Newport, Rhode Island – Beyond the Mansions

Gilded Age glamour, surprising surf, and red seaweed you need to know about.

Newport is famous for its mansions, sailing heritage, and jazz festival. Founded in 1639, it boasts America’s oldest operating tavern and was a summer playground for America’s wealthiest families. The harbor area has charming shops, restaurants, and historic wharves. But here’s what I love about it: come in September. The water is still warm enough to swim until October, summer crowds are gone, and you won’t pay fortune for parking.

🏖️ The Beaches – First, Second, and Third

There are three beaches. Only First Beach is actually in Newport. The best of them is Second Beach in nearby Middletown. Third Beach is quieter, more local.

Second Beach is a popular surf spot, especially in the fall. The sand is particularly soft here. One catch: the red seaweed. Some call it “red tide” but it’s not (red tide is toxic to shellfish). This seaweed is harmless but annoying – small bugs live in it. You’ll have to wade through it to get to clearer water. Worth it.

Second Beach
Notice the dark red area in the background – that’s the red seaweed.

Second Beach
The sand is particularly soft here.

🚴 The Ocean Drive Bike Ride

After the beach, head into Newport for a spectacular ride. Park somewhere downtown (plenty of free parking in the off‑season) and take the 10–14 mile Ocean Drive loop. Distance depends on where you start. It’s an easy ride with incredible views.

The stretch from Brenton Point to Bellevue Avenue is some of the best seaside biking anywhere.

Download the map: Get a free RideWithGPS account, then you can save this route to your mobile phone.

Newport Harbor

Tall Ship in Fort Adams State Park

Fort Adams & Eisenhower House

Fort Adams State Park – a pleasant seaside bike ride and site of the Newport Folk & Jazz Festivals.

The Eisenhower summer house. He lived here summers during his presidency.

🍽️ Where to Eat – Yachts Not Required

Newport’s food scene leans upscale – restaurants for the yacht crowd. For real beach food, head to Flo’s Clam Shack in Middletown. As I like to say: “All the deep fry oil you can stomach. Some clams too with your oil.”

For a true Rhode Island treat, find a Del’s Lemonade truck. There’s almost always one at Brenton Point Park – perfect after a bike ride. It’s slushy, tart, and often has chunks of lemon or seeds. So good.

Del’s Lemonade – a Rhode Island staple.

The ride from Brenton Point to Bellevue Avenue – world-class seaside biking.

🏛️ History & Mansions

Newport’s Gilded Age mansions are spectacular. Cliff Walk gives you oceanside views of The Breakers and Marble House – summer “cottages” for the Vanderbilts. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is also here.

Marble House on famed Bellevue Avenue – a Gilded Age summer cottage for a Vanderbilt family member.

📌 Newport Tips – What I Wish I’d Known

Go in September – warm water, no crowds, free parking.
Red seaweed – you’ll have to swim through it at Second Beach. Small bugs live in it, but they’re harmless.
Weekly rentals are not allowed – locals get around this by sharing seasonal rentals.
Second Beach is the best – soft sand and good surf.
Del’s Lemonade is mandatory.

First published September 2020. Updated for better browsing and local tips.