Newport is the ultimate tourist destination, as it offers rich history, magnificent Gilded Age architecture, a vibrant art scene, miles of beaches, wonderful hiking trails, spectacular sailing and many festivals throughout the year. You can also find great food , romantic hotels, excellent shopping, street fairs, sidewalk sales, and a luxury car museum. Be sure to leave some time to admire the magnificent mansions that dot the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Newport is 2 hours from Boston (72.5 mi via MA-24 S). Newport is 2 hours from Boston (72.5 mi via MA-24 S). Check out the Audrain Newport Concours and Motor Week from October 3 - Sunday, October 6, 2024.
Cliff Walk
Taking the three and half mile long Cliff Walk is one of the best ways to see Newport from a unique perspective.
The walk runs along the eastern shore of the city and offers magnificent views of the shoreline and the architectural history of the city's gilded age as you pass by luxurious villas nestled on the cliffs.
The walk is easy for the most part, and wildflowers and rocks of different colors showing the area's interesting geological history surround the path.
Some parts of the southern end of the trail are fairly rough, passing only a few feet from the sudden drop of more than 70 feet. As the edge is hidden by wild bushes, hikers have to be very careful to stay on the path. The walk starts at the western end of Easton's and ends at several major city streets.
Ocean Drive, Newport, RI
Ocean Drive is a popular Newport scenic tour, a combination of spectacular views of the shoreline and the lavish mansions New Yorkers built at the end of 19th century as their “summer cottages” where they could enjoy cool sea breezes. Ocean Drive has been designated a national Historic Landmark District, and it provides visitors with a point of view of Newport that should not be missed.
Along the drive, you will pass by a number of landmarks: King Park with the famous statue of General Rochambeau, Ida Lewis and New York Yacht Clubs, Fort Adams State Park, Hammersmith Farm where President Kennedy had his wedding reception, U.S. Coast Guard Station, Castle Hill Inn & Resort, Brenton Point State Park, Gooseberry Beach, Newport Harbor, Rhode Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, a number of small ponds and coves, a salt marsh, and miles of the Atlantic Ocean.
Newport Art Museum
Founded in 1912, the Newport Art Museum, started its life as the Art Association of Newport, one of the oldest art associations in the country. Besides the main building, the museum also operates a gallery in the historic John N. A. Griswold House. The permanent collection consists of more than 2,300 works of American art from the late 19th century to this day, focusing on historic and contemporary works of both established and emerging Newport and New England artists.
The museum frequently organizes special exhibitions, drawing from its permanent collection, the art of other museums, and significant private collections. Such exhibits are usually accompanied with special programs. The museum's "Newport Annual Members' Juried Exhibition" provides regional and local artists with opportunities to showcase their work.
76 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, Phone: 401-848-8200, Map
Museum of Newport History
The Museum of Newport History is a history museum located in downtown Newport in the Old Brick Market building. American architect Peter Harrison designed the 1760 building, which has been declared a National Historic Landmark and is owned and operated by the Newport Historical Society. The museum features Newport's history from pre-colonial times to today.
It consists of about 10,000 objects, including fine and decorative arts, furniture, musical instruments, textiles and clothing, artifacts of everyday life, and architectural fragments. One of the most popular exhibits is the lens of the Ida Lewis Rock Light. Besides the Old Brick Market, the museum holds parts of its collections in the 1730 Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House, the 1696 Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, and the 1699 Great Friends Meeting House.
127 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840, Phone: 401-841-8770, Map
Naval War College Museum
The Naval War College Museum in Newport, Rhode Island is located in the building that housed the first Naval War College, a structure that was originally built in the early 19th century to house Newport's poor. This building is now called Founders Hall. With the Chief of Naval Operations' approval, the Naval War College Museum was established in 1952 to store and manage collections of historical artifacts.
The museum displays today's exhibits on three major themes: the history of the Naval War College since it was established in 1884; the history of all naval activities in the area of Narragansett Bay since the colonial times; and the history of the science and art of naval warfare from the ancient times to today.
Naval War College Museum, Founders Hall, Building 10, Luce Ave, Newport, RI 02841, Phone: 401-841-1296
Newport Mansions
Visiting the grand mansions built in Newport during the city's Gilded Age is one of the most popular tourist activities. To bring to life the history of the Breakers, the Marble House, the Elms, and Rosecliff, the Preservation Society of Newport County prepared a series of self-guided audio tours of these mansions that are included in the price of admission.
The tours allow you to see and learn about personal letters, diaries, records, and oral histories and offer personal stories of the people who lived in each mansion and the staff who took care of them. You can listen to Alva Vanderbilt talk about how she helped design the architectural masterpiece Marble House. You also have the opportunity to hear fascinating personal accounts of life at the Elms, which was built for entertaining and to showcase the art. The audio tour at Rosecliff will bring to life the colorful history of lively society hostess Tessie Oelrichs.
The Preservation Society of Newport County, 424 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840, Phone: 401-847-1000, Map
Rough Point
Rough Point on Bellevue Avenue in Newport is the oceanfront mansion of Doris Duke, a notable art collector, heiress, and philanthropist. The house is still decorated as it was when she lived in it with French furniture, precious art, antique Chinese porcelains, and priceless Flemish tapestries. The house and the estate are now open to the public for guided tours.
The tours last about 75 minutes and are led by knowledgeable tour guides, who take small groups of visitors through the lavish mansion, including Doris Duke's bedroom and art galleries. Originally, Rough Point was built in 1887 for Frederick W. Vanderbilt, and at the time it was the largest mansion in the Newport summer colony. The house was designed in the style of English manors to evoke the feel of a traditional English country house.
Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, Phone: 401-849-7300
Fort Adams State Park
Located at the Fort Adams Point at the entrance to the Newport Harbor, Fort Adams State Park is a popular park best known for its annual Newport Jazz Festival.
Touro Synagogue
Built in 1763, the Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island is the oldest North American synagogue building still standing and the only synagogue in America left from the colonial era. Still an active orthodox synagogue, Touro Synagogue was designed by British-Colonial era architect Peter Harrison, then a resident of Rhode Island.
The interior has twelve Ionic columns that support balconies. The columns represent the ancient Israel's twelve tribes and each column is made from a single tree. The synagogue contains a number of historic exhibits, including a letter from George Washington to the Hebrew Congregations of Newport, Rhode Island. The synagogue has been designated a National Historic Site.
Touro Synagogue, 85 Touro St, Newport, RI 02840, Phone: 401-847-4794
Thames Street
Locals say that Thames Street is the center of all action in Newport. Only about mile and half long, this lively Newport street is lined on both sides with colorful, thriving shops, bars, restaurants, museums, and charming historic homes. It starts where Farewell and Poplar Streets meet and ends at its intersection with Carroll and Morton Avenues.
The street is a convenient home of many popular bed and breakfasts, and it provides access to the marinas and Newport Harbor. The best way to enjoy the street is to sit at one of many outdoor cafes or bars and watch people passing by. Of course, there is always shopping. Map
Bowen's Wharf
As you stroll along Bowen's Wharf brick walkways and granite quays, you can imagine the times when the historic buildings around you held sailmaker's shops and sail-drying lofts. What was once a thriving, busy maritime wharf is today Newport's year-round waterfront shopping and entertainment area. Located at the foot of the Historic Hill, Bowen's Wharf has more than 30 diverse shops, restaurants, and bars and a lively full-service marina.
The wharf is the location of many of the city's festivals and celebrations, and it seems that there is always something going on, including Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival, Bowen's Wharf Newport Wooden Boat Show, sidewalk sales, and flower festivals. There is always music, face painting, great food, and endless fun. The wharf is also a place where you can organize sunset sails, parasailing, harbor cruises, and ferry trips.
International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum
Located in the Newport's historic Casino, the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates and honors players and other contributors to the sport of tennis. Besides the museum, the facility also includes grass tennis courts, an indoor tennis court, and a court tennis facility. The 1880 Casino, which was built as an exclusive resort, held the first tennis championship organized by the United States Lawn Tennis Association in 1881.
The event continued annually until 1914, and by that time tennis had become the resort's main attraction. In 1954, Jimmy Van Alen added the Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum in the Casino. The museum's 13,000 square feet of exhibit space houses a huge collection of memorabilia and artifacts such as videos, photographs, recordings, tennis apparel and equipment, trophies, and tennis-related art. Exhibits depict the history of tennis from its early origins to the modern era. The Hall of Fame hosts the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships and several other tournaments.
International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, 194 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, Phone: 401-849-3990
Castle Hill Lighthouse
Located at the end of the historic Ocean Drive on Narragansett Bay in Newport, Castle Hill Lighthouse was completed in 1890 as an aid to navigation for ships passing through the East Passage between Aquidneck and Conanicut Islands.
It is still active and is not open to the public, but the cliff face and the shoreline where the lighthouse is located can be reached by several steep footpaths from the Castle Hill Cove Marina and the Castle Hill Inn. The lighthouse is built of granite blocks and is 34 feet tall. It is registered at the National Register of Historic Places.
800-870 Ocean Ave, Newport, RI 02840, See the Map
Brenton Point State Park
Formerly a grand private estate in one of the most enviable locations on Rhode Island, the Brenton Point State Park covers over 89 acres. A popular recreational facility, the state park offers remarkable views over Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The park offers visitors a wonderful day out for picnicking, hiking, walking, cycling, bird watching and fishing. There are several little coves where you can enjoy a swim on a hot day and plenty of open space to fly a kite. You can also visit the Portuguese Discovery Monument which honors the early pioneer Portuguese navigators who opened up the world by their discovery of maritime routes.
Brenton Point State Park, Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840, 401 667 6200
The Bodhi Spa
Hidden discreetly behind a modest storefront on Newport’s Lower Thames Street is The Bodhi Spa, an oasis that offers rejuvenating experience through massage – single or couples – as well as skincare and much more. Their spacious hydrotherapy area provides an original six-stop Water Journey, consisting of cold and hot plunge pools, wet and dry saunas, and a hydrotherapy steam room. The soothing décor and spacious, relaxing courtyard add to the feel of peace and total relaxation. The Bodhi is coed and bathing attire is required.
The Bodhi Spa, 654 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840, Phone: 401-619-4916
White Horse Tavern
The architecture of the White Horse Tavern truly epitomizes colonial Newport. The beautifully preserved historic building is the oldest operating restaurant in the US, and has been serving guests since 1673. The warm and inviting interior of the tavern boasts many 17th century elements including giant beams and huge fireplaces, which form the backdrop to your dining experience. The food is modern American, and far removed from what you would have been offered back in the 17th century. The menu starts off with Raw Bar favorites, salads, soups and appetizers. Then come the house specialties which include Beef Wellington, Crispy Duck Breast, Pan Seared Scallops and Lobster Ravioli, to name but a few.
White Horse Tavern, 26 Marlborough Street, Newport, RI 02840, 401 849 3600
Rhode Island Red Food Tours
Rhode Island Red Food Tours introduce a different side of Newport, away from lavish mansions and spectacular sailing vessels. During three-hour walking tours, knowledgeable locals take visitors to six locally owned and operated restaurants off the beaten path in the hidden nooks and neighborhoods of the city.
Only locals know about them, and they offer a taste of unique local foods and the ever-changing culinary landscape of Rhode Island. While savoring interesting local and regional dishes, visitors have a chance to learn about the architecture and culture of Rhode Island and its history. While they will not be offered full meals, with everything combined they will have enough for a good, hearty lunch.
Rhode Island Red Food Tours, 270 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, Phone: 866-736-6343, Facebook
Sticks and Cones Waffle and Ice Cream Hut
This small, colorful shop in Newport's historic district serves a one of a kind treat no kid can resist, and parents are not immune either: waffle on a stick. This delicious Belgian invention came to Newport from a recent trip shop owner Maude took to Europe.
You can have your waffle by itself or with one of 14 flavors of locally made New England ice cream, 14 flavors of artisan gelato, and any number of toppings. There is a hot waffle ice cream sandwich, a waffle ice cream sundae, and, if you want to make a meal out of it, savory hot waffles with hot dogs, bacon, and fried chicken. There is no rule against adding a few scoops of ice cream on top of everything.
Sticks and Cones Waffle and Ice Cream Hut, 8 Fair St #4, Newport, RI 02840, Phone: 401-236-4611
Audrain Automobile Museum
The Audrain Automobile Museum has a collection of more than 160 of the most remarkable and rarest vehicles in history. These fully restored and functioning vehicles range from the early 20th century to today. The vehicles on display revolve in order to keep the museum content fresh, and the entire collection is never all on display at one time. The vehicles are chosen based on periodically changing themes.
The museum is located in a magnificent historic Audrain Building, one of the original architecturally significant Guided Age structure on Bellevue Avenue. Constructed in 1903 as a commercial building, the edifice was designed by the well-known architect Bruce Price, who took his inspiration from the Florentine Renaissance and created broad arched windows that cover both stories and a white terracotta balustrade on the roofline. The building was completely reconstructed to house the museum, and the historic renovation earned it the Rhody Award for Historic Preservation.
Audrain Automobile Museum, 222 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, Phone: 401-856-4420, Facebook
