What to do with 1 day in the smallest state.
Our stop in Rhode Island was short but sweet. This was part of our New England road trip where we hit 13 states in two weeks. Here’s how we spent our one day in Newport. Our main goal was to see the historic mansions along the coastline.
This trip was taken July 2022.
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We parked near the “40 Steps” and started walking along the coast. You can walk right alongside the ocean, with waves crashing up near the path, which made it feel a little more dramatic than your typical stroll. There are tons of massive mansions to see along the way, and you can tour some of them if you have the time. The homes are definitely over-the-top, but the setting is really beautiful and worth it for the views alone.
After the walk, we headed into town for lunch. Right next to the International Tennis Hall of Fame (you can walk the grounds, and it’s really pretty) is a small diner called Annie’s. Funny coincidence—my family came to Newport when I was about my kids’ age, and we ate at this exact same place 20 years ago. Out of all the restaurants around, we somehow ended up there again. It was just as good as I remembered—great food and a lot of locals.
Newport is a really charming town with great scenery, and it’s an easy, worthwhile stop if you’re passing through.
Wrap-Up
Not a place we spent a ton of time, but definitely one that stuck with us. Newport is easy to explore, has a lot of character, and gives you a nice mix of scenery and history without needing a full itinerary.
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