
Front facade of Rosecliff mansion
Photo Credit: Bethany Bourgault
Though Newport is one of New England’s most venerable cities (it was founded in 1639), the "City by the Sea" is hardly stuffy — what with its bustling harbor and lively downtown scene. Still, history has its place here, especially when it comes to Newport’s magnificent 19th-century seaside mansions. There are plenty of things to do in Newport, RI, as well as some of our favorite places to stay and eat… So why not make a weekend of it and get to know one of the prettiest coastal towns in New England first-hand?
SEE MORE: Coastal Weekend Getaways in New England | Your Perfect Weekend
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Things to Do in Newport, RI | Coastal Weekend Getaways[/caption]
Front facade of Rosecliff, one of the famous Newport Mansions | Things to Do in Newport, RI[/caption]
The Castle Hill Inn | Newport Hotels & Inns[/caption]

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN NEWPORT, RI
The Cliff Walk
Blending the best of Newport’s Gilded Age architecture and its dazzling oceanside location, the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and ranks as one of Rhode Island’s most popular tourist attractions. The path, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours at a reasonable pace, starts at the western end of First Beach, off Memorial Boulevard, and finishes up at Bailey’s Beach and Bellevue Avenue. (And if 3.5 miles seems too long, don’t worry: There are plenty of stops along the way!) 175 Memorial Blvd. cliffwalk.com SEE MORE: Walks Worth Their Salt | New England Ocean WalksNewport Mansions
Lose yourself in bygone luxury when you take a tour of one or more of the Newport Mansions, which include the Breakers and Marble House (both former residences of the Vanderbilt family), Rosecliff (based on the fabled French Grand Trianon at Versailles), and the Elms (a copy of a lavish French estate called Château d’Asnières). Those are the heavy hitters, but bear in mind that some of the lesser-known mansions — including Hunter House and Chepstow — are also well worth a visit. 424 Bellevue Avenue. 401-847-1000; newportmansions.org SEE MORE: Newport Mansions | Experiencing the Gilded AgeNational Museum of American Illustration
This museum offers a unique perspective on American art as it focuses on an often-overlooked genre, illustration, in all its various forms. In addition to its permanent American Imagists Collection — a treasure trove of art created for books, periodicals, and advertisements — the museum hosts a changing lineup of temporary exhibits that focus on such themes as “Advertising as Art,” “Norman Rockwell and His Contemporaries,” and even “My Little Pony: Under the Sparking Sea.” 492 Bellevue Avenue. 401-851-8949; americanillustration.orgInternational Tennis Hall of Fame
Brimming with more than 1,900 artifacts of tennis history (including Andy Roddick’s red, white, and blue sneakers and Rene Lacoste’s original “crocodile” blazer), this museum is perfect for sports fanatics. But it appeals to families, too, with interactive exhibits such as a touch table that lets visitors “serve” tennis trivia questions back and forth, and a “Call the Match” exhibit in which anyone can step into the role of a big-league sports broadcaster. Plus, you can participate in clinics or book time on the grass courts where 1881’s first U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championships were played. 194 Bellevue Avenue. 401-849-3990; tennisfame.com SEE MORE: International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum | A Rare Find in Newport, Rhode Island [caption id="attachment_67271" align="aligncenter" width="780"]
NEWPORT RESTAURANTS
Belle’s Café
So much to see, so little time? One of our fast-refueling favorites is this nifty café tucked away in the middle of the Newport Shipyard. Sit inside or outside, and enjoy views of the harbor as you tuck into hearty breakfast fare (think: omelets, pancakes, egg and cheese sandwiches with sausage, bacon, or ham) or lunch standards like burgers, salads, and “hot-off-the-press” paninis. Open seasonally. One Washington Street. 401-846-6000; newportshipyard.com/bellescafeThe Black Pearl
A former sail loft that stands today as one of Newport’s most loved restaurants, the Black Pearl offers more than one dining experience to choose from. The Tavern boasts a more casual and warm atmosphere while still offering a wide-ranging lunch and dinner menu. The Commodore’s Room, by contrast, is elegance itself, with its white linen tablecloths, fine china, and real silver. Finally, during the summer months you can dine alfresco at the Waterside Patio and Bar, which comes with a magnificent view of the harbor. Bannister’s Wharf. 401-846-5264; blackpearlnewport.comCru Café
Located just behind the Audrain Automobile Museum, Cru Café bills itself as a “purveyor of craft café dining.” Translation: It makes food fresh, and from local ingredients whenever possible. The menu therefore gets some seasonal tweaking, but you can count on finding the ultra-filling quinoa scramble for breakfast (eggs, spinach, gruyere, and quinoa) and sandwiches with a tasty twist, like the Yankee Muffuletta and the Grown-Up Grilled Cheese. One Casino Terrace. 401-314-0500; crucafenewport.comMidtown Oyster Bar
To sample some of the city’s best and freshest seafood, make tracks for this vast and inviting eatery, opened in 2013. Midtown Oyster Bar is not short on ambition, with its three bars, two patios, and staff of 100-plus. But the real star is the food, which includes Newport’s largest raw bar (featuring up to a dozen different kinds of oysters). Non-seafood-enthusiasts shouldn’t fret — there are options on the menu for them, too, including a dynamite steak frites. 345 Thames Street. 401-619-4100; midtownoyster.com [caption id="attachment_113204" align="aligncenter" width="780"]