©2023 All rights reserved by Zeelander
Few East Coast destinations are as closely connected to the water as Newport. For more than a century, this Rhode Island harbour has welcomed prominent families, sailors, yacht owners and international travellers. Gilded Age estates overlook Narragansett Bay, historic yacht clubs sit beside modern marinas, and nearly every street leads back to the harbour.
Newport balances maritime heritage with an easy coastal rhythm. Mornings begin by the marina, afternoons move between waterfront restaurants, boutiques and galleries, and evenings are best spent watching the sun set over the bay.
Each summer, the city draws an international yachting community with its protected harbour, excellent marinas and celebrated sailing conditions. Yet Newport remains compact and walkable, with Bowen’s Wharf, Thames Street and many of its best addresses only a short stroll from the water.
In this guide, Zeelander shares a selection of the places we return to season after season, from waterfront restaurants and hotels to boutiques, hidden courtyards and sunset spots.
Perched above the Atlantic at the beginning of Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, The Chanler is one of the town’s most intimate addresses. Individually designed rooms, oceanfront terraces and exceptional dining make it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy Newport at a slower pace, just minutes from the harbor.
Located on its own peninsula overlooking Narragansett Bay, Castle Hill Inn has welcomed sailors and visitors for generations. It remains one of Newport’s most iconic destinations for waterfront stays, quiet mornings and unforgettable sunsets.
One of Newport’s newest boutique hotels, Gardiner House blends contemporary comfort with New England charm. Its location, just a short walk from Thames Street and Bowen’s Wharf, makes it an excellent base for exploring the town.
Recognized by Forbes Travel Guide and part of Relais & Châteaux, Aurelia offers a refined six-course tasting menu inspired by coastal New England. Overlooking Narragansett Bay, the restaurant celebrates the region’s finest seasonal seafood, local produce and artisanal ingredients, with a menu that evolves throughout the year.
Located inside the award-winning Gardiner House, Flora is one of Newport’s most sought-after dining destinations. Led by acclaimed Chef Somoza, the menu blends Mediterranean influences from Marbella, Saint-Tropez and Capri with the freshest ingredients from Rhode Island’s farms and fisheries. Elegant interiors and sweeping harbor views complete the experience
A Newport institution for more than 50 years, The Clarke Cooke House sits on historic Bannister’s Wharf and is considered one of the city’s most iconic waterfront restaurants. Set inside an 18th-century sea captain’s house, it offers several distinct dining experiences, from elegant harbor-view dining rooms to the lively Candy Store Bar, a favorite gathering place for the sailing community.
The menu showcases Mediterranean-inspired American cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh local seafood, seasonal ingredients and an extensive wine program. During the summer, it is equally popular for lunch, dinner, sushi and late-night cocktails, making it a longstanding favorite among yacht owners and visitors alike.
Newport is best experienced from the water. Charter a Zeelander and explore some of Rhode Island’s most iconic coastal landmarks, all within easy reach of Newport Harbor. From the dramatic coastline of Block Island to the historic Point Judith Lighthouse and the grandeur of The Breakers, each stop offers a different perspective on New England’s coastline. Whether you’re planning a leisurely afternoon cruise or a full day on the water, these are some of our favourite places to discover from Newport.
Just an hour from Newport, Block Island is one of New England's most rewarding cruising destinations. Charter a Zeelander and discover the island at your own pace, from secluded coves and quiet anchorages to its dramatic coastline and sandy beaches. Ashore, spend the afternoon exploring scenic trails, cycling through the island or enjoying fresh local seafood before cruising back to Newport.
Standing at the entrance to Narragansett Bay, Point Judith Lighthouse has guided mariners since the 19th century and remains one of Rhode Island’s most recognizable coastal landmarks. Just a short cruise from Newport, it makes a scenic waypoint along the coastline, offering sweeping ocean views and a memorable backdrop for a day on the water aboard a Zeelander.
No visit to Newport is complete without seeing The Breakers. Built in 1895 as the Vanderbilt family’s summer residence, this Gilded Age mansion remains Newport’s most iconic landmark. Arrive by Zeelander, berth nearby, and step ashore to explore one of America’s grandest historic estates, where sweeping ocean views and remarkable architecture offer a glimpse into Newport’s golden era.
Newport’s shopping scene is best explored on foot, where cobblestone streets lead to independent boutiques, waterfront galleries and carefully curated design studios. From coastal fashion to bespoke interiors, the city offers a distinctive mix of craftsmanship and style.
Just steps from Newport Harbor, Bannister’s Wharf, Bowen’s Wharf and Thames Street offer some of the city’s finest boutiques. Discover European-inspired fashion at Mandarine, contemporary designer collections at Monelle, handcrafted jewelry at Duris Studios and beautifully curated home and yacht décor by Kimberly Pucci.
