We love our furry friends, and we know you do too. Newport, RI, and its surrounding communities are a perfect spot for pet owners, whether you’re exploring scenic trails, discovering hidden parks, or even grabbing a bite to eat. With your furry companion by your side, let this be your guide for planning an unforgettable getaway with your four-legged best friend.
Newport’s Top Pet-Friendly Parks
Glen Park
Glen Road, Portsmouth, RI
Scenic and picturesque, Glen Park is a great place to bring the whole family — leashed dogs included, of course! The park has plenty of picnic tables, a playground, a fishing pier, and more, with ample open space to enjoy. It’s also a wonderful spot for hosting animal-friendly events.
King Park
125 Wellington Avenue, Newport, RI
Located on Newport Harbor’s south end, leashed dogs are welcome to run, jump, and play in this popular scenic spot. At about a quarter-mile long, it’s known for its gazebo concerts, small beaches for dog-friendly wading, and beautiful views as well as boat-watching.
Touro Park
Mill Street and Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
This is one of the most iconic parks in Newport thanks to Newport Tower, also known as Old Stone Mill, which is said to be one of the country’s oldest structures. It’s also pet-friendly! The small, tree-lined space borders historic Bellevue Avenue, and whether visiting or local, dogs love it here. Leashes are required.
Brenton Point State Park
Newport, RI
This coastal park occupies the former grounds of one of Newport’s grandest estates, encompassing 89 acres of natural beauty. With dog-friendly trails and expansive open fields, it’s an ideal spot for walks and playtime with your leashed dog. The sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean provide a stunning backdrop, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic. Designated picnic areas and shaded spots offer ideal settings to take breaks and soak in the tranquil surroundings.
Our Favorite Nature Trails for Pets in Newport
Aquidneck Land Trust
(Multiple trails and locations)
The Aquidneck Land Trust currently preserves and protects over 2,815 acres – almost 11.5 percent – of Aquidneck Island’s open space. Some of this land is made up of hiking trails that people and leashed pups alike love to walk, hoping to connect with nature and see wildlife. All dogs must be leashed on all trails and all pet waste must be removed from the premises when you leave. The trails belonging to the Aquidneck Land Trust are open from dawn to dusk.
- Little Creek Preserve – Bramans Lane, Portsmouth, RI: If you’re looking for a tranquil hike, the Little Creek Preserve is just that. A half-mile loop featuring a small parking area and picnic tables make this a perfect spot for families too. The 165-foot boardwalk extends through wetlands that attract many resident and migratory birds, small mammals, and amphibians. This trail connects to the ten-mile Sakonnet Greenway Trail, the largest continuous nature trail on Aquidneck Island.
- Sakonnet Greenway Trail – Portsmouth and Middletown, RI: Stretching ten miles, this is the longest nature trail on the Island. You’ll pass through forests, pastures, vineyards, and recreational fields. There are various shorter loops along the way if you prefer a brief walk. Please note that a large portion of the southern loop west of Mitchell’s Lane is closed due to the expansion of the Newport National Golf Club. Once the expansion is complete, this portion will reopen.
- Spruce Acres – 1286 East Main Rd., Middletown, RI: This 23-acre former Christmas tree farm features trails winding through fields and forests along a 1.5-mile trail. Signs along the way point out fun facts about the property’s history, local wildlife, and plant species. Features include a covered picnic pavilion, a compost toilet, and an ADA-friendly path.
Ballard Park
Hazard and Wickham Roads, Newport, RI
This is Newport’s only actual nature preserve, a popular go-to for tiring out on-leash, energetic pups of all sizes. This spot boasts 13 acres of natural open space, including a 1.25-mile trail of pet-friendly terrain along a former granite quarry used to build the historic Newport mansions. Read More.
The Cliff Walk
117 Memorial Boulevard, Newport, RI
Leashed and sure-footed pups are sure to enjoy this well-traveled ocean-front walk since parts can get a bit steep between the paths and unpaved areas. During your walk, you’ll enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery and architectural splendor of Newport’s Gilded Age estate along this 3.5-mile trek. You can enter or exit the path at various points if you’re not up for exploring the whole thing at once. For your dog’s safety, a short leash is recommended. Since some sections of the Cliff Walk are closed for repair, you may need to detour off the path.
Fort Adams Bay Walk
Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI
Dog owners can enjoy a scenic 2.25-mile loop along the waterfront with stunning views of Narragansett Bay. Bring your leashed pets for a leisurely walk and enjoy the historic fort and picturesque surroundings. Read more.
Albro Woods
Mitchell’s Lane, Middletown, RI
A charming woodland area featuring a network of trails totaling a half-mile hike through a serene forested landscape, perfect for walking leashed dogs, birdwatching, and enjoying the local flora and fauna.
Your Best Bet for Dog-Friendly Newport Beaches
Easton’s Beach (First Beach) – Off Season Only
175 Memorial Boulevard, Newport
While dogs aren’t permitted at Easton’s Beach at all during the summer months, it’s a local favorite during the off-season. From October 1st until Memorial Day visitors and locals bring their leashed dogs for daily walks. Read more.
Sachuest Beach (Second Beach) – Off Season Only
315 Sachuest Point Road, Middletown
Widely considered one of the best area beaches to bring your four-legged friend, Sachuest offers sweeping coastal views and is open to leashed dogs anytime in the off-season (October 1 to April 30). From Memorial Day to Labor Day, leashed pups can visit the beach for a morning walk, from 5 am to 7:45 am.
The Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Newport, Rhode Island
The Landing
30 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport, RI
If you’re dreaming of lunch or dinner dockside dining with your dog, this is the spot for you. This waterfront favorite right on Bowen’s Wharf boasts the most beautiful sunsets and welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs on the deck. Enjoy a fresh, local catch without having to leave Fido at home, and who knows — the wait staff might even bring them a treat for good manners! Read more.
O’Briens Pub
501 Thames Street, Newport, RI
A longtime local favorite, O’Briens on Thames Street welcomes leashed pups on their patio during warmer months when outdoor dining is available. It’s known for being dog-friendly and delicious, with a fun, friendly vibe and its very own dog menu guaranteed to make tails wag.
The Gulfstream Bar & Grille
1 Lagoon Road, Portsmouth, RI
While this restaurant isn’t in Newport, it is possibly the only local restaurant that’s so pet-friendly that it has a menu just for dogs! Housed in a 1942 Quonset Hut used by the US Navy as a PT-Boat training center, The Gulfstream serves “coastal cooking with a New England twist”.
Reach out if you’d like additional recommendations. We’ve got plenty, and your fur babies are more than welcome on Aquidneck Island. Read Hogan agent Jeff Brook’s blog post about his experience with a dog in Newport.
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If you’re interested in renting or purchasing a home in Newport County or its surrounding communities, Hogan Associates Christie’s International Real Estate would be glad to help you start your journey. Call us at (401) 680-6588 or send a message to info@hoganri.com.
