Doggy Day Trip: Newport, RI
Related: Road Trip: Newport
While Newport itself does not allow dogs on its beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there are a few spots nearby where dogs are always welcome. It's worth stopping at one of these places on your drive down.
Teddy's Beach
Park Ave & Point Road
Portsmouth, RI
East Ferry Beach
Conanicus Ave
Jamestown, RI
Fort Wetherill Boat Ramp
3 Fort Wetherill Road
Jamestown, RI
Fort Getty Boat Ramp
913 Fort Getty Road
Jamestown, RI
Hey, we get it. Keeping up with the dog can be exhausting. So when you get to Newport, why not gear up for your day with a cup of coffee and a pastry.
The Coffee Grinder
Banister's Wharf
33 Bowens Landing
Newport, RI
(401) 847-9307
website
This cozy café sits all the way at the end of Bannister's Wharf, overlooking Newport Harbor. The Wharf's benches or the deck's Adirondack chairs make a great place to sit and sip your coffee.
Go For A Scenic Stroll
Cliff Walk
117 Memorial Boulevard
Newport, RI
The breathtaking sights along this picturesque 3.5 mile public walkway include crashing waves along Newport's shoreline and several of the city's glorious mansions.
Grab Lunch
Along the wharfs, up and down Thames Street, and all the way over to Memorial Boulevard, Newport has dozens of restaurants that feature outdoor patios where you can park it with your dog. Instead of parking it though, we prefer to grab lunch to-go and head to the park for a picnic!
Take Out Options:
Since the peak of the recession, a whole ton of new take-out spots have begun popping up all along Thames Street and beyond. Two that have stood the test of time (and happen to be a couple of our favorites from our college days) are:
Pick Pockets
190 Thames St
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 619-1973
Panini Grill
186 Thames St
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-7784
website
A Third Classic Option:
Flo's Clam Shack
4 Wave Avenue
Middletown, RI
This greasy spoon right on the Newport line pretty much wins every award every year when it comes to clams. The Clam Cakes and Chowder (pronounced chowdah) is a Rhode Island staple.
The Parks For Your Picnic
Fort Adams State Park
Harrison Avenue
Newport, RI
website
This sprawling state park with free admission and parking includes a 2 mile loop that offers exceptional panoramic views of the harbor and the historic fort.
Brenton Point
Ocean Drive
Newport, RI
website
This serene, typically breezy, wide-open green area is a favorite. Across the street, visitors enjoy walking along the rocky shoreline, particularly at low tide. If you do choose to wander along the rocks, please use caution. The seas can grow fierce, with the powerful surf crashing over the rocks at times. On occasion, it has proven deadly.
Go For An After-Lunch Drive (windows down, of course)
The loop that goes out to Brenton Point is also known as Ten-Mile Drive. On your way back into town, head toward Belleview Avenue and enjoy the view of dozens of sprawling mansions.
Do Some Shopping
A growing number of Newport stores are inviting customers with dogs to come on in. For your best selection of doggy merchandise, try these spots.
Black Dog General Store
33 Bannister's Wharf
Newport, RI
website
The Black Dog logo has grown into a symbol of a laid back dog friendly attitude. Black Dog carries everything from clothes to dog toys to an entire Black Dog dinnerware collection.
Wag Nation
92 William Street
Newport, RI
website
This doggy boutique has your pampered pet covered with anything you might think up -- from fun and frivolous to healthy and functional.
Go For A Cruise
Gansett Cruises
142 Long Wharf
Newport, RI
(401) 787-4438
website
When you're done cruising around town, go for a cruise that goes around the town. Your pooch will enjoy the sights, along with a drink and classic, appetizing New England bites.
Alternative Afternoon Activities:
Newport Dog Park - Connell Highway, Newport -- An off-leash fenced-in dog park.
Newport Historical Society - 82 Touro Street, Newport
Touro Synagogue National Historic Site - 85 Touro Street, Newport
Grab Some Dinner & Dessert
The Black Pearl
Banister's Wharf
Bowens Landing
Newport, RI
(401) 846-5264
website
Situated on the wharf, with a lovely harbor view, the outdoor patio at Black Pearl restaurant is a perfect place to relax and almost wrap up your long day.
Sardella's Restaurant
30 Memorial Blvd
Newport, RI
(401) 849-6312
website
The view from the patio is hardly anything special, but it's the "special" that runs every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday that should bring you here. Sardella's does dinner for two with a bottle of wine for $28. Without the wine, the dinner for two special is $16.
Your Final Stop
Ben & Jerry's
359 Thames Street
or
33 Bannister's Wharf
Newport, RI
You spent your entire day catering to your dog, isn't it time for a treat for yourself? We certainly think so. Ice Cream!!!
Exclusive to Weekend Travel
Newport International Polo Series
Glen Farm
163 Glen Farm Road
Portsmouth RI
website
If you think your dog can refrain from barking at the horses, the Newport International Polo Club plays every Saturday from June through September at Glen Farm. Tailgates and leashed dogs are welcome at these popular events.
Canfield House
5 Memorial Boulevard
Newport, RI
website
Canfield House hosts "Dog Day Afternoons" on Sundays from noon to 4 pm. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio. They enjoy treats while owners enjoy a beverage and light meal.
