If The Gilded Age one of your favorite telenovelas now, you’re probably curious about Newport, RI, one of the places where families of the series spend their summers and vacations. You may be surprised to learn that there were Latinas among Mrs. Astors’ 400 and they also strolled around the city, attended glitzy parties, and brunched at glorious restaurants.

@senora.era

Latinas of the Gilded Age? Picture this: Newport and New York, 1890s. Mrs. Astor’s famous ‘400’ — the movers and shakers. But every so often, a daring outsider slipped past the velvet rope… the so-called buccaneers. No, not pirates — though they did plunder hearts. In Gilded Age slang, a buccaneer was a dazzling foreign beauty, sometimes from Latin America, who stormed New York society and married its richest men and helped build a legacy. There was Laura Kilpatrick — born in Chile, daughter of a U.S. diplomat and his Chilean wife — who wed into Europe’s aristocracy. Peruvian sugar heiresses who arrived with trunks of French gowns and family fortunes in guano. Mexican silver baronesses turning heads at Newport balls. The Vanderbilts had railroads, the Carnegies had steel… but the Latina buccaneers? They had themselves — beauty, wit, and the power to rewrite the social order of the 400. #gildedage #latinastiktok #milliondollarprincess #buccaneer #history #latinas

♬ Young And Beatiful – Belinda

Here is our favorite and very affordable travel itinerary if you’re headed to Newport. 

Vámonos: Newport, Rhode Island — A Señora Era Guide

Why it’s a Señora pick: Slow seaside walks, Gilded Age drama, and easy ferry hops— very kid friendly. Lots of free stuff to do. 

Best for: Amigas • Con niños • Couples  • When to go: May–Oct (shoulder seasons are calmer) • How long:  a four day weekend but a week is ideal. 

Raíces: Newport blends working harbor life with the over-the-top “summer cottages” of the Gilded Age. You can time-travel from fort walls to velvet salons in a single afternoon.

Jump to

• Getting There & Around
• Dormir (Where to Sleep)
• Comer y Beber (Eat & Drink)
• Sana y Muévete (Wellness & Movement)
• Qué Hacer (What to Do)
• Con Niños (Kid-Friendly)
• Itinerarios
• Jamestown Beach Hang
• Calendar
• Acceso & Seguridad
• Señora Packing List
• Map & Saves

Getting There & Around

Move slow: Park once and make loops by foot + ferry. The Jamestown–Newport Ferry links Jamestown, Rose Island Lighthouse, Fort Adams, Ann Street Pier, and Perrotti Park (great downtown landmark). Perrotti Park is an easy spot to sit, reset, and board.

Dormir (Where to Sleep)

The Pell (Middletown): A simple, affordable convenient Hyatt Property for Newport days—quick drive to Fort Adams and Bellevue Avenue. Easy, great reviews, not in the center of the action so it’s easier on the wallet. Ask for a quiet room and plan early starts to beat mansion crowds. BONUS: You can use your Hyatt points.

Comer y Beber (Eat & Drink)

• Cafecito & pan: Grab coffee near the wharves before ferries; outdoor tables make kid-wrangling easier.
• Long lunch: Casual seafood around Bowen’s Wharf—plenty of open-air seating for a no-stress meal post–Fort Adams. But be ready for tourist central.
• Treat stop: Gelato or bakery stop before a mansion tour.

Sana y Muévete (Wellness & Movement)

• Morning ritual: Señora Walk at Fort Adams State Park with harbor views or just get a quick workout at your hotel gym.
• Breathe: Sit at Perrotti Park between ferry rides—salty air + shade = instant reset.

Qué Hacer (What to Do)

• Fort Adams State Park: Run the ramparts, watch sailboats, and look for incoming ferries. In late July/early Aug, it’s also festival HQ.
• The Breakers (Vanderbilt mansion): Go full Gilded Age. The audio tour keeps adults engaged; kids love the service passages and dramatic rooms. Download the app with self-guided tours before you arrive.
• International Tennis Hall of Fame: Peek the grass courts and the museum on Bellevue Ave—an easy add after mansions. You can also grab some food at the restaurants on premises.
• Jamestown ferry hop: Quick ride for views of the bridge and bay; nice snack break on the other side. Routes include Jamestown and Rose Island, then back to Newport.

Con Niños (Kid-Friendly)

• Low-stress play: Run the grass at Fort Adams, then cool down with lemonades near the wharf. While you do the mansion tours, have abuela take your kid to the large areas overlooking the bay to get the wiggles out.
• Rain plan: Tennis Hall of Fame museum or a short-version mansion audio tour.

Itinerarios

48 Hours — Señora Pace

• Día 1: Check in at The Pell → Fort Adams lawn loop → Ferry to Jamestown and back → Early dinner by the wharf.
• Día 2: Bellevue Ave morning → The Breakers tour → Peek International Tennis Hall of Fame → Golden-hour harbor stroll + gelato.
• Insert the Cliff Walk to see all of the mansions from the beach side – but pack for a hike.

Viajecito Express — 24 Hours

Morning ferry spin • Mansion tour • Harbor walk • Wharf dinner

Jamestown Beach Hang

Why we love it: Calm water, easy vibe, and postcard views—perfect for a low-effort afternoon with kids. Pack a simple picnic and let the day slow down.

• Where: Jamestown Town Beach (Mackerel Cove) — a short drive from the Jamestown ferry landing or a quick hop over the bridge from Newport.
• Plan: Aim for mid to late afternoon when the sun softens. Bring a blanket, buckets, and a light layer for the breeze.
• Logistics: Check seasonal hours and parking (limited!); arrive a bit early on weekends. Restrooms typically available in season.
• Señora Tip: End with a golden-hour stroll near the cove; it’s an easy reel—hands in the water, sun on the rocks. Bring beach chairs and food, there is not much there.

Calendar: What’s On

• Newport Folk Festival: Late July at Fort Adams (music across the lawns).
• Newport Jazz Festival: Early August at Fort Adams (legends + new voices).
• Weekly: Farmers markets and gallery nights rotate—ask hotel staff for the current week’s list.

Acceso & Seguridad

• Mostly stroller-friendly outdoors; mansion routes may include stairs—ask staff for accessible paths.
• Teen friendly – teens will love the history.
• Ferries are short and breezy—layers help little ones.
• Hydrate in heat; sun can be strong on lawns and ferries.

Señora Packing List (Capsule)

• Sun hat & light windbreaker
• Comfy walking shoes
• Mini SPF + nourishing lip mask
• Reusable water bottle
• Small tote for snacks + a beach blanket and if you can, grab a small carryable beach chair.
• Portable phone charger

Did you know? 

Despite being relatively small compared to larger Latino groups, Boston–Cambridge–Quincy metropolitan area ranks among the top U.S. regions for Chilean American populations, with approximately 2,622 Chilean Americans residing there

Map & Saves

Save all spots to your map: Fort Adams • Perrotti Park (ferry) • The Breakers • International Tennis Hall of Fame • Bowen’s Wharf • Jamestown Town Beach (Mackerel Cove).