Things to do in Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island is a charming coastal town known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking seaside views. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking to unwind by the ocean, Newport offers something for everyone.

Castle Hill Lighthouse

Perched on a rocky outcrop at the entrance to Newport Harbor, Castle Hill Lighthouse offers one of the most iconic and picturesque views in Rhode Island. The lighthouse, built in 1890, is a popular spot for visitors to watch stunning sunsets and observe boats coming and going from the harbor. The lighthouse is on the property of the Castle Hill Inn.

Fort Adams State Park

Fort Adams State Park is a historic site with stunning views of Narragansett Bay. The park is home to Fort Adams, a 19th-century military fortress that played a key role in defending the area during the Civil War and both World Wars. Today guided tours are offered that showcase its fascinating history. In addition to its military history, the park features picnic areas, walking trails, and open spaces, making it a popular spot for outdoor activities.
Guided tour: Life at the Fort: Fort Adams Guided Walking Tour

The Breakers

The Breakers is the most well-known Newport Gilded Age mansion. It was built as a summer home for the Vanderbilt family in the 1890s. This grand estate features 70 rooms, extravagant architectural details, and beautifully manicured gardens, showcasing the immense wealth and lavish lifestyle of America’s elite during that era.

Audrain Auto Museum

This museum isn’t large, but it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in cars. It’s in the historic Audrain Building and it has rotating exhibits every four months. They have over 400 cars and motorcycles ranging from historic vehicles to present day supercars. When I went, it was an exhibit specifically about supercars. Each car had information displayed and there was a QR code you could scan to see the car on the road and hear the engine.

Goat Island Lighthouse

Goat Island Lighthouse is located next to Newport Harbor Island Resort on a small island just off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island. This lighthouse has been guiding ships safely into Newport Harbor since 1823. The lighthouse, which is still operational today, sits at the entrance to the harbor and offers stunning views of the harbor, the surrounding coastline, and downtown Newport. It’s accessible by a short walk from the waterfront or a boat tour.

Chateau-sur-Mer

Chateau-sur-Mer is a historic mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, known for its stunning blend of Gothic Revival and Italianate architectural styles. This house was completed in 1852 and it was the most luxurious residence in Newport until the appearance of the Vanderbilt houses in the 1890s. It’s definitely worth a visit.

Rough Point

Rough Point was the Newport home of Doris Duke, who was an heiress, collector, and philanthropist. On the outside, it doesn’t look as special as the other mansions in Newport, but the inside is absolutely stunning. The house was built between 1887 and 1991 for Frederick W. Vanderbilt and his wife Louise. Inside the house, you’ll be able to see how the house once was and view exhibits about Newport’s history. I loved how most of the exhibits had things you could touch. There was even a scavenger hunt for children. Oh, and there are some stunning ocean views from this house.

The Cliff Walk

The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island is a scenic 3.5-mile trail that runs along the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the Newport’s historic mansions. The path, which winds past the famous Gilded Age estates, provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Newport’s shoreline while catching glimpses of the grand architecture that once housed America’s elite. There’s even a guided tour: Newport: Cliff Walk Guided Tour

Dine In America’s Oldest Tavern, White horse Tavern

For my birthday this year, I decided I wanted to dine at the White Horse Tavern. It is the oldest operating restaurant in the United States, and 10th oldest in the world. It has been a tavern since 1673, and it served as the meeting place of the Colony’s General Assembly, Criminal Court, and City Council. We went for dinner and went for the full experience getting drinks, appetizers, dinner, and dessert. Everything we had was delicious. We dined in the bar section. I would absolutely go back again.
Learn more: Dining At The White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island

Save The Bay’s Seal Watch Tour

Save The Bay’s Seal Watch Tour offers a unique opportunity to observe harbor seals in their natural habitat along the coastline of Rhode Island. Led by knowledgeable naturalists, the tour takes visitors on a boat excursion through local waters where they can see these playful marine mammals hauled out on rocks or swimming near the shoreline. A perfect winter family-friendly activity, the Seal Watch Tour also provides valuable insight into Rhode Island’s diverse marine life and the conservation efforts to protect it.

Visit Rose Island

Rose Island, located just off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island, is a small, uninhabited island known for its historic lighthouse and natural beauty. Rose Island is said to be haunted, but who’s to say if that’s true. You can stay in this lighthouse and find out for yourself or you can visit the island for the day and check out the lighthouse, old fort, and beaches.

The Elms

The Elms is a grand mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, built in 1901 in the Beaux-Arts style. The estate is known for its exquisite architecture, beautifully decorated interiors, and expansive gardens, which reflect the opulence of the Gilded Age. The tours showcase the lavish lifestyle of its original owners and the timeless beauty of the property.

The Marble House

The Marble House is a stunning mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, built between 1888 and 1892 for industrialist William K. Vanderbilt and his wife, Alva. The mansion is known for its extravagant use of Italian marble. The Marble House is a National Historic Landmark and offers visitors a glimpse into the world of America’s elite, with its beautifully preserved architecture and historical significance.

Bowens Wharf

Bowen’s Wharf is a historic wharf in Newport. The wharf dates back to the 18th century and is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore Newport’s maritime heritage while enjoying local seafood, boutique shopping, or scenic boat tours. It’s the perfect place to experience the coastal charm and rich history that Newport is known for.

Bannister’s Wharf

This historic wharf was the social and commercial lifeline to colonial Newport. Today, its known for vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere. The wharf offers beautiful views of the harbor, with many outdoor patios where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and watch boats drift by.

The Newport Car Museum

Okay, so this isn’t technically in Newport. It’s in Portsmouth, Rhode Island right by the Newport border. It is a private collection of 100 automobiles. It focuses on eight decades of cars from the 1950s to the present. It’s organized into different galleries for different types of cars: Ford/Shelby Cars, Corvettes, World Cars, Porsches, Fin Cars, Mopars, and American Muscle. Some people consider this to be one of the top car museums in the world.