Newport, Rhode Island is a great getaway for families on the East Coast. Last summer we spent a long weekend enjoying the ocean and small town delights and we can’t wait to go back.

We are huge beach fans so that’s where we spent a lot of our time.

Newport had a few kid friendly beach options with bathrooms, lifeguards, and shallow water.

Second Beach.

This was the beach most recommended to us so we started here. We spent most of the our first day here and loved it.

It is a popular beach so I highly recommend getting their early – even on a week day.

Downsides:

*You pretty much have to drive and it isn’t cheap to park.

Upsides:

*The water was much clearer and the beach was clean, which to me made it worth the extra money.

*Decent food options

*Big clean (for beach) bathrooms

Easton’s Beach.

This beach was walking distance from our hotel and right near the Cliff Walk so we actually visited 3 times.

Downsides:

*The main thing about this beach was the abundance of red seaweed. It didn’t seem unclean, just a little odd to be swimming and surrounded seaweed. There were portions of the beach that had less, but it was still something we had to get over.

Upsides:

*Decent sand.

*Food and bathroom options.

*Depending on where you stay – super accessible.

Also Read: 5 Swimming Games for Babies & Toddlers

Newport Beach Hotel and Suites

We stayed across the street from Easton’s Beach at Newport Beach Hotel and Suites. I would highly recommend it for families.

Downsides:

*No meals provided although there was a cocktail hour with a few snacks.

*We had to drive into the main shopping area.

Upsides:

*Our room gave us a two bedroom space which is so nice for traveling with young kids.

*It was walking distance to Easton’s Beach and the Cliff Walk.

*Even though meals weren’t provided at the hotel, there were some restaurants within walking distance that used a 10% discount. We really liked the smoothies at Rhea’s Cafe and the breakfast at Ticket’s Bar and Grill.

*Indoor pool for icky weather days.

Other Things to Do:

*Make sure to spend some time down on Thames Street. There are tons of restaurants, shops, and best of all ice cream.

*Walk down to the docks near Thames Street at see that water, boats, and sunset.

*Hike along the Cliff Walk. I would have loved to do this at sunrise or sunset, but it was still a gorgeous view in the afternoon when we fit it in.

If you’re looking for a calm, relaxing summer getaway this is absolutely perfect.

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