Noses Roam in Newport, Rhode Island
- Luie Boone
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fifth blog series, Bowwows Belong.
In the early 1700s, Newport, Rhode Island was a favorite stop for pirates. Its busy harbor made it easy for pirate ships to blend in, resupply, and quietly sell stolen goods. Local merchants often bought pirate cargo cheaply, and officials sometimes looked the other way. Even Captain William Kidd had strong ties to Newport through business and marriage. Pirates drank in local taverns, hired sailors, and walked the same docks as everyone else. That was until Britain cracked down on piracy in the 1720s and the pirate era faded away.
Luie Boone reckons this sounds like an excellent place to hide bones. Or treasure. Same thing, really.
One historic stop you won’t want to miss is the White Horse Tavern, which opened in 1673 and is widely regarded as the oldest continuously operating tavern in the United States. For more than 350 years, sailors, merchants, British officers, and later American patriots passed through its doors during Newport’s busiest maritime and Revolutionary War periods. The tavern survived wars, fires, storms, and centuries of constant use, layering history into every beam and floorboard.
It’s also famously haunted. Staff and visitors report unexplained footsteps, cold spots, objects moving on their own, and sightings of ghostly figures believed to be former patrons or innkeepers lingering from Newport’s seafaring past. Luie Boone would like to note that ghosts are suspicious, but if they drop food, he is willing to investigate.
Today, the White Horse Tavern remains a working restaurant, blending refined colonial-inspired dining with the eerie charm and living history of one of America’s oldest public gathering places.
Newport, Rhode Island is really one of those rare coastal towns that feels just as welcoming to dogs as it does to people. With salty ocean air, scenic walking paths, and a relaxed New England vibe, it’s an ideal place to travel if you don’t want to leave your four-legged companion behind. Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or a full summer getaway, Newport offers plenty of dog-friendly experiences, from outdoor adventures to patios where your pup can lounge at your feet while you enjoy a meal. Luie Boone would like everyone to know that lounging is a skill, not a personality flaw.
One of the highlights of visiting Newport with a dog is how many beautiful outdoor spaces are open to leashed pets. The Cliff Walk offers stunning views where you and your leashed dog can take in the Atlantic Ocean on one side and historic Gilded Age mansions on the other. Luie Boone thinks cliffs are cool, but the real thrill is all the new smells carried by the sea breeze. For more open space and waterfront breezes, Brenton Point State Park is ideal for long walks or a picnic together. Nearby Fort Adams State Park also provides wide lawns and harbor views that both you and your dog can enjoy.
When it’s time to grab a bite, Newport has several spots with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Corner Café is great for breakfast or brunch with a relaxed patio atmosphere. Cru Cafe offers lunch and dinner in a casual outdoor setting that’s perfect for pups. For a laid-back meal and drink, O’Brien’s Pub provides a dog-friendly patio where you can unwind after a day of exploring. Luie Boone reckons every patio is better when someone accidentally drops a french fry.
Traveling with your dog in Newport does require a bit of planning, but nothing complicated. Dogs are generally required to be leashed in public spaces, and some beaches have seasonal restrictions, especially during peak summer months, so it’s best to check local rules before heading out. Bringing water, treats, and waste bags will make your days smoother, and visiting in spring or fall can mean fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and even more freedom to explore together.
Overall, Newport offers a wonderful balance of beauty, history, and pet-friendly hospitality. From cliffside walks and breezy harbor strolls to relaxed outdoor meals and cozy dog-friendly inns, it’s a place where you don’t have to choose between a great vacation and bringing your dog along. Instead, you get to share the entire experience—ocean views, fresh air, and all—with your favorite travel companion right by your side.
And if you ask Luie Boone?
He thinks it’s completely paw-some.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay at Newport, Rhode Island. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Oceanfront Beachhouse
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 4 beds and 1.5 baths and outdoor shower.
Photos by VRBO,com
It features the following amenities:
Oceanfront beachhouse with direct water access
Just steps to own clear salt water shell beach
8300 sq ft yard is completely fenced for dog safety and freedom from a leash
Brick patio seating
Gas grill, (if propane runs out, guests can refill at nearby gas station)
Enclosed outdoor shower
Fire pit
Kayaks may be borrowed with signed waiver of liability and agreement to be responsible for the safekeeping of kayaks and paddles
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
I just found out my humans planned a vacation to Newport, Rhode Island, to an oceanfront beach house with direct water access, and I already know it’s going to be amazing. The yard is big, sunny, and fully fenced, so I can run, roll, and lie in the grass while watching ducks, geese, and seabirds visit the bay and backyard tree. I’m bringing my stuffed duck, Quackers, who has webbed feet like a real duck but, of course, cannot waddle or swim. He’s perfect for napping in the sun, sitting with me on the deck, or keeping me company while I explore. Lots of other dogs have vacationed here too, running off-leash, chasing birds, and enjoying the yard just like I plan to do. The house sits right on the water, with steps down to a little shell beach and has big windows everywhere to watch the waves, tides, and birds. My humans might kayak from the property, and I’ll sit on the deck with Quackers, watching for floating sticks, birds, and splashes. There’s a dog-friendly beach nearby and a quiet neighborhood full of new scents to sniff. Inside, soft beds, a big couch, and a sunroom facing the bay mean I can nap, watch the water, and hang out with my humans while Quackers lounges nearby. The house feels peaceful, with birds in the morning, fire pit at night, and water always moving close by. I don’t know exactly what Newport looks like yet, but I already know this place has open space, wildlife, fresh air, my favorite hoomans, my favorite stuffed duck, and a history of happy dogs enjoying it!
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Newport, Rhode Island!
Sea Newport
Sea Newport offers dog-friendly cruises that let your pup join in on a relaxing day out on the water. Cruise options range from about 1.5 hours to a full day, making it easy to choose an experience that fits both your schedule and your dog’s comfort level. Each outing is a private cruise for up to six people, and dogs don’t count toward that six-person maximum. That's something that Luie Boone would absolutely approve of. With ocean breezes, harbor views, and plenty of space to sit back and enjoy the ride, it’s a calm, scenic way to experience Newport without leaving your four-legged companion behind.
Touro Park
This is one of the most iconic parks in Newport, best known for the Newport Tower, also called the Old Stone Mill, which is believed to be one of the oldest structures in the country. The park itself spans a relatively flat city block, featuring a rectangular grassy lawn bordered by four intersecting streets and buffered on three sides by sidewalks. Lined with trees and sitting right along historic Bellevue Avenue, it’s a peaceful, walkable spot that both visitors and locals love. Luie Boone reckons the open grass, shady trees, and steady stream of passing smells make it a top-tier stop for dogs.
Miantonomi Park is a 30-acre city park that was originally established as a World War I memorial. The park features wooded walking trails that lead up Miantonomi Hill, the highest point in Newport, where a historic WWI Memorial Tower stands. The hill has a long and layered history. It was once the seat of power for the Narragansett Indians, later home to colonial signal beacons and Revolutionary War fortifications, and eventually crowned with the 1929 memorial tower that was designed by McKim, Mead & White. Today, the park is a favorite spot for birding, dog walking, and large community cookouts, and Luie Boone would argue the mix of trails, trees, and wide-open space makes it an excellent place for both sniffing and strolling.
Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk is a dog-friendly public trail offering stunning views of the Newport shoreline alongside historic mansions and coastal scenery. Stretching roughly 3.5 miles, the path is a popular way to experience the area’s natural beauty while staying close to the water. It’s an ideal spot for a scenic walk with your pup, combining ocean breezes, crashing waves, and classic Newport charm. Luie Boone would say every step comes with something new to sniff... and, hopefully, some treats to snack on.
Castle Hill Lighthouse
First lit in 1890, this granite tower stands thirty-four feet tall and once housed a 1,300-pound fog bell. Beyond guiding ships safely through Narragansett Bay, Castle Hill Lighthouse has also served as the start and finish line for several of Newport’s famous yacht races. Visitors can reach the lighthouse via a short, dog-friendly walk along a wooded trail from the parking area at Castle Hill Inn. While there is no access to the lighthouse interior, the views alone make the stop worthwhile! Luie Boone would agree that the salty air and scenic surroundings are more than enough to make the walk paw-worthy.
Battery Park
Battery Park is a special spot tucked into the Point District neighborhood of downtown Newport, Rhode Island. Formerly known as Fort Greene during the War of 1812, this cozy waterfront park offers peaceful harbor views and a great look at the Newport Bridge. Luie Boone would say the combination of water, breeze, and passing boats makes this an excellent observation post. With beach access perfect for snapping a few photos with your pup, the park sits on an old military site surrounded by green trees and coastal scenery. It’s an easy place to wander, relax, and soak in the atmosphere. It'd be ideal for a picnic lunch, a sunset stroll, or simply sitting on a bench enjoying the cool sea air with your best friend by your side.
Fort Adams Bay Walk
Fort Adams Bay Walk is a 2.25-mile paved trail that loops around historic Fort Adams, offering sweeping views of the bay and a steady parade of sailboats and passing ships. The path is well maintained and accessible for visitors of all ages, making it a comfortable option for walking with your pup. Luie Boone would definitely approve of the wide paths, open views, and constant boat-watching opportunities. With easy parking and restrooms available, it’s a convenient stop. On weekends, there are guided tours of the fort, which provide a chance to explore its paw-some history. The cool sea breezes and calm waterfront atmosphere will surely make this walk just as relaxing as it is scenic.
Surf Club
Surf Club is a dog-friendly American restaurant and cocktail bar in Newport, known for its award-winning pizza, creative cocktails, tacos, sandwiches, salads, and a standout Sunday brunch. Luie Boone would argue this is not just a restaurant, but a personal paradise, thanks to their special dog menu featuring chicken breast, white rice, a burger, or a tasty treat. With a fun, welcoming atmosphere and plenty of patio space for pups, it’s an easy spot to relax, enjoy a great meal, and treat your furry friend like royalty right alongside you... Luie Boone is King Luie Boone, of course, we cannot forget that.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Newport, Rhode Island
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
I just overheard humans planning a trip to Newport, Rhode Island, and I’m beyond excited. I first heard that Newport is packed with enormous Gilded Age mansions from the humans’ favorite travel show, which kept showing giant “summer cottages” built by humans with way too much money, each trying to outshine the next with gold, marble, endless staircases, and rooms so big I can barely imagine where a dog would even sleep. I keep picturing myself sneaking through the hallways, sniffing the fancy carpets, checking out every garden, and maybe even finding a hidden snack or two. Sadly, dogs aren’t allowed inside, so all of that will have to stay in my imagination. I’m a little sad about that, but Quackers, my trusty stuffed duck, is coming along for moral support, cuddles, and a quick game of toss whenever I need it. Luckily, most of Newport is still dog-friendly. There are ocean walks full of salty smells, busy patios where humans drop treats, and streets to explore with Quackers safely tucked under my paw. Even if I can’t go inside the mansions, imagining their giant rooms and gardens makes every sniff and step outside feel like part of the adventure. Belly rubs, snacks, and maybe even a lobster-shaped chew toy will make this vacation perfect.
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