Day Trips from Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is ideally situated for exploring the history and natural beauty of southern New England. Delve into its historic relics from the past, amble through picturesque seaport towns, or soak up a sunset at one of the region’s most beautiful beaches on these day trips from Newport.
Providence, Rhode Island
Why go: For a taste of city life
Rhode Island’s creative capital is an urban escape from Newport’s seaside splendor when you need a break from the summer crowds. This state capital and college town has undergone a renaissance in recent decades and today is one of New England’s hippest cities.
Utilize The Avenue Concept app to take a self-guided tour of Providence’s colorful murals and vibrant public art. Experience the city’s bustling food scene, or try the local brews at The Guild PVD’s beer garden on the Providence Pedestrian Bridge. Additionally, make sure to stroll over to Plant City, a plant-based food hall, or enjoy tasty treats from the many food trucks located downtown.
Finish off your day with a coffee and cannoli in DePasquale Square in Federal Hill, Providence’s “Little Italy” district.
How to get to Providence: Providence is an hour-long car drive from Newport. Head west on Route 138 across the Newport Pell Bridge, cross over the island of Jamestown until you reach Route 1 north. Follow this to Route 4 north and merge onto Interstate 95 north to Providence. For a more relaxing option, try the Newport-Providence ferry, which operates seasonally.
Mystic, Connecticut
Why go: For the seafaring history
Newport has its share of historic relics, but Mystic Seaport brings that past to life through a recreated 19th-century seafaring village and living history museum. This location is perfect for families to engage in hands-on learning as they watch coopers and blacksmiths at work, and tour historic vessels such as the Charles W. Morgan, the world’s last surviving wooden whaleship.
Before leaving town, stroll through the scenic downtown district, which features restaurants, boutiques, and an independent toy shop. Stop for a slice at the classic Mystic Pizza and grab a cool treat at Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream while enjoying the boats sailing under the lifted bridge. On the drive back, you can stop in Westerly, Rhode Island for a ride on the Flying Horse carousel.
How to get to Mystic: Mystic is an hour’s drive from Newport on Route 138 west to Interstate 95 south, or you can take the scenic route along the coast on Route 1A and Route 1.
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Why go: To learn about the Wampanoag culture
Plymouth is a seaside town that played a crucial role in U.S. history, being where the Pilgrims first arrived and began colonizing the Indigenous homeland of the Wampanoag.
The nearby Plimoth Patuxet Museums provide a glimpse into the Wampanoag people and what life was like in a 17th-century English settlement. At the State Pier, visitors can board a full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower, the ship that first brought the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620.
From late spring through October, ships depart from Plymouth harbor to view whales at the Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary. Don’t forget to grab some fresh seafood at Cabby Shack on the town wharf before heading back to Newport.
How to get to Plymouth: It’s just under two hours from Newport by car. Head north on Route 24 towards Fall River and continue until you reach Route 44 east towards Plymouth.
Boston, Massachusetts
Why go: Delve into American history
With a rich Revolutionary War history and captivating neighborhoods to explore, Boston is an essential day trip from Newport.
Visitors can participate in activities such as throwing “tea” into the harbor at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum or take a guided tour along the Freedom Trail. Boston also offers many museums like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum or the interactive Boston Museum of Science.
To satisfy your hunger, stop by one of the many food stalls in Faneuil Hall, Eataly, or the Boston Public Market. Don’t forget to taste test delicious cannolis from Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry in the North End.
How to get to Boston: Boston is an hour-and-a-half north of Newport by car on Route 24 north to the Interstate 93 expressway, or you can take an Amtrak or MTA train from Providence to Boston’s South Station.
Salem, Massachusetts
Why go: Get into the spooky holiday
If you’re visiting in the fall, a day trip to the historic town of Salem is a delightful way to celebrate Halloween while enjoying the beautiful autumn palettes on display in this seaside town. From the brilliant yellow Ginkgo leaves carpeting Armory Park to the vibrant orange and red leaves framing the Derby Wharf Lighthouse, New England truly showcases its beauty during this season.
The Salem Witch Museum provides an overview of the tragic Salem witch trials, while ghost tours introduce you to elusive specters that some believe haunt the town. Additionally, the House of the Seven Gables serves as a national historic landmark, inspiring Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel.
Before leaving, take time to walk along the waterfront and tour the Friendship of Salem, a replica of a 1797 East Indiaman tall ship. Treat yourself to some lobster mac and cheese or a juicy lobster roll at Finz Seafood and Grill before heading back.
How to get to Salem: Salem is under two hours by car from Newport, just north of Boston off of Interstate 95.
Springfield, Massachusetts
Why go: For family-friendly activities
Revitalized Springfield provides a day trip destination that offers something for every age group. Toddlers and the young at heart will enjoy the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden, while sports enthusiasts can revel in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Thrill-seekers can find excitement at the Six Flags New England amusement park just outside of town. Be sure to also visit the Yankee Candle Village to create your own candles and enjoy a stroll through the Christmas Bavarian Village to get in the holiday spirit.
How to get to Springfield: Springfield is in Western Massachusetts, which is a two-hour drive from Newport. Just head east on Route 2 to Hartford and turn due north on Interstate 91 to Springfield.
Fall River, Massachusetts
Why go: For military history
Military buffs will appreciate walking the decks of the five National Historic Landmark U.S. Naval ships and other craft at Battleship Cove, America’s Fleet Museum in Fall River. Dive in and see what it is like to be a sailor on a Navy warship.
Stop in at Patti’s Pierogis and sample some of the many flavors of these traditional Polish dumplings.
How to get to Fall River: Fall River is just a half-hour north of Newport by car on Route 24, making it an easy day or half-day trip.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Why go?: For a beachy retreat
For those craving wide, soft sand beaches, rolling dunes, and spectacular sunsets, a day trip to Cape Cod is the perfect choice. If you prefer a shorter day, stick to the beautiful beaches of the Upper Cape, including the calm waters of Mayflower Beach in Dennis.
For further exploration, consider visiting the Cape Cod National Seashore, which includes gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, and inland saltwater ponds. Stop for a brilliant sunset at Skaket Beach and enjoy fresh seafood before heading back up Cape.
How to get to Cape Cod: It takes a little over an hour by car to get to Cape Cod from Newport, and this duration can increase depending on traffic. Simply head up Route 24 to Interstate 195 and turn east, crossing the Bourne Bridge onto the Cape.
