Already planning next summer’s big vacay? Check out Newport, RI, an idyllic New England hidden gem perfect for escaping the heat of the South in spring and summer.

I recently visited Newport for the first time for a girlfriend’s wedding weekend (hello, rehearsal dinner on a sailboat) and for the iconic Newport Folk Festival (more on that in a moment).

Why go?

Vibe: Newport is Coastal Grandmother Summer realized. Not only is the landscape stunning (think: sailboats and hydrangeas everywhere you look), but the decor and street style is nautical and old money chic, too.
Weather: The town averages a high of 76° in June and July, so it’s an ideal summer getaway (avoid it in the winter if you’re Southern, like me).
Culture: Newport made headlines in July 2022 for a surprise guest appearance and performance by legendary folk singer Joni Mitchell at Newport Folk: Joni Mitchell Performs at Length for First Time in 22 Years at Surprise Newport Folk Festival Appearance (Variety)
Guides: Wildsam Field Guides: New England, What to do in Newport, RI on TikTok, This Tavern Is The Oldest Restaurant In The United States (Mashed)

Newport Folk Festival has hosted dozens of iconic performers over the years. | Photo by 6AM City team

Act like a local:

Food: Bag of Doughnuts at The Mooring ($16), Lobster Salad Sandwich at The Black Pearl ($34), nachos at Diego’s ($17), Hangover Cure at kaffeology ($9)
Drink: Nitro Mocha Oat Latte at Nitro Bar ($6), Dante’s Inferno (pro tip: get it ‘large format’ for a group) at Stoneacre Garden ($110), Gin-gnonette oyster shooter ($10) + Narragansett Fresh Catch ($6) at Midtown Oyster Bar

kaffeology is a great coffee and breakfast spot near the waterfront. | Photo by 6AM City team

Dante's Inferno cocktail at Stoneacre Garden... yum. | Photo by 6AM City team

Outdoors: Stroll the Cliff Walk (free), go on a ticketed sunset sail ($55) or just take the ferry in and out of Providence ($24 roundtrip), walk the winery fields at Newport Vineyards (access free with purchase), watch the sunset on The Lawn at Castle Hill (free)

We explored off the beaten path of the iconic Cliff Walk. | Photo by 6AM City team

Pro tip: Head to The Lawn at Castle Hill well before sunset to grab a beverage and an Adirondack chair to watch the sunset. | Photo by 6AM City team

The wine flights (and views) at Newport Winery were delicious. | Photo by 6AM City team

Listen: Newport Folk Festival (July 28-30, 2023), Newport Blues Café (pro tip: snag coveted tickets to the official Newport Folk After Shows here ahead of time)

The National was a headliner at Newport Folk Festival 2022. Pictured here, he grazes the beard of Soda Citizen David Laird. | Gif by 6AM City team

Learn: Tuck into the bar at America’s oldest restaurant, The White Horse Tavern, and learn its ghost stories from the bartender
Shop: Newport sweater at the KJP Flagship Store at Bowen's Wharf ($128), Original Recycled-Sail Seabag duffle at Resails ($169), Sea salt dark chocolate at Rhode Island Reef ($5), Newport map coaster set at Frazzleberries ($30)

A view of one of the dining rooms at White Horse Tavern. | Photo by 6AM City team

Don't miss shopping on Bowen's Wharf when in Newport. | Photo by 6AM City team

Where to stay:

Vrbo: Pet-friendly Point cottage within a walk to the water (~$290/night)*
Airbnb: Apartment in Middletown (~10-min. Uber to waterfront) (~$125/night)
Splurge hotel: The Chanler at Cliff Walk (luxury, baby) (~$1,400/night)
Save hotel: East Island Reserve Hotel (where we stayed) (~$230/night)

Sunny little corner in the Point cottage | Photo via Vrbo

We loved the New England vibes at East Island Reserve — and it was right next door to Newport Winery. | Photo by 6AM City team

Newport is absolutely worth a planned trip. Trust me, you’ll want to go back every summer.

Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Scott’s Cheap Flights offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*