7 Reasons to Love Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island is a popular New England tourist destination for good reason. Newport combines lighthouses, sailing, houses, beautiful people, fine dining, music festivals, and beaches. Newport is famous for its mansions, locally known as "The Cottages," and its shopping. Both are superb, but here are seven other reasons to visit and love Newport, Rhode Island.

1. The Bridge. The Newport Bridge connects Newport to Jamestown over Narragansett Bay, and is a stunning creation. Its official name is the Claiborne Pell Bridge and the scale of the suspension bridge was originally erected to ensure the Navy fleet could get to and from the ocean to the Naval base. Now the four-lane bridge has a gorgeous view from the top, and is breath-taking to look at. Buy a roll of tokens for 10 trips across the bridge for $10, or a single bridge trip for $2.

2. Clam Chowder. Newport has plenty of great chowder at restaurants throughout the town. For some of the best, you must visit The Black Pearl and try the famous creamy New England clam chowder. If you can get an outside table, enjoy a side of people watching with the decadent chowder. If you are in a hurry, take a cup to-go from the chowder stand and eat on one of the many benches on the pier.

3. Cliff Walk. Cliff Walk is one of Newport's most beautiful sites. The 3.5 mile Cliff Walk has a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and "The Cottages," and a public right of way over private property. Walkers can peek into the grounds of several mansions, including The Breakers, the former summer home of the Vanderbilt family.

4. Brenton Point State Park. Brenton Point State Park is a kite flier's dream because it is surrounded by 180 degrees of water so it gets a brisk breeze. Right off of the scenic Ocean Drive, Brenton Point State Park is on the spit of land where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Bring a picnic lunch, kite, or just stop to enjoy the wind and beautiful view.

5. Fort Wetherall and Jamestown. Jamestown is covered with beautiful state parks and viewing sites. At Fort Wetherall State Park, local scuba divers and classes practice in the sheltered cove. Walk out to the former gun ballasts and look across Narragansett Bay at Fort Adams State Park and the many beautiful homes along the coast in Newport, and explore the small docks with fishing boats. Jamestown feels has a much more mellow feel than Newport, and Fort Wetherall has one of its best views.

6. Sailing. Newport is a sailing town, and is the former home of the America's Cup, the most prestigious sailing regatta. Though the America's Cup no longer sails from the Newport waters, sailing remains an area staple. Several sailing schools provide instructions, rentals, tours, and charters, and boaters can dock at multiple piers.

7. The Beaches. As an island, Newport is teeming with beaches and several public beaches that are beautiful and peaceful. The best are Easton's Beach (First Beach) with a carousel and food concession area, Gooseberry Beach in a protected area with low waves, and Navy Beach (Third Beach) with offshore winds perfect for windsurfing and kite flying. Parking costs range from $10-15, or season passes from $45-125.

Enjoying Newport, RI doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. In addition to these splendid offerings, the famous Newport Jazz Festival is just one of many summer music offerings available in Newport. There's something for everyone.