Newport (Rhode Island)

Newport is a beautiful seaside city in Rhode Island that is famous for its genteel mansions and a rich history of yachting, golf, and tennis. With a population of only 25,000 (2020), this scenic resort town punches well above its weight and was known as the "Summer White House" throughout the 1950s and 60s.

Understand


One of the largest cities in the future United States during colonial times, Newport's decline in the early 19th century is good news for today's visitors, who can experience one of the nation's largest collections of intact colonial architecture; had Newport followed the same path as its former peer cities, its historic buildings might have been razed decades or even centuries ago. But Newport is even more well known for another historical period: the Gilded Age of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when some of America's most prominent families built eye-popping summer homes, which they called "cottages," along the waterfront. Many of the mansions are now open for tours.

Newport is also known for hosting many popular festivals, including the Newport Folk Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival. Cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks accent an upscale touristy downtown area with many shops, galleries and great restaurants, all located near the water. Newport sits on the southern end of Aquidneck Island and features several fine beaches, rocky cliffs and much history including an old fort.

Visitor information
The summer weather generally calls for shorts, short sleeves, and swimsuits. Newport is also surrounded by water you might want to pack a sweatshirt for the night time because it can get a bit cool. Be sure to bring an umbrella with you because Newport is not exactly invincible to rain. It would also be a great time to break out your sunglasses because the summer is the sun's favorite season.



By car
To get into Newport, or anywhere on Aquidneck Island, you can take one of three bridges: the Claiborne Pell Bridge (known by many locals as the Newport Bridge), from Jamestown, the Sakonnet River Bridge, from Tiverton, or the Mount Hope Bridge, from Bristol.

By plane

 * T.F. Green Airport in Warwick offers many low cost and regular flights to many cities in the United States. It is about 45 minutes away.
 * Boston's Logan Airport is much larger and is generally used for most international flights. It is 1 hour 35 minutes away.
 * Newport State Airport . 4 miles northeast of downtown (11 minute drive) on the border with Middletown; this airport is small and does not offer commercial flights.

By bus
RIPTA runs an express bus service from Providence every 30 minutes.

By ferry
Block Island Ferry runs multiple ferries daily from Block Island and Fall River. From Providence, Seastreak Ferries offers four daily round trips with a journey time of just under one hour. Additionally, Jamestown and Newport Ferry offers a more leisurely trip from Jamestown, just across the bay and islands in between.



By private boat
If travelling on a private boat, there are many marinas in Newport harbor that offer dock space for sailboats, powerboats, million-dollar yachts, and even cruise ships that set anchor in the harbor.



Get around
Newport is a great town to walk or ride a bike in. Visitors will quickly notice others using bikes, scooters, and mopeds to circumvent city traffic. Many restaurants and shops are packed into the harbor area, which is perfect for walking, especially on a cool summer night.

By car
Parking your car can get pretty difficult at certain times of the year, which is another benefit of walking. If you decide to take your car downtown, there are various locations that have parking meters. The meters take only quarters (15 minutes) and dimes (5 minutes), and allow you to park for 3 hours. In addition to meters, there are many parking lots that charge around 15-30 dollars for parking.

See

 * Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive.
 * Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive.

Mansions
Like most of Newport, the mansions owned by The Preservation Society of Newport County ooze history. The mansions represent over 250 years of history and architecture with walk through audio tours of the establishments. Each establishment, fully preserved, has a different history. Some date from the Women's Right's Movement in 1920 with Greek and Roman sculptures, some double as 19th century art galleries, and some boast impressive gardens complete with sculpted topiaries. Admission prices vary by tour, whether it is one property of your choice ($14.50 for adults and $5.50 for children ages 6-17) or a five property tour of your selection ($31.50 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-17). Tours of the more popular mansions, such as the Breakers or Hunter House are a bit pricier than the rest. You can purchase your tickets on site at any of the houses or in advance online or.

The Newport Mansions consist of eleven historical sites all with different architectural aspects, history, interiors, and landscape. Out of these eleven, seven are nationally recognized historic landscapes. The Newport Mansions do not only showcase historical house museums, but are also hosts to different galas and functions on the lawns and inside the mansions themselves. The Newport Flower show, proms, and specialty tours are just some of the extra features to see at the Newport mansions including the exquisite array of holiday decorations that are put up during the season.

Newport Mansion tours are not only for those interested in historical architecture or Rhode Island history, but for all ages due to the walk through tours, audio information, and the overall grandiose appeal of the estates.

Park in the free off-street parking spaces provided by all Preservation Society properties (with the exception of the Hunter House where you can park on the street.). Allow an hour and a half per house to fully enjoy all that the Newport Mansions have to offer, from their gorgeously elaborate interior to their spacious and breathtaking grounds.



Newport Historic District
A fine collection of well preserved colonial buildings nestled along Newport's waterfront. This is a prime spot for tourists, over 250 acres have been repurposed into one-of-a-kind museums, bespoke shopping, and fine dining options.

Do
Newport offers a variety of activities throughout the year. During the summer season, water sports are extremely popular among Newporters and tourists. Sailing and boating tours are also available starting in the spring, while an outdoor skating rink is a great place to be during the winter. Shopping and gambling are also great tourist attractions throughout the entire year in Newport. You can even take a food tour and get a taste for several restaurants so you know where to go for lunch or dinner while in Newport.



Beaches
Newport is known for its beautiful beaches. There are a variety of both public and private beaches located in the Newport area. Many beaches located in Newport are within a few blocks from each other, and have a variety of different features. Some are great for swimming, fishing, and making sand castles, while others have picnic areas and great surf. Some of Newport’s beaches provide family events and entertainment during different times of the year. All beaches in Newport have great views and are perfect for a little relaxation.



Surfing
Surfer's End at Second Beach in Middletown encourages surfers of all abilities, just down the road from Easton's beach past the Newport town line. For more experienced surfers, Ruggles beach is a hot spot for larger swells and rougher waves. Island Sports around the corner form Easton's beach, offers a wide range of women's, men's and children's surf attire, clothing, accessories and equipment. The shop is a picture perfect outlet for any surfer's needs, with a huge warehouse located in the back of the store stocked with new boards, used boards and ones in the process of being repaired. Island Sports also has a truck filled with beginners surf boards that remains parked at surfer's end, providing easy access to rent a board or pay for lessons right on the beach with a professional surf trainer. Across the street from Island Sports is Elemental Surf & Skate which is more focused on apparel, but the website does offer a free, live update of the surf at the beach; letting you know as a surfer whether it's worth your while or not to head down and catch some waves. Both have low-key friendly consumer atmosphere's and knowledgeable ready to help staff.

Fishing
There are many places in Newport and the rest of Aquidneck Island to go fishing. Saltwater fishing for striped bass, bluefish, and tautog (blackfish) is the way to go. Being on an island, there are many places to fish from. Some of the best spots with easy public access are Fort Adams, Brenton Point, Castle Hill, and any of the public beach areas. You can also charter a fishing boat out of one of the many marinas.

Rhode Island has passed a law that requires all fishers to obtain a license to fish the waters of the state. The license costs $7, and is to be renewed once a year. To qualify you must go to the local Wal-Mart (by the rotary on Connell highway) and pay the small fee to legally fish while you stay in Newport.



Learn
Newport is a great place to learn and take classes in a variety of different activities. Scuba diving and sailing are two incredible summer activities that you can learn in Newport. Learn to dive at the Newport Diving Center and learn to sail at the Newport Sailing School. There are art classes available at the Newport Art Museum. The classes are offered year-round and are an enjoyable option if you find yourself in Newport during the “off” season (September to May).

Buy
Newport makes for a great shopping destination. A vast number of stores crammed in to the downtown area makes it easy to walk and window shop. Open daily year-round the Brick Market Place is a family friendly outdoor shopping area; offering 25 shops selling everything from jewelry to clothing to handmade gifts and souvenirs. This open-air market is made up of three parallel rows of businesses, and plenty of outdoor seating.



Eat
Newport is one of the state's most charming seaside towns; harboring some of the finest seafood restaurants in the area. If that's not your style, Newport still has plenty of other fantastic dining options. The restaurant scene offers a variety of choices ranging from elaborate and lavish experiences to more quotidian and workaday fare. If you're not afraid to break the bank on an anniversary dinner, check out the restaurants housed within the more upscale hotels in town. You don't need to be a guest, but you will need reservations. These are some of the most high class places you can go, short of having dinner at The Breakers. The menus—featuring some of the best seafood in the state—can only rivaled by the extensive wine lists.

Drink
Newport is known for its lively night scene. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet cocktail, hang with the locals, or dance along to a live band, you will find a place in Newport to suit your preferences. “Downtown” Newport has bars all within walking distance of one another. Many bars are located just a few blocks from most hotels and inns, making a scenic walk an easy choice. Most bars are in the downtown area including upper Thames Street, lower Thames Street, America’s Cup Avenue, Memorial Boulevard, and Bellevue Avenue.



Sleep
There are a few big hotels, and an abundance of bed & breakfasts. In season, it's expensive everywhere, and many places require multiple night stays.



Stay safe
Visitors awed by Newport's numerous mansions, immaculate public gathering places and well-preserved historic sites might be surprised to hear that the city has a higher-than-average crime rate. While it is generally very safe, visitors should take common sense precautions. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings in the same way you would in any densely populated area where criminals may seek to target the easily distracted.

One area where visitors should be particularly cautious is the Cliff Walk. Though crime is virtually unheard of here, more than a few people have been injured―some of them seriously so―while wandering off the path. Dramatic views come with the risk of dramatic falls. No matter how tempting a closer look may be, stay on the path and you'll have nothing to worry about.

Go next

 * Ferries go to Block Island in the summer.
 * Cape Cod
 * Boston