Sights to See and Things to Do in Newport, Rhode Island
The Audrain Newport Concours & Motor Week is in Newport at the same time as NESS drawing a large audience, NESS suggests booking any tours early.
Newport Car Museum & Audrain Auto Museum
Visit two historical car museums in one city. The Newport Car Museum holds a private collection of 100+ automobiles, focusing on decades of modern automotive design and celebrates cars as the work of art they are. View the separate galleries of Ford/Shelby, Corvettes, World Cars, Fin Cars, Muscle Cars and Mopars from the 1950’s to today. The Audrain Auto Museum with its mission “Preserving, Celebrating & Sharing Automotive History”, transformed itself into exhibition space in 2014 for the preservation of automobiles. From the brass era to today, this museum contains 400+ cars and motorcycles.
These exhibits are always well-attended. In addition, the Concours & Motors Week is held annually and will be exhibiting during the NESS Annual Meeting. The event offers many ticket bundles and we highly recommend purchasing your tickets early for this event.
Newport Cliff Walk
Capture a panoramic view of century-old, Gilded Age mansions as you walk along the 3.5-mile long seaside trail. The famous path can be started at a number of entrances between Memorial Boulevard and Bellevue Avenue and is completely free of charge. You can expedite your adventure by beginning at Narragansett Avenue and visiting iconic sites such as The Breakers Mansion, Salve Regina University and Ochre Court, which is also the simplest path to take. Visit Newport's Cliff Walk's website to view frequently asked questions and check out the map!
Ride on the Rails!
Take in the sites of Newport in a different way! Rail Explorers offers pedal-powered tours for any age group along the Old Colony Railroad built in 1862. The railroad stretches along Narragansett Bay passing along sights such as Jamestown, Mount Hope Bridge, Hog Island Lighthouse and the coastal woodlands. Groups over 9 must call (877) 833-8588. Check out their tandem and quad bikes and book ahead!
Take a Trolley Tour
Take in a little bit of everything Newport with these trolley tours offered by Viking Tours! There are three daily trolley tours to choose from - enjoy 150 points of interest on a narrated 90-minute Scenic Overview Tour, Visit stunning mansions, such as the Marble House and The Breakers (and a mansion of YOUR choice!) on the 3-hour Grand Mansion Tour and last, but certainly not least, combined the two tours for an incredible 4-hour Vanderbilts' Newport Tour. Purchase your tickets in advance!
Sailing in Newport
Visit New England’s largest public sailing center, Sail Newport, and get out into the water on their many sailing packages! Up to four adults can go on the one-hour Try Sailing experience giving folks an opportunity to try out sailing with friends and family. For the more experienced sailors, they offer sailboat rentals for 3 hours or 6 hours throughout the warmer months, giving you more freedom on the waves.
You can also check out Sightsailing of Newport, one of the best ways to experience sailing in Newport! Their public sailing features Morning Mimosa and Champagne Sunset cruises, so from the start to the end of the day you always have the option to hit the water.
Go on a Mansion Tour
Experience turn-of-the-century America inside the former summer “cottages” of America’s wealthiest. Newport boasts some of the most elegant mansions built during the Gilded Age on the East coast. A few include Rosecliff, Chateau Sur Mer, Kingscote, Isaac Bell House, Hunter House and Chepstow. Some are so largely attended that they host events throughout the year, such as The Breakers, The Elms and Marble House. Visit the Newport Mansions website for more accurate pricing!
Visit a Historic Site
Newport’s rich history in New England has stretched past the turn of the century and to the start of the nation. Constructed in 1759 and named a National Historic Site in 1946, Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the United States. Famous for receiving a letter written by George Washington declaring religious freedom as one of his policy statements. Visit the Naval War College Museum, founded in 1884 and one of the 10 official American museums operated by the US Navy. The Redwood Library and Athenaeum is America’s first purpose-built and continuously running library dating back to 1747. Last year, the library celebrated 275 years established in Newport.
Newport Helicopter Tours
Fly sky high with these tours and take in the breathtaking panoramic view of Newport! Flying over 75,000 passengers since 2000, they boast dozens of tours and packages to choose from. From 30 minutes heli-ride to combinations with cruises and rail, the choices are yours!
Eat, Drink & Shop in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Company
One of the leaders in the New England brewing industry and the first licensed distillery in Newport boasts it’s Thomas Tew Rum, made with the equipment and ingredients our forefathers used to create top shelf rum found in over 500 restaurants and bars. Come enjoy their year-round and seasonal craft beers or enjoy an expertly concocted spirit for an evening. Check out other breweries Newport has to offer!
Newport Vineyards
Come and enjoy the winery, brewery and restaurant on over 100-acres of land. Focused on farm-to-table philosophy, they pride themselves on the freshest and finest ingredients in their own backyard. Check out other vineyards Newport has to offer!
Thames Street
The heart of the City by the Sea that dates back to 1654, Thames Street is lined up with dozens of shops, restaurants and bars. Visit the Salty Babe or Frazzleberriess for a nautical souvenir or stop by one of the many local art galleries. Dine casual at O’Brien’s Pub or the Red Parrot, or enjoy the raw bar at Midtown Oyster Bar. All in beautifully preserved colonial buildings.
Speakeasies
Get a hint of Newport in the early 20th century at one of their many ‘gin joints’. These intimate venues are well-known for their amazing – and signature – cocktails. Places such as Copper Club call their place home in Newport. If you’re looking for a mellow alternative to a bar, you’ve come to the right place.
Bowen's Wharf
Explore the quaint shops, boutiques and upscale restaurants housed in 18th-century commercial wharf buildings. With freshly baked pastries made daily at The Cookie Jar to award-winning cuts of steak at 22 Portside, you won’t be left hungry here! Get some ice cream at Kilwin’s and enjoy the sunset before the nightlife begins.
Enjoy Casual or Fine Dining
Newport versatile culture has made home to hundreds of restaurants that can match whatever mood you are feeling. Not feeling out to dine? There are plenty of delivery and take-out options as well!