A Quick Newport, RI Q&A For First-Time Visitors

A couple of years or so ago we answered some of our most asked questions that we would get on Instagram regarding Newport, Rhode Island – a place that we like to visit quite often. Although I love visiting the Jersey beaches as well, Newport holds a very special place in my husband’s and I’s hearts and has quickly become like a home away from home for us.

The innkeepers at one of the places we’ve stayed a few times in Newport recognize us and have seen our family grow. We’ve been there so many times that we can easily map out our time there, visiting places we’ve gone to before with anticipation as if we’re visiting an old friend. Some of our relatives have joked that we go nearly every summer and why we don’t go anywhere else, but it’s truly because it has become a place that holds so many memories for us and we enjoy it every time we go.

Enough of my rambling, though.

We thought we’d revisit the idea of answering some of the most-asked questions about Newport, Rhode Island, from the perspective of people who visit often, for people who’ve never been.

A Quick Newport, RI Q&A For First-Time Visitors

Ro: Ooh, this is a tough one for me. I will say that I look forward to eating at Flo’s Clam Shack every time we go, but the best meal that I had was the garlic calamari from Tickets in Newport. However, depending on the day, I’ll likely give you a different answer, because there are so many good spots.

Han: I guess I would say the same thing. The garlic calamari was very good.

Han: I think everything we’ve visited is worthwhile, so I can’t say.

Ro: I would agree with that. It’s also hard for us to answer this because although we’ve been there multiple times and have gone practically every summer, we are technically tourists. I think everything so far has been worth visiting.

Han: I liked the classic car tour, and Ocean Drive never gets old.

Ro: There are so many, honestly. I loved visiting the mansions, specifically Rough Point. However, getting to take a classic car around Newport and getting to ride on a rail alongside the waterfront was pretty cool as well. I also love spending time on Ocean Drive, though.

Ro: We got you covered! I wrote a post a while back with some tips for what we usually pack when going. Light linens are a must, but be sure to pack a couple of light sweaters for the cooler nights because when you’re by the water, it can get a little chilly some evenings, even in the summer. Click here to read the full post on what I’d recommend!

Han: Honestly, yes, but it’s worth it. You just have to plan for it, so that you’re not spending outside of your means and only doing things you can afford.

Ro: Yes and no. It’s no more expensive than visiting some of the other shore towns, but it honestly depends on where you’re staying and what you plan to do there. You could go to Newport and just chill at the beach the whole time, making sandwiches on your own as opposed to eating out for every meal and budgeting that way. Newport, like any coastal vacation spot, can have its costs, though that can add up quickly if you’re not careful. We prepare for our visits several months in advance and plan out what we do so that we can enjoy it while we’re there without breaking the bank.

Ro: I may be biased, but being in Newport while pregnant with our daughter was such a sweet moment for both of us. Our vacation turned into a babymoon, and it was such a special time. We look forward to taking her to Newport one day when she’s a little bit older.

Han: I would say the sailing excursion that we went on was a nice memory. I would do it again in the future.

Ro: This is a tough one for me to answer because I like all of the ones we’ve gone to for different reasons. If I had to choose, though, I’d say Breakers is the best one.

Han: I like the guided tour of the Doris Duke mansion.

Ro: Ooh, Rough Point?

Han: Yeah. I liked that one a lot.

Ro: That was a good one.

Han: It’s relaxing, and I enjoy all of the attractions every time we go. There has not been one place we have visited so far that I have not enjoyed to some degree.

Ro: Other than the sentimental reasons of it being a special place for us, it’s always so relaxing when we go. It’s far enough from the city that you feel like you’re on a resort (which historical,y Newport was created for, according to one of the museums we visited), but close enough to major cities like Providence and Boston that there’s never a shortage of things to do while you’re there.

Han: .

Ro: Ooh, that’s a good question and a hard one. I’d say it depends on what you’re going to Newport for and what budget you’re working with. There are some PRICEY hotels and restaurants in Newport, RI that I would not recommend for someone who is hoping to explore the area on a budget. However, for someone with a larger budget (or no budget for the big ballers lol), I’d say go for it, if it’s worth it to you. I don’t know if that makes sense or answers the question, though.

Ro: I can take this one. I’d say it is, but it depends on what you consider family-friendly and what you’re hoping to do while there. For example, you might want to skip the Audrian automobile museum or The Breakers mansion if you’re traveling with children who like to run around inside places. However, there are arcades, beaches, and other outdoor museums that may be the perfect space to bring kids because they can’t accidentally bump into something that costs more than the price of most homes. That said, there is a lot you can do in Newport with kids, as we see them frequently when we travel there. I guess we’ll eventually find out how family-friendly it truly is lol

Ro: We think middle-late May or June is the best time to visit since it’s not as hot, but isn’t too cold either. You can read our full answer here.