Explore Newport
Discover the Best of Newport, Rhode Island
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Newport’s best is right outside your door. From Gilded Age mansions and cobblestone streets to waterfront dining and sailing, it’s all a short walk from Pelham Court Hotel.
Stroll to the harbor, browse Thames Street’s shops and restaurants, or spend the day at the beach, all without moving your car. Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend, a family getaway, or one of Newport’s signature events, here are a few of our favorite places.
Where We Love to Eat
Our front desk team’s favorites, from quick coffee to a special-occasion dinner:
Breakfast — Annie’s (a short walk up Bellevue Ave), Corner Cafe, Cru Cafe, and Belle’s Café at Newport Shipyard for marina views.
Lunch — The Black Pearl’s famous clam chowder on Bannister’s Wharf, Midtown Oyster Bar’s rooftop, and Mission’s local-favorite burgers.
Dinner — Bar and Board Bistro (right outside our door), The Mooring, Clarke Cooke House, Diego’s, Fluke, Stoneacre Brasserie, Flora at Gardiner House, and the White Horse Tavern, America’s oldest tavern.
Shopping & Nightlife
Thames Street — lined with boutiques, waterfront bars, and award-winning restaurants.
Brick Alley Pub — a Newport classic serving comfort food and drinks in a lively setting.
Kilwins Newport — handmade chocolates, fudge, and ice cream just around the corner.
Sunset Drinks
Golden hour in Newport is not to be missed. Our picks: The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn, Top of Newport at Hotel Viking, Clarke Cooke House, and Pineapples on the Bay (seasonal).
Gilded Age Mansions
Step back in time and tour the grand estates that made Newport famous:
The Breakers — the Vanderbilt family’s iconic 70-room “summer cottage” overlooking the Atlantic. Start here.
Marble House — a dazzling gilded showpiece inspired by the Petit Trianon in Versailles.
Rosecliff — an elegant ballroom mansion, open seasonally.
Book timed tickets at newportmansions.org and allow 1–2 hours per mansion.
Cliff Walk & the Coast
Cliff Walk — the 3.5-mile trail starts just steps from us at Memorial Blvd. Head south past the Forty Steps for mansion-and-ocean views, and wear sturdy shoes for the rocky southern end.
Easton’s Beach (First Beach) — Newport’s most popular family-friendly beach with a carousel and snack bar.
Fort Adams State Park — military history, sailboat races, and waterfront festivals.
Brenton Point State Park — kites by day, one of the best sunsets on the island.
Sachuest Point — an easy coastal nature trail in nearby Middletown.
Sail Newport — the city’s premier sailing center offering lessons and harbor tours.
Rainy Day Favorites
The International Tennis Hall of Fame — steps from Bellevue Avenue, celebrating the legends of the sport.
Audrain Automobile Museum — rotating exhibits of rare cars right on Bellevue Ave.
Newport Art Museum — American art in a historic Bellevue Ave setting.
Touro Synagogue — America’s oldest synagogue, with guided tours.
Family-Friendly Activities
Make memories the whole family will love:
Ryan Family Amusements Arcade — fun for kids and adults, just steps from the hotel.
Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium at Easton’s Beach — a small, educational stop for young visitors.
Newport Car Museum — a stunning collection of classic and modern automobiles, a short drive away in Portsmouth.
Newport Classic Cruises — set sail aboard The Madeleine or The Rum Runner II for a family harbor adventure.
Getting Around
Downtown and the wharves are about a 15-minute walk from Pelham Court. The RIPTA Route 67 trolley runs along Bellevue Ave to the mansions and downtown (seasonal schedule at ripta.com). Uber and Lyft are available, or call our recommended driver, New Heights Transportation: 401-417-0672.
Plan Your Stay
Pelham Court Hotel is the perfect home base for exploring Newport. Call 401-619-4950 or book directly online to plan your getaway in the heart of downtown.
