According to forum posts, The Lobster Bar located at the end of Bowens Wharf is highly recommended for its lobster offerings, including Lobster Mac & Cheese. It's noted for its casual setting and scenic views of the harbor.

Travelers have also praised Anthony's Seafood in Middletown, known for being featured on the Food Network. The restaurant is well-regarded for its casual seafood dishes, although it does not take reservations.

For a historic dining experience, the White Horse Tavern, as mentioned by some users, is the oldest restaurant in America and offers a unique atmosphere. While not specifically praised for lobster, it is a noteworthy venue for experiencing traditional and historic American dining.

Many travelers recommend the Cliff Walk as a must-do activity for first-time visitors to Newport. Exploring the mansions, particularly The Breakers, is also highly suggested, offering a glimpse into the opulent Gilded Age.

According to forum posts, driving along Ocean Drive is a scenic activity that offers stunning ocean views. First-time visitors are also encouraged to consider various tours, including harbor tours and vineyard visits, to fully experience Newport.

Travelers have called out Newport's rich historical sites, such as America's oldest Jewish synagogue, Touro, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Dining at local restaurants like The Mooring and trying seafood are highly recommended to enjoy the local flavors.

Exploring local shops and experiencing live music or other cultural events are also popular activities among visitors. Posts indicate that walking around the town to absorb its colonial architecture and waterfront setting makes for a delightful experience.

According to forum posts, there are several public transportation options available for traveling to Newport. Some travelers recommended taking the Amtrak NE Regional train to either Providence or Kingston, followed by a RIPTA bus to Newport. The RIPTA 24X from Providence and the RIPTA 64 from Kingston were specifically mentioned.

For many users, the Peter Pan bus service was a common mention, though it now requires a transfer to a RIPTA bus at Providence for the final leg to Newport. Additionally, during the warmer months, there is a ferry service from Providence to Newport, providing a scenic alternative.

Travelers have called out the affordability of the RIPTA bus, with fares around $2, making it a cost-effective option. However, some noted the routes might not be frequent and could be inconvenient depending on the timing of travel.

According to forum posts, the northern portion of Cliff Walk offers a well-maintained paved walkway that is mostly accessible, including for handicapped individuals. This section runs past notable mansions and offers picturesque views, making it a preferred choice for many visitors.

Some travelers mentioned that the Cliff Walk provides stunning ocean views and passes several historical mansions, particularly on the Salve Regina campus. Notable points include Ochre Court and The Breakers. The southern section, though more rugged and less accessible, offers its own rustic charm with fewer entry points.

For those interested in a more informative experience, forum users have discussed the availability of audio tours and detailed guides, such as the one by local expert Betty Czech. These guides provide extensive historical context and highlight significant architectural features along the walk.

Travelers have called out that parking can be challenging, especially during peak times. The Breakers offers a parking lot which can serve as a starting point for the walk, and there are metered parking options along Narragansett Avenue.

According to forum posts, Newport offers a variety of mansion tours that cater to different interests. The Breakers, The Elms, Marble House, and Rosecliff are some of the prominent mansions with self-guided tours available through the Newport Mansions audio tour app. Additionally, Rough Point offers tours with live guides.

Some travelers have highlighted specialized tours like the Beneath the Breakers tour and the Servant Life Tour at The Elms. These tours provide unique perspectives on the lives of the people who maintained these grand homes.

For visitors planning to tour multiple mansions, options like a trio ticket or an annual pass are available. The trio ticket allows access to three mansions at a reduced rate, while the annual pass offers broader access but at a higher cost.

Travelers have recommended downloading the Newport Mansion app to plan visits efficiently and to listen to tour content. Moreover, the app includes all the tours, allowing visitors to choose which mansions they find most appealing.