened to be our 35th wedding anniversary, and one we’ll remember forever. We agree this is our absolute favorite spot in Newport…promise to let us know if it becomes one of yours.

Nightlife When the sun goes down, Newport heats up! Not many places with this much to offer during the day have a great nightlife, making Newport a true all-around destination with something for everyone. Younger crowds pack the bars with loud bands, music pouring out onto Thames Street.

For those of us a ‘bit’ more mature there is still a ton of fun. We love the Newport Jazz and Blues Club, which actually features cover bands playing everything from classic rock, country rock and old-school disco, packing the dance floor. Love this place! We also love the dueling piano bar at One Pelham East, top floor, great bar and a fun singalong of audience requested tunes from two really talented singers/pianists. After the show, the DJ comes on to keep the party going.

Museums As always, not enough time to do it all, but if you are a Museum lover, Newport has plenty to offer including: Museum of Newport History, Museum of Yachting, The Naval War College Museum, Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum.

Getting around The bustling wharves and downtown can be near impossible by car. Check out the nearby transportation center on America’s Cup Drive for busses and trolleys, water taxis and the hi-speed ferry to Block Island. Bikes, scooters and the ultimate 3-wheeler ‘Scoot Coupe’ can make getting there half the fun. Try Scooter World on Thames St for daily availability.

So much to see and do, fun and elegance set in stunning natural beauty. Take time to slow down, breathe deep and taste the salty air and escape life for a while.

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