Things To Do In Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island was founded in 1639 and is located on Aquidneck Island. Referred to as “America’s First Resort,” Newport has something for everyone. Whether you are coming for a relaxing visit, to see our historic architecture, shop in our many unique boutiques, or participate in our many water activities; Newport is the perfect place! Scroll down for a list of area attraction links.

Newport Mansions

By far, the most popular attractions are the Newport Mansions. Take a tour of the Vanderbilt’s Marble House and Breakers, or visit the Elms and take the Servant Life Tour. Visit Rosecliff with its beautiful ball room and the setting of many movies. There are ghost tours at Belcourt Castle. Doris Duke’s impressive Rough Point is open from mid-April to early November. Also open seasonally, Hunter House and the Samuel Whitehorne House are wonderful examples of 18th and 19th architecture and both showcase fine examples of exquisite Goddard-Townsend colonial furniture. In the winter, three of the Preservation Society Mansions are open and decorated for the holidays.

Scenic Cliff Walk

Another “must see” is the scenic Cliff Walk. Cliff Walk begins at Memorial Boulevard and runs for 3.5 miles ending at the end of Bellevue Avenue. To one side are panoramic views of the ocean, and to your other are beautiful residences, mansions, and Salve Regina University. Whether you want to go for a leisurely stroll or for a run, the views are amazing!

Coastal Views

If you love beautiful coastal views, then you must take the 10 mile Scenic Ocean Drive. You can begin at either the end of Bellevue Avenue or downtown at Wellington Avenue and you can drive or go by bicycle. Along the way there are places to pull off and enjoy the ocean views. You can also stop at Brenton Point State Park where people take picnic lunches and fly kites. Fort Adams State Park, located on the harbor side of Ocean Drive, is another beautiful place to walk, picnic, take a tour of the historic Fort or visit the Museum of Yachting (both open seasonally).

In addition to the mansions, there are many museums open year round. The International Tennis Hall of Fame offers a great history of the sport. Trinity Church, Touro Synagogue and the Redwood Library are all wonderful living examples of Newport’s unique architecture. You may also want to visit one of our two vineyards or Newport’s own brewery.

Newport in the Summer

In the summer, there is no better way to see Newport than from the water! You can go for a relaxing sail, take a narrated tour, or crew on an America’s Cup yacht. For experienced sailors, there are sailboats that can be rented if you choose to sail yourself. Motor boat and kayak rentals are also available. Newport is ideally located for excellent fishing, there are half and full day options of professionally Captained boats.

For more summer fun, there are beaches, hiking trails, and sports adventures! Newport has several beaches, some with great waves for surfing, others are tranquil alcoves on the coast. We will help you decide which is right for you and provide you with a beach bag and towels. Every Saturday afternoon, polo is played at the Glen, just a 20 minute drive from downtown-take a picnic supper!

Up for Some Adventure?

For the more adventurous traveler, you can sky dive, take a helicopter tour above the island, go for a horseback ride, surf, or go kitesurfing. A great way to see the island is by bicycle, there are many places where you can rent a bike or two-person scooter. If you enjoy hiking, we recommend visiting the Norman Bird Sanctuary or Sachuest Nature Preserve, both offer wonderful views.