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Historic places in Newport

12 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Newport.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Historic places in Newport

  1. See

    Castle Hill Lighthouse

    This 1890 lighthouse is made of granite and has some great views.

  2. See

    Fort Adams

    Containing over 180 years of history, the fort itself is the largest coastal fortress in the United States and offers seasonal guided tours that showcase the property’s soldier’s quarters, Naval War College Museum Exhibit, beautiful architecture and engineering. Besides looking at the splendor that is Fort Adams, you can see the view of the Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay from Fort Adams State Beach. A beautiful beach with picnic and fishing areas; concession stand and public bathrooms are also available. Fort Adams is not just a historical part of Newport, it is also home to various festivals and events that take place on the fortress’ six and a half parade field and lawns. Some of these festivals include Family Day, a celebration for families, especially those with small children, which include clowns, face painting, and other fun activities and attractions. Fort Adams is also home to the annual George Wein’s Folk Festival, George Wein’s Jazz Festival, and McGrath’s Public Clambake.

    Guided tours $20; ages 6–17 $10; 5 and under free

  3. See

    Fort Adams State Park

    Perhaps one of the most well-kept establishments on Aquidneck Island is Fort Adams. The 30-year construction of the fort began in 1824, and was built by hundreds of immigrants new to America. The fort was used during the Civil War by the Naval Academy. This elaborately constructed fort used to contain more than 500 cannons, some of which were preserved and can be seen today. The stone structure is only used recreationally for festivals, and often for wedding receptions due to its beautiful location. Fort Adams can be seen to the right of the Newport Bridge in crossing.

    9AM-6PM daily, lifeguards in season

  4. See

    International Tennis Hall of Fame

    Newport Casino

    A non-profit institution made to preserve the history of tennis. Built in 1880, it shows the icons of tennis and showcases the largest collection of tennis memorabilia in the world. Visitors of all ages can come to this historical casino and experience the art gallery, and the plaques that commemorate the great players.

    9:30AM-5PMAdults $11, seniors, military or students with ID $6, under $16 4, family rate $20

  5. See

    National Museum of American Illustration

    Museum at historic Vernon Court houses works by Norman Rockwell, J. C. Leyendecker, N. C, Wyeth, Maxfield Parrish, and more.

    Summer Hours: Fri 3PM Tour, Sat Sun 11AM-5PMGeneral Admission. $18 Adults, $16 Seniors/Military, $12 Students, $8 Children (ages 5–12 only)

  6. See

    Newport Gulls Baseball Team

    The team plays a 42-game summer schedule, consisting of 21 home games, plus a Team USA Exhibition and the playoffs, at historic Cardines Field, which dates back to 1908. The New England Collegiate Baseball League is composed of 12 teams in all 6 New England states. The Gulls also host 6 summer camps located throughout Aquidneck Island, benefiting the youth of Newport County. Adults $4; Ages 13–18, Seniors, and Military ID's $2; under $12 1. Seasons passes are $50.

  7. Do

    Newport Jazz Festival

    The Newport Jazz Festival is a famous annual festival held every August at Fort Adams State Park. It was first founded by jazz pianist George Wein in 1954, and has hosted many famous jazz musicians ever since.

  8. See

    Touro Synagogue National Historic Site

    Afternoons exc. Sa. Hours vary by season. The Touro Synagogue was dedicated in 1762, and serves an active congregation today. The congregation was founded in 1658 by Sephardim who fled the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal and were searching for a haven from religious persecution in the Caribbean. Tours times vary, Adults $5, under 13 free.

  9. Do Not mapped

    12 Meter Charters

    Daily ticketed sails aboard a 12-meter yacht. Offers two-hour afternoon and evening cruises aboard 12 Meter yachts. Not your typical harbor cruise, 12 Meter Charters' ticketed cruises combine the history of Newport with the experience of sailing on Narragansett Bay. Enjoy historic Newport sights including Fort Adams and the Newport Bridge, lighthouses and lavish estates, aircraft carriers and historic schooners, and learn the history of sailing in Newport.

  10. Do Not mapped

    Bailey's Beach

    Rejects' Beach

    This private beach is one of the most exclusive on the East Coast. The beach club has historically been a summer getaway for Senators and other wealthy families. Tennis courts, parking, and concessions are not available to the public. Though the beach mostly remains off limits, the northeast end is accessible to the general public—separated by a fence, of course. This section is popularly known as Reject's Beach, though club members refer to it delicately as "the public end.".

    Sunrise-sunset dailyFree

  11. Do Not mapped

    Rhode Island Red Food Tours

    Offering three fun 3-3½ hour cultural, walking and tasting tours that takes you through historic off the beaten path neighborhoods and several of the best-kept secret local eateries. Regional foods from some of the most talented chefs in New England. Rain or Shine, Best to book advance tours fill up fast. Meeting place directions will be on ticket.

    Noon dailyFrom $76

  12. See Not mapped

    The Ocean Drive

    This is a 10-mile drive along the beautiful Newport shoreline. Along the drive you will see, Green Bridge, The Private Beaches (Gooseberry Beach, Hazards Beach, Bailey's Beach), Brenton Point State Park, Castle Hill Inn, and many gorgeous houses that hug the shoreline.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Newport (CC BY-SA 4.0).