New England's Coastal Getaway Offers Fiery Fall Foliage, Harvest Delights, And Festive Charm

Newport, Rhode Island is a coastal town with undeniable French vibes. In the past, affluent travelers flocked there for a luxurious escape. Today, it's home to some of the best beaches in Rhode Island, so it's no surprise that Newport is considered a great destination to visit in the summer. It also comes alive during the holiday season, when extravagant mansions light up in spectacular Christmas displays. But if you want to experience harvest delights, festive charm, and vibrant fall foliage, one of the best times to travel there is in autumn.

Since there are two airports nearby — Newport State Airport and Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport — flying in and out is seamless. By road, it takes three to four hours to reach Newport from New York City and four to five hours from New Jersey. Accommodation options range from charming beachfront holiday homes and island resorts to budget hotels and big-name chains like Marriott and Auberge Resorts Collection. Check official hotel websites, booking platforms, and vacation rental sites for current rates and availability.

New England has no shortage of sites and attractions to visit during the autumn season: from Equinox Mountain in Vermont and Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire to Connecticut's historic B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill. Still, Newport stands out as a must-visit destination. Imagine crisp air, fiery foliage, and a line-up of family-friendly things to do. With pumpkin patches, lively food fairs, hay rides, and country farm stands — all framed by autumn hues — there's never a dull moment there.

Since Newport is often hailed as the world's sailing capital, the best way to experience it is arguably from the water. Every fall, visitors have the chance to board a harbor cruise through companies like Newport Classic Cruises. You'll get a front-row view of the shoreline draped in fall foliage, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a seal basking nearby. Another fantastic way to explore this city's magical fall is on a hike. Set out on Newport's famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile trail that winds between the Atlantic Ocean and Gilded Age mansions — both made even more spectacular by autumn colors.

Fall festivals in Newport are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the city's festive charm. You can engage in local harvest activities, enjoy plenty of family fun, and soak in the community's warm spirit. The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival and the Norman Bird Harvest Fair are two particularly beloved events. The latter has been running for more than 50 years. It hosts plenty of local vendors and offers games like sack races. All proceeds from the event go toward wildlife conservation. Since festival dates and prices change each year, make sure to check the schedules on these events' websites or social media pages.

Wine lovers will have a great time at the Harvest Festival at Newport Vineyards. You can sample wines, participate in harvest tours, stomp grapes, and treat yourself to farm-to-table dining experiences. While tickets usually cost between $30 and $35 per person, make sure to double-check before planning your visit. Craving seafood? You can't miss the Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival. Coastal Living Magazine named this free annual event one of "10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast" (via Discover Newport), as visitors can feast on fish tacos and lobster rolls while enjoying local beer and live music right on the harbor.