Newport Rhode IslandATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Newport, Rhode Island.
1. Cliff Walk
SCENIC COASTAL PATH
The Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile trail in Newport that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean while passing by many luxurious and historic mansions. The path features a mix of easy paved sections and challenging rocky terrain, with eight street access points allowing visitors to enter or exit at various locations. Walking the entire Cliff Walk typically takes around 2.5 hours, making it one of Newport's most popular attractions for both its natural beauty and architectural views.
2. The Breakers
VANDERBILT MANSION MASTERPIECE
The Breakers is a magnificent Gilded Age mansion with lavish interiors and historical tours through luxuriously decorated rooms. Visitors can explore the grand estate using a detailed self-guided audio app while admiring the craftsmanship and opulence throughout the property. The mansion also features beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning ocean views that showcase the extravagant lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family.
3. Newport Mansions
GILDED AGE OPULENCE
Newport Mansions encompasses a collection of historical estates showcasing the extraordinary wealth and architectural grandeur of America's Gilded Age. Visitors can take self-guided tours through multiple properties including The Elms, Marble House, and Rosecliff, each offering unique insights into the lifestyles of America's wealthiest families. The mansions feature exquisite craftsmanship, period furnishings, and meticulously maintained grounds that transport visitors back to an era of unprecedented luxury.
4. Fort Adams
HISTORIC MILITARY FORTRESS
Fort Adams is a historic fortress offering panoramic harbor views and fascinating glimpses into America's military past. Visitors can explore the site through guided or self-guided tours, discovering military artifacts and navigating underground tunnels that showcase early American defense systems. The fort serves as both a historical landmark and event venue, hosting the renowned Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival annually.
5. The Elms
ELEGANT MANSION ESTATE
The Elms is a stunning Gilded Age mansion featuring self-guided tours that showcase its lavish rooms, grand architecture, and spectacular ocean views. Highlights of the estate include the Gothic Library and beautifully maintained gardens that reflect the extravagant lifestyle of coal magnate Edward Berwind. The mansion offers a fascinating glimpse into both the public grandeur and private lives of the wealthy during America's Gilded Age through its unique servants' tour option.
6. Rosecliff
ELEGANT BEAUX-ARTS MANSION
Rosecliff is a historic mansion showcasing Gilded Age decor, expansive gardens, and the lavish lifestyle of Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs. Visitors can enjoy informative self-guided audio tours that detail both the architectural significance and the high-society events once held in its grand ballroom. The mansion, which has appeared in films including 'The Great Gatsby,' offers additional historical insight through its servants' tour option that reveals the behind-the-scenes operations of these grand estates.
7. Rough Point
HEIRESS'S OCEANFRONT ESTATE
Rough Point is a historic mansion showcasing early American furniture and the personal history of tobacco heiress Doris Duke through engaging exhibits. Visitors can explore the property using a downloadable tour app that guides them through rooms filled with European art, antiques, and Duke's eclectic collections. The estate features inviting gardens, spectacular ocean views, and a notable elephant exhibit that reflects Duke's fascinating life and interests.
8. Thames Street
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Thames Street is Newport's historic waterfront district offering a charming blend of unique boutiques, dining establishments, and authentic New England character. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along cobblestone streets while discovering an array of shops selling everything from nautical gifts to designer clothing. The area perfectly captures Newport's maritime heritage while providing modern amenities and services in a picturesque setting.
9. Bowen's Wharf
WATERFRONT SHOPPING DESTINATION
Bowen's Wharf is a bustling waterfront area offering scenic yacht harbor views, coastal ambience, and a delightful mix of unique shops and seafood restaurants. Visitors can browse through boutiques selling nautical gifts, jewelry, and clothing while enjoying the historic atmosphere of this restored 18th-century commercial wharf. The area serves as a perfect spot for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and experiencing Newport's maritime culture in a lively setting.
10. International Tennis Hall of Fame
HISTORIC TENNIS MUSEUM
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a historic venue displaying craftsmanship from the Gilded Age alongside extensive exhibits celebrating tennis history and culture. Visitors can take self-guided tours through elegant spaces that include the site of the first US National Championships held in 1881. The museum combines interactive exhibits, memorabilia from tennis legends, and beautifully preserved grass courts that continue to host tournaments today.
11. Easton's Beach
POPULAR WATERFRONT RECREATION
Easton's Beach, also known as First Beach, is Newport's largest public beach offering beautiful views and family-friendly amenities including a historic carousel and playground. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring fascinating tidal pools along the quarter-mile stretch of sand. The beach serves as the starting point for the famous Cliff Walk and features a snack bar and bathhouse facilities for a complete beach day experience.
12. Newport Vineyards
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Newport Vineyards is a sprawling 100-acre farm offering wine tastings, brewery samples, and farm-to-table dining just minutes from downtown Newport. Visitors can tour the production facilities and vineyards while learning about sustainable growing practices and the winemaking process. The venue features regular events, live music, and a marketplace selling local products that showcase Rhode Island's agricultural heritage.
13. White Horse Tavern
AMERICA'S OLDEST TAVERN
The White Horse Tavern, established in 1673, holds the distinction of being America's oldest operating restaurant, offering fine dining in a colonial-era setting. The historic tavern features exposed beams, period details, and a menu focusing on locally-sourced ingredients including seafood caught in nearby waters. Visitors can dine in the same rooms that once hosted colonial legislators, British soldiers, and founding fathers while experiencing a taste of Newport's culinary history.
14. Castle Hill Lighthouse
ICONIC COASTAL BEACON
Castle Hill Lighthouse is a picturesque granite lighthouse built in 1890 on a rocky outcropping at the entrance to Newport Harbor. Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short hiking trail that offers spectacular views of Narragansett Bay and passing sailboats. The site is particularly popular at sunset when photographers gather to capture the lighthouse silhouetted against colorful skies, making it one of Newport's most photographed landmarks.
15. Ocean Drive
SCENIC COASTAL ROUTE
Ocean Drive is a spectacular 10-mile scenic road that winds along Newport's southern shoreline, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rocky coastline, and magnificent estates. Visitors can drive, bike, or walk portions of the route while enjoying panoramic vistas and access to several parks and beaches including Brenton Point State Park. The drive forms part of Newport's renowned Ten Mile Drive and provides countless photo opportunities of crashing waves, luxury homes, and natural coastal beauty.