Finding things to do in Middletown

Middletown, Rhode Island, located on Aquidneck Island, offers a diverse range of attractions and activities that make it a delightful destination for visitors. The town is best known for its stunning beaches, such as Sachuest Beach (Second Beach) and Third Beach, with their fine sand and good surfing conditions. The Norman Bird Sanctuary provides over 300 acres of well-maintained trails for hiking and bird watching, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and wildlife. For history enthusiasts, the Boyd’s Windmill provides a unique glimpse into the region's past, showcasing an operational windmill from the 19th century. Middletown is also home to several vineyards like Newport Vineyards, where guests can tour the grounds and sample local wines. The town's proximity to Newport means visitors can easily access additional historic sites, maritime activities, and cultural events. With its blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and proximity to cultural landmarks, Middletown is a must-visit for those exploring Rhode Island.

Middletown

Shopping & Things To Do

Middletown residents have all of their shopping needs within a few miles. Since Newport is so densely populated, many of the large retail stores are located along the main roads in Middletown and Portsmouth. Route 114 and Route 138 have several plazas and shopping centers, including stores like Shaws, Stop & Shop, The Christmas Tree Shop, CVS, West Marine, The Home Depot, Ocean State Job Lot, and more. This makes it very easy for Middletown residents to get what they need without having to travel far.

Everything you can expect from Newport Vineyards comes from their tagline —  “Bringing the Napa Experience to Newport”. The original vines for the vineyard were planted in 1977 and have since expanded to over 60 acres. This is a fantastic place to visit for a tour and wine tasting, see a live event, or try their highly-regarded restaurant, Brix. The winery also houses Taproot Brewery, where you can try (and buy) their farmhouse ales.

A historically-preserved, colonial-era farm that is open to the public daily from dawn till dusk. The landscape, farmhouse, and equipment is laid out as it would have been in the 18th and 19th centuries. Get a guided tour of the grounds and learn about its history!

A farmhouse market and café situated on 100 acres of conserved farmland. They’re located only a short distance from downtown Newport and the island’s beaches. They sell freshly grown seasonal fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, as well as a variety of gourmet and specialty foods. You can also catch a live music show here and pick your own berries straight from the vine.

Recreation & Activities

A public access 18-hole golf course located in Middletown. It’s been rated as the “number one public access course in New England” by New England golf magazine. Golfweek Magazine also placed the course in the “top twenty new courses in America” list soon after its opening.

Newport’s only cricket club and community. You can visit their matches throughout the season, get a lesson, or bring your kids to learn and play. The home field is Dr. Arnow Cricket Field located near Third Beach. They invite five to seven other teams to participate and compete for the SCCC Invitational Trophy every year. The tournament is held over approximately three weekends with varying dates.

A beautiful chasm cut into the middle of the high cliffs above Sachuest Bay. See great views of Second Beach and look down into the chasm from above. Be careful, though. The chasm is not roped off and it’s dangerous to get too close to the edge.

Occupying a peninsula between the Sakonnet River and Rhode Island sound, the 242-acre refuge is a very popular site for the over 65,000 annual visitors each year. It has a newly renovated visitor center, over 2.5 miles of nature trails, viewing platforms, and a number of volunteers present to help visitors.

A wildlife sanctuary and environmental education center with more than 325 acres of diverse habitats and 7 miles of hiking trails. The Sanctuary offers summer camps, public programs, and a 16-room farmhouse for vacationing and events.