Rhode Island, is one of the most perfect destinations for couples in New England. It’s quaint, charming, and peaceful—what more could you ask for on a romantic weekend getaway? Here is our list of activities for couples in Rhode Island.
Activities for Couples in Rhode Island
Tour the Newport Mansions
It’s widely known that one of the best activities for couples in Rhode Island is touring the Newport Mansions. The Newport Mansions are a collection of ornate summer homes, once known as “cottages,” built during the Gilded Age in the late 1800s.
You and your partner can tour one (or more!) of the mansions to marvel at the beautiful architecture and learn the unique history of each home and family. If you only have time to visit one of the mansions, The Breakers is a great option. This home is the largest of the Newport Mansions and was owned by the wealthy Vanderbilt family—the same family that still owns The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. The Breakers got its name from how the waves “break” along the coastline outside the house.
Stroll Along The Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk is a beautiful 3.5-mile walkway that curves along the beautiful coastline in Newport. During your stroll along the Cliff Walk, you’ll witness spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, the ornate Newport Mansions, and other popular points of interest in Newport, like Forty Steps and Land’s End.
The Cliff Walk starts at Easton’s Beach and ends at Bailey’s Beach. Although you can certainly walk along the entire pathway, you can also enter and exit the path from the eight access points along the trail. Generally speaking, the trail gets more difficult the further south you go, so be prepared for rockier terrain and unpaved pathways once you walk past The Breakers. If you’re not up for a hike, there are two exit points just before or after The Breakers you can use to return to Bellevue Avenue.
Since this walk tends to get busy in the afternoon, consider planning a romantic stroll during the early morning or evening to enjoy the sunrise or sunset along this gorgeous stretch of coastline.
Enjoy Fantastic Restaurants
Newport is home to some fabulous restaurants that make an excellent venue for a romantic dinner on the water.
One of the best places to eat in Newport, RI, is The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar, especially for couples looking for a venue for a romantic dinner. This beautiful restaurant is located on the town’s historic waterfront and offers gorgeous harbor views. Although the local, sustainably sourced seafood is the restaurant’s specialty, they serve other entrées, too. In addition, they have an impressive wine list served by the glass or by the bottle and a list of handcrafted cocktails and beer too.
You can also make reservations for a five-course or eight-course blind tasting experience at Cara. This upscale fine dining establishment is located at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a five-star hotel you can stay in, built in a historic mansion.
Other excellent places to eat during your romantic trip to Newport include Pasta Beach for handmade Italian specialties, CRU Café for a cozy breakfast, and Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream for dessert!
Visit a Local Winery
If you’re visiting Newport during the summer or fall when the weather is warm and sunny, you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit a local winery during your romantic getaway. Newport Vineyards and Greenvale Vineyards are two of the most popular wineries in Newport.
Greenvale Vineyards is located right along the water, so if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a flight with beautiful views, this is the place! They also have plenty of shaded picnic tables where you can sit and sip your wine, and they even have live jazz music on select weekends.
Newport Vineyards is located closer inland on a sixty-acre property. This winery was founded by two brothers in 1995, and it’s now the largest grower of grapes in New England! This winery has tons to offer, including guided tours, wine flights, beer flights, and a farm-focused restaurant. Newport Vineyards is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a winery and dining experience all-in-one.
If you’re visiting Newport during the winter when the wineries are closed, or you and your partner are simply not “wine people,” you can also check out some of the city’s breweries! Tilted Barn Brewery, Apponaug Brewing Company, and Buzzards Bay Brewing are popular local breweries near Newport.
Shop ’til You Drop
Downtown Newport is a very walkable city, so spending some time strolling around the town is a great way to enjoy an afternoon during your romantic trip to Newport.
Newport has two major streets, Thames Street and Bellevue Avenue. Along these streets, you’ll find many of the city’s popular attractions, like the International Tennis Hall of Fame and The Elms, and popular places for dining and shopping. Spending an afternoon walking hand-in-hand down the streets and popping into the local boutiques and eateries always makes for a great time. Bar and Board and Brick Alley Pub and Restaurant are two popular spots to eat along Thames Street.
Another popular place to explore in Newport is Bowen’s Wharf—a harbor and square with galleries, shops, restaurants, and more. Although this is a popular tourist destination and is usually packed with tourists, it’s a must-visit during your romantic vacation to Newport, Rhode Island. You can find a spot to sit, relax, and watch the sailboats leave and return to Newport Harbor.
Relax with a Spa Day
If you’re staying at one of the best luxury hotels in Newport, RI, you’ll likely already have plans to spend some time relaxing at your hotel. However, regardless of where you’re staying, you can’t miss the chance to book a relaxing couple’s massage or spa service at one of Newport’s spectacular spas. For example:
Spa Fjör at Hotel Viking is one of the most well-known spas in Newport. This spa is located in a historic hotel and offers tons of excellent services, like massages, facials, bath rituals, and more. There’s no doubt you and your partner will leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after spending a day at Spa Fjör.
Bodhi Spa isn’t located in a resort, but it’s a popular spa in Newport specializing in hydrotherapy—the art of healing through water. You can try their hydrotherapy package that allows you to relax in cold pools, salt pools, saunas, steam rooms, and more. They also offer massages, facials, and other body treatments. If you’re not staying in a hotel with a spa, Bodhi Spa is an excellent option for your couple’s vacation.
The Spa at Newport Marriott is another popular place to get pampered. This spa is located in the Newport Marriott by famous attractions, like Bowen’s Wharf and Thames Street, and they offer a wide range of massages and salon services, like manicures and pedicures.
Embark on a Sailing Tour
Newport is well-known as a sailing destination and is known by some as the “Sailing Capital of the World.” So naturally, one of the most romantic things to do in Newport, Rhode Island, is to enjoy a few hours sailing on the high seas!
There are dozens of sailing tours in Newport you can choose from to select the perfect experience for you and your partner. Classic Cruises of Newport is a highly rated company that offers tons of unique sailing and motor yacht cruises. You can enjoy the Lighthouses & Mimosas Cruise or the Champagne Sunset Sail for a romantic and relaxed experience. Or, book a Scenic Day Sail to see the sights in Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.
Enjoying Rhode Island for Couples
There aren’t many places in the United States that are better for a relaxing, romantic trip for couples than Newport, Rhode Island.
You will surely find tons of activities for couples in Rhode Island. With so many beautiful places to see, like rocky coastlines and lush vineyards. And the enjoyable things to do, like touring the Newport Mansions and getting a massage at a luxury spa, you’ll be sure to make lifelong memories during your romantic vacation in Rhode Island.
