Newport, Rhode Island, a gem nestled in the smallest US state, is celebrated as one of the most welcoming destinations for dog lovers in New England. This captivating seaside town, renowned for its opulent mansions, breathtaking coastline, and delectable seafood, is a must-visit. Just a short trip from bustling Boston, Newport offers a perfect escape, and the best part? You don’t have to leave your beloved dog behind! If you’ve ever wondered, “Is Newport, RI pet friendly?”, the answer is a resounding YES!
Having explored Newport on day trips previously, I decided to immerse myself in a weekend getaway, naturally bringing my dog along for the adventure. With the promise of the stunning, dog-friendly Cliff Walk and charming town streets, I knew my furry companion would have a blast. However, I was truly delighted to discover that Newport, RI, exceeded my expectations and proved to be even more pet friendly than I had imagined. Get ready to discover the best of Pet Friendly Newport Ri!
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Newport, RI
Finding pet friendly hotels in Newport RI is relatively easy, but it’s worth noting that accommodations, especially in prime locations, can be pricey. For ultimate convenience, especially when traveling with a dog, consider staying in the Historic District. This puts you within walking distance of many attractions. However, be prepared for higher hotel rates in this area.
If Newport’s Historic District hotels stretch your budget, a fantastic alternative is Middletown, RI, which is conveniently located right next to Newport. Middletown offers a range of hotels that are often more affordable while still providing easy access to all the Newport pet friendly attractions. You can find a variety of options in Middletown to suit different budgets and preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your furry friend.
Top Dog-Friendly Activities in Newport, RI
Newport offers a plethora of activities where your dog can join in the fun. From scenic walks to outdoor dining, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy Newport with your pet. Here are some of the top pet friendly things to do in Newport RI:
Cliff Walk: A Must-Do with Your Dog
The iconic Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile scenic trail that offers breathtaking ocean vistas on one side and stunning views of Newport’s famous mansions on the other. It’s an absolute must-experience in Newport, RI, and the fact that dogs are welcome makes it a top choice for pet owners. As one of the most popular dog friendly Newport RI attractions, expect to share the path with other people and their canine companions, especially on pleasant weekend days. Remember to keep your dog leashed and clean up after them to ensure everyone enjoys this beautiful space.
Designated as a National Recreation Trail, the Cliff Walk holds the distinction of being the first trail of its kind in the United States. It stretches from First Beach at Memorial Blvd to Bellevue Ave, offering varied terrains along the way. The walk starts with a smoothly paved path, gradually transitioning to a more rugged, rocky surface as you venture further. Several entry and exit points are dotted along the Cliff Walk, providing flexibility to shorten or lengthen your walk as desired. Benches are plentiful, inviting you to pause, rest, and soak in the magnificent views.
A recommended starting point is the entrance at Narragansett Avenue, marked by the iconic Forty Steps. This stone staircase descends towards the ocean and serves as a notable landmark. The stretch between the Forty Steps and Ruggles Ave is particularly renowned for its stunning scenery.
As you stroll along the Cliff Walk, you’ll catch glimpses of Newport’s celebrated mansions, including The Breakers. Constructed in 1893 for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, this opulent residence boasts 70 rooms and is a prime example of Newport’s gilded age grandeur. While dogs aren’t permitted on The Breakers’ property itself, the Cliff Walk provides excellent vantage points to admire this magnificent mansion from afar.
Newport Harbor Walk: Explore the Waterfront with Your Dog
The Newport Harbor Walk, a 2.5-mile path meandering past historic wharves, is another fantastic dog friendly Newport RI activity. Divided into Harbor Walk South (Main Harbor) and Harbor Walk North, it offers a delightful experience for both you and your dog. The Main Harbor section is the heart of Newport’s waterfront activity, bustling with boating, shopping, and nightlife. This scenic 2-mile stretch begins at Stone Pier and concludes at King Park. Walking the entire Main Harbor section and back covers approximately 4 miles, offering a good opportunity for exercise and exploration.
Ocean Drive: A Scenic Drive for You and Your Pup
Often hailed as one of America’s most scenic drives, the 10-mile Ocean Drive环绕Aquidneck Island’s southern coast, presenting stunning vistas of both the Atlantic Ocean and the luxurious homes lining the shore. Numerous pull-over spots allow you to stop and soak in the panoramic views. Even on a day with less-than-perfect weather, the dramatic, stormy conditions can enhance the beauty of the landscape, creating a unique and memorable experience. Your dog will enjoy the ride and the fresh ocean air!
Castle Hill Lighthouse: A Dog-Friendly Exploration
Castle Hill Lighthouse, while a bit off the beaten path, is definitely worth the effort to find. Located near the renowned Castle Hill Inn, accessing the lighthouse involves a short walk. Parking is available near the marina, a short stroll from the trailhead. From the parking area, a 5-minute walk along a somewhat unmarked trail leads you to the lighthouse. Following the sound of the ocean waves crashing is a helpful guide.
Although the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the main draw is the spectacular views it offers of the lighthouse and Narragansett Bay. The surrounding area is pet friendly, allowing you to enjoy the scenery with your dog.
Dog-Friendly Beaches: Sun and Sand for Paws
Newport boasts numerous beautiful beaches, but like much of Rhode Island’s coastline, dog access is somewhat restricted, especially during peak season. However, a couple of beaches welcome dogs with certain guidelines:
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Easton’s Beach (First Beach): This ¾-mile beach, located at the start of the Cliff Walk, welcomes dogs outside of the high season. Dogs are allowed from the day after Labor Day weekend through the weekend before Memorial Day weekend. During these times, dogs must be leashed and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.
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Sachuest Beach (Second Beach): During the high season, from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, Sachuest Beach allows dogs only between 5:00 am and 7:45 am. For the remainder of the year, dogs are welcome anytime, provided they are on a leash.
Newport Vineyards: Wine Tasting with Your Dog
While leaving Newport, the sight of sprawling grapevines piqued our interest, leading us to Newport Vineyards. Discovering that dogs are welcome on the grounds was a delightful surprise and a perfect way to cap off our pet friendly Newport RI trip. The vineyard features a lovely, spacious patio overlooking the vines, offering ample seating to relax and savor a glass of wine in a picturesque setting. It’s an ideal spot to unwind, enjoy the ambiance, and toast to a fantastic, dog-friendly weekend in Newport.
Address: 909 East Main Rd (Rt 138), Middletown, Rhode Island
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Newport, Rhode Island
When the weather is pleasant in Newport, many restaurants with outdoor seating areas are likely to welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs. While it’s always best to check with the specific restaurant, we found a couple of particularly dog-friendly establishments: O’Briens Pub and Diego’s. Both offered a warm welcome to dogs in their outdoor seating areas, making for enjoyable dining experiences.
O’Briens Pub: 501 Thames Street, Newport
Diego’s: 11 Bowens Wharf, Newport
Newport, RI, truly shines as a pet friendly destination, offering a wide array of activities and places to explore with your dog. From scenic walks and drives to welcoming patios and even vineyards, Newport ensures that your furry friend can be part of your vacation experience. Plan your trip to pet friendly Newport RI and create unforgettable memories with your canine companion!
