Newport’s 2025 summer calendar is stacked, the harbor is filling with white sails, and almost every historic building seems to have a porch, patio, or roof deck that doubles as a front row seat to the action. Below are 12 experiences, part scenic, part culinary, all outdoors, that belong on any warm weather itinerary. Together they deliver cliff top drama, harbor breezes, live music legends, and some of the best al-fresco food and drink in New England.
1. Trace the Coast on the Cliff Walk
Newport’s iconic Cliff Walk runs 3.5 miles from Memorial Boulevard to the eastern edge of Bailey’s Beach, blending paved family friendly promenades with a rock-hopping southern section for the adventurous. Go early for sunrise light on Ochre Court and The Breakers (the Narragansett Avenue entrance offers convenient on street parking nearby) or during the evening to see the sunset over Bailey’s Beach. The rugged southern section offers dramatic views where waves crash against the rocky shore.
2. Circle Ocean Drive (Ten-Mile Drive)
Rent an e-bike from Island Adventures (half-day or full-day) then follow the 10-mile ribbon past historic landmarks like Hammersmith Farm, the former summer home of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Brenton Point, and Fort Adams. Pack a picnic for Gooseberry Beach or pull over at the Ocean Avenue bluffs to watch agile kite-boarders carve through Narragansett Bay’s waters.
3. Sail Newport Harbor & Narragansett Bay
Public sails with Sightsailing of Newport typically run from early May through mid-October (May 3–October 13, 2025), with tickets released in advance; sunset departures offer a cash bar with beer, wine, and champagne. For a hands-on option steeped in sailing history, book the helm on a classic 12-Metre yacht, the very vessels that competed in America’s Cup races, and slice through the same historic waters.
4. Paddleboard or Kayak the Inner Harbor
Rhody Surf sets up SUP rentals right on Easton’s Beach so you can launch directly into gentle surf or hug the jetties toward the base of the Cliff Walk. In town, Island Adventures’ paddle fleet at Long Wharf lets you glide past colonial wharves and impressive super yachts before potentially tying up at Perrotti Park for an ice cream.
Longing for a trip to Newport? Check out hotel availability here!
5. Bask on Newport’s Beaches
Easton’s (First) Beach is often the lively choice, featuring surf lessons, popular clam cake stands, and during the summer, various amenities City of Newport. Quieter Sachuest (Second) Beach, just a mile east, offers roomier sands and is favored for surfing and boogie boarding due to its steadier waves, while Third Beach’s bay-side location provides exceptionally flat, calm water, ideal for cautious swimmers, toddlers, and easy launch-and-lunch SUP sessions.
6. Picnic & Kite-Fly at Brenton Point (and the Newport Kite Festival)
Constant Atlantic winds make Brenton Point State Park a year-round kite mecca, with vast open fields perfect for launching. The sky really erupts in color during the annual Newport Kite Festival, held July 12–13, 2025, from 12–5 p.m. Witness impressive displays by pro fliers, including giant octopi, massive butterflies, and intricately designed delta kites. Pro fliers happily share tips between demos. Bring your own kite or buy one from on-site vendors; food trucks ring the field offering diverse options, and sunsets burn orange behind the iconic Claiborne Pell Bridge.
7. Outdoor Dining with Waterfront Views
The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn:
Adirondack chairs on a sweeping bluff overlooking the bay; famous for lobster rolls and a signature Mansion G&T. Lunch typically served 11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.; reservations essential on weekends Castle Hill Inn. Offers a quintessential Newport elegant outdoor dining experience.
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar:
Mahogany planked patio floating over Newport Harbor; a must-try is the colossal “bag of doughnuts” lobster fritters. Sunset tables book out weeks ahead due to its prime harbor views and renowned seafood.
22 Portside (Bowen’s Wharf):
Offers casual chowder, famed mudslides, and unbeatable bow-to-stern people-watching right on the bustling wharf. Reopens each April as soon as patio heaters come out, marking the start of the outdoor dining season.
At The Deck:
Located on Waite’s Wharf, known for raw bar towers and frozen drinks right on the water, steps from live music yachts. Patio is dog friendly at lunch. Provides a vibrant, relaxed dockside atmosphere.
Belle’s Café (Newport Shipyard):
Watch impressive 200-ft. super-sloops haul out while eating a casual Shipyard breakfast sandwich. A favorite casual spot offering unique shipyard activity views.
8. Toast Summer at Rooftop & Garden Bars
Top of Newport (Hotel Viking):
Still rules Bellevue Avenue with cozy fire-pit seating and often features live acoustic sets on Fridays, offering elevated views of the historic neighborhood.
Forty 1° North Pavilion Bar:
Surrounds you with gleaming transoms and views of million dollar masts and yachts in the marina, providing a chic, waterfront lounge experience.
O’Brien’s Pub:
Remains the unofficial HQ for refreshing frozen drinks, including mudslides on a sprawling 200-seat garden patio that even offers dog menus. A lively, spacious spot popular with locals and visitors.
The Rooftop at The Brenton Hotel:
Open to outside guests from 4 p.m. to sunset, offering stunning 270-degree harbor views, mixologist-driven spritzes, and a strict collared shirt dress code after 4 p.m. The Brenton Hotel provides elevated perspective of the harbor and America’s Cup Ave.
The Roof Deck at The Vanderbilt:
Typically reopens in mid-May; raw-bar oysters, lobster rolls, and craft cocktails flow daily 4–10 p.m. against wrap around sunset vistas of the harbor and Pell Bridge. A luxurious setting for sunset drinks and small plates.
9. Rock Out at the Newport Folk Festival (July 25–27, 2025)
Fort Adams turns into a three day harbor side jam session, renowned for its diverse lineup and collaborative super sets, with the rolling lineup announced throughout the spring. Experience legendary and up-and-coming artists in a historic waterfront setting.
10. Swing into the Newport Jazz Festival (Aug 1–3, 2025)
The 71st edition welcomes a stellar lineup including The Roots, Janelle Monáe, Esperanza Spalding, and many more across four waterfront stages at Fort Adams. One of the oldest and most respected jazz festivals, offering incredible performances with the bay as a backdrop.
11. Browse the Newport International Boat Show (Sept 11–14, 2025)
One of the largest in-water boat shows in the country, with more than 600 exhibitors showcasing everything from center consoles and electric runabouts to impressive blue-water cruisers at the Newport Yachting Center and Bowen’s/Bannister’s Wharves. Explore the latest in boating while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the wharves.
12. Experience History and Views at Fort Adams State Park
Fort Adams State Park offers a blend of history, recreation, and stunning views. Explore the impressive 19th-century fortification with its tunnels and ramparts (tours available), enjoy the expansive parade field perfect for picnics and games, or walk the perimeter for panoramic views of Newport Harbor and the Pell Bridge. The park is also the historic site for the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals.
How to String It All Together
Start with a sunrise Cliff Walk, pedal Ocean Drive to Brenton Point for a lunchtime kite-fly, then sail the harbor at golden hour. Cap the day with rooftop cocktails at The Brenton or The Vanderbilt before settling into a mahogany harbor-side table at The Mooring. Repeat with variations and see how quickly one weekend becomes an annual tradition.
