The Art of Smart Timing
Summer is high season in this waterfront town, which can grow cold with the winter sea breezes blowing in. But with many of the resorts housing indoor pools, there's no reason you can't go to Newport in the off-season and still enjoy the mansions, shops and restaurants at a much more affordable price. The town features an outdoor ice rink and winter carnival in the cold-weather months. If you want to hit the beach, the ocean is still relatively warm in the month of September and you won't have the high peak crowds of July and August.
Unless you're a diehard music lover, you'll want to try to avoid the weekends in August featuring the jazz and folk festivals. Streets are congested with traffic and it's hard to get around.
Getting There
Driving from Boston, the best way to access Newport is via Route 24 South through Fall River, merging onto Route 114 South. From New York and points south, you'll need to follow I-95 North to Route 138 East and cross over the Jamestown and Pell Bridges.
Getting Around
Newport's a great walking city, so ditch the car and grab a map when you walk around downtown. To reach the mansions, cliff walk and beaches, you'll need to drive a short distance.
Off the Radar
The Norman Bird Sanctuary is home to the largest area of preserved open space in Newport County. A wildlife refuge encompassing over 450 acres and seven miles of trails wind through a diversity of habitats, including hay fields, forest and ridges that provide spectacular views of the surrounding ocean and ponds. The visitor center is situated in a 19th century barn.
Newport, R.I. Planning & Tips
Newport, R.I. Planning & Tips
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