Bowen's Wharf
Tourist attraction · Newport ·

Bowen's Wharf

Tourist attraction · Newport ·

Boutiques, cafes, galleries, shops, restaurants, water tours

shopping
restaurants
waterfront dining
ocean views
boat cruises
shops
boat tours
sailing
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null
Bowen's Wharf by null

Information

Bowen's Wharf, Bowens Wharf, Newport, RI 02840 Get directions

$$

Restroom
Credit card accepted
Debit card accepted
Contactless accepted
Paid street parking

Information

Static Map

Bowen's Wharf, Bowens Wharf, Newport, RI 02840 Get directions

+1 401 849 2243
bowenswharf.com

$$

Features

•Restroom
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Contactless accepted
•Paid street parking
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot
•Wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Jan 26, 2026

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34 Best Things to Do in Rhode Island

"A historic waterfront square with brick walkways and colorful storefronts that houses boutiques, restaurants, and marina departures, providing a bustling and picturesque seaside shopping and dining atmosphere." - Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/fun-things-to-do-in-rhode-island-6747929
Bowen's Wharf

Steve T.

Google
Love the festivals at Bowens wharf. Right in the center of Newport. On the water with bars and food, perfect location. Oyster fest and the Seafood fest are a blast with live bands and seafood. Shout out to Dudemanbro and Timeless, two of our favorite bands. Fourth of July is so nice with the fireworks and celebrations. Love taking the sailboat and rum runner sunsets tours. Great stop on the bike tour! Shout out to the Landing for the great live music and water views. So many places to explore and try out on the wharf. Parking is always a challenge in Newport, highly recommend taking bikes from bike path or ferry from Jamestown.

Marc N.

Google
Bowman’s Wharf was a great place to visit. There’s plenty of good food, lots of walking, and beautiful views of the harbor. It’s a lively area, full of boats, people, and shops — a perfect spot to spend an afternoon exploring and taking in the atmosphere.

Nagham

Google
Our sailing trip was pure joy from start to finish! The entire experience was **absolutely perfect** – the stunning views on the sparkling water, the gentle breeze, and the feeling of freedom gliding across the waves were unforgettable. What truly made it exceptional was the **incredibly friendly** and professional crew! They were welcoming, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and went above and beyond to ensure everyone felt safe, comfortable, and had a fantastic time. Their passion for sailing was contagious! Whether explaining points of interest, sharing sailing tips, or simply sharing stories with big smiles, their warmth made the trip. The boat was immaculate, the atmosphere was relaxed yet exciting, and the whole outing felt effortless and luxurious. If you're looking for a fun, memorable, and perfectly executed sailing adventure with the friendliest crew imaginable, this is it! We couldn't stop grinning!

DesRae J.

Google
Great surprise stop on the adventure. Perfect outing for great food, holiday lights, shops and beautiful views.

Chrissy A.

Google
Great shopping, restaurants, and a perfect view of the sunset. I went on Saturday to watch the Christmas tree lighting and shop with friends. Pay no attention to the woman who asks if she got the wrong night. It was me. 🤭

Paul V.

Google
Legendary wharf in Newport This is why you really come to Newport. This part of town is really nice full of shops & cafes and fabulous to stroll along. We really enjoyed it here and ended up doing a bit of shopping in the boutiques. The food options where also great. Overall a definite plus to visit this wharf. We highly recommend it!

Karen S.

Google
Very charming shop's and eateries. Boat Charters and tours. Enjoyed a sailboat excursion. A must see and experience.

Andres G.

Google
Great spot with lots of bars and restaurants and shops right on the water.
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Jeannette L.

Yelp
On our first night in Newport, my husband and I explored Bowen's Wharf on foot. We knew this was a place to visit and that it offered marina views, restaurants, boat tours, and shopping, but we didn't have a plan. So we just explored, window shopped, and people watched until I had a moment and spontaneous bought us Gansett Cruises tickets. You can go there and not spend anything at all and enjoy yourself, or you can drop a pretty penny. It all depends on what you want. But you definitely should visit Bowen's Wharf at least once if you're visiting Newport for the first time.
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David S.

Yelp
Newport is the place we should have stayed at once we landed in Rhode Island instead of Providence. I am not saying Providence was a bad place to stay, but Newport had better things to do and see. Tons of cool shops and good food.
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Amanda T.

Yelp
Sip, shop, sun bask. What else do we need on vacation?! Quaint shopping and restaurants, nestled up to the coast
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Devorah D.

Yelp
During my recent visit to Newport, this was my favorite place! Perfect mixture of ocean views and waterfront dining, relaxing strolls among the various stores, boutiques and galleries, and dock access to some of the greatest boat cruises and sightseeing! If you, like me, enjoy shopping, good food and drinks, sunshine, and being by the ocean, you'll love Bowen's wharf! I love the range of stores--from the fancy clothing, to breathtaking artwork, to unique jewelry and historical artifacts, to designer clothing and bags! It does not feel like a bland strip mall, the stores are all unique, coastal and true gems. The dining scene also adds so much! Truly great restaurants like 22 Bowen's which also includes an outdoor bar that I loved!!! And Luke's lobster is a must visit--best lobster roll!!! So much to do at Bowen's. Perfect for visiting with family or friends, date night, solo seaside enjoyment, and essential part of the Newport experience! And lots of parking available!
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Bill S.

Yelp
After spending a week in Newport, Bowen's Wharf and I became pretty close. I begin to see the Wharfs place in United States history. Benedict Arnold was the president and then governor of the Colony of Rhode Island. Yes, that guy?! A French naval blockade and an American siege, the British held onto Newport until 1779. Benedict Arnold was a United States traitor! The end of 1779, Arnold had begun secret negotiations with the British to surrender, in return for some money as well as a command in the British army. I read books on George Washington. After all his victories at Quebec, Lake Champlain, and Saratoga, Washington said Benedict Arnold and those victories will not be taught to future generatons. Get that guy off the sign, disgraziata! So all this is happening in Newport: The British roaming the streets, The French in the harbor and Americans trying to regain control. Now flash to 2023 and I'm walking down the hill in shorts going to get Starbucks. Freedom baby, woo hoo! I can see why Benedict loved Rhode Island and Newport. The beautiful woods and dramatic coastline, the wealthy merchants from New York and Philadelphia began to come up to Newport during the summers and built their mansions. One of the first of Newport's famous mansions, Kingscote, was built. Now, the Wharf is filled with pubs, restaurants and shopping. I was so tempted to buy a Newport RI sweatshirt but I'd feel like a Benedict Arnold walking around Port Jeff where I live. I'm good, thanks. Newport has long been known as a major yachting center and host to the Bermuda Race, Transatlantic Races, and the America's Cup Competition. Newport's waterfront with its cobblestone streets, it's beauty and charm snuck into my heart. My military buddy's son will be graduating OCS in a few weeks. I'll be coming back to Newport and will be walking Bowen's Wharf once again.
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Kristen S.

Yelp
So many places to pop in to at Bowens Wharf. You can see some amazing boats docked this way and can also sign up to tske a sunrise, afternoon or sunset cruise here. There are so many places here. A few are-Diegos, Clark Cook House, The Black Pearl, Anchor Toffee, The Lobster Pot, The Cookie Jar and Lukes Lobster to name a few. A little something for everyone!
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Tata G.

Yelp
Very lively part of Newport, with shopping, boats, water views , restaurants & pubs. We enjoyed walking around, window shopping , looking at the old buildings, watching boats go by & just soaking in the New england vibe. We had coffee in one of the shops overlooking the water & people watch for an hour. Over all this place is Just a perfect spot to enjoy the good summer weather in Newport. The streets are cobble stone so wear comfy footwear. No free parking nearby , we had to pay for parking and walk a few to get here. Must see if you are in Newport!
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Robert S.

Yelp
Bowen's Wharf is centrally located on the waterfront at the foot of Newport's Historic Hill. With more colonial houses and public buildings than any other city in America, Newport is a beloved destination for all ages. Newport Harbor, deep, sheltered, with direct access to Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the finest natural harbors in New England making it one the most important and successful colonial seaports. Since the 17th century Bowen's Wharf has contributed to the city's business and life. During Newport's golden era, people agreed that Newport harbor was better than most, including Boston's. It was more protected, and didn't freeze as often as others. Combine this with the British neglect at the time, and Newport was prospering as never before (or since). Newport's economy was entirely dependent on trade by sea, and Bowens Wharf was at the center of all the action. After the Revolutionary War the most active ship's chandlery was on Bowen's Wharf and trade to all corners of the world continued until the mid 1800s. The cobblestone street, granite-walled quay, rare 18th Century wharf buildings, and brick 19th Century buildings all make this site unique both in New England and in America. Today, this area is full of shops and restaurants that welcome tourists and locals alike. - Check out dining places like..... 22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen The Wharf Pub & Restaurant Newport Fruit & Smoothie Watch Hill Pizza The Cookie Jar Sprinkles Ice Cream - or......stop by some shops like... Terra Zapato Kimberly Pucci Jewelers Primavera Newport Candle Co. Newport Scrimshander The Sail Loft Sheldon Fine Art Roger King Fine Art Brick walks, granite quays, and 18th century commercial wharf buildings bring you back to Bowen's beginnings as a thriving seaport in one of the finest natural harbors in New England. Trading with all corners of the world, then and now, Bowen's Wharf is the anchor of Newport! The wharf not only offers tours, but ferry service and dinghy tie-up as well. You can take the ferry to Fort Adams, Rose Island and Jamestown Village leaving from Bowen's Ferry Landing. Newport has long been known as a major yachting center and host to the Newport to Bermuda Race, Transatlantic Races, and the America's Cup Competition....that helps continuous improvements to Bowen's Wharf.
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Steph S.

Yelp
Probably my favorite spot in Newport. Such a cute area on the water with lots of shops and restaurants! You get to watch so many boats come in and out. A busy spot with good reason. There is a small public parking lot right in the center. I parked there and my car was in the center of the what all day for like $56 which wasn't too bad considering the prices of some lots. Love the ambiance of the wharf. You definitely need to stroll here when I'm Newport
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The Critical J.

Yelp
PROS: this is the first place I stopped at and it was beautiful. It wraps everything about Newport into a nutshell. Shops, restaurants, the water, and the people CONS: hard to park around here and the shops are mainly just boutiques OVERALL: if you're on foot in the area and love any kind of shopping this is the place for you
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Natasha I.

Yelp
I was disappointed to eat a meal that wasted the lobster. The bread was not toasted, seem like it was pulled straight from the package and on to the plate. The lobster was okay hence the two stars and the fries was regular. Nothing special about this lobster roll, definitely other places put more effort in their lobster. I would not waste my money on this meal.
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Steve L.

Yelp
Stopped by for the Newport Oyster & Chowder Festival. Live music, great food, lots of people just enjoying the day. A personal highlight was the frozen lemonade. It's perfect, not too sweet. I love walking around this area and poking my head into all the shops. It's a popular area so plan to park and walk for a few blocks - no big deal since there's plenty to see walking around the town.
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Michael P.

Yelp
It doesn't get much better than spending a day strolling thru Bowen's Wharf. From perusing thru the fun shops, to the wide array of dining options to the people watching, there is something there for everyone. Looking to get out on the open Sean on a chartered sailboat or in need of a new sun hat? Look no further, Bowen's wharf has it all.
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Mary S.

Yelp
Food excellent and our waitress was amazing .. Fun place to eat ... Can't wait to go back ..

Lisa P.

Yelp
It was a beautiful area close to thames Street. Very nice shops and eateries all around.

Deneen W.

Yelp
Lovely place in Newport. Plenty of delicious food to pick from and many shops. Highly recommend.
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Kelly S.

Yelp
Bowen's Wharf connects with Bannister's Wharf and both are very nice to stroll around in - you will find food places, restaurants, small shops to take a look at. The views of the water, boats, and yachts are lovely. It is a great place for photos, in my opinion. However, it can get crowded, so masks mandated and take the COVID19 precautions. A must-visit at Newport.
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Alexandra L.

Yelp
The Quick: love walking around bowens wharf! Great views, sometimes live music, awesome shopping and some excellent dining options. You'll end yo buying some Nautical gifts for family and yourself
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Angela W.

Yelp
Bowen's Wharf is an upscale place for shoppers who like an oceanic theme. Parking is limited. I paid $15 for an all day pass at The Newport Harbor and Marina parking lot for its convenience. It was worth it so I didn't have to waste my time or worry about illegally parking.
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Sharlene S.

Yelp
Bowen's wharf was such a great first time experience for us. We had dinner, walked around & got ice cream. I'm specifically writing this review for the exceptional parking customer service we had in the Bowen's wharf. The lady with the red hair really took her job to the next level & we're so appreciative. She saw people leaning on our car & immediately ran over to talk to them & guarded it for awhile. We had a much better night knowing we had our vehicle in good hands.
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Steve L.

Yelp
After our cruise ship docked in New London, CT., we rented a car and took a half hour drive to Bowen's Wharf in Newport, RI. Pretty warm that day. This wharf has many restaurants and shops. Nice view of the bay from the wharf. Nice walk around the streets near the wharf. Lots of shops to browse around.
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Jason P.

Yelp
Sailing capital of the USA. Albeit small, Bowen's Wharf offers some beautiful nautical grounds to walk along. You can see the yachts and schooners docked along the wharf, while enjoying the sights. There are a ton of very good restaurants and local shops to check out, easily spending a good portion of the day here. If you're a photographer, there's some great shots to take of along the harbor, piers, a mast that has been erected into the ground as a monument, and quaint old-style cobble roads.
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Eric C.

Yelp
Nice place to shop and look around the stores for knick knacks and such. Just be aware that during the off-season many of these stores are either closed or have limited hours, compared to peak season. I'll be happy to go back during peak season to see more of the shops open and do some browsing, it'll be much better than. Can't wait to try out some of the eateries too.
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Sharan N.

Yelp
No place in Newport can match this to hangout. The sunset from the wharf is astonishing and the breeze will take you off your feet Surrounded with class restaurants and lots of shopping spots
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Jessica S.

Yelp
Nice area to walk around and shop

Kelly M.

Yelp
We visited on a long weekend in August, we were gifted a gc and heard positive reviews. We arrived on a weekday afternoon, no reservations. Seated (with two well behaved children, 7&9) in the bar area, didn't wait long to be seated but the service was another story. We were seated next to large corporate group in the bar, and we were soon acutely aware that we were an afterthought compared to their raw bar and bar orders. Our wait times were delayed due to this group (we were obviously not as important as these high rollers). I ordered my favorite thing--scallops--and was sorely disappointed to find they were sandy and over seasoned with pepper. The delay in service became laughably slow as our meal progressed. We will return to Newport this summer, but not to Bowen's Wharf.
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Bill Y.

Yelp
The info on the Bowen's Wharf looked good. This info was correct. We found a lot of shops and restaurants. People are friendly and they have a nice mix of restaurants.
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Eric C.

Yelp
I've been down to the wharf twice now both times for a fun little retreat on the water enjoying time with friends. This place is chockers full of restaurants, bars, small little seaside stores allowing you to enjoy some well deserved time outdoors. You will get no better view of the water with boats and the bridge all the while sipping your glass of white wine. The best time of course is late spring throughout summer. The breeze is amazing and the weather is generally nice. I would advise taking a boat on the water for a small price and enjoy the view with friends. If you're looking to take pictures of scenic Rhode Island, I would probably start here!
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K D.

Yelp
Great scotch selection, and the truffle lobster mac & cheese is unreal. Not cheap, but definitely worth it if you plan on splurging.
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Cyndi J.

Yelp
Lots of fun! There are several wharfs nearby that a tourist attractions. We ended up eating in another wharf I think. But there are a ton of shops & I can imagine in the warmer weather the place would be packed! It was very nice & clean and easy to navigate. Lots of options for whatever you're in the mood for.
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Tyler L.

Yelp
Cool, though smaller than the larger adjacent Bannisters wharf. This wharf has less of a pier but houses some restaurants and harbor cruise companies as well. Great place for exploring, eating, and drinking while in Newport.

Melanie M.

Yelp
Went here for restaurant "week"end. Service was impeccable and the food was fantastic! Definitely will return. We all enjoyed the dining experience here. Two thumbs up!!

Craig B.

Yelp
Visited Bowen during restaurant week in Newport to celebrate a promotion with my family and girlfriend. Had extremely high expectations based on prior visits, but wasn't impressed with the food on this visit. I, personally, had filet that was ordered rare and showed up more on the medium side, my brother-in-law had a Sambuca saturated bulliabasse that will probably turn him away from bulliabasse for the rest of his life, my sister received dry and un-sauced croquettes, and my girlfriend was brought the wrong dish. On the other hand, the appetizers, wine, and dessert were fantastic, so we may have just been unlucky. Will definitely give them another try, but I won't go out of my way to bring people I'm trying to impress next time.

Bonnie D.

Yelp
Bowens wharf parking-- Beware shoppers!! you ask the attendant if the parking is validated-- he says yes-- First store-sorry we are out of "stickers" and i dont have a stamp-- Second store- the former Egg and Dart- says- Sorry we only do that for shoppers???? what?? what do you think i am doing in your store?? guess what- thats a quick exit for me.. Went into Diegos- no validation unless you have eaten there!! so Parking is NOT validated unless the shop owner feels like doing it for you-- or if you buy something!! Never again-12.50 for 1 1/2 hours.- the attendant told me sorry but it is really the owner Bart Dunbar that makes it so difficult-- They wonder why people shop on the internet!!

Barbara S.

Yelp
After a cruise went to Bowen's for the worst $62.00 steak I have ever had . About 1/4 grissel the rest of the meal was ok. Will never eat there aghain.

Eileen G.

Yelp
Had a wonderful dinner from the pre fix menu. I chose clam chowder, flat iron steak and creme brûlée. The entire meal was great. There were six in my group and 4 of us had the steak and two had shrimp with grits which I am told were excellent. Service was excellent. You can't beat the meal for $39.99 per person. This was our third visit and we are always pleased with the food.