newport ri house tour

Tour the Mansions & Gardens

Visit the Newport Mansions your way. We offer a variety of self-guided audio and guide-led tours.

Self-guided audio tours

Six engaging audio tours bring you unique insights into the lives of the people who lived and worked in the grand mansions of the Gilded Age in Newport.

Family audio tours

Talking houses, ancient superheroes and a 2-foot high ice cream cake! Family Tours at The Breakers and Marble House introduce kids to these Gilded Age mansions from a unique and fun perspective.

Guide-led Tours

Our expert guides lead fascinating specialty tours such as Beneath The Breakers and The Elms Servant Life. Other guided tours available by season at some houses.

Group Tours

Bring your adult or student group to tour the Newport Mansions at a discounted rate.

Exclusive Experiences

The best way to appreciate the splendor of the Newport Mansions is through an exclusive visit. The Preservation Society of Newport County offers a menu of distinctive opportunities to learn from expert interpreters and enjoy rare experiences.

Get the Newport Mansions app

Download our tour app before your visit and bring your earbuds.

Additional Visitor Info

Map & parking info.

Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.

Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Mansions & Gardens

Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.

Partners in Preservation

Protect Your Trip »

6 top-rated newport mansion tours + tips from a local.

Newport's famed mansions are a must-see in the City by the Sea.

Top-Rated Newport Mansion Tours

Gavin Ashworth | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

Experience peak luxury and elegance at these stunning properties.

More than a century ago, America's wealthiest families commissioned their "summer cottages" to be built in the coastal enclave of Newport, Rhode Island , along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The era's most renowned architects outdid one another in size and scale as well as opulence and grandeur. Today, Newport is synonymous with its exquisite Gilded Age mansions, and experiencing them in person is an absolute must.

The majority of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport – but not all – are owned and operated by the Preservation Society of Newport County, and many of the most popular are open to the public year-round. Get ready to explore the Bellevue Avenue Historic District as you tour Newport's best mansions.

The Breakers

Courtesy of Andrea McHugh

Price: From $29 for adults; $10 for youths 6 to 12

Standout perk: The Breakers offers an audio Family Tour that engages young visitors with stories about the lives of the children who summered there, the staff who ran the home and interesting things to see in the mansion, such as the playful dolphin sculpture beneath the grand staircase.

Considered the grande dame of all the Newport mansions, The Breakers was no doubt built to impress. The summertime escape of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his family was designed by the Gilded Age's preeminent architect, Richard Morris Hunt, and boasts a classic Italian palazzo design with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can explore the mansion at their own pace via the self-guided audio tour available in nearly a dozen languages on the Newport Mansions free app, which will come in especially handy if you plan to explore more than one mansion. Take some time to explore the beauty of the 13-acre grounds as well, and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes .

Those with a curiosity of how a mansion of this magnitude worked – after all, The Breakers was considered a modern marvel when completed in 1895 – will enjoy the Beneath The Breakers Tour. This guide-led tour takes you through the boiler room, tunnel and basement. Guests will learn how the home was outfitted with electricity, still considered a novelty during the Gilded Age. This tour requires a separate ticket from The Breakers' audio tour and is best suited for visitors 13 years and older. Advance reservations are recommended.

Local tip: As The Breakers is the most visited mansion in Newport, a good time to visit is either when it opens or toward the end of the day, especially in the busiest summer months. The early evening light can be ideal for photos, but plan accordingly as the house and grounds close one hour after the last tour admission. Before you visit, save time by downloading the free Newport Mansions tour app.

View & Book Tickets: The Breakers | Viator | GetYourGuide

Marble House

Price: From $25 for adults; $10 for youths 6 to 12

Standout perk: While it's hard to rival the splendor of Marble House, the Chinese Tea House on the end of the mansion's lawn parallel to Cliff Walk is an unexpected visual delight. For $35 extra, tour ticket holders to Marble House can enjoy sandwiches and refreshments at the cafe at the Chinese Tea House or make a reservation for brunch and afternoon tea service, offered on weekends May through December. The service is operated by Stoneacre Restaurants, which owns two popular restaurants in downtown Newport.

From the moment visitors walk under the four towering Corinthian columns fronting this mansion, they know they are in for a treat. Like other Newport Mansions audio tours, Marble House has a self-guided tour available via the organization's free app, allowing visitors to peruse the property at their own pace.

Inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles , Marble House is an architectural masterpiece. Made from 500,000 cubic square feet of marble, the mansion was a 39th birthday present from businessman and philanthropist William K. Vanderbilt to his wife Alva. He spared no expense for their summer escape. Later in life, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont became a suffragist and hosted events at Marble House in support of women's right to vote. Viewers of the popular HBO series "The Gilded Age" may recognize rooms in the mansion as it was used for filming on location and also inspired sets.

Local tip: Don't miss the ballroom on the first floor – while it's not the largest in Newport, it's widely considered the most ornate, with gilt details from floor to ceiling.

View & Book Tickets: Marble House | Viator | GetYourGuide

Standout perk: While The Elms is spectacular, its formal gardens – 10 acres' worth – are extraordinary, complete with nearly 40 species of trees plus terraces, gazebos, fountains and colorful blooms, depending on the time of year.

Fashioned after an 18th-century French chateau, The Elms is a must-visit mansion, from the sun-soaked conservatory and the drawing room to the handsome library and the breakfast room bearing Chinese-style lacquered wall panels. A self-guided audio tour is available in nearly a dozen languages, but any fan of "Downton Abbey" or those curious about life behind the scenes of Newport's mansions will appreciate the Servant Life Tour at The Elms.

On this newly updated, guide-led tour, visitors start in the basement, where you'll see the operations of the house such as the kitchen and butler's pantry, all the way up to the domestic staff's living quarters on the third floor. Along the way, travelers will learn more about the personal lives of staff, and see rare photographs of servants at work and in their free time. You'll even get to learn about topics like immigration and labor disputes on this tour.

Local tip: The Servant Life Tour is not only fascinating, but you'll get the rare opportunity to go on The Elms' rooftop and be rewarded with an amazing and unexpected view of Newport Harbor.

View & Book Tickets: The Elms | GetYourGuide

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Rough Point

Price: From $20; free for children 12 and younger

Standout perk: Rough Point sits at the southern end of Bellevue Avenue, so getting here allows you to enjoy views of both private mansions and those open to the public along the way. The mansion's oceanfront perch offers an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Cliff Walk Bridge, a stone arch bridge across the rocky inlet where Doris Duke would swim regularly.

Though a Gilded Age mansion through and through, Rough Point is perhaps best loved not for its grandeur but for its most famous resident: Doris Duke. The late heiress, collector and philanthropist – dubbed the "richest little girl in the world" when she was born – spent considerable time at Rough Point until her death in 1993. A self-guided audio tour leads visitors here through the art-filled home room by room, highlighting eclectic sculpture, family portraits, centuries-old tapestries, renowned furnishings and many pieces Duke collected as an avid world traveler.

While the formal rooms such as the Yellow Room and jaw-dropping Music Room are a sight, the ocean-facing Solarium affords the best views. Whether before or after your tour, visit the house tour on the website for footage of Doris Duke at the home as well as behind-the-scenes videos. Note that Rough Point is typically open seasonally from spring through mid-November.

Local tip: On Rough Point's grounds, you'll find a pair of life-size topiary camels inspired by Doris' pet Bactrian camels, Princess and Baby. Both enjoyed the summer months with the tobacco heiress at Rough Point and have become the unofficial mascots of the mansion. The Newport Restoration Foundation encourages taking a #camelgram photo with the Princess and Baby topiary to share on social media.

View & Book Tickets: Rough Point | GetYourGuide

Dave Hansen | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

Standout perk: Rosecliff's signature feature – despite being home to Newport's largest ballroom, which hosted lavish society events throughout the Gilded Age – is its celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase.

Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, Rosecliff resumed tours in September 2023, much to the delight of Newport's visitors. Architect Stanford White, who was the mastermind behind Newport's historic Casino Theatre and myriad other important buildings, modeled the mansion after the Grand Trianon at Versailles for silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs. Its European influence is felt throughout.

Explore the mansion at your own pace via the self-guided audio tour on the free Newport Mansions app. Don't forget to look up in the ballroom, where the trompe l'oeil ceiling creates an air of whimsy and romance, making it the ideal setting for the filming parts of "The Great Gatsby" with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, as well as the more recent "27 Dresses."

Local tip: Rosecliff hosts many amazing events, including the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, which features dinners, events and seminars with wines and other libations from around the world.

View & Book Tickets: Rosecliff | Viator

Chateau-sur-Mer

Standout perk: A new audio tour is your guide to this National Historic Landmark, considered Newport's first true mansion. Learn about the lives of the Wetmore family members who lived there for more than a century.

Until the arrival of the Vanderbilt houses in Newport in the 1890s, Chateau-sur-Mer was considered the seaside city's most palatial residence. Today, visitors can explore the home, an Italianate-style villa built for wealthy China trade merchant William Shepard Wetmore, who did quite a bit of entertaining at this summer cottage.

Local tip: While Chateau-sur-Mer is essentially a Victorian Era time capsule, the mansion's grounds are home to amazing tree specimens, shrubs and more, including a striking weeping beech tree. If you explore deeper into the grounds, you'll find a cool circular maze made from mounds of grass; this earthwork by artist Richard Fleischner is known as the "Sod Maze" and makes for a relaxing place to meditate.

View & Book Tickets: Chateau-sur-Mer | GetYourGuide

What to do nearby

In addition to the historic mansions, Newport offers a variety of historic attractions, walking trails and museums. To help you fully explore the area, here are some recommendations for things to see and where to eat.

Things to do:

• Wander along the Cliff Walk
• Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame
• Explore the historic Fort Adams
• Discover automotive history at Audrain Automobile Museum
• Explore The Sailing Museum
• Visit the Redwood Library and Athenæum
• Discover the oldest synagogue in the U.S.
• Browse the private collection at the Newport Car Museum

Nearby restaurant recommendations: 

• Breakfast: Annie's, Lucy's Cafe & Bakery or Corner Cafe
• Lunch: Cru Cafe, Belle's Café or The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
• Dinner: White Horse Tavern, Clarke Cooke House or Castle Hill Inn
• Drinks: Midtown Oyster Bar, The Roofdeck at the Vanderbilt or The Lounge at The Chanler

Why Trust U.S. News Travel 

Andrea McHugh is a travel and lifestyle writer based in Newport, Rhode Island, where the famed mansions of the Gilded Age are common sights along her daily run in the City by the Sea. Though she regularly visits the mansions as they play host to local business and social events, such as the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Newport Classical Music Festival and Newport Film, she spent a recent "staycation" touring these turn-of-the-century behemoths to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Rhode Island
• The Top Things to Do in New Hampshire
• The Top Things to Do in Maine
• The Top Things to Do in Vermont

Tags: Travel , Tours

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15 Mansions in Newport, RI You Have to See to Believe

Newport, Rhode Island was the summer playground of America’s wealthiest during the Gilded Age, and it has plenty of still-standing mansions that live to tell the tale.

The preservation and restoration of the Gilded Age mansions give visitors a glimpse of the opulence, artistry, and complicated culture that went into these time capsules.

If nothing else, the beautiful architecture and cliffside views of the ocean should be enough to inspire you to visit this area.

Today, this article lists down the best Newport mansions to tour, as well as the lesser-known mansions in the area.

History of Newport Rhode Island Mansions

The mansions of Newport, Rhode island are remnants of the fancy Gilded Era. Built between late 19th century and early 20th century, these luxury residents were not even the primary homes of their owners. In fact, the rich of that time built these RI mansions as their “summer cottages.”

When the Gilded Age ended around the 1910s due to the start of the federal income tax, followed by the First World War, parties at the mansions declined.

The Great Depression eventually put a stop to the rich vacationing at their mansions, which in turn resulted in the properties falling to demolition or abandoned completely.

A group of residents founded The Preservation Society of Newport County in hopes of saving the 200-year-old Georgian Colonial home – the Hunter House – located on the harbor waterfront.

In doing so, they were able to save several other mansions at Newport Rhode Island, starting with Marble House, then Chateau-sur-Mer, The Breakers, Kingscote, and Rosecliff. Today, the organization remains steward of 11 historic properties in the area.

Best Preserved Newport, RI Mansions To Tour

The Preservation Society of Newport County is a cultural organization aiming to protect and preserve Newport County’s rich cultural heritage. Here are the Newport Mansions

1. The Breakers

By far the most popular Newport mansion, The Breakers is the Italian Renaissance-style Vanderbilt estate widely acknowledged to be the grandest, most extravagant mansion in Newport and is thus the signature symbol of the Gilded Age.

The mansion features 70 rooms, a 45-foot high Great Hall, gold- and platinum-covered walls, and intricate panels with mythological beings. All these sit on a 13-acre estate overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

It is recommended to visit this mansion first, as this is also the site of the Welcome Center of the Preservation Society, where you can get information about all the other mansions they’re in charge of and make your visit to the Newport mansions easier to plan.

Essential Information

• Address: 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone : 401-847-1000
• Hours: Vary depending on the season; Check their calendar prior to your visit
• Cost: $29 per head for adults; discounts available for children
• Website: The Breakers

2. Marble House

One of the first stone mansions in the area, Marble House is another extravagant mansion. Alva Vanderbilt, the original owner of the house, is said to have spent $7 million then (equivalent to almost $128 million today) on the marble used to construct it.

With 50 rooms spread over four levels decorated in various styles, as well as a Chinese Tea House that was a later addition, the Marble House is an elegant structure and one of the earliest done in the Beaux-Arts style of architecture.

• Address: 596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone: 401-847-1000
• Cost: $25 per head for adults; discounts available for children
• Website: Marble House

3. The Elms

The Elms mansion was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind. It isn’t as extravagant as the previous two mentioned, but its beautiful architecture modeled after the French chateau d’Asnieres is remarkable and well worth studying and appreciating.

The interior is designed to show off Berwind’s Renaissance ceramics, 18th-century paintings, and jades from Asia.

Fun fact: It is one of the first houses wired for electricity in this area.

Address: 367 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI | 401-847-1000 Hours: Vary depending on the season; Check their calendar prior to your visit Cost: $25 per head for adults; discounts available for children Website: The Elms

4. Rosecliff

Rosecliff was home to Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs of Nevada.

Inspired by Versailles’ Grand Trianon, which was the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles, the architectural style is Baroque and Baroque Revival, producing clean lines and perfect symmetry.

If this house looks familiar, it may be because it has been used as a set location in movies such as The Great Gatsby , Amistad , and True Lies .

• Address: 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Website: Rosecliff

5. Chateau-sur-Mer

Considered the first of the great Newport mansions, Chateau-sur-Mer was recognized as the most palatial in Newport from its completion in 1852 until The Breakers and the Marble House were built.

This mansion was built for William Shepard Wetmore in High Victorian architecture and was subsequently remodeled in the Second Empire French style. Unlike many of the other mansions in the area, Chateau-sur-Mer was not built as a summer residence but as a year-round residence.

• Address: 474 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Website: Chateau-sur-Mer

6. Kingscote

Kingscote is one of the earliest mansions designed in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. Originally owned by George Noble Jones, the property was acquired by William Henry King when the Civil War broke out.

The dining room features the earliest known installation of Tiffany glass, which is a type of glass produced between 1878 and 1933 at the Tiffany Studios in New York.

• Address: 253 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone:  401-847-1000
• Website: Kingscote

7. Isaac Bell House

The Isaac Bell House, also known as Edna Villa, is acknowledged as the first Shingle-style house in the area and the best example of its kind.

The architects and designers of this house drew inspiration from a mix of international styles, such as Japanese, European, and Old English elements.

• Address: 70 Perry Street
• Website: Isaac Bell House

8. Hunter House

Away from the Bellevue Avenue Historic District, where most of the other mansions are located, the Hunter House is one of the finest examples of Georgian Colonial architecture.

It originally belonged to Jonathon Nichols, Jr., and the subsequent owners of the house added or renovated parts of the house. The most prominent owner of the mansion was William Hunter, a US senator after whom the house is named.

• Address: 54 Washington Street, Newport, RI
• Cost: $18 per head for adults; discounts available for children
• Website: Hunter House

9. Chepstow

Chepstow is an Italianate-style villa that is a prime example of a Victorian summer cottage.

Originally owned by Edmund Schermerhorn, it contained various valuable paintings, including the Morris family’s collections, as well as 19th-century landscape paintings by the Hudson River school of Artists.

• Address: 120 Narragansett Avenue
• Website: Chepstow

10. Green Animals Topiary Garden

Green Animals is the oldest topiary garden in the US, but when Thomas Brayton bought this property in 1872, it consisted of seven acres of land, a white clapboard summer residence, farm outbuildings, a pasture, and a vegetable garden.

The superintendents of the property were responsible for creating the topiaries, sculpting more than 80 pieces in different shapes from yew, California privet, and English boxwood.

Today, Green Animals is a rare example of a self-sufficient estate with a Victorian house, topiaries, vegetable gardens, and orchards.

While not technically in Newport, it’s still considered one of the Newport Mansions.

• Address: 380 Corys Lane, Portsmouth, RI
• Website: Green Animals Topiary Garden

Other Newport Mansions Worth Visiting

As I’ve mentioned, not all of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport are managed by the Preservation Society. Here are other Newport mansions you should consider visiting.

11. Ochre Court

Ochre Point was commissioned by Ogden Goelet in 1892 in a châteauesque architectural style and is second only to The Breakers in size.

Nowadays, it serves as the main administration building for Salve Regina University and is used for occasional social functions.

• Address: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone:  401-847-6650
• Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
• Website: Ochre Court

12. Belcourt of Newport

Oliver Belmont commissioned this mansion in 1891 to have a summer cottage for him as well as his many horses.

With this vision, the architect, Richard Morris Hunt designed the ground floor around an enormous carriage room and stables, with only a single bedroom where Belmont can live with his horses in privacy.

However, when Alva Vanderbilt (yes, the same Alva Vanderbilt who owned the Marble House) moved in with him, she had the ground floor transformed to be more suitable for humans than for horses.

Ownership then changed hands many times before Carolyn Rafaelian bought it in 2012. Currently, Carolyn Rafaelian is in the process of restoring Belcourt to its former glory.

• Address: 657 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI
• Hours: Fri–Sun 11am–2pm
• Cost: $20 per head for adults; discounts available for children ( Book Tickets Here )
• Website: Belcourt of Newport

13. Rough Point Museum

Commissioned by yet another member of the Vanderbilt clan, Rough Point is at the south end of Bellevue Avenue and is built in the style of a stately English manor.

After a few more transfers of ownership, the last owner of the house was Doris Duke before it got turned over to the Newport Restoration Foundation, which Doris Duke herself founded in 1968.

Nowadays, Rough Point looks more or less the same as it looked when Doris Duke lived here. It’s not by accident; the house is carefully maintained to get a lived-in look. The result is that when you tour the house, it feels less like a museum and more like a visit to your distant aunt’s house.

That is, if your distant aunt were a billionaire who owned plenty of expensive art and furnishings, as well as a couple of camels.

• Address: 680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone : 401-847-8344
• Hours: Tue–Fri 10am–4pm; Sat–Sun 10am–5pm
• Cost: $20 per head for adults; discount available for students with ID
• Website: Rough Point Museum

14. Vernon Court

Vernon Court was commissioned by Anna Van Nest Gambrill and was built in 1900 in French classical style, loosely based on the French mansion Château d’Haroué.

At some point, it was considered one of the ten most beautiful mansions in America.

It remained in the Gambrill family until 1956, after which ownership changed hands a number of times.

At present, Vernon Court houses the National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI) and is temporarily closed for renovation.

• Address: 492 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI |
• Phone : 401-851-8949
• Cost: $20 per for adults; discounts available for seniors, children, students with ID, and military
• Website: National Museum of American Illustrators

Unique Newport Rhode Island Mansions Tours

15. the breakers stable & carriage house.

• Address:  53 Coggeshall Ave, Newport, RI 02840
• Cost: $20 per for adults; discounts available for seniors, children, students with ID, and military. Admission is free with any Newport Mansions ticket or Preservation Society membership.

The Breakers Stable & Carriage House was originally built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II with architect Richard Morris Hunt from 1894 to 1895. It is located about 2/3rds of a mile from The Breakers.

When the place was completed in 1895, the stable wasn’t just any humble stable. It had 26 stalls, 2 box stalls, and ample space for about 20 carriages, a five-room apartment for the head coachman, bedrooms for 20 grooms who operate the stables, an office, kitchen, dining room, workroom, office and harness room.

The Breakers Stable & Carriage House is open seasonally.

Newport Mansions Visitor Guidelines and Rules

Note that these rules and general guidelines apply to those mansions maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Other mansions may have their own set of rules that you should still follow so that you and other visitors all have a great time.

• It is recommended to start your mansion tour in The Breakers so you can also visit the Welcome Center to get information about the mansions.
• Exterior photography through handheld cameras for social media and non-commercial purposes is allowed.
• Exterior photography through drones is strictly prohibited.
• Interior photography is allowed only for social media and personal, non-commercial purposes. No selfie sticks, tripods, or flash photography are allowed.
• Allot a minimum of one and a half hours for touring each mansion.
• With very few exceptions, mansions have free parking.
• Kids are welcome, but strollers and carriages are not.
• Mansions normally have a dress code. Shirts (except those that have offensive language printed) and shoes are mandatory.
• No large bags and luggage are allowed.

Newport Mansion Tour Tickets

If you plan to visit the mansions multiple times a year, membership to the Preservation Society is the most expensive option upfront but will work out to be the least expensive per visit as long as you visit frequently.

For one time visits to multiple mansions, various packages are also available for a wide range of mansions, with some packages even including popular activities aside from touring the mansions.

However, membership and packaged tickets will only cover the 10 mansions that the Preservation Society is maintaining.

The simplest, most straightforward way to get tickets is to just get it in the mansion you’re visiting. This is the most convenient and allows for spontaneity.

Tips For First-Timers to Newport, RI

Getting to newport.

If you’re flying into Newport, it’s almost 100% certain that you’ll arrive via the TF Green Airport.

From here, you can rent a car, ride the bus (via RIPTA or Peter Pan Bus Lines), or book an Uber to go to Newport.

Getting Around

Renting a car is by far the easiest and most convenient option for getting around, especially considering most mansions do not allow large bags and luggage inside.

Where To Stay

The magic of Newport is that wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops, and other attractions.

If you want oceanfront views, Castle Hill Inn & Resort, Club Wyndham Inn on Long Wharf, or The Chanler at Cliff Walk are solid choices.

However, if downtown Newport is more your style, Hotel Viking, Courtyard by Marriott Newport Middletown, or Mill Street Inn are also great places to stay.

What To Wear

Rhode Island weather is notoriously variable. From early June to mid-September, average highs reach above 70°F; mid-September to October is known for its Indian summers, with warm, dry weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night.

November is characterized by rainfall, and December to March sees average highs of around 44°F, with more than 20 inches of snowfall yearly.

It’s wise to dress according to the weather but plan for sudden changes. Layers are encouraged, as well as weatherproof footwear.

Best Time Of Year To Visit

The end of spring (around May) and the start of autumn (around September) are generally considered the best times of the year to visit Newport, weather-wise. Not too hot, not too cold, and a few drops of rain make it the ideal weather for walking around.

What To Eat

Your trip to Newport would be a waste if you don’t at least try some of Newport’s signature dishes and drinks.

Coffee milk has been the official state drink since 1993. Coffee is simmered with pure cane sugar to create a syrup, which is then mixed with ice-cold milk.

Del’s frozen lemonade started out as a mix of snow, lemons, and sugar in the 1840s and is now prepared by machine, producing a frozen product with a texture between a Slurpee and an Italian ice.

As a coastal city, Newport had plenty of ways to prepare various seafood. Clams casino is a dish made of littleneck clams stuffed with bacon, peppers, and breadcrumbs and then broiled.

They also like putting their unique twist on already-known dishes. For instance, johnnycakes are pancakes made of cornmeal, and their version of zeppoles aren’t fried donuts but creampuff-like pastries filled with custard-type cream and topped with more cream and a cherry.

Plan Your Newport Mansion Tour Today!

Exploring Newport mansions gives you a glimpse of how the rich lived in the Gilded Age, which is part of our history.

In fact, it’s one of the stops in a New England road trip itinerary that we’ve previously described.

Don’t forget to check out nearby Rhode Island wineries .

Start organizing and scheduling your trip to Newport today!

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• Newport Blog
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• Things To Do

Beechwood Mansion

Newport's only living history museum.

UPDATE 2010

The fountain is always surrounded by beautiful flowers

View from rear lawn

Enjoy a cocktail and the view from the terrace

The ideal spot for a wedding ceremony overlooking the ocean

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Blackstone Valley

Block Island

Providence Warwick

South County

Visit newport, an american city with centuries of history to visit..

Rough Point

680 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-847-8344

Newport mansion, museum reflect the tastes and show the collection of heiress Doris Duke

Trinity Church

One Queen Anne Square Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-846-0660

Beavertail Lighthouse

Beavertail Point, Beavertail Road Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-3270

Touro Synagogue

85 Touro Street Newport, RI Phone: 401-847-4794

Watson Farm

455 North Road Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-0005

Fort Adams State Park

80 Fort Adams Drive Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-847-2400

Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House

82 Touro Street Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-846-0813

Jamestown Windmill

North Road, off Route 138 Jamestown, RI Phone: 401-423-1798

Newport Congregational Church

73 Pelham Street Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-849-2238

National Museum of American Illustration and Frederick Law Olmsted Park

Vernon Court at 492 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-851-8949

Channing Memorial Church

135 Pelham Street Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-846-0643

Gray's Store

4 Main Street Little Compton, RI Phone: 401-635-4566

Whitehall Museum House

311 Berkeley Avenue Middletown, RI, 02842 Phone: 401-846-3116

Naval War College Museum

686 Cushing Road Newport, RI, 02841 Phone: 401-841-4052

Redwood Library and Athenaeum

50 Belleville Avenue Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-847-0292

Coggeshall Farm Museum

Off Route 114 Bristol, RI, 02809 Phone: 401-253-9062

Brick Marketplace

Goddard Row at Thames Street & America's Cup Avenue Newport, RI, 02840 Phone:

Great Friends Meeting House

Farewell Street and Marlborough Street Newport, RI Phone: 401-846-0813

Salve Regina University

100 Ochre Point Ave. Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-847-6650 Toll-Free: 800-321-7124

Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House - Newport Historical Society

17 Broadway Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-846-0813

St. Mary's Church

12 William Street Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-847-0475

Old School House

East Main Road and Union Street Portsmouth, RI Phone: 401-683-9178

Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame

1 Burnside Street Bristol, RI, 02809 Phone: 401-253-5000

Wilbor House Museum

548 West Main Road (Route 77) Little Compton, RI, 02837 Phone: 401-635-4035

Museum of the Artillery Company of Newport

23 Clarke Street Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-846-8488

Old Stone Mill

Touro Park Newport, RI Phone: 401-846-1398

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum

101 Ferry Road - RI Route 114 Bristol, RI, 02809 Phone: 401-253-2707

Linden Place

500 Hope St. / Route 114 Bristol, RI, 02809 Phone: 401-253-0390

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Guide-led Tours

Our expert guides lead fascinating specialty tours such as beneath the breakers and the elms servant life. other guided tours available by season at some houses., beneath the breakers tour, daily 10:30 am.

Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.

Servant Life Tour

Daily starting april 1, 10:30 am and 2:30 pm*.

See and hear how the other half lived. This tour will highlight the stories of some of the men and women who worked to service the social whirl of Newport during the Gilded Age. * May 11-May 31, tour will be offered daily at 10:30 am & 3:30 pm. June 1-Aug. 31, 10:30 am, 2 pm & 3:30 pm. Sept. 1-Oct. 14, 10:30 & 3:30. Oct. 15-Jan. 1, 2025, 10:30 & 2:30.

Get the Newport Mansions app

Download our tour app before your visit and bring your earbuds.

Other tour types

Family audio tours.

Talking houses, ancient superheroes and a 2-foot high ice cream cake! Family Tours at The Breakers and Marble House introduce kids to these Gilded Age mansions from a unique and fun perspective.

Self-guided audio tours

Six engaging audio tours bring you unique insights into the lives of the people who lived and worked in the grand mansions of the Gilded Age in Newport.

Group Tours

Bring your adult or student group to tour the Newport Mansions at a discounted rate.

Additional Visitor Info

Map & parking info.

Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.

Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Mansions & Gardens

Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.

Partners in Preservation

Newport Viking Trolley Tour with Breakers & Marble House Admission

• Take a trolley ride through historic Newport
• A professional guide will provide on-board commentary
• Save money and time by combining your Vanderbilt mansion visits with a city tour
• Admission to The Breakers and the Marble House are included
• See itinerary
• 90-Minute Trolley Sightseeing Tour of Newport, Rhode Island
• Admission to The Breakers for 1-hour tour
• Admission to The Marble House for 1-hour tour
• Professional Driver/Guide
• See over 150+ Points of Interest such as Bellevue Avenue, Ocean Drive, Newport Mansions, and More
• Entry/Admission - Marble House
• Entry/Admission - The Breakers
• Entry/Admission - Newport Mansions
• 23 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA Newport Gateway Center (Bus Terminal) Viking Trolley Post 3 23 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 Trolleys depart from Post 3 at the Newport Gateway Center. The trolley will generally arrive about 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Languages Available at Newport Mansions: Audio and Written Guides are available at the mansions in one of the following languages. Please inquire upon arrival. Audio tours of The Breakers are available in English, French, Spanish, German and Chinese. The audio tour of Marble House is available in English, French, Spanish and German.
• Audio Tours - Bring your phones and headsets! To listen to the self-guided tour, group members must bring their own smart device with earbuds/headsets and download the tour from the Newport Mansions app. It is highly recommended to download the app and open the app to download the tour before you arrive. If you do not have headphones, you may read the tour transcript in the app or pick up a printed script at the mansion.
• Wheelchair Accessible Trolleys Upon Request (401) -847-6921
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

• You'll start at 23 America's Cup Ave 23 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA Newport Gateway Center (Bus Terminal) Viking Trolley Post 3 23 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 Trolleys depart from Post 3 at the Newport Gateway Center. The trolley will generally arrive about 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. See address & details
• Pass by Newport Visitors Information Center
• 1 Bellevue Avenue Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 2 Ocean Drive See details
• 3 Marble House Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 4 The Breakers Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details Pass by Bowen's Wharf International Tennis Hall of Fame Viking Tours of Newport
• 5 Newport Mansions Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• B1228DGterryc 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Super Tour! Such a fantastic tour and overall experience. Had an excellent guide who born and raised in Newport and a former teacher. He was the best! Read more Written April 5, 2024
• Marty P 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing History Teacher with Comfortable Ride around The City I was hedging on whether or not I should sign up for a trolley tour while visiting Newport. I’m so glad that I signed up for it! Well worth my time and money! I learned so much in a three hour window. I was able to take what I learned and map out the next day’s adventures without hesitation. Whenever visiting a new city it’s always a good idea to do a city tour for reasons I listed above. I was fortunate to have Ray as our tour guide. He is a retired teacher and Newport local. How much better can one do for a reputable tour guide? Learning about the history of Newport along with the mansions on Ocean Drive was a very rich experience. I would attend this tour again when visiting Newport in the future. I can’t state enough how pleased I was with my experience. I highly recommend this! Read more Written April 2, 2024
• Londonlady26 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Driver was the best! My family loved the ride. The entire experience was made better by Mr. Lynch the driver, HE was amazing. His passion and knowledge for all of the buildings on the tour was incredible. It was great to learn about the people and history of the City! Highly recommend. Read more Written April 2, 2024
• BacktoBoston 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Perfect Compliment to a Family Gathering We had a destination birthday celebration at Newport and on Saturday morning we took the tour that included 7 adults and 4 young grandchildren. The tour which included a visit to the Breakers Mansion was better than I expected. Our guide had an amazing array of facts peppered with several amusing stories of not just the rich and famous but many local characters and legends. He easily entertained all of us. Though my wife and I have been coming to Newport for several years, we found we hardly knew the rich history of Newport from its beginnings to the present. Many of the colonial and post colonial buildings were pointed out and given their historical context. I highly recommend this tour. Read more Written April 1, 2024
• H4050DLdavidl 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Our tour of Newport included a walk back to the car. Dominic was terrific. Funny, knowledgeable, knew Newport inside and out. Unfortunately for my wife and I we missed the trolley after the Breakers tour. He said he would be back at 1:45. He wasn’t lying. We arrived back at 1:48 the trolley was gone. Didn’t mind the 2.2 mile walk back to our car but it sucked missing the end of the tour. Our fault but it would have been nice if he waited a couple more minutes. Read more Written March 31, 2024
• 697jenis 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour It was a great tour even with it being cold out. The guide was knowledgeable and very helpful. We enjoyed the drive on Ocean Ave and The Breakers Mansion. Read more Written March 10, 2024
• Albert A 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles No Bathrooms!! Was painful in that there were no bathrooms at starting point. Had to wait 1.5 hours to stand in line at The Breakers. Great driver. Read more Written March 10, 2024
• Stay87562 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Rude receptionist I called to inquire about availability and woman who answered (not the wedding coordinator) was so rude. She told me they didn't have availability. I asked her if she could recommend other places, etc and she pretty much hung up on me...Honestly, Viking, that's who you pick for your front person? Also tried calling back twice and she wouldn't answer because she knew she was rude. Read more Written March 4, 2024
• Y4468YMteddym 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Newport enlightenment Tour The tour leader / driver was exceptional . He lives and breathes Newport and understands the culture and history of the area so well . Additionally, the Breakers tour was very impressive and informative of our rich history. Read more Written February 24, 2024
• W3329RCjohnm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic Newport Tour Newport is so historic and incredibly beautiful. Our tour guide was born and raised in this area. He taught school and is active in this community. His stories were wonderful and we had so much fun listening to him and enjoyed his terrific sense of humor! This was the best tour we have ever been on! Read more Written February 22, 2024
• Xyzzzzzzzz124456789 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Tour My husband and I have visited Newport several times but never have been on the Viking Trolley Tours. Excellent choice! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and personable. We Learned a great amount of history and saw new sights. We would highly recommend this tour. Read more Written February 21, 2024
• salt-life-0 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best way to see Newport! We had the pleasure of enjoying this trolley ride in the snow which was fabulous. The best part, however, was Dominique, our driver and tour guide. He was very entertaining and knowledgeable. A great time. We would highly recommend it and book it again. Read more Written February 18, 2024
• sandragO9989QO 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous! The trolley tour was well worth the money spent to get an historical review of Newport and to see the Breakers and Marble house mansions. Would definitely take another tour. I highly recommend taking the tour! Read more Written December 19, 2023
• A8690UXkd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour! We were asked to reschedule due to weather issues and it was the best thing. It moved our plans up a day and they comped us two -mansion tour tickets. Edna was very pleasant and knowledgeable and fun! Highly recommend this tour - and although they thanked US for rescheduling, we really thanking them. Much appreciate the entire experience ! Read more Written December 19, 2023
• marlenek896 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth the time and the money! Very knowledgable guide; beautiful views; fascinating history. The guide had very interesting stories to tell about each of the most outstanding houses, and was also very knowledgable about the naval history of the area. He made our one day visit to the area very meaningful. Read more Written December 15, 2023

More to explore in Newport

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

Newport Viking Trolley Tour with Breakers & Marble House Admission provided by Viking Tours of Newport

Visit Doris Duke’s art-filled mansion and enjoy panoramic ocean views from the extensive grounds. Open late March to November.

The Vernon House is a site for expansive story-telling, contemporary dialogue, and preservation trades skill-building.

Newport Restoration Foundation holds one of the largest collections of period architecture owned by a single organization anywhere in the United States.

Celebrate excellence in historic preservation efforts within the City of Newport, Rhode Island.

Live amidst history by renting one of our many historic properties.

Please click on the links below to learn more about the history of Rough Point, Doris Duke, and the collection.

Rough Point Museum

Great Hall Painting Guide

Meet the enigmatic woman in Dutch artist Ferdinand Bol’s Portrait of A Young Woman , ca. 1640. Listen to tour guide Karen talk about this fascinating work.

Meet the infamous Diane de Poitiers, who may be the woman featured in this ca. 1640s portrait attributed to an artist in the circle of Francois Clouet.   Listen to tour guide Johanna discuss the life and legacy of Diane de Poitiers—and then decide for yourself if Diane was a devious manipulator or a clever survivor

Yellow Room

The Yellow Room at first glance looks like it has been frozen in time since the period Doris Duke’s parents lived at Rough Point, but a closer look reveals Doris’s careful addition of pieces that complement the room. Listen to find out more.

Click here to learn about the camels!

Cliff Walk Bridge Images

Morning Room

Listen as tour guide Susan tells the story of stumpwork—a form of needlework.

Dining Room

The butler's pantry, exhibition: gallery 2.

Young Doris

1940s – 1950s

1960s – 1970s

1980s – 1990s

Gallery Hallway

Doris duke’s bedroom.

One of the most striking features of Doris Duke’s bedroom is the many mother-of-pearl objects on display. Watch as tour guide Linda shares the story behind Doris’s love of all things mother-of-pearl.

Second Floor Landing

Second Floor Landing Painting Guide

Grand Staircase

Staircase Painting Guide

Meet Nanaline Inman Holt Duke (1870/71-1962) through an audio overview of this 1907 portrait displayed on Rough Point’s Stair Case.

Stay In Touch!

We invite you to explore the remarkable mansion of an unconventional heiress from home! Please follow our Facebook,  Instagram  or  YouTube pages for the latest updates from Rough Point.

Visit our online museum store!

The products of the Newport Restoration Foundation Store celebrate the life and passions of our founder, Doris Duke. We invite you to explore our curated collections—including unique, one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by our museums’ design, collections, and stories— exclusively available here.

Click  here  to start shopping from home or visit  shopnewportrestoration.org .

• Order $50 or more and shipping is free
• Free drop-off delivery for Aquidneck Island addresses (Portsmouth, Middletown, Newport, RI)
• Contactless pick-up is available at 51 Touro St.

NRF invites you to support and protect historically significant properties like Rough Point for today’s visitors and future generations to enjoy.

By participating in Restoration Partners, NRF’s monthly giving program, your gift provides ongoing and consistent support to help preserve the cultural heritage of Newport. Partners receive a welcome packet, invitations to events, e-newsletters, and periodic partner perks.

When you make a gift to NRF, you’re expressing your enthusiasm and confidence in the work we do to care for special places like Rough Point and our other museum properties, Whitehorne House Museum and Prescott Farm.

Please visit newportrestoration.org/support for more information about this program, or to make a one-time gift.

18 Things To Do In Newport: Complete Guide To The Timeless Charm Of The Seaside City

N ewport is one of the most beautiful places in all of Rhode Island to visit. Located in Narragansett Bay, this city is situated on Aquidneck Island. Visitors will enjoy the warm sunshine and the beautiful coastal walkways of this city, which is known for its 18th-century architecture, its long maritime history, its art scene, and its many eclectic boutiques. Founded all the way back in 1639, this city was originally created by followers of the Puritan religious reformer Anne Hutchinson. In the 18th century, the city became an important center for maritime trade. Many of the 18th-century buildings remain in the city, which travelers to this area should definitely keep a sharp eye out for! The city was also the site of the famed Battle of Rhode Island in the Revolutionary War.

To this day, Newport remains a center for the US Navy, with the United States Naval War College and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center located there. Not only is the history of this area naval, but it’s also presidential, as well. Both John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower enjoyed summers there during their administrations.

UPDATE: 2023/06/24 17:06 EST BY NOAH STAATS

We're Back With Even More Things To Do In Newport, Rhode Island!

This article has been refreshed with new locations to check out while in Newport, Rhode Island, as well as helpful tips for a successful vacation. Whether visitors want to explore a Gatsby-era mansion, tour a lighthouse, or even witness a fun holiday parade, Newport is the place to be.

Related: Hike Rhode Island: 10 Of The Best Trails For Scenic Coastal Hiking

Things To Do

With its almost 400-year history, Newport has accumulated plenty of cool things to do. Travelers will be able to explore the many beaches, the gorgeous historical locations, and the natural environment of this coastal island city.

Stop By The Gatsby-Era Mansion: Rosecliff

One of the first things to see while in Newport, Rhode Island, is to stop by the famous Rosecliff Mansion . Located on the prestigious Bellevue Avenue, this Gatsy-inspired mansion is open to the public and works as a museum/time capsule of the area's rich past.

Notably, Rosecliff has also been known as the Hermann Oelrichs House or the J. Edgar Monroe House, so keep an eye out for those alternative names as well. Furthermore, Rosecliff was modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles but smaller and reduced to a basic "H" shape.

Many visitors to the site mention it feeling rather magical, so this is certainly a place to absorb history while also living lavishly for a couple of hours.

One of the more intriguing parts of the Northeast United States is the extravagant architecture, often leaving onlookers speechless. Again, this also doubles as a museum, which is a great way to escape the heat during warmer months in the city.

Address : 548 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840

Hours : Open daily, September 1 - December 31

The Rosecliff Mansion is also partially wheelchair accessible via elevator, so that is something to keep in mind when venturing over here. Getting into the property is straightforward; however, those with physical disabilities may not be able to tour the grounds.

Related: Why The Historic Pittock Mansion In Portland Is Worth Visiting

View The Famous Castle Hill Lighthouse

Something to do while in Newport, Rhode Island, is going to the Castle Hill Lighthouse, located t the end of the historic Ocean Drive. Here, people can witness the structure, which had first been lit in 1890, becoming a staple of the city.

The Castle Hill Lighthouse hosts various tours for people wanting to learn more about it.

Structurally, this lighthouse was built into the nearby rocks, giving it a very historic, charming appearance. This has become a top spot for photography in Newport, with brides, grooms, graduates, and happy families and couples flocking here at sunrise and sunset.

It's a good idea to arrive early or in the afternoon at the lighthouse to beat the crowds. Like any popular spot, the Castle Hill Lighthouse is no stranger to overcrowding on weekends, holidays, and seasonal events.

• Address : 800-870 Ocean Ave, Newport, RI 02840
• Hours : Open 24 hours, seven days a week
• Admission : Free

The Castle Hill Lighthouse is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days per week. This is a nice, free attraction in Rhode Island to experience, although it can become crowded on weekends and in prime seasons for photographs.

Check Out The International Tennis Hall Of Fame

One unique thing to do in Newport is to visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame . This complex is not only historic but is home to an incredible museum and still hosts tournaments every summer.

This is a very prestigious tennis center in the city, bringing legends of the sport each year. On top of that, the International Tennis Hall of Fame hosts regular events for lovers of the sport.

Like much of Newport, this hall of fame was constructed many decades ago, in 1880, and has withstood the test of time up until now.

• Address : 194 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840
• Hours : Open 7 days a week 10:00am - 5:00pm
• Admission : General Admission (adult): $20, Kids 12 and under: Free, Seniors (62+), Students, USTA members: $17

Enjoy The Newport Winter Festival

One of the most festive things to do in Newport during the holidays is to stop by the Newport Winter Festival. This typically runs from late November until Christmas and is filled with joy, community, and plenty of lights.

Oddly enough, Newport is known to be an incredibly holiday-friendly city, with the entire city lighting up during the Thanksgiving/Christmas season. It's also worth mentioning that this winter festival is in collaboration with local charities, businesses, and donors, all of whom love both the holidays and Newport.

"Christmas by the Sea" is one of the festivals during the month-long winter festivities in the city, so that's one to keep an eye out for when traveling through. The Rhode Island Christmas Festival also occurs in Newport around the same time, bringing even more cheer to the town.

Christmas here is certainly recommended.

• Address : 28 Pelham St, Newport, RI 02840
• Admission : Free (snacks and gifts cost money)

Take The Newport Cliff Walk

Walking the Newport Cliff Walk is a great thing to do for tourists who want to catch a stunning view of the ocean. Visitors will get to see some of Newport’s local wildlife, including wildflowers, birds, and possibly aquatic life. With the length of this trail only 3.5 miles, visitors can enjoy the trail at their own pace.

Listed frequently as one of the best free activities to do in Newport, Rhode Island, it is one of Newport's most beloved activities. Trek past the Gilded Age mansions on Ocean Drive and enjoy the opulence of Newport's best scenery; stop to look for seashells on one of the beach shores or wade in the chilly bay waters.

• Hours: All day, every day
• Address: 117 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840
• Admission: Free
• What to do here: Walk the recreational trail, enjoy local wildlife, see gorgeous views of the ocean
• Length: 3.5 miles

This recreational trail also has public bathrooms that are open in warm seasons during daylight hours!

Explore The Newport Historic District

The Historic District of Newport is probably the best place in the United States to see 18th-century buildings. Due to these numerous 18th-century buildings, the entire 250-acre area has been designated as a National Historical Landmark.

Visitors will feel like they’ve stepped back in time as they walk down the street. This location has even been used as a film set for Steven Spielberg’s 1997 movie Amistad, which is set in the 19th century.

• Hours: 24 hours, all-day
• Address: Eisenhower Park, 32 Touro St, Newport, RI 02840
• What to do here: See the beautiful colonial buildings of Newport, learn about 18th-century history, and stop at the many boutiques in this area

For a free thing to do in Newport, the Historic Downtown area can provide something for the entire group and typically takes 1–2 hours to navigate. There are quaint shops, restaurants, and even hotels along this stretch, making it the perfect day or nighttime event/attraction.

Shop And Stroll Down Historic Thames Street

Chock full of restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment, this is the buzzing epicenter of downtown Newport. Since the 18th century, this popular main drag has sported nostalgic bars and eateries offering up anything from oysters, old school arcades, and more.

A delight for the family to stroll on foot down the cobblestones of history, Thames Street is a great starting point for all visitors to Newport. Parking can be difficult, so plan to park further out of town and walk.

Related: Rhode Island Charms: 10 Small Towns To Visit In The Smallest U.S. State

Take In The Redwood Library And Athenaeum

The Redwood Library and Athenaeum is one of Newport’s most stunning attractions. With a collection of over 200,000 items, this library is one of the best places in Newport for tourists to stop at on a rainy day.

Visitors will fall in love with the Neoclassical architecture of the building, which was completed in 1750. Not only does this library also boast a collection of amazing historical artifacts, but they also feature different community events—like piano concerts, literary readings, and seminars—throughout the year.

• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm, closed Monday
• Address: 50 Bellevue Avenue Newport, Rhode Island 02840
• What to do here: peruse the library, read good books, enjoy community events, learn about history, see historical artifacts

Visit The Breakers Mansion

The Breakers Mansion is one of the most famous mansions in Newport . Visitors to this mansion will be stunned by the rich décor, the Renaissance Revival architectural style, and the stunning gardens at The Breakers.

The Vanderbilt mansion, The Elms, Marble House, Beechwood - these are all examples of the spectacular opulence of the Gilded Age of mansions in Newport. Everyone who was anyone from The Vanderbilts to the Astors (remember John Jacob Astor from the Titanic?) bought property here.

The Breakers may be the number one visited and most famous of these mansions, but it is no doubt for good reason. The house drips in flapper-era elegance from the chandeliers, gold features, and ornate patterns to the impressive wrought iron staircase in the main hall.

Built for the famous Vanderbilt family in the 1890s, the mansion is one of the best places to tour in Newport. Visitors here can see the stunning interiors and can peruse the rare tree collection that the sprawling garden boasts.

After seeing this mansion, visitors will know why they called the 1890s “The Gilded Age!”

• Hours: 10am-4pm daily
• Address: 44 Ochre Point Ave Newport, RI 02840
• Admission: $29.00, Children $10.00
• What to do here: See the many rooms of the mansion, enjoy the historic artwork inside, walk through the beautiful gardens, see the rare tree collection, learn about life during the Gilded Age

Explore Fort Adams

Military history buffs cannot leave Newport without spending at least one afternoon at Fort Adams . This 200-year-old fort is a great place to learn about US military history, with a collection of historical artifacts that includes seven original cannons from the 19th century.

The Fort is a former United States Army post that was established in 1799 and named after President John Adams, who held office at the time of its construction. At Fort Adams State Park, take a guided or self-guided tour of the fort (ranging from $5-$50 depending on youth, adult, or family package tickets) and visit the quarters of the military who served there the ramparts with views of Newport Harbor, and more.

Youth groups and scouts can even spend the night in tents or in the barracks for a truly up close and personal historic visit.

One popular draw for Fort Adams is the annual Newport Folk Festival. Lovers of Bob Dylan will still remember the story of when Pete Seeger unplugged his very nouveau sound at the Newport Folk Festival many moons ago.

Originally started in 1959, this festival is still happening today. Every summer in late July, The Newport Folk Festival takes place at Fort Adams State Park and features four stages of musicians along with food and vendors.

The fortress is located in the beautiful Fort Adams State Park, which overlooks the ocean.

• Hours: 8am-4pm Daily, tours are only available on weekends at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm
• Address: Fort Adams Trust 90 Fort Adams Drive, Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI 02840
• Admission: Guided tour: Adult $20, Youths aged 6-17 $10, children 5 and under are free; Self-guided tour: Adult $10, Youth $5, children free
• What to do here: See the 19th-century naval fortress, see seven 19th century cannons, learn about US military history, enjoy the ocean views of the Fort Adams State Park

Soak Up The Sun At Easton’s Beach

As one of New England’s top beaches , Easton’s Beach is a hidden gem of Newport. Visitors here can enjoy the sunshine, the sparkling blue water, and the salty smell of the ocean wind.

Children can enjoy the snack bar and carousel.

• Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Weekends 8am-9pm
• Address: Easton's Beach 175 Memorial Blvd. Newport, RI 02840
• What to do here: enjoy the ocean, snack bar, carousel

Related: Find Tranquility At These Underrated New England Beaches

Learn About Sea Life At Save The Bay Aquarium

Travelers to Newport with children will have a blast at the Save the Bay Aquarium . Located right next to Easton’s Beach, this is the perfect place for families to spend the day.

This aquarium has plenty of exhibits, including three touch tanks and exhibits on rescue animals.

• Hours: Friday-Sunday 10am-4pm
• Address: 175 Memorial Blvd. Newport, R.I. 02840
• Admission: Adults and Children over 3 $9, seniors and college students $8
• What to do here: Learn about the oceanic life of the Northeast Atlantic, interact with touch tanks, see rescue animals

Take A Scenic Bay Cruise

Take a scenic bay cruise of Narragansett Bay on the Coastal Queen Cruise boat . Choose from scenic tours of the local lighthouses, mimosa cruises or evening cocktail cruises. There's something for everyone to get out on the water.

Take A Tour Of Touro Synagogue

For those interested in history, taking a tour of the Touro Synagogue is a great way to spend the day. As the oldest synagogue in the United States, this is a great place to learn about Jewish history in the US.

Historically, Rhode Island was one of the safest places for Jewish immigrants to settle in the United States. Built in 1763, the synagogue has beautiful colonial architecture for visitors to enjoy. They can also learn about local history, as well!

• Hours: 12am-12am daily
• Address: 85 Touro Street Newport, RI 02840
• Admission: Adults $12, seniors $10, students $8, military $8, children 12 and under are free
• What to do here: Learn about Jewish history, enjoy beautiful colonial architecture, learn about local history

See History In Action At Newport Art Museum

For those who are interested in breaking into the art scene of Newport, the Newport Art Museum is a great place to start. With 2,900 works of art, this museum features art from all across American History. The museum has a special focus on 18th-century American art.

The museum also has a robust 20th-century art collection, as well as a contemporary art exhibit.

• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm, closed on Mondays
• Address: 76 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI 02840
• Admission: Adults $15, Seniors $10, Children 17 and under are free, college students and military $8
• What to do here: see art from American history, enjoy local contemporary art, enjoy rotating exhibits

Drive Along Ocean Drive

A ten-mile stretch of road, "The Newport Loop," passes all the best sites that Newport has to offer. From the Vanderbilts to Jay Leno, Ocean Drive is where the money lives. Take a scenic drive and pass countless mansions of the rich and famous.

This is known to be one of the best ways to spend time in Newport, even on a rainy afternoon! Whether just passing through or staying the night, a drive along Ocean Drive will satisfy seeing many of the sites from the road.

The Castle Hill Lighthouse is also located at the end of Newport's famed Ocean Drive, so this might be a two-in-one type of outing for travelers.

Go To A Winery or Brewery

Newport Vineyards and Greenvale Vineyards are two of the top vineyards to visit in the area. Offering tastings and opportunities to sip in the sun by the vines, these two wineries are sure to whet any oenophile's appetite for a relaxing wine-filled day. Check out their websites for upcoming events.

With over a dozen breweries and cider houses, Newport's sampling scene isn't exclusively for wine drinkers. Find beer flights at places like Newport Craft Brewing, Taproot Brewing , Sowams Cider Works, and Pivotal Brewing Company.

Take A Day Trip To Narragansett

Just across the Jamestown bridge is a quaint seaside haven in itself, waiting for visitors to come to enjoy clam cakes, lobster, scenic lighthouse vistas, and fishing trips. From Newport, it takes about 20-25 minutes by car to reach the quiet town of Narragansett .

This is a great option for those who want to step aside from the mansions and regal setting of Newport for a more laid-back beach vibe. Narragansett Town Beach and Scarborough Beach are excellent places to base a beach day with the family before heading back to Newport in the afternoon.

Related: Fall In Rhode Island: 10 Scenic Towns Perfect For Fall

The Best Time To See Newport

Any time of the year is good to visit Newport. With fall foliage trips , Christmas and holiday happenings , festivals for sailing and wine enthusiasts, and countless summer activities, there's enough to see and do no matter what the weather is.

Located on the Northeast Coast of the United States, Newport has a humid continental climate. This means that this area is prone to warm summers but cold winters. Newport’s weather is highly impacted by its location next to the Atlantic Ocean, which has a cooling effect on the area.

Summer has to be the best time to go to Newport. Located on an island, this area is often less hot than other areas in the region. The Atlantic Ocean keeps summer temperatures from getting as hot as other East Coast cities, like New York or Boston. Summer temperatures are typically in the 70s.

Newport is also a great destination in springtime for those who enjoy the natural environment . Springtime temperatures are usually in the 40s and 50s.

Due to Newport being on the Atlantic, the winter months can get quite chilly, with average lows in the 20s during January and February. However, despite the low temperatures and the snow, winter in Rhode Island is very charming, with lots of things to do during the winter .

The best months to go to Newport are June and July.

• Months: June and July
• Temperatures: mid-upper 70s

Best Ways To Get Around Newport

Newport, Rhode Island, is one of the most walkable cities in the United States! With many historical sites to see, this is a great place to walk. Visitors who walk around Newport should keep a lookout for the many unique local shops on Thames Street!

Newport is a great place for cyclists! Not only is the city bike-friendly, but it has a long history of cycling. In the late 19th century, Newport was the place where the first American bicycling organization was founded.

• Renting a bike typically costs around $50 per day.

Public Transportation

Since finding parking in the city can be difficult, a great option for travelers is public transportation.

• Fares are usually $2 per ride.

Public Transportation in Rhode Island no longer takes paper currency. They require visitors to have either the app or exact change.

Taking a rideshare or an Uber is a great way to get around the city for those who want to enjoy walking around most of the time but want a ride on a rainy day.

• A typical trip across the city usually costs $16-22, depending on time and location.

Renting a car is a great idea for those who are traveling with children or who are traveling on business.

• Renting a car usually costs around $23-$50 per day.

Related: These Swimming Holes In Rhode Island Are Perfect For Summer

Free mansions, dodgeball, daffodils and more: Check out what's happening this weekend

While it certainly looks like we're getting the April showers, you don't have to wait for May flowers.

Newport County is starting to come alive with color and that's just one of the reasons to get out this weekend.

From the start of the annual Daffodil Days to free mansion admissions to a dodgeball tournament there's plenty to do this weekend both indoors and outside.

Check out what's happening across Newport County and start making your plans.

Free admission to mansions

Residents of Newport County are invited to visit The Preservation Society of Newport County’s open houses and properties for free on Saturday and Sunday.

This offer applies to residents of Jamestown, Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Tiverton and Little Compton. Free admission is also extended to personnel stationed at Naval Station Newport and their immediate family, as well as students of Salve Regina University. Proof of residence, or a Naval Station Newport or Salve Regina student ID, is required.

The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms are open both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Rosecliff, including the exhibition “Gilded Age Newport in Color,” is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Houses and grounds close one hour after last tour admission. This offer does not include specialty tours such as Beneath The Breakers or The Elms Servant Life.

Experience the beauty and grandeur of The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Rosecliff. These wonderfully preserved historic houses appear in Julian Fellowes’ “The Gilded Age” series on HBO, and they have awed generations of visitors.

Download the free Newport Mansions audio tour app, bring your earbuds and hear the fascinating stories of people who lived and worked in these grand mansions. Children’s audio tours at The Breakers and Marble House bring the houses to life for young imaginations, with cool sound effects and fun characters like the dolphin under the staircase fountain (don’t call him a fish!) and the Sun God who brags about his fabulous curly hair.

City of Newport residents receive free admission year-round by presenting proof of residency. This offer excludes specialty tours such as Beneath The Breakers, The Elms Servant Life, Sparkling Lights at The Breakers and Inside “The Gilded Age.”

For more information, see  www.newportmansions.org/events/newport-county-days .

Butts Hill cleanup

The Butts Hill Fort Restoration Committee is inviting volunteers to a Spring Cleanup on Saturday. (Rain date is Sunday.) Cleanup starts at 9 a.m. and goes on until 1 p.m. Come anytime. The meeting point is the Fort gate on Butts Street off Sprague Street. Google “26 Butts Street” for directions to the Main Gate. No parking is allowed on Butts Street. Participants are asked to park along Dyer Street or at the Portsmouth High School tennis courts.

This will be a general cleanup of the parade grounds, pathways and open spaces. Every participant will need to sign a town liability form upon arrival. BHFRC staff will be on hand throughout the day, so if you join in progress, please sign in with a team member. Participants are asked to bring gloves, protective eye gear, loppers, shears, weed whackers and rakes. RSVP to  [email protected] .

Alliance Française de Newport hosts French Commandant

The Alliance Française de Newport will present a talk by Capitaine de frégate Malo Raoul, the French Naval Officer assigned to the Naval War College in Newport, and his wife, Clotilde, on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Road.

The talk is titled “French literature and its Influence,” (La littérature française et son influence.) and will be presented in English, with an introduction in both French and English. A Question and Answer session at the conclusion ofthe program can be in either French or English.

It has been a longstanding tradition for the French Commandant assigned each year to the Naval War College to make a presentation to Alliance Française de Newport members and the local community. The event will be held in the library’s Michael W. Mello Program Room and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served including some delicious cheeses. Space is limited. Reservations are required by email to: [email protected].

To learn more about Alliance Française de Newport, visit alliancefrancaisenewportri.org .

Community Dodgeball Tournament

The Middletown Prevention Coalition & People’s Credit Union in collaboration with Islanders Committed Youth Committee is hosting a Community Dodgeball Tournament on Friday at the Gaudet Middle School Gym, 223 Turner Road as part of Middletown Wellness Month.

Middle School Division (Grades 6, 7 and 8) will take place from 3– 4:30 p.m. with registration forms available in the Gaudet Main Office.

The High School & Adult Division will take place from 5–6:30 p.m. with registration available through Eventbrite .

There is no registration fee and a maximum of six players per team is allowed. Participants can register as a team or come as a free agent and be placed on a team. Prizes will be awarded to winners of each division and a team prize will be given for the most creative T-shirts.

Daffodil Days Opening Ceremony

Historic Clarke Cooke House on Bannister’s Wharf will be the scene on Saturday from noon to 12:30 p.m. for a dazzling daffy musket salute by the Artillery Company of Newport that signals the beginning of Newport’s Daffodil Days. Newport’s Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong will crown the 2024 Daffodil Queen who will then cut the Daffodil Garland and proclaim the official start to this month’s festivities. Daffy music and fun activities with lemon treats for young and old alike. Look for the big waving Daffodil to greet you!

Then head over to the Black Dog end of Bannister's Wharf and dress your dog in your daffiest duds and join the paw-rade for a yappy good time! The paw-rade steps off from Black Dog on Bannisters, marching to historic Queen Anne Square where the daffiest dressed dog and daffiest dressed human(s) will receive awards and prizes.

How many billionaires does Rhode Island have? It depends if you count summer homes.

Does Taylor Swift count as a Rhode Islander?

If so, the Rhode Island billionaires club got bigger last year.

Swift, the mega superstar singer – and NFL WAG – owns a $17-million mansion overlooking the Atlantic in Westerly's Watch Hill neighborhood. Swift has been known to stay there , so calling her a Rhode Islander isn't that big a stretch.

Forbes, which tracks billionaires worldwide, said Swift became a billionaire in October on the strength of earnings from her Eras concert tour and the value of her music catalog.

Dubbed the “Holiday House,” the Watch Hill mansion was bought by Swift in 2013, complete with an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a past that ties it to the Standard Oil fortune. The songwriter spun the story of the house’s past — and the divorcee who lived there, Rebekah Harkness — into the song "Great American Dynasty ” in her eighth studio album, "Folklore." 

Swift's Westerly house occasionally makes the news when it's visited by trespassers .

Did any other Rhode Islanders make the Forbes billionaires list?

Jonathan Nelson , of Providence Equity Partners, is worth $3.4 billion and lives in Providence, according to the  2024 Forbes list of billionaires worldwide.

Forbes says that he founded Providence Equity in 1989, was CEO until 2021 and is currently executive chairman. His firm has invested in more than 170 companies, many in the media, communications, education and information industries, according to forms.

Larry Ellison , chairman and co-founder of software giant Oracle, also made the list with a net worth of $141 billion. He owns  several mansions in Newport.

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Orville Peck Announces Expansive Stampede Tour Ahead of Willie Nelson Collab

By Tomás Mier

After taking a break from touring, Orville Peck is ready to hit the road.

Rolling Stone can exclusively announce that the country star — who recently announced his signing to Warner Records — will hit the road later this year on a massive headlining tour. He also teased a new collaboration with Willie Nelson .

“I took a break from last year to focus on myself and even though it was a difficult decision at the time, I’m so happy I did,” he tells Rolling Stone . “I feel healthier and happier than I’ve ever felt in my life and I cannot wait to get back on the road.”

Peck will commence the tour on May 28 in North Carolina, before making stops in Atlanta, Columbus, Chicago, Toronto, St. Louis, and Los Angeles. He’ll bring numerous other artists on the road with him, including The War and Treaty , Gold Star, and Nikki Lane.

Nelson is set to join Peck on a cover of Ned Sublette’s queer-coded track, “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond Of Each Other.” (Nelson previously covered it in 2006.)

“Just getting to be around Willie is so special,” Peck says. “You’d think he would make you starstruck because he is such a legend, but he just emanates joy.”

“It was his initial idea for us to do the song together and I will forever be grateful for his support,” he adds. “As an artist who has sometimes felt excluded from the Country music industry, once Willie Nelson wants to work with you, there’s really nothing the country world can say after that.”

The new song with the country legend follows Peck’s release earlier this year of “This Masquerade,” and his 15-track album Bronco last April, which featured singles “The Curse of the Black Eye” and “C’mon Baby, Cry.”

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