We were there two weeks ago. First visit. 99% real winner. Lots of folks but the beach is huge to. 1% a few creepers.

If you want/insist on walking: Newport or Trump --- Newport has mixed reviews. If you're gonna be in a car -- you can probably get a nicer/cheaper hotel deal a bit away. If the north lot is open --it is really convenient. We noticed the "haulover pros" have balloon wheeled carts for their chairs/umbrellas and many of their chairs have coolers in the backs.

We're contemplating our next trip and where to stay. We stayed inland for free and traffic was a bear and was about an hour each way. So next time we want to have to travel about 15-20 min MAX.

While there is a snack truck with sodas, burgers, hot dogs....having a cooler in the car with lunch and all might be easier than lugging your gear and eating the same hamburger, hot dog.