
Newport, RI Harbor Area
One of my favorite places in the world is Newport, RI. This charming city by the sea, located on Aquidneck Island, is famous for its Gilded Age mansions, five-mile long Cliff Walk, and bustling harbor area along Thames Street.
Here are some cool places to hang out if you’re going there for a visit:
Brenton Point State Park

Located along scenic Ocean Drive, Brenton State Park is a relaxing place to spend an afternoon without having to spend a dime. We usually pack a cooler, set up some beach chairs and an umbrella, bring pails and shovels for the kids, a book or magazine for the grown-ups, and let the ocean breeze and views work their magic. We simply find a place along the rocks that looks inviting, park our car across the street, and plop down for the day. It’s a perfect spot for little ones who like to search for crabs and dip their toes in the water.
http://www.riparks.com/Locations/LocationBrentonPoint.html
The Cliff Walk

A trip to Newport wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the famous Cliff Walk. While it does attract tons of tourists, if you’re willing to put on a pair of sneakers and get a good workout, about 2.5 miles in the smooth pathway turns rocky and rough. If you can make it near or to the end, you’ll have a long walk back to your original starting point, but it will bring you through lovely tree-lined neighborhoods filled with charming houses. http://www.cliffwalk.com/
Sunset at either King Park or Pineapples on the Bay

King Park

View from Pineapples on the Bay
Both places are ideal for watching the sunset in Newport. Located at opposite ends of the harbor, each has majestic views of the Pell (Newport) Bridge, the harbor and, of course, the sunset. King Park is free, boasts a playscape for kids, and often has live entertainment in the gazebo. Pineapples is located outdoors at the Newport Hyatt Hotel on Goat Island. It’s tons of fun for singles, couples, and families alike, featuring live entertainment, a mini-lighthouse, and s’mores kits for the kids to melt over the bonfire. The menu, reasonably priced for Newport, offers a mean lobster grilled cheese sandwich .
http://www.cityofnewport.com/visitors/king-park
http://newport.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/PineapplesontheBay.html
Sardella’s Restaurant

My favorite place to dine in Newport. Sardella’s has delicious, reasonably priced Italian cuisine, a cozy bar, and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can dine inside, outside on the patio or in the courtyard. Open year-round, it’s also a staple of many locals. http://sardellas.com/
Sachuest “Second” Beach

Technically, Second Beach is located in nearby Middletown, Rhode Island, just a few minutes’ drive past Newport’s Easton’s, or First, Beach. We prefer Second Beach because it feels, well, more beachy. There are dunes, less (rowdy) people, and not nearly as much stinky seaweed as First Beach. Plus, you can play Frisbee or have a catch, which are not allowed on First Beach. There’s a snack stand if you don’t feel like packing a cooler and restrooms. Parking costs about $20 per day.
http://www.visitrhodeisland.com/what-to-do/beaches/1186/second-beachsachuest-town-beach/
Easton’s “First” Beach

Easton’s “First” Beach
Lest you think I’m picking on First Beach, it, too, has lots to offer. There’s a merry-go-round and playground for the kids, a skateboard park, volleyball matches to watch, and a nearby beach bar. http://www.cityofnewport.com/departments/easton-s-beach
My Mother’s Cottage

Backyard of my mother’s cottage
One of the best things to happen to me was my mother buying this adorable Newport cottage 17 years ago. I am eternally grateful that she so generously shares it with her family.
What are some of your favorite places in the world?
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