Gay Summer Getaway: Newport, Rhode Island

The Breakers

Newport is turning up the heat this summer with a bold blend of historic grandeur, culinary creativity, and must-see events. From exclusive tours inside the mansions featured in HBO’s The Gilded Age to the return of a groundbreaking women’s tennis tournament, Newport promises a season unlike any other. Whether you’re drawn to jazz festivals by the sea, Michelin-worthy French dining, or newly opened boutique hotels, there’s never been a better time to explore The Classic Coast.

“Newport summers are iconic. This year is especially exciting, with historic milestones like the return of the Women’s Tournament at the International Tennis Hall of Fame Open, a wave of new restaurants further establishing Newport as a culinary destination, and the much-anticipated return of HBO’s The Gilded Age, drawing fans to our legendary mansions,” said Victoria Cimino, president & CEO of Discover Newport.

The Gilded Age Returns with Immersive Experiences: As Season 3 of HBO’s The Gilded Age premieres on June 22, Newport becomes a living set for fans eager to walk in the footsteps of the show’s elite. Exclusive Inside The Gilded Age tours offer behind-the-scenes access to four historic mansions—including The Breakers and The Elms—used as filming locations. Available through June and returning this fall, these immersive experiences reveal how history meets Hollywood. Visitors can elevate their stay with themed hotel package such as The Gilded Age Escape at Castle Hill Inn or cruise past iconic scenes Gilded Age Locations Tour with Newport Jaguar Tours and so much more. 

Sporting Milestones and Star-Studded Events: This summer, Newport celebrates the return of beloved pastimes and history-making milestones:

• This summer marks a historic moment for Newport as the International Tennis Hall of Fame Open (July 6–13) welcomes the return of the women’s tournament for the first time since 1990. Fresh off recent renovations to the Hall of Fame Museum, the legendary venue is ready to host fans and players alike in a celebration of tennis past, present, and future. The excitement continues August 21–23 with the Hall of Fame Induction Celebration, featuring Celebrity Pro-Ams with The Office star Angela Kinsey and Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba, who will join Hall of Famers Kim Clijsters, Andy Roddick, and more on court. The weekend wraps with a headline performance by Fitz and the Tantrums.

• Newport International Polo Series continues its tradition of elegant equestrian sport.

• 66th Annual Newport Folk Festival (July 25–27) and Newport Jazz Festival (August 1–3) will draw top-tier talent to historic Fort Adams. 

• Bristol, RI hosts its 240th Fourth of July Parade—America’s oldest continuous celebration—setting the stage for the 2026 America 250 commemorations.

Chic New Stays & Seaside Refreshes: Two new boutique properties make their Newport summer debut in downtown Newport:

• Island House Newport: A 24-room retreat marrying coastal style with modern elegance, just steps from Bellevue Avenue and the Cliff Walk. Perfect for families, Island House offers expansive suites, full kitchens, laundry and living rooms to set guests up for an unforgettable viist. 

• The Royce Newport: A luxe, 10-room escape set within two restored Victorian mansions. Located in the heart of downtown Newport, The Royce boasts a shared courtyard between the historic mansions that caters well to groups for an intimate and private stay.

• Meanwhile, the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa unveils a stunning renovation, including refreshed guest rooms, harbor-view terraces, and the new Hideaway Terrace pool deck featuring a bar, fire pits, and private cabanas. For those seeking time on the water, The Brenton Hotel introduces Brenton One, a 36-foot Hinckley Picnic Boat available for private harbor charters, sunset cruises, or breakfast sails on the bay.

Fresh Flavors and French Flair: Newport’s dining scene sizzles this season with a wave of new openings and elevated concepts:

• Centrally located on Thames Street, Audette brings classic French cuisine to the coast with dishes like rabbit roulade and beef tartare, plus caviar service, global wines, and cocktails like the Newport Sour and Flamme Rouge Fizz.

• Remy’s Loose, inside the MICHELIN Key-awarded Chanler at Cliff Walk, offers refined French fare with a coastal twist in a stylish, whimsical setting.

• In nearby Bristol, the newly opened Franklin by the Groundswell Guild delivers a moody brasserie vibe with candlelit French favorites.

• The recently reopened Wayfinder Hotel introduced the Little Clam Restaurant, helmed by Chef Antonio Wormley and consulting chef Jake Rojas, designed to honor the local coastal heritage and culinary ecosystem throughout their menu.

Dive into news from the destination below and visit DiscoverNewport.org for the most up-to-date events and updates. 

Photo Credit Gavin Ashworth