Sachuset Beach, Newport

Newport is a year-round seaside destination for a fun getaway, with beautiful beaches, coastal vistas, and a lively town offering plenty of after-the-beach activities. There’s something for everyone, from enjoying the beaches, coastline hikes, wandering the charming cobblestone streets or the scenic 12-mile drive, to stepping back in time in the “Gilded Age” mansions. As a summer destination, there’s world-class sailing events, Newport Polo, and music lovers’ favorite – the Jazz and Folk Festival.

Sachuest Beach, also known as “Second Beach,” is my local home-base beach. With a beautiful view of the Atlantic, there is a wide, sandy shoreline, about 1.5 miles long – plenty of space to spread out. As the tide goes out, there’s smooth, hard sand perfect for a beach walk or my favorite, jogging barefoot. The waves are great for swimming, body-surfing and the west end of the beach is popular with surfers, especially good in the early mornings or after storms. There’s also vollyball nets for pick-up games, near the concession stands, over to the right.

In the summer through early Fall, at the east end of the beach, you find lots of piping plovers flitting up and down the water line – see picture above. These shorebirds nest along the beach, and during breeding season, there’s a protected, fenced-off area. You can walk around the fence at low tide.

More to know…

This summer, Green Grocer gets our vote for house-made healthy organic lunch items. It’s compact size makes it an easy pick-up stop but packs a punch in selection! There’s wraps, salads, grain bowls; always vegan options. A recent delicious purchase was the chicken garlic wrap, with large tender pieces of Bell & Evans chicken breast, Narragansett Creamery (local) smoked mozzerella, spinach, in a whole wheat wrap. Must-try healthy snack – organic peanut butter oat coco-chip protein balls. There’s also grocery, produce and bulk items; sunscreen too!

Foodlove Market, also near the beach, is a chef-curated upscale marketplace and cafe. There’s everything from cafe, breakfast (try anything from Providence’s Seven Star Bakery), to prepared salads, sandwiches, and all the fixings for a picture-perfect charcuterie board. Owned by the Newport Hospitality Group, you’ll find a full freezer full of signature dishes from their restaurants.

Traveler’s Tip – In season, parking is at a premium in town. But Newport is a pretty small town, so park your car and uber or take the free trolley from downtown, and which goes to all the popular destinations. It’s easy to travel on foot, rent a bike or scooter.

Hungry?

There’s no shortage of options! Newport offers dining experiences from casual from-the-beach to upscale and elegant. Many restaurants are situated along a walkable area of downtown, waterfront wharfs, America’s Cup Ave., Bellevue Ave. and lower Thames. Don’t overlook Broadway – it’s a pretty walk over cobblestone streets, and there’s many options. casual, industrial vibe. If you are in the mood for a “RI Beach Clam shack” experience, head to Flo’s Clam Shack, across near First Beach. It’s a straight-from-the-beach classic for fried clams or a lobster roll. For a “RI Beach Clam shack” experience, head to Flo’s Clam Shack, across near First Beach. It’s a no pretense, straight-from-the-beach classic for fried clams or a lobster roll.
Waterfront Downtown: Newport landmarks such as the Landing, and The Black Pearl on Bowen’s Wharf are casual, outdoor settings. Diego’s is another outdoor dining option, with a Mexican tiki-vibe; extensive vegan menu. Upscale dining options include Giusto’s, “freestyle” Italian on Commercial Wharf, or Bouchard’s on Thames street, for an elegant French dining experience. And for a special treat, Castle Inn on Ocean Drive, with its long lawn to the ocean, offers stunning views and sunsets.

Lower Thames: Red Parrot is an all-time favorite to bring family and groups of friends. (it’s the Island Mussels & Clams, always! Rasta Pasta, and any of their specialty drinks!) It has a fun tropical-themed menu. The 1st floor has wide windows, letting in the sea breeze. It’s busy in -season, but put your name in, and walk around the area.

Ocean Drive: For a special quintessential Newport seaside experience, head to Castle Hill Inn. From its long lawn, relax in classic Adirondack chairs, sip your favorite beverags, and enjoy stunning views of Narragansett Bay. Plan ahead to catch boat races or a sunset.

Things to Do

Get outside!

Take advantage of the beautiful scenic area – Breathe the salt air – walk, hike, bike, sail, fly a kite! Cliff Walk is a must-do for the first time visitor. It is a scenic 3.5-mile trail along the coastline, offering gorgeous ocean vistas and views into the backyards of some of Newport’s famous mansions on the other. It starts at the end of Easton’s Beach (1st beach), and goes to Bailey’s beach. You can hop on or off along the way on side streets of Bellevue Avenue. Ruggles Street public access is a popular on-off spot. Note: very limited parking in area. Good option is the free trolley from downtown to the South Cliff Walk entrance). Visit Sachuset Visit Center at the end of Sachuset Beach, with great casual hikes along the rocky coastline. Also just up the road from Sachuset Beach is Norman Bird Sanctuary – which has 7 miles of hiking trails.

Lastly, make time if you can, for a ride or bike on Ocean Drive in Newport, RI, a 12 mile scenic route with stunning ocean views, and historic mansions. There are 2 perfect picnic stops along the way to relax and enjoy the scenery. Brenton Point State Park on Ocean Road is all about the natural beauty. It’s free with plenty of parking, and restrooms; no food stands, but usually a lemonade trucks. There’s plenty of space to walk, have a picnic. The ocean breeze makes it popular spot for kite-flying. The other pretty picnic spot is King Park, on Wellington Ave. set against the pretty backdrop of the Newport Harbor, and Mount Ida Yacht Club. The gazebo is a great photo opp! Catch the summer concert series at King Park, on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Newport is a sailing capital, and atthe downtown wharfs, there’s many tour companies offering tours or sunset sails. to take advantage of this.

Culture & music

There are several of the famous “Gilded Age” mansions, along Bellevue Avenue. The Breakers, Rosecliff and Marble House are the most popular; it’s worth touring at least one to learn about Newport’s history and get a feel of the “Great Gatsby” era of Newport.

There’s cultural events, festivals and special events going on every weekend, such as Newport Polo, Tennis Hall of Fame, and most well-known, the Jazz & Folk festivals.

Explore the city

Newport truly has so much to offer. After a day at the beach, sight-seeing, it’s easy to stroll around downtown, or venture out to other neighborhoods – there’s a variety of restaurants, shops, live music, lively bars, to end a perfect beach day.

Fall: Newport Octoberfest, Saturday, September 28th at 1:00 PM The Fort Adams Trust and Ragged Island Brewing Co. 

Newport Seafood Festival, October 19, 20. Fun and free event on the waterfront wharfs. Live music on multiple stages, food trucks serving chowder, lobster rolls, tacos, and more. Included in “10 Fabulous Fall Festivals” on the Coast by Coastal Living Magazine. Multiple Bands

Summer: July is Jazz Festival and August is the Folk Festival. Held at Fort Adams State Park, world-class artists perform against the stunning backdrop of the harbor. The concerts sell out, so plan in advance.

Check out Summer Concert Series at King Park.