Newport, Rhode Island offers a glimpse into another way of life, at a golden time in US history. It is situated on Aquidneck Island, in Newport County, which is part of Rhode Island and around 60 miles south of Boston. It was known as the home of the ‘Summer White Houses’ during the presidencies of Eisenhower and John F Kennedy. Its stately mansions remain a popular draw for tourists. Visiting Newport in a motorhome rental may not have the opulence of a summer mansion of the glitterati, but it will make the playground of the rich and famous very accessible.
The best choice for US RV rentals and motorhomes
An epic road trip requires the right vehicle for the job. Are you touring with just your significant other, or travelling with the whole tribe? It’s important to have enough space and not be constantly shuffling your belongings around. With Motorhome Republic, we show you every available van for your holiday, with specifications displayed for easy comparisons, right down to the floor plan. The process is easy: start on our website, or download our mobile app. Enter your city of pick-up and dates of travel to generate the list of available campers. Make a choice and book online, with the assurance of a best-price guarantee. We have 450 depots spread over 28 countries, so wherever you wish to roam, we can deliver a van at a convenient pick-up point.
Things to see and do in Newport
The Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile ocean-side path that takes visitors past 64 private properties, including the regal mansions once owned by the likes of the Vanderbilt families. Many of them are open to visitors and are administered by the Preservation of Newport County.
Newport is also home to the Naval War College, an operational facility and ‘home of thought’ for the US Navy on Rhode Island, that also houses a museum. This is open to visitors, but you need to be a bit organised. Because it is a secure base, you must get security clearance before your visit, which may take up to five days.
But the city is not just about history. It hosts two vibrant and longstanding music festivals - the Newport Folk and Newport Jazz Festivals were established in the 1950s, and continue to be held on consecutive weekends each July. The Folk Festival lays claim to being the venue of Bob Dylan’s first national appearance, in 1963, when he was the guest of Joan Baez.
Food and Drink in Newport
While neighbouring New England likes to claim lots of historic firsts, the oldest tavern in the US is the White Horse on Rhode Island, trading since 1673. It is housed in a picturesque barn-style building, with a dark wooden interior, very low ceilings and colonial decor. The menu, however, makes the most of local produce, with lobster and corn fritters, mussels, swordfish and scallops all featuring. Another popular spot is the Brick Alley Pub and Restaurant. It is a local landmark where you would expect a menu of standard ‘bar and grill’ fare, but is so much better. There is plenty of lobster here, from a signature roll to lobster-stuffed quesadillas, and the ultimate comfort food of lobster mac’n’cheese.
Park up your RV rental in Newport
Paradise Park RV Campgroundis the nearest RV Park to downtown Newport. It has been run by the same family for 60 years. Nearby is Second Beach Family Campground. This is a primo spot for summer tourists, so if you are thinking of travelling during this period you need to make a reservation well in advance.
Driving Tips for Newport
This is a hugely popular summer tourist spot. Parking is at a premium, and spots are metered from May until October. Smartcards for the meters can be purchased from the Gateway Visitor’s Centre. Don’t try and negotiate the city in your motorhome, leave it in one place and take public transport or a tour to Newport’s attractions.
A Boston to Newport Road Trip
If you are keen to take a motorhome to Newport as part of a US road trip, your nearest international airport is 74 miles away in Boston, so it is an easy drive of just over an hour. You can then continue South to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC for a great road trip through the biggest cities of the East Coast.
If you prefer to start in another location, securing an RV rental in Dallas to explore Texas is a popular choice. We have also secured fantastic motorhome rentals from Tampa (FL), from Los Angeles (CA), Newark (NJ), or Las Vegas (NV). Book with Motorhome Republic today and enjoy excellent customer satisfaction.
