Our East Coast road trip took us to Newport, Rhode Island, and, to be honest, we didn’t know exactly what to expect. We had heard about the grand mansions along the coast and a few famous landmarks, but instead of over-planning, we decided to just start walking and see where the adventure took us.

That decision led to some incredible surprises, starting with an unexpected stop at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and ending with breathtaking views along the coast.

A Hidden Gem: The International Tennis Hall of Fame

As we wandered toward the water, we stumbled upon a place we hadn’t planned on visiting—the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Even if you’re not a huge tennis fan, this spot is worth a visit just for its history and unique atmosphere. The Hall of Fame is housed in the Newport Casino, a stunning 19th-century building with ornate architecture, vintage tennis courts, and a museum packed with sports history.

A Little History

The Newport Casino was built in 1880 as a social club for the wealthy elite, and it quickly became a hotspot for tennis in America. In fact, it was here that the first U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championship (now the U.S. Open) was played in 1881. Today, the site honors tennis legends, showcasing memorabilia, championship trophies, and even interactive exhibits where you can test your reflexes!

Walking through the museum, we saw iconic tennis gear from players like Serena Williams and Roger Federer, learned about the evolution of the game, and even peeked at the beautiful grass courts still used for tournaments today. It was an unexpected but awesome stop, and one of those places that just makes you appreciate the history of a sport—even if you don’t play it!

Lunch Break and a Walk to the Coast

After exploring the Tennis Hall of Fame, we grabbed some lunch at a nearby café and then made our way toward the coast, where some of Newport’s most famous sites awaited.

Newport’s Famous Mansions and The Breakers

One of the most famous parts of Newport is its Gilded Age mansions, massive estates built by some of America’s wealthiest families in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These homes were essentially summer cottages for families like the Vanderbilts (who, let’s be honest, had a very different idea of “cottage” than the rest of us).

The most famous of them all is The Breakers, built in 1895 by Cornelius Vanderbilt II. This mansion is a 70-room palace inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture, with intricate ceilings, massive chandeliers, and ocean views that make it clear why the Vanderbilts spent their summers here.

While we didn’t do a full mansion tour this time, just walking past these incredible buildings gave us a glimpse into the world of old-money Newport. It was like stepping into a scene from a period drama, with towering gates, perfectly manicured gardens, and details that made it clear these homes were built to impress.

Cliff Walk and The Forty Steps

After soaking in the mansion views, we made our way to Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile scenic pathway along the rocky Newport coastline. This spot was one of our favorites—it’s a mix of rugged natural beauty and historic architecture, with waves crashing on one side and grand estates on the other.

One of the coolest stops along the way was The Forty Steps, a stone staircase leading down to the rocks by the water. In the 19th century, this was a gathering spot where servants of the wealthy families would come to relax and socialize after working in the mansions. Today, it’s a great place to take in the view, watch the waves, and feel the sea breeze.

Final Thoughts on Newport

Newport, Rhode Island, was one of those places where we just wandered and discovered something new at every turn. Whether it was the unexpected history of the Tennis Hall of Fame, the jaw-dropping mansions, or the natural beauty of the coast, there was so much to take in.

For anyone looking for a mix of history, ocean views, and a little bit of adventure, Newport is definitely worth a visit. It’s a place where you don’t need a set plan—just a willingness to explore.

Until the next adventure!