Newport Christmas Boat Parade
 

I will be in Newport for Christmas ... Does anyone have an opinion about taking one of the boat tours that take you right out into the Boat Parade?

Any thoughts about which one is best? I've never been to the Parade so I want to make sure I do it "right."

Thanks.

PS - Which restaurants have the best view?

Off the top of my head to get the thread going before it falls of the front page: Rusty Pelican, Joes Crab Shack, The Cannery, Cano's?, Chart house?and several smallish cafe type locations with outdoor seating(heat lanterns) on Lido Island

Its been 15 yrs for me, but Im sure others can be of better help

btw: the parade is really neat

terry,

The Boat Parade is wonderful, but the crowds are unbelievable! You won't have a prayer of getting in to any restaurant with a view of the parade unless you go for lunch and stick.....Otherwise go early, early, find somewhere to park.....wear warm clothes (it gets cold on the water), good walking shoes and walk over to Balboa Island to watch.

I've never splurged on one of the boat rides, but I know there are several. I'm sure it would be fun and expensive.

PS- I believe the last night of the Parade is the night before Christmas Eve.

Being in the boat parade is fun, but I find it more fun to watch the parade from shore. Maybe it is just me, but I really saw more than I did when we were in the parade.

I dont think the parade has ever been on Christmas Eve(15-19th this yr), and in years past it wasnt that hard to get a view table mid week(maybe not right at the window but view) at a local restaraunt to watch the parade. Most of the restaraunts there have a view lounge/bar area where you can watch too