Just an hour and a half away from my hometown of Guilford, CT sits the iconic seaside city of Newport, RI, a New England summer resort famous for its historic mansions and its rich sailing history. During the start of spring another magic element is mixed in as over 1.3 million hibernating daffodils make their yearly appearance along the streets and coastal paths.
It all goes back to 2006 when Newport's tree warden Scott Wheeler started up “Parks in Bloom” as an initiative to put a plan in motion that would announce the arrival of spring with a colorful display in locations throughout the city. Already an iconic summer destination, this has made Newport attractive for tourists in early spring to come experience something truly magical.
Although these beautiful golden flowers can be found all around the city there are a handful of locations that are the top viewing spots to see the most concentrated numbers of them. Perhaps the most notable and visited is along the stunning oceanside Cliff Walk by the campus of Salve Regina University. The most impressive concentration of them is in a field behind McAuley Hall where the sun sets just to the right of and can make for spectacular end of the day viewing. My favorite image that I captured during Daffodil Days was at this spot with the setting sun appearing over the flowers and just to the right of the building. This spot can be enjoyed any time but can make for a great option to end your day before heading to grab a delicious dinner.
Cliff Walk
McAuley Hall at sunset
Daffodil field off of the Cliff Walk
Two other great coastal locations with large numbers of daffodils can be found by heading east on Memorial Boulevard (Rte 138A) towards the neighboring town of Middletown. Although they are separate I tend to always think of many areas here as being in “Newport” as well during all of my trips there over the year. The first field you will encounter heading this way will be on your left across from the popular Easton's Beach and the last last strip of land considered to be in the Newport town limits. One of my favorite daffodil fields is just past here and into Middletown on the right side of the road in Dunlap-Wheeler Park. It is such a magnificent display of flowers with the water and oceanside homes in the background. But the unique lone leaning tree at the ocean edge of the field is what really caught my eye to become the main subject in any images taken here.
Dunlap-Wheeler Park in Middletown
After enjoying these two fields I recommend continuing east into Middletown to take in more beautiful beach views at Surfer's End, where no matter the time of year you can catch surfers here catching waves in this active stretch of water. This is also the site of the Mystery Christmas Tree that someone has put up on the beach for years now that is decorated by locals & visitors alike to become a great coastal New England tradition. Continuing onto Sachuest Point Road you will come to Second Beach which I consider to be one of the nicest beaches in the area with it's entrance paths through the dunes down to the beach itself. At the end of the road lies the 242 acre Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge which features a visitor center, 2.5 miles of nature trails, viewing platforms and just a great spot to walk around enjoying the amazing oceanside views. It's also an awesome spot to view wildlife such as deer, hawks, ducks, shorebirds and even the magical Snowy Owls in the winter time.
Second Beach in Middletown
Heading back to Newport there is one more large field of daffodils that is tucked away inland at Ballard Park off of Hazard Road. This display features over 20,000 flowers and was fun to walk through as a much less visited location that the others previously mentioned. Another location that isn’t mentioned on the Newport In Bloom page but I found to be worth stopping at is in the field by the Braman Cemetery where Americas Cup Ave begins. These main daffodil locations of course can be visited in any order and really can't go wrong no matter how you end up choosing to make your plans.
Ballard Park
Braman Cemetery from Americas Cup Ave
There are a handful of great spots in Newport that I always visit no matter what season and should be added to your April visit for the blooms.
The “Point” neighborhood is the oldest section of Newport and designated a National Historic Landmark District, featuring the highest concentration of Colonial Homes in the nation. A walk around here is always welcomed to enjoy these beautiful historic homes, garden displays and of course some small patches of daffodils mixed in as well.
Bowen’s Wharf is the centerpiece of downtown Newport on the water filled with shops, restaurants, bars, boat tours and more. Make sure to plan for time to walk around here to shop and grab a bite to eat.
Goat Island Lighthouse is located on Goat Island, which is right over by the previously mentioned Point neighborhood. The lighthouse itself is located behind the Newport Harbor Island Resort on their property but can be visited even if not staying there. Great views of the lighthouse can be had from the Goat Island Connector, with a pull off with parking for a number of cars on the right hand side. You also have a great view of the Claiborne Pell (Newport Bridge) from here as well.
Storer Park w/ Clairborne Pell Bridge & Goat Island Light
Sunset behind Goat Island Light
You can’t go wrong walking anywhere around town and this time of year you’ll notice the daffodils aren’t the only colorful blooms that are popping. Make sure to go visit the magnolias at Queen Anne Square in front of the beautiful Trinity Church. Add in plenty of time to walk around!
Trinity Church
Spring Street
Trinity Church
Where To Eat
There is no shortage of great restaurants in Newport for any meal of the day, but here are a few that I’ve enjoyed during my trips there:
CRU Cafe is the perfect spot to grab breakfast/lunch/brunch and either enjoy there or take to go. They offer breakfast options off their menu all day which is always a treat! Both indoor and outdoor seating options here.
CRU Cafe
CRU Chicken Sandwich
Turkey Club with Tots
Root is Newport’s exclusive plant based only restaurant and has great offerings for breakfast, lunch or healthy snack. The menu consists of smoothies, coffees, teas, breakfast bowls, toasts, sandwiches & more! I stopped in to get a smoothie to start off one of my days walking around the city.
Root
Smoothie by the water
Inside the restaurant
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar is located right on the historic waterfront and has a great menu for lunch or dinner. One of the specialties they’re known for is their “Bag Of Doughnuts” which are lobster & shrimp fritters with chipotle-maple aioli on the side.
The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
“Bag Of Doughnuts”
The Red Parrot has been in business since 1993 but the building itself dates back to the area’s Gilded Aged in the late 19th century. Always a popular favorite for anyone visiting Newport it is in walking distance of the wharf. On my last visit there I couldn’t decide on meat or seafood so I compromised with the Surf & Turf!
The Red Parrot
Surf & Turf
Where To Stay
There us no shortage of great options to stay in Newport, with many located right on the water for incredible views and short walks to all of the shops, restaurants & more. I’ve had the chance to stay at two of the great new hotels in this area and will share them below:
Hammetts Hotel Located in the heart of Downtown Newport, RI, Hammetts Hotel opened in Summer 2020 and features 84 rooms on its waterfront property. One of the main highlights is the 9,000 sq ft deck overlooking Newport Marina that is an ideal spot for enjoying sunset with a drink in hand. There’s even a great Italian restaurant Giusto located right off of the deck so fine dining is only steps away from the hotel.
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The Brenton Hotel The Brenton Hotel debuted in the summer of 2020 as Newport’s newest luxury boutique hotel, with 57 sumptuously appointed rooms and suites. Ideally located directly on the harbor at the corner of America’s Cup Avenue and Long Wharf, the Brenton is ready to welcome you to Newport.
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