There are summer escapes—and then there’s Newport. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic with its grand mansions, glistening sailboats, and sea-salted air, Newport, Rhode Island, has long been a playground for the elegant and the elite. But in the summer of 1956, it shimmered with a special kind of star power. That was the year Grace Kelly—Hollywood royalty turned real-life princess—filmed High Society at the iconic Castle Hill Inn.

This guide invites you to step into her sun-kissed world: from beachside moments in vintage bikinis to sunset strolls near the lighthouse, discover how to recreate Grace’s effortlessly glamorous Newport summer. We’ll take you through the places she stayed, the experiences she loved, and the timeless charm that continues to make Newport the ultimate East Coast escape.

Ready to plan your very own Princess Grace summer? Let’s begin.

The Grace Kelly Summer

Before she became Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly was the queen of the screen, known for her poised beauty and effortless style. In High Society, she played the chic socialite Tracy Lord, and Newport—with its jazz-age legacy and opulent mansions—was the perfect backdrop. Grace stayed at Castle Hill Inn during filming, and the inn remains one of the most iconic destinations in Newport today.

From wandering the wildflower-lined trails of the property to slipping down to the private beach in a high-waisted bikini and silk headscarf, Grace lived the kind of seaside summer we still dream of. Locals recall her enjoying quiet moments reading by the lighthouse and dining under the stars. It’s this mix of intimacy and splendor that makes a Princess Grace-inspired summer so unforgettable.

Castle Hill Inn: A Seaside Sanctuary

Built in 1875, Castle Hill Inn is the crown jewel of Newport’s rugged coastline. Set on 40 acres with sweeping views of Narragansett Bay, the inn blends refined luxury with natural beauty—just like Grace did.

Stay in one of the Harbor Houses—famously known as one of Grace Kelly’s favorite hideaways during the filming of High Society—and you’ll instantly understand their enduring appeal. Overlooking the Bay, these serene retreats offer both privacy and cinematic romance, with the same panoramic views that once captivated Hollywood royalty. Prefer elevated luxury? The Turret Suite, once a favorite of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Thornton Wilder, offers a literary-inspired stay at the top of the Agassiz Mansion.

Sip a chilled rosé on the Lawn while watching sailboats drift by, or indulge in a leisurely lobster roll lunch at the Terrace. Every detail here, from the coastal-chic interiors to the curated wine list, whispers of old-world glamour.

A Grace-Inspired Itinerary

Want to channel Grace Kelly’s spirit on your Newport getaway? Here’s how to live your most elegant summer yet:

• Stroll the Cliff Walk – Trace Newport’s legendary shoreline with the same grace as Tracy Lord herself. Flowing sundress optional—but encouraged.
  

• Tour the Mansions – Explore The Breakers and Rosecliff for a peek into the world of Gilded Age grandeur. These are the backdrops that shaped Newport’s elite—and inspired High Society’s lavish style.
  

• Sail at Sunset – Book a private charter and sip Champagne on the bay. Grace loved the ocean, and there’s no better way to experience Newport’s maritime magic.

• Dine Like Royalty – Try the chef’s tasting menu at Aurelia, Castle Hill’s fine dining restaurant where every course is a celebration of seasonal New England fare. For dessert? A nod to Grace: lemon tart with a touch of lavender.
  

• Sunset at Castle Hill Lighthouse – End your day where Grace often found hers: at the edge of the world, watching the sun sink behind the horizon in golden silence.
  
  

Why Newport Is Still the Ultimate Summer Destination

Grace Kelly may have brought a spotlight to Newport, but its allure goes far beyond the silver screen. It’s a place where history mingles with modern luxury, where salt air and seersucker coexist with jazz and oysters. There’s a rhythm to Newport summers—slow, romantic, impossibly stylish—that lingers long after Labor Day.

Whether you’re retracing Grace’s footsteps or writing your own seaside story, Newport offers a timeless kind of escape. One filled with charm, grace, and just the right amount of sparkle.