Home to spectacular coastal scenery, awe-inspiring architecture, a thriving waterfront downtown, and welcoming hospitality, Newport, Rhode Island is considered by many to be a shining gem in the coastal crown of the New England States.
Founded in 1639 as a colony of religious freedom, Newport is now a treasure trove of historical sites such as preserved colonial homes and buildings, Gilded Age mansions, museums and other places that will fascinate visitors.
In the late 1800’s, America’s wealthiest families chose Newport as their premiere resort destination. Today, visitors marvel at the magnificent Gilded Age mansion “Summer Cottages” they built on Bellevue Avenue. Regarded by many as the grandest of Newport’s treasures, this wide, tree-lined avenue is lined by Gothic Revival cottages, shingle-style houses, and opulent French and Italian-style palaces. Many of these, which bear notable names such as The Breakers, Marble House, Astors’ Beechwood, Belcourt Castle, and Rough Point, are open to the public and are always an impressive experience for tours or as a site for a private event!
Labeled a “sailing capital of the world” for good reason, the city-by-the-sea holds great appeal for water enthusiasts! A longtime home for the America’s Cup, the waters of Newport Harbor annually welcome ships from around the world! In Newport, visitors can enjoy a sunset sail aboard a wooden sailboat, an afternoon sight-seeing cruise on a former rum runner built during the height of prohibition, or even a harbor excursion on a chartered former America’s Cup 12-meter racing yacht. Newport is also home to the Museum of Yachting and the International Yacht Restoration School. Scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, surfing and swimming are also favorite activities in Newport.
Topping off the grand allure of the mansions and the sea, it is often the simple pleasures that make Newport such a remarkable destination. A stroll on the Cliff Walk, a 3.2-mile walking path that winds between the sprawling lawns of the Newport mansions and the pounding surf of the Atlantic, is a one of a kind experience. Spend an afternoon at one of our three local vineyards or downtown wandering the cobblestone wharves where one is sure to turn up an exciting discovery in a unique shop or fantastic restaurant. A charming seaside city with an intriguing past and vibrant spirit, Newport, Rhode Island has the unique ability to offer something for everyone, while still dazzling visitors with special amenities that could not be found in any other destination!.
Nearby Attractions & Things to do in Newport, Rhode Island:
It would take many days to enjoy all of Newport’s sites and activities. A good way to start your visit is with a Narrated Historic Trolley Tour that will take you around 10-mile Ocean Drive, down Bellevue Avenue and through points of interest in downtown. These tours depart from the Visitors Center and provide a good overview of the city and will help you decide what you would like to visit during your stay. The following is just a sampling of what a visitor can look forward to when visiting Newport, Rhode Island.
Shopping
From “chain” stores such as Talbots, Gap and Banana Republic to boutique shops, mom and pop stores and antiquing, Newport has something for everyone and all within walking distance to the Newport Marriott.
Mansions or “Summer Cottages” of the Gilded Age
Visit the Marriott concierge or the Visitors Center to inquire about tours and times.
Some of the Preservation Society Mansions: Breakers, Elms, Marble House, Rosecliff
Astors’ Beechwood Mansion
Belcourt Castle
Roughpoint
Place of Worship – (also see Colonial History)
Trinity Church, the first church steeple in the U.S. also houses the nation’s only three-tiered pulpit. Sit in the row that George Washington worshipped from.
Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the U.S. where you can also read a letter from George Washington praising “Religious Liberty”.
St Mary’s where the soon to be president of the U.S., John F. Kennedy, and Jacqueline Bouvier were married 1953.
Colonial History
Just walk the streets of Newport and you will experience colonial history strolling by the largest collection of preserved colonial homes in use in America. Many of these buildings are Nationally Registered Places and are designated by plaques on the front of the home.
The Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, the oldest surviving house in Newport, 1670’s
The Colony House was built between 1736 and 1739 and is RI’s first sate house.
Seventh Day Baptist Meeting House in the Newport Historical Society building.
The Great Friends Meeting House, built in 1699, is the oldest surviving house of worship in Newport.
Hunter House is one of the finest examples of Georgian Colonial architecture from Newport’s “golden age” in the mid-18th century.
Redwood Library, 1747, is the oldest continuously circulating library in America.
Golf
There are courses on the island. Keep in mind this a busy time of year for golf and it is best to make a reservation. See the Marriott concierge if you are interested.
Sport-Fishing
Newport offers fantastic off-shore fishing and if you are feeling brave there is a lobsterman who will take you out and show you how he makes a living on the sea. Check with the Marriott concierge or the Visitors Center.
Walking, Hiking & Biking
In addition to public walks there are many organized walking tours to take part in.
Newport’s most famous walk is the 3.2 mile Cliff Walk. A free public walking path that winds between the sprawling lawns of the Newport mansions and the pounding surf of the Atlantic, a one of a kind experience. Guided walks are sometimes offered. Check with the Marriott concierge or the Visitors Bureau.
Historical Newport Walking Tours. See the Marriott concierge or the Visitors Center.
The Norman Bird Sanctuary is great for nature hikes and bird watching.
Rent a bike or moped and enjoy Newport up close.
Enjoy a walk on one of the island’s many beaches.
Lighthouses
If it is lighthouses you enjoy there are many in the area and some that are accessible by land that you can walk to.
Beaches
Beaches along the coast are ideal for long walks and swimming. Hearty Rhode Islanders will swim throughout the month of September as the water temperature can remain in the mid-60’s Fahrenheit. A local tradition is the “Polar Bear Plunge” every January 1st.
Other Activities
Tour The International Tennis Hall of Fame or play on the only public grass courts in the U.S. where the best players
are inducted into the Hall each July.
Visit some of Newport’s Museums; Art Museum, Museum of Newport History, National Museum of American Illustration, Museum of Yachting and others…
Stop by The International Yacht Restoration School and see students learning the craft of building wooden boats by hand.
Visit the Stone Tower and see if you can discover the tower’s mysterious origins.
The Arts
Newport’s cobblestone wharves are lined with a variety of galleries featuring everything from exceptional nautical photography to spectacular landscape paintings and unique sculpted pieces. For visitors looking to highlight their visit with dramatic entertainment, the performing arts lineup features enjoyable plays and musicals and moving dance presentations by the island’s resident dance company.
Dining
Treat yourself to the freshest seafood or experience Italian, Thai, French, Indian, sushi, or whatever suits your tastes. Newport has something for everyone and be sure to experience the local soup, Chowder, which comes in many varieties including the traditional New England style. Check with the Marriott concierge about reservations and price range.
For further information, please contact:
Italian Trade Commission - Atlanta Office
233 Peachtree Street N.E. Suite 2301 Atlanta, GA 30303 USA
Nearby Attractions & Things to do in Newport, Rhode Island:
Colonial History
Lighthouses
Dining