We spent July 4th weekend in Rhode Island this year with a few close friends. Tristan grew up in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We try to make 2-3 trips up to New England each year. I fell in love with Newport, RI the first time I visited and I love going back. It’s an extremely cute and quaint seaside town. The nearby towns of Tiverton and Little Compton are also peaceful and picturesque. There’s a lot to do in Rhode Island, from exploring the Newport mansions, hiking the Cliff Walk, or enjoying a lobster roll. I’m excited to share my quick guide to the perfect weekend in Rhode Island!
Where to Stay:
We stayed in a rental house located in Little Compton, about 35 minutes from Newport. When searching for a VRBO or Airbnb, I would focus on Newport if you are looking to walk or Uber around everywhere. If you choose to get a rental car, check out nearby Tiverton or Little Compton.
Newport, RI Hotels:
- The Viking ($)
- OceanCliff Hotel ($)
- Cliffside Inn ($$)
- Newport Marriott ($$)
- The Chanler at Cliff Walk ($$$)
- Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection ($$$)
Day 1 Itinerary:
One of my favorite things to do is explore the Newport Cliff Walk, a scenic 3.5 mile walkway along the coastline. Grab a coffee at Coastal Roasters on the way and get there as early as possible! We headed there first thing in the morning and despite the chilly temps and wind, it was already crowded. The views are absolutely beautiful.
Newport, RI Cliff Walk:
After exploring the Cliff Walk, I recommend touring some of the Newport Mansions. We didn’t do any tours on this trip due to the pandemic, but I’ve toured The Breakers and Rosecliff in the past, and I loved them both. I can’t wait to tour more of them in the future.
Next, head to Evelyn’s Drive-In for lobster rolls. They are heavenly and an absolute MUST when you’re in New England.
Spend the afternoon/evening exploring Tiverton and Little Compton. We made a reservation and went to Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard. It’s the perfect place to grab a bottle of wine and enjoy a beautiful sunny day. Find a spot by the water to watch the sunset.
Day 2 Itinerary:
Spend the day exploring Thames Street in Newport. It’s filled with unique shops, restaurants, bars, and historic homes right on the water. We ate lunch at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar, which I highly recommend. Other great restaurants in the area include The Lobster Bar and Midtown Oyster Bar. We also love to pop into The Cookie Jar for a treat.
Thames Street, Newport, RI:
One of my favorite things to do in Newport is a harbor tour! We’ve done a few in the past and enjoyed them all. On this trip we were lucky enough to take a ride around the harbor on Tristan’s dad’s boat (that he just finished building!)
Newport Harbor Tour:
After exploring Newport and taking a harbor tour, head to Tiverton for dinner at the Boat House. The food and service is always fantastic. The perfect waterfront dining experience to end your trip!
Boat House, Tiverton, RI:
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