The Ocean State, with its miles of stunning, jagged coastline, offers quite a few opportunities to spend quality time exploring with your furry friend. The Newport Harbor Walk, on the northwest shores of Newport, Rhode Island, promises an outdoor walking adventure for you and your beloved canine. You will find inspiration in the truly breathtaking views and crisp sea air.

Newport, Rhode Island, founded in 1639, is steeped in history and scenic vistas. As you make your way towards the harbor, you'll discover the Newport Harbor Walk, comprised of two walking paths, Harbor Walk South and Harbor Walk North.

Harbor Walk South runs from the Stone Pier at King Park to the Newport Shipyard. This walk is just over two miles one way, or four miles round trip.

You will recognize King Park by the red-roofed pavilion. The park includes a beach, and you will likely see other pups there enjoying the day. Harbor Walk South features the main harbor, so you will see plenty of boats, including tall sailing ships and yachts, shops, restaurants, and maybe even lobster tanks. Look for the small blue Harbor Walk signs to guide you along the route.

If you need some refreshments along the way, Diego’s, serving Mexican food and specialty drinks, welcomes you and your dog at the waterfront.

Diego’s even has an Instagram account called dogsofdiegos to highlight the sweet pups that have dined at the restaurant.

If the weather is fine, hop aboard a boat for a tour of Newport Harbor with your pooch.

Look for the Baywatch boats at 31 Bowens Wharf, close to Diego's. Each boat accommodates up to 21 people, and dogs are encouraged to join the fun. The captain will even stop the boat so dogs can jump in the water if you so desire.

From Storer Park, you can walk across the causeway bridge to Goat Island for a spectacular view - this is part of Harbor Walk North.

While on Goat Island, take a gander at the Newport Harbor Lighthouse, or Goat Island Light, built in 1842.

You can't go inside, but you can get up close for a nice photo.

Walk back across the bridge to Storer Park, to pick up the next leg of Harbor Walk North, if you like. You will continue north on Washington Street, through the Point neighborhood, at least as far as Van Zandt Pier.

The Point neighborhood highlights architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Colonial and Victorian homes adorn the waterfront along Washington Street, including the Sarah Kendall House and the Hunter House. When you have gone as far north on Washington Street as you like, turn around and head south, back to Storer Park. That will end this portion of Harbor Walk North.

Make a break for the great outdoors with your playful puppy, and soak up the unique sights and sounds along the Newport Harbor Walk. You may wonder why you didn't do it sooner! For a map and more information, click here. To see darling pictures of dogs dining at Diego’s, visit the Diego’s website. If you and your dog are interested in a boat tour of Newport Harbor, click here. For yet another outdoor adventure in Newport with your pup, may we also recommend the famous Cliff Walk?

Have you ventured out on the Newport Harbor Walk with your dog? Share your thoughts with us!