I also went twice and felt pretty meh about it. The only time I went twice was the second time was for a bachelorette party I didn't plan. I have friends who love it and spend the summer there (NOT sailors) so its fine that it isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Not the time of year to go

I loved the cliff walk, it was a gorgeous afternoon and we were there for a weekend for a wedding. I can't imagine repeatedly choosing to go back if you find it "meh." People find it to be nice if you're in the area or live in New England. It's not like a bucket list thing people are flocking to from afar.

It annoyed me how little you get a water view from anywhere except the cliff walk. What's the point of being on the coast?

If you like architectural history and gilded age mansions then it’s a must-see destination. If not, then it’s just an overpriced beach town.

I don’t really like New England beaches either.

I lived there for a summer and really liked it, but I feel like sailing is the main attraction.

I like it because Cliff Walk is really stunning, I'm a sports fan (the Tennis Hall of Fame is there, as is one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the country where people like Satchel Paige played back in the day). Plus then you can also do the beach, a boat outing (we took a tour of the bay and visited the military base out there, it was a fun afternoon) and get a few decent meals.

It's a 2-3 day visit IMO and worth going, though in the summer it can get insanely pricy. One option in the summer is to stay in Providence, which is inexpensive that time of year, and just do a day or one overnight in Newport.

I know a lot of people focus on house and garden tours there but that sounds insanely dull to me. If you've seen one big, grand house and garden, you've kind of seen them all.

I've been several times for weddings and various other things. It's very...meh. I don't really get why people love it so much. I think there are many other places in New England that are better.

I really like Rhode Island but there is a lot of coastline to explore. No need to go back somewhere you don't enjoy!

It was always a nice day trip for me from the NYC area. I don't think it's been sold as anything more really.

Most people I know who've went have said it's pretty meh. Is there a reason you're trying to make it work? Just go somewhere better, it's not a fit.

What else did you do beside going to the mansions?

So don't go back, it's not for you. Too many places in this world to waste time on those that don't resonate. There are many places people love I won't rush back to. It's fine.

I’m somewhere between do I try one more time or is it just not a place for me?

I loved the Breakers but the views and general atmosphere were not unique or special to me.