Shopping in Newport, RI
Newport, Rhode Island, is a fantastic destination for shoppers who enjoy combining retail finds with historic streets, waterfront scenery, and classic New England charm. Many of the city's most popular shopping districts are close enough to explore on foot, making it easy to spend an afternoon browsing while enjoying Newport's architecture and harbor views.
Below are some of the best shopping districts in the area!
Bowen's Wharf
Historic Bowen's Wharf combines shopping, dining, harbor views, and Newport's maritime character in one waterfront destination. Its brick walks, granite quays, and historic commercial buildings create a memorable setting for browsing boutiques and galleries.
Shoppers can find coastal apparel, jewelry, nautical gifts, artwork, bath and body products, and specialty items, with many stores reflecting New England's connection to the sea. The wharf is also close to Bannister's Wharf and downtown attractions, making it easy to combine shopping with sightseeing or a meal by the water.
Shops to Explore
- Kiel James Patrick: Shop American-made clothing, accessories, and nautical-inspired jewelry with a classic New England style.
- Sea Bags: Browse tote bags and accessories made from recycled sailcloth, including nautical designs and customizable options.
- Primavera Newport: Find artist-created gifts, home décor, jewelry, pottery, soaps, and pet accessories.
- Sheldon Fine Art: Explore original paintings, coastal scenes, marine artwork, landscapes, and contemporary pieces.
- Newport Scrimshanders: Shop for scrimshaw, nautical jewelry, maritime gifts, and handcrafted decorative pieces.
Thames Street
Thames Street is one of Newport's best-known shopping streets, running through the heart of the historic downtown and offering a mix of boutiques, specialty stores, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can browse clothing, jewelry, food, home goods, gifts, and nautical merchandise as they make their way along the street.
Upper Thames and Lower Thames each have their own selection of shops, so taking time to wander is part of the experience. Its historic buildings and lively atmosphere also make Thames Street an easy addition to a day of sightseeing around downtown Newport.
Shops to Explore
- Spice & Tea Exchange: Browse teas, spices, salts, sugars, and kitchen-related gifts.
- Shore Soap Company: Shop for handmade soaps, lotions, scrubs, and other bath and body products.
- Matriarch: Find creative gifts, accessories, home décor, kitchen items, cards, and food-themed merchandise.
- Thames Glass: Watch glass artists at work and shop for handmade blown-glass ornaments, vases, plates, and other pieces.
- Newport Fudgery: Pick up fudge and other candies for a sweet souvenir or afternoon treat.
Bellevue Avenue Newport
Bellevue Avenue offers a different side of Newport shopping, pairing boutiques and specialty retailers with one of the city's most recognizable streets. The avenue is famous for its grand Gilded Age architecture, and shoppers can combine retail stops with visits to nearby mansions and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Stores here include designer clothing, children's apparel, men's fashion, home décor, accessories, and specialty gifts. Even when shopping is not the only goal, strolling Bellevue Avenue provides an opportunity to enjoy Newport's historic atmosphere while exploring its local businesses.
Shops to Explore
- Michael Hayes: Browse men's and women's designer clothing and accessories, with tailoring services available.
- Marc Allen Fine Clothiers: Shop for men's luxury clothing, European styles, footwear, and custom formalwear.
- Bellevue Kids: Find children's and infant clothing, toys, and gifts.
- Isle Newport: Shop for women's designer clothing, accessories, décor, and candles.
- Lou Lou's Decor: Find home décor, tableware, linens, lighting, furniture, candles, and other interior accents.
Brick Market Place Newport
Brick Market Place provides a convenient way to browse a wide range of shops in one walkable downtown location. The open-air marketplace contains more than 25 shops and eateries arranged along Swinburne Row, Goddard Row, and Swan's Wharf Row.
Its mix includes clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, specialty foods, gifts, and vintage finds. Located between Thames Street and America's Cup Avenue, it also makes it easy to continue exploring downtown Newport after browsing the market.
Shops to Explore
- Bermuda Bay: Shop for women's clothing and accessories, including handbags, wallets, jewelry, watches, and sunglasses.
- Sole Desire: Browse men's, women's, and children's footwear from a wide variety of brands, along with accessories.
- Basic Irish Luxury: Find Irish-inspired clothing, jewelry, home décor, tableware, crystal, and accessories.
- Newport Silver Company: Shop for sterling silver and semi-precious stone jewelry.
- House of Windsor: Explore antique and estate jewelry, watches, and handcrafted fine jewelry, with appraisal and repair services available.
- P.S. Gear: Browse quirky books, cards, toys, home accessories, and eclectic gifts.
Stay at Sarah Kendall House
After a day of exploring Newport's shops, Sarah Kendall House offers a comfortable place to relax in a historic setting across from Newport Harbor. Our 1871 Empire Victorian is within walking distance of downtown, allowing you to explore many of Newport's shops, restaurants, and attractions without having to drive between destinations.
Our guest rooms combine Victorian furnishings and antique details with modern conveniences, including private bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and beach bags stocked with towels and sunscreen. Guests can also enjoy complimentary off-street parking and a gourmet breakfast featuring local ingredients, making it easy to start each day refreshed and ready to explore more of Newport.
With harbor views, a charming garden, and our 50-foot Tower Sitting Room overlooking the waterfront, our bed and breakfast provides a relaxing home base for your Newport shopping getaway. Book your stay today!
