Still planning summer vacation - very late this year. My husband and I and our 3 kids are going - 20, 16 and 13 years old. Looking into Newport, RI area. Found a house to rent in Middletown,RI "on Newport line" according to the owner. It is advertised as close First Beach, Easton's Pond and Cliff walk area - supposedly within walking distance of the first two. We have never been to RI. Can anyone give me the lay of the land in the area of Middletown/Newport? What's First Beach and Easton's Pond like? We would like to spend a few days at the beach with plenty of other things to do besides go to the beach all day/everyday. Would this area fit our needs? Any info is greatly appreciated!!

Easton's pond is a small non swimming pond across from the street from 1st beach which is a smallish but nice ocean beach. Just up the hill within walking distance is the cliffwalk which is a very pretty walk offering views of 1st beach, the mansions and the ocean. If you continue past the entrance of the cliffwalk you will be in town (Newport) where you'll find nice shops, musuems and resturants.
If your staying on the Middletown line you will be close to 2nd beach which is much more expansive than 1st beach - it's very pretty. Beyond that is a walking trail on Sakonnet point.
You'll find that there's lots of young people at 2nd beach and in Newport as there's lots to do.
Good luck!

From the description, that's a good location and will fit your need.

The best way to visualize it is to find the address, and then use maps.google.com or Google Earth to see how it relates to the other landmarks.

With 3 kids, renting a house in Middletown is a great idea. Newport and Middletown are both small and it's easy to get around, as long as you have a car. Second beach will be close by as well and this beach is (IMHO) the best around!

It's definitely a good location for the beach. You will have to drive to visit the shops and restaurants in Newport though. And in the summer parking can be very difficult. Just an FYI.