This post is in partnership with the Newport Marriott Hotel, one of my favorite hotels to stay on the Island. While working with great partners helps to bring elevated content to this blog, opinions are entirely my own. All photos are copyright by Chocolate & Lace, LLC.
The Island
Newport, Rhode Island is one of the most picturesque places on the planet. As you arrive over the Pell Bridge, you’re immediately transformed into the stunning seaside with vast views of the Newport Harbor with sail boats and a handful of celebrity (I’m talking Bono and Oprah) yachts for days. Since I left New England for Philadelphia, I hadn’t been back in 2 years.
Where to Stay
Now that Mia loves the ocean, Newport was the perfect place for our family to spend the 4th of July week. I’ve stayed at many of the properties in Newport, so many good options. However not all are great for kids. The Newport Marriott is my top pick for visiting Newport with kids.
I also love the Marriott brand of hotels as I’ve simply come to know what to expect. Their unwavering consistency is key for me when planning a week long trip and the Newport Marriott has some of THE nicest staff in the hospitality business. Which, when you happen to be traveling with a tiny tot who won’t sit still or wear shoes for breakfast, it matters.
The hotel was recently renovated and this was my first time since renovations. The Newport Marriott also has a gorgeous Patio and Pool which was a “must have” when vacationing with the girls for the week. Of course, location is prime, and the hotel is located on America’s Cup right off of Thames Street. You can’t get much closer to being at the heart of Downtown Newport. From Jason at Bell Hop to Ryan at the Skiff Bar, we had a great time thanks to the service at the Marriott and the wonderful employees. Check out some of my photos of the renovated rooms. Our room had a great view of the bridge which made me super happy to see each sunset or later on each night all lit up in Red White and Blue.
The Best Beaches
Top of my family’s list is the Beach, Beach, Beach! There are so many different beaches to see in the surrounding area but this time we stuck to Easton’s Beach (also know as first beach) and Second Beach. Easton’s is my favorite beach hands down. It’s wide enough that there is plenty of space and the waves are calmer as it’s on an inlet. Easton’s sits at the bottom of start of the Cliff Walk. Beach amenities include a bathroom, food shack and a carousel. Also literally ON the beach is a fantastic aquarium for kids, Save the Bay. You can walk in right off the beach, sandy bottoms and all and it provides a great break when you need it from the sun. Inside the aquarium are several touch tanks where you can see shellfish, starfish, they have an octopus and a tank of Dog Sharks that you can touch. Kids LOVE it. I do too. It just makes for a whole day right at the beach with little ones. You can also take the Trolley to the beach from the Visitors Center which is located right next to the Marriott.
At Easton’s you can ALWAYS find the Del’s truck, which is actually the most important thing to me when visiting Rhode Island. For those who have never been, Del’s Lemonade is a local specialty. It’s refreshing, delicious and I love getting the little bites of lemon in my cup. It’s so enjoyable for still $3 for a small. You just can’t find things like that for a few dollars anymore.
I’ll give you a local hint, only tourists use the red straws! The Lobster Shack is located in the main center of the beach and this is where you’ll find the best deal in town on a Lobster Roll. A lobster roll and fries, $18 bucks. Everywhere else on Thames Street…$25+ just saying. When in New England, you’ve got to get a Lobster Roll.
Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island
Taking the scenic route is never a bad idea when you’re in Newport, Rhode Island. The Cliff Walk, the Mansions and Ocean Drive will leave with you some of the most beautiful sights you’ve ever seen. Pack a picnic or better yet have StoneAcres pack one for you (get the salted honey biscuits to go, trust me) and head to the ginormous Birch trees at the Elms. Under the trees are magic and on the grounds of the Elms, as many mansions, you’re transported back to the Gilded Age.
This trip we checked out the beautiful Rose Cliff Mansion. You can purchase tickets to see multiple mansions on the same day and “Mansion Hop”. The Rose Cliff offered listening tours where you could sway in the ball room while listening to the mansion’s history.
The 3-mile long Cliff Walk along the classic coast is a must see. Stunning ocean views along the backside of the mansions to take in ocean side. Wake up early and take in a sunrise jog and end at the cafe at the Chanler Inn for breakfast. Be sure to bring your camera.
On the Go
The trolley, Rail Explorers and Scooter World are great ways to get around and explore Newport. You’ll also want to take Newport by sea. The Rum Runner is a great option for a boat tour with kids. Be sure to listen to the story about the house on the island in the middle of Newport Harbor or hear tales of how Newport was an old pirate town. (True story!)
Joey and Bailey hopped into a blue scooter from Scooter World and took a top down trip to the beach, ocean drive and for an extra serving of Dels.`
Where to Eat
Newport is a town for foodies with every seafood delicacy imaginable. This trip we took advantage of the on site restaurants at the hotel, the Skiff Bar and Main Sail. The food was amazing! The Skiff Bar has a great roof top overlooking the harbor even if you’re not staying at the hotel. Get the ribs, trust me.
We also made casual dinning visits to The Landing, The Lobster Bar, Smoke House, Sprinkles Ice Cream and of course Ben + Jerry’s. There are nearly unlimited options in Newport to eat.
A complete list of Where to Eat in Newport will be here shortly. So be sure to check back!
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