Pet-Friendly Newport

Rhode Island is named the Ocean State for good reason: everywhere you turn you seem to have amazing vistas of the ocean, including Block Island Sound, Rhode Island Sound and Narragansett Bay. And Newport puts you right in the middle of it. It’s also one of our favorite cities because it’s extremely pet friendly.

For an outdoor adventure with your dog, try Cliff Walk. Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile long trail along the Atlantic shoreline in Newport’s National Historic District. Dogs are permitted throughout the trail, provided that they are leashed and supervised at all times. Another popular outdoor trek is Newport’s Ten Mile Drive, which snakes along the southern shoreline and displays the history of the city’s wealthy community. It also contains numerous public parks and public-access shorelines. Dogs are permitted, but must be leashed when they are outside of vehicles. There’s also Fort Adams State Park, which is located along Newport Harbor and offers such activities as swimming, fishing, boating, soccer and picnicking. Brenton State Park is another scenic park equipped with hiking trails, picnic tables, and gardens that allows dogs of all sizes for no additional charge, provided they are on a six foot leash and have a valid license tag.

If you’d looking for more low-key place to bring your dog for quick exercise, Newport has a fenced-in dog park that welcomes dogs of all sizes and allows them to run off-leash.

There are also multiple dog-friendly tours and tourist attractions in Newport.  Newport Tour and Guide Company is an attraction that caters small group tours around Newport and provides pet-friendly vehicles. Dogs of all sizes are permitted on these tours for no extra charge, provided they don’t require any extra clean up.  Another popular dog-friendly Newport historical attraction is Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States. Leashed dogs are permitted throughout the grounds, but are not allowed in the buildings

If you’d prefer to tour Newport from the water, Gansett Cruises offers dog-friendly harbor tourist. Dogs are only allowed on the main deck of the boat and must be leashed and supervised.

Although the city of Newport does not permit dogs on their beaches between Labor Day and Memorial Day, there are a couple of pet-friendly beaches in the surrounding area: Teddy’s Beach in Portsmouth and East Ferry Beach in Jamestown both allow leashed dogs.

Newport has a plethora of pet-friendly eating establishments ranging from cafes, pubs, ice cream parlors, seafood restaurants, and more, so you’ll never have to worry about leaving your dog alone while you eat:

• East Ferry Market and Deli–a deli with outdoor seating and Wifi
• Slice of Heaven–a cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, baked goods, and alcohol
• Trattoria Simpatico–a restaurant and bar that is open from March to November
• Flo’s Clam Shack–a sit down/takeout beachside seafood eatery
• Frosty Freeze–an ice cream parlor open from April to September
• Kilwins Chocolate, Fudge, and Ice Cream Shop–a confections and ice cream store
• Malt on Broadway–a family run bar and restaurant
• Nikola’s Pizza–a pizza parlor with Mediterranean dishes
• O’Brien’s Pub–a bar and restaurant with entertainment such as pool tables and video games
• Salvation Army Cafe--a cafe offering dinner, drinks, and Sunday brunch.
• Sardella’s Restauarnt–an Italian restaurant
• The Pier–a waterfront fine dining establishment

There are even two restaurants that have a menu items specifically for dogs: Canfield House Restaurant and Pub, and The Landing at Bowen’s Wharf.

If you’d like to treat your pet while you’re in Newport, visit Wag Nation. Wag Nation is a pet boutique sells pet products such as food, leashes, toys, and pet apparel. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are permitted in the store.

For a list of pet-friendly hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in Newport and booking information, click here.