Must See’s and Do’s of Scenic Newport.
Cliff Walk – Memorial Boulevard
Sunrise to Sunset
The Cliff Walk along the eastern shore of Newport, RI is world famous as a public access walk that combines the natural beauty of the Newport shoreline with the architectural history of Newport’s gilded age. Wildflowers, birds, geology … all add to this delightful walk. What makes Cliff Walk unique is that it is a National Recreation Trail in a National Historic District. In 1975 the walk was designated as a National Recreation Trail … the 65th in the nation and first in New England. The walk runs 3.5 miles and about two-thirds of the walk is in easy walking condition.
Ocean Drive
Always Open
This scenic drive, also known as Ten Mile Drive, encompasses most of the southern coastline of Aquidneck Island. This area used to be farmland, but today is one of the most popular attractions in Newport. Once you’re out here, it’s very easy to see why. Although you could spend a whole day just enjoying the stunning views, there are many other things to do out here. This is one of the best spots in Newport for bike riding, running, kite-flying, picnicking, fishing and scuba diving.
Castle Hill Light House – Ocean Avenue
Sunrise to Sunset
Castle Hill Lighthouse is located on Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island at the end of the historic Ocean Drive. It is an active navigation aid for vessels entering the East Passage between Conanicut Island and Aquidneck Island. Although the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the grounds are easily accessible by footpaths in the area.
Tour the Breakers Mansion – Ochre Point Avenue
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The 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. Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) established the family fortune in steamships and later in the New York Central Railroad, which was a pivotal development in the industrial growth of the nation during the late 19th century. The best time to see all of Newport Mansions is during the holiday season.
National Museum of American Illustration – Bellevue Avenue
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Visitors can appreciate our American Imagist Collection as a medley of beautiful paintings coupled with a historical overview of our unique culture. These works are our visual history, indeed they are American civilization illustrated. The original paintings and drawings in our Collection were specifically created for reproduction in books, periodicals, newspapers, advertisements, and art prints. In the process, illustrators created iconic images, a mythology of our history, and a virtual catalog of bygone styles and days.
Newport Skating Center– America’s Cup
Opens December 9th, 2016
Enjoy the historic colonial charm and singular ocean views surrounding our outdoor waterfront rink. The rink easily accommodates up to 150 skaters! There are rotating nightly specials, community partners and seasonal celebrations mean there’s something new happening every visit!
Free parking, ice skate rentals for adults and children, on-site concessions, admission discounts, professional skating instructors, and skating by the sea.
International Tennis Hall of Fame – Bellevue Avenue
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Following a visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in the early 1950s, Jimmy Van Alen, then-President of the Newport Casino, and his wife Candy, decided that tennis also needed a place to honor its great figures. The Newport Casino was in danger of demolition, and with its rich tennis history, it was the perfect spot to establish a hall of fame. Jimmy Van Alen successfully lobbied the leadership of the United States Lawn Tennis Association to sanction the establishment of a National Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. The venerable Newport Casino became the National Lawn Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum and was officially recognized by the International Tennis Federation in 1986.
Save the Bay Seal Watch Tours
Hours vary
Join us aboard one of our education vessels as we motor through historic Newport Harbor and take in 360º views of seals resting on Citing Rock off of Rose Island and the Newport Bridge. One-hour seal tours are entirely boat-based, while two-hour tours include a tour of Rose Island Lighthouse.
Jane Pickens Theatre – Touro Street
Showtimes vary
The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center is a world-class art house cinema located in Washington Square in the historic center of Newport, Rhode Island. As the only movie house in downtown Newport, The JPT is a film and event space with a sense of style based on history. The JPT does not just show films but creates experiences. In addition to screening films on a daily basis, the theater also hosts live music, parties and performances.
Guided Tour of Fort Adams State Park– Fort Adams Tree
10 AM to 4 PM (refer to website for daily schedule)
The hour long guided tour provide you with an overview of the history, design and restoration of Fort Adams. Your tour guide will take you from the top of the Forts walls to the depth of the underground tunnels.
