5-Day Itinerary Ultimate Summer Vacation
Summer Itinerary
Discover new ways to spend time together with interludes and experiences for all ages, and exclusive family-focused getaways to savor time like never before with those you love most. Speak with one of our itinerary designers at 833.242.8850.
Day 1
Arrival | Perfect your sailor’s knot
We partnered with our friends at Mystic Knotworks to create a mini bracelet making kit using traditional sailor's techniques. Kids can make the perfect accessory to wear throughout their stay.
2:00pm | Spend the afternoon at the baseball field
The Newport Gulls are a nonprofit New England Collegiate Baseball League team that plays at Cardines Field, one of the oldest ballparks in America. Families can grab tickets to a game, get an autographed baseball, and have an opportunity to participate in one of the games between the innings on-field alongside the players.
8:00pm | Take in dinner and a movie at our underground pool
Head to our indoor pool for a private experience for the entire family. We'll set up a movie on our custom screen - made from recycled sail cloth - and serve a custom menu while the family hangs, swims and relaxes by the pool. This entire space is yours for the evening!
Day 2
8:00am | Take in the views with yoga on the roof deck
Adults and children alike are invited to our sunny roof deck, where our yoga instructor will provide them with an invigorating practice to greet the day.
9:30am | Enjoy breakfast in the Conservatory
Fuel up for the day in our light-dappled Conservatory.
12:00pm | Set sail on an America’s Cup Winner
Head out on Newport Harbor on a former America's Cup winning sailboat. Learn all about the art of sailing on the meticulously restored America’s Cup sailboats, whether it's the 1962 winner, The Weatherly, or two-time winner the Intrepid or the Cup contender Heritage – trim the sails, work the grinding winches, tail, and even take the helm of a winning boat. The VAN team will gift families a branded Vanderbilt sailing jersey to wear ahead of their adventure.
5:00pm | Try your hand at shucking an oyster
Head to the Dining Room to partake in our ritual, Shuck Yeah. Our culinary team will have a spread of local oysters from their favorite farms that they'll shuck on order, and for mom and dad—to pair with a specialty cocktail or local beer. For a more immersive experience, book a private oyster tasting with our Chef.
8:00pm | End the night with a delectable dinner in the Dining Room
After oyster appetizers, the fam can treat themselves to a delicious dinner menu of New England favorites in our Dining Room.
Day 3
9:00am | Enjoy breakfast in the Conservatory
10:00am | Try an old whaling craft
Sit down with Brian Kiracofe, master scrimshaw artist and owner of local shop Scrimshander's, for an interactive lesson and history on scrimshaw. Originally used by whale hunters in the 18th century to pass time, Scrimshaw is the process of engraving designs on ivory or bone. As many things can be made from scrimshaw - from figurines and cuff links to jewelry - it is an art that appeals to both children and adults.
12:00pm | Tour an oyster farm with an expert
Journey to Wickford Town Dock and learn from Graham - who owns and runs West Passage Oysters - about the history of half shells in Rhode Island, an oyster’s life cycle, and how shellfish are farmed in Newport’s Narragansett Bay. Then, hop aboard Graham's 21ft farm boat to their lease at Rome Point for a firsthand experience on how oysters are farmed daily. Once at the farm, try your hand at harvesting, shucking, and eating the fresh oysters straight from the water, creating an unforgettable experience you’ll find only in Rhode Island.
1:30pm | Pause for lunch in the Garden
Dine on American classic’s al fresco in our lush Garden.
3:00pm | Perfect your serve at famed tennis court
Bring the family for a private tennis lesson with a pro at the famed International Hall of Tennis. Play on their historic grass courts, learn to perfect your game, and afterwards, head to their museum for a behind-the-scenes tour of never-seen objects that aren't on display. Guests will receive branded Vanderbilt tennis balls ahead of their experience to use and keep.
7:00pm | Grab dinner in the Dining Room
9:00pm | Gather ‘round the fire
Around our Garden fire pit, our culinary and beverage team will whip up classic New England treats (like Newport sea salt caramel s'mores) for all ages to enjoy.
Day 4
9:00am | Enjoy breakfast in the Conservatory
10:00am | Grab some pool time
Hang by our outdoor pool. On Sundays, catch the easy breezy sounds of our resident DJ while enjoying a spritz from our roving cocktail cart (for the adults). The kiddos can try their hand at 'fishing' and launching boats in the pool.
12:00pm | Hit Newport Harbor on a 1928 picnic yacht
Head out on Newport Harbor aboard Temma, our own wooden yacht that dates to the 1920s. Families can opt for a half day excursion, in which your captain Ken will take you around the harbor, anchor the boat and set up lunch. Families can hop in the water, relax on floaties, snack on a spread among the backdrop of Newport's famed mansions, farms and lighthouses.
7:00pm | Grab a private dinner in our Private Dining Room
Enjoy an intimate, family dinner in our private dining space to close out your trip.
Day 5
8:00am | Enjoy breakfast in the Conservatory
10:00am | Trek the famous Cliff Walk
This 3.5 mile stretch alongside the coast is arguably Newport's most famous and beautiful attraction. An easy path for all ages, this walk takes you right past the backyards of the area's most noteworthy mansions.
12:00pm | Tour a Gilded Age mansion
Newport's famed mansions are home to some of the most beautiful interiors, fascinating histories and picturesque coastal views. Every age can enjoy a tour of our favorites - The Breakers, Rough Point, Rosecliff, to name a few - we'll even send you off with a picnic to feast on their beautiful grounds and gardens.
Departure | Take home a nautical memento
Depart Newport with a special children's sailor hat to commemorate your time spent on the coast!