Sights and landmarks in Newport

Sights and landmarks 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-5PM·Adults $11, seniors, military or students with ID $6, under $16 4, family rate $20

5. See

   Jane Pickens Movie Theater

   JPT Film & Event Center

   This unique art house cinema was built in 1834 as a church and converted to a two–story theater in 1919. The theater has a capacity for 500 people. Jane Pickens' beautifully renovated interior is a perfect setting to watch the newest independent films and documentaries. The theater can be rented out for private functions such as fundraisers, parties, business events, weddings, and anniversaries. With its small stage, Jane Pickens can also accommodate artists and filmmakers to debut their work for a private audience or to the general public. This theater is one of the only cinemas in Rhode Island that will re-release classic films for the public to enjoy again. Today, the theatre retains its charm by bringing the arts to the public through movies, films, performances and more. Attractions range from 2011 release “The Artist” to the La Corsaire from the Bolshoi Ballet.

   $15-25

6. 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-5PM·General Admission. $18 Adults, $16 Seniors/Military, $12 Students, $8 Children (ages 5–12 only)

7. See

   Naval War College Museum

   For reservations call at least 24 hours in advance. Reservations and photo identification are necessary for entry onto the Naval Station.

   Year round, Mon-Fri 10AM-4PM, noon-4PM on weekends Jun-Sep. Closed holidays

8. See

   Newport Cliff Walk

   Dedicated in 1975, this 3.5 mi public access walkway is a beautiful walk, and two-thirds of the trail is easy walking for all ages. The cliff walk offers some of the most beautiful views in New England, and wildlife can be seen throughout. Along the way you'll get a peek at several the famous Newport Mansions. Be sure to look out for the Forty Steps; an amazing staircase leading into the ocean below. During Newport's Golden Age, the steps were a gathering place for servants and workers from the nearby mansions. Here they would hold weekend dances and play the Irish songs and music that reminded them of home. The bottom of the steps are also safe for swimmers, runners and walkers alike. To walk the trail, start at Newport's First Beach and follow the coast to Ocean Drive. While walking, watch out for poison ivy. Additionally, some portions of the walk drop off steeply into the water, rocks can be slippery, and the path is not fully paved; so proceed with caution. Most people complete the Cliff Walk in about 2-4 hours. While bikes are not permitted, dogs are as long as they are kept on a leash. There are no refreshments or picnic areas, so plan ahead. The north end is handicapped accessible and baby carriage accessible. There are multiple ways to exit the Cliff Walk, all of which lead back to Bellevue Avenue and the front side of the mansions. Walking back to your car can take a while, so consider the free RIPTA trolley as a viable return option.

   Sunrise-sunset daily·Free

9. 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.

10. See

    Rough Point

    Tour philanthropist Doris Duke's eclectic art collection housed in one of Newport's finest "cottages".

    Seasonally Tue-Fri 10AM-4PM, Sat Sun 10AM-5PM·$20, students $10

11. 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.

12. See Not mapped

    Ballard Park

    If there were any particular area in Newport that would be described as park perfection, Ballard Park is the unrivaled paragon of parks in Rhode Island, let alone in Newport. Surrounded by a dense forest, the park itself is also shadowed by a massive stone wall in the background, creating a very unique setting to have any sort of event, such as stage music, jack-o-lantern trails, and family picnics. The owners of Ballard Park have hosted many similar public events in the past, all of which had been considered large community successes.

13. 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.

14. See

    Belcourt of Newport

    Bellevue Av. Built between 1891 and 1894 for Oliver Belmont.

    Tours: Fri 6:30pm, 8pm, Sat Sun 11:30AM, 1PM, 2:30PM

15. See

    Chateau-sur-Mer

    474 Bellevue Ave

    Jul 31-Oct 1 daily

16. See

    Chepstow

    120 Narragansett Ave

    Sat Sun Jul 31-Aug 31

17. See

    Hunter House

    54 Washington St

    May 30-Jul 30 daily

18. See

    Isaac Bell House

    70 Perry St

    Sat Sun Apr 30-May 29

19. See

    Kingscote

    253 Bellevue Ave

    May 30-July 30 daily

20. See

    Marble House

    596 Bellevue Ave

    Open daily year-round

21. See

    Newport Art Museum

    76 Bellevue Av

    Labor Day to Memorial Day: Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM, Sun noon-4PM; Memorial Day to Labor Day: Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PM·Adult admission to the museum is $10 and children under 5 are free

22. See

    Rosecliff

    548 Bellevue Ave

    Sep 1-Dec 31 daily

23. See

    Samuel Whitehorne House Museum

    416 Thames St

24. See

    The Breakers

    Built between 1893 and 1895 for the Vanderbilt family.

    Open daily year-round·$29, youth (6-12) $10

25. See

    The Elms

    367 Bellevue Ave

    Apr 1-Oct 29 daily

26. See Not mapped

    Museum of Yachting

    Fort Adams Dr

    Mid May-Oct: 10AM-5PM·$5/$4

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