Newport, Rhode Island 2024 Travel Guide
Where is Newport, Rhode Island?
Newport is a seaside city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, about 37 miles southeast of Providence and 74 miles south of Boston.
Many travelers to New England have heard about this popular destination, but want to know "What is there to see and do in Newport?"
Newport offers visitors beautiful architecture, museums, art galleries, shopping, world-class cuisine, nightclubs, authentic music and harbor tours. From world-renowned festivals to lavish mansions to New England hospitality, the Newport area offers a variety of experiences for visitors.
Once the summer playground of America's wealthiest families, Newport remains a popular vacation destination at any time of year. The area's historic sites, architecture, events, fishing, beaches, water recreation, shops and fine restaurants draw tourists from around the world.
Newport has one of the highest concentrations of colonial homes in the nation in the downtown Newport Historic District. In addition to the colonial architecture, the city is known for its Gilded Age mansions, summer "cottages" built in varying styles copied from the royal palaces of Europe. Newport is the last intact wooden city in North America, with over 300 buildings dating before the American Revolution.
In Newport, the largest public beach, Easton's beach, or First Beach, has a view of the famed Cliff Walk. Sachuest Beach, or Second Beach, in Middletown is the second largest beach in the area.
An internationally known sailing destination, Newport for many years was home to the series of yacht races for the America's Cup.
Newport's shopping districts include Broad Street, lower Thames Street, Thames Street, Spring Street, Brick Market, Bellevue Avenue and Bowen's and Bannister's Wharves.
 Bannister's Wharf Marina in Newport |
Long a strategic base for the U.S. Navy, today Naval Station Newport is the city's major employer.
We lived in Newport while serving in the U.S. Navy, and have visited the city and surrounding areas of Rhode Island several times. On this website we are sharing many of our original Newport photographs, trip tips, recommendations and commentaries. Special thanks go to Discover Newport for additional photography.
A visit to Newport is highly recommended!
Newport GatewayThe Newport Gateway Transpsortation and Visitors Center is located at 23 America's Cup Avenue. Visitors can park their car and access public transportation, including the local trolleys, which make getting around Newport convenient and trouble-free. |
Discover Newport is also located at the Visitors Center as is the Newport Visitors Information Center. Discover Newport’s knowledgeable staff can provide information on the where to stay, where to eat, attractions and events, available tours and local transportation. |
Popular Attractions and Things to Do in Newport
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Scene in downtown Newport, Rhode Island |
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Annual Special Events in NewportPopular annual events include:
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The Newport Jazz FestivalHeld each August (Photo courtesy of Discover Newport) |
Newport Hotels and Restaurants
Dining in NewportNewport offers an extensive variety of restaurants, entertainment and dining options. Lobster and clams ... definite Newport traditions! |
Seen above is Newport Vineyards. (Photo courtesy Discover Newport) |
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Highlights of Attractions Around Newport
The BreakersThe Breakers is the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. The mansion is a 70 room Italian Renaissance- style palazzo inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. It is located at 44 Ochre Point Avenue. (Staff Photo) |
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One of the ornate, iron entrance gates to The Breakers in Newport |
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Marble HouseMarble House, at 596 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, was built between 1888 and 1892 for Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt. (Staff Photo) |
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Newport Bridge and HarborView of the harbor and the Newport Bridge at sunset |
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Cliff WalkThe Newport Cliff Walk is one of the most popular attractions in the city. This 3.5-mile public access walkway bordering the shoreline is designated as a National Recreation Trail. (Photo courtesy of Discover Newport) |
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Daffodils blooming in the spring in Newport
(Photo courtesy of Discover Newport)
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Trinity ChurchNewport's Trinity Church is the oldest Episcopal parish in Rhode Island. The first church was built in 1700, and the present church built in 1725-26. (Photo courtesy of Discover Newport) |
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SSV Oliver Hazard Perry |
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More Attractions and Things to Do Around Newport
A great way to get around town, and see the sights ... Newport Trolley |
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Touro TowerThe historic Touro Tower in Newport, a structural remnant of either a Colonial grist mill or a Viking observatory |
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International Tennis Hall of FameThe International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. It honors players and contributors to the sport of tennis and includes a museum, grass tennis courts, an indoor tennis facility, and a court tennis facility. |
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Fort AdamsFort Adams, a National Historic Landmark, took 33 years to complete, and is the largest and most outstanding example of military architecture for the period between the War of 1812 and the Civil War. |
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Newport Art MuseumNewport Art Museum located in the 1864 Griswold House (Photo courtesy of Discover Newport) |
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Newport Car Museum
(Photo courtesy of Discover Newport)
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Brenton Point State ParkBrenton Point State Park, home of the annual Kite Festival, is a public recreation area occupying 89 acres at the southwestern tip of Aquidneck Island in Newport. The state park offers wide vistas of the Atlantic Ocean where it meets Narragansett Bay. While at the park, you probably will want to enjoy Del's famous frozen lemonade ...
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Rail ExplorersSee Newport from a different angle, and get some fresh air and exercise on this unique attraction! |
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For More Information about Newport
Discover Newport - 23 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, RI 02840. Phone 800.326.603