Did you ever think to visit the coast for a fall trip?! Newport, Rhode Island is a great destination for your next autumn adventure! It is a coastal gem filled with beauty and charm and their fall season is nothing short of magical. From scenic walks and historic mansions to delicious seafood and vibrant festivals, Newport in the fall has something for everyone. My family and I visited Newport the last week of October and we had a wonderful time! And it was extra special since it was our first trip with the baby 🙂 Here are some of the best things to do in Newport in October:
Scenic Strolls Along the Cliff Walk
No trip to Newport is complete without taking a leisurely stroll along the famous Cliff Walk. This is a picturesque and popular attraction that you must add to your Newport itinerary! It is a 3.5 mile long walking trail that runs along the eastern shore of Newport, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a collection of historic Gilded Age mansions on the other.
The Cliff Walk is one of the best things you can do in Newport in October. The experience is elevated to a whole new level as the trees along the coastline burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Fall is also an ideal time to visit if you prefer smaller crowds and cooler weather.
The trail is relatively easy. However, it is a combination of paved easy paths and unpaved rocky areas so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. If you prefer to do a part of the trail that is easy and mostly a paved path, start at the first half of the 3.5 mile path at Memorial Boulevard and end at Ruggles Avenue.
If you are wondering where public restrooms are located on the Cliff Walk, you can find them at Narragansett Avenue.
Visit the Historic Mansions
Newport, Rhode Island is home to a collection of historic mansions. They are famous for their beautiful architecture and their association with the Gilded Age. During this time, many of America’s wealthiest families built elaborate summer homes in Newport to escape the city and socialize with the country’s elite.
The most well-known Newport mansions are The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff, The Elms, and Chateau-sur-Mer. Each mansion has its own unique style and historical significance. They are open to the public and visitors can tour inside and learn about their history and the lives of the families who lived there. This is one of the best things you can do in Newport in October! And if you only have time to visit one mansion, I recommend visiting The Breakers. It is the most famous out of the Newport mansions.
Check out the Shops
Newport has such a cute downtown for you to explore. Thames Street is the main shopping area that is filled with cute boutiques, souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants.
You can also explore the cobblestone streets of Bowen’s Wharf. This is another area by the water where you can find restaurants, boutiques, galleries and more!
Go on a Harbor Cruise
One of the best things to do in Newport is to go on a harbor cruise. It is a unique way to experience the city and in October, it’s even more beautiful with all the fall colors. You’ll get a different perspective of the city’s historic waterfront, lighthouses, and stunning mansions.
Check out the different harbor cruise options here!
Visit a Local Vineyard or Brewery
In and around Newport, you can find a bunch of local vineyards and breweries that you can visit.
Here is a list of local vineyards:
Here is a list of local breweries:
- Newport Craft Brewing Co.
- Taproot Brewing Co.
- Ragged Island Brewing Co.
- Rejects Beer Co.
- Coddington Brewing Company
- Sowams Cider Works Company
- Twelve Guns Brewing
- Six Pack Brewing
- Pivotal Brewing Company
- The Guild Warren
- The General’s Crossing Brewhouse
- Vigilant Brewing
Grab a Drink at the Lawn in Castle Hill Inn
One of our favorite things we did in Newport was grab a drink and hang out at The Lawn in Castle Hill Inn. They have cute white lawn chairs where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful sea view. You can also visit Castle Hill Inn for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.
Ride through Ocean Drive
Ocean Drive in Newport is a scenic roadway that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a 10 mile long drive that takes you along the southeastern coast of Aquidneck Island. As you drive along the route, you’ll see amazing views of the ocean and beaches and pass by some of Newport’s mansions and historical sites. There are also numerous viewpoints and pull-off areas for excellent photo spots! This drive is one of the best things to do in Newport in October because of the beautiful fall foliage.
Check out the Local Restaurants
Newport is filled with so many amazing restaurants and cafes! You will find a range of dining experiences from upscale, fine dining to casual and family-friendly options! And in October, Newport’s culinary scene takes on an autumnal twist! Restaurants and cafes embrace the season with special fall menus. Here are the restaurants and cafes I went to that I recommend:
Cafes
Breakfast / Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Fall Activities in Newport
Attend a Fall Festival
Throughout October, Newport hosts a bunch of fun fall festivals! The city hosts a variety of events appealing to different interests. A few of the festivals you can attend are the Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival, the Harvest Festival at Newport Vineyards, and the Rogue Island Comedy Festival.
You can check out more of the fall festival events happening in Newport here!
Pick a Pumpkin at Trinity Church’s Pumpkin Patch
In October, located right in the downtown, Trinity Church in Queen Anne Square has a pop up pumpkin patch. You can pick your own pumpkins, gourds, mums, and more! You can also purchase from their sweet selection of homemade baked goods and apple cider. It’s the perfect fall activity!
Eat Apple Cider Donuts at Hard Pressed Cider Co.
Is it even fall if you didn’t have an apple cider donut? Head over to Windmist Farm in Jamestown for fresh apple cider served hot, cold or as a slushie and warm apple cider donuts! These are sold Labor Day through Thanksgiving.
Apple and Pumpkin Picking at Sweet Berry Farm
Sweet Berry Farm is a farm market, café, and pick-your-own farm located in Middletown. In October, you can pick your own apples and pumpkins! Check out their market where they sell their own freshly grown seasonal fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, and a variety of gourmet and specialty foods. In their café, you can find a wide selection of sweets and savories and they serve breakfast and lunch. For a treat, try their pumpkin spice ice cream!
As you can see, there are so many things to do in Newport in October and it is an incredible destination for your next fall trip!
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