Originally a bustling Colonial seaport, Newport transformed in the late 1800s into the summer playground of the Gilded Age elite. Today, grand mansions line the shores of Aquidneck Island, and the pastimes favored by those families — especially sailing and tennis — remain central to the city’s recreational life. Newport hosted the first U.S. Open tennis championship in 1881, staged early golf tournaments starting in 1895, and served as the site of the America’s Cup from 1930 to 1983. Much of Newport can be explored independently, including many of the historic homes, although guided tours add depth and context to the experience.
For a welcoming first look at Newport, follow “The Drive,” a scenic 10-mile route that begins at the intersection of Thames Street and Wellington Avenue in downtown. The route passes Fort Adams, the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk and several of the most famous Gilded Age mansions. If you don’t have a car, consider joining a guided walking tour from the Newport Historical Society; their offerings cover topics from Newport’s strategic role in the American Revolution to the lifestyles of the wealthy families who summered there.
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The lavish “cottages” once owned by the Vanderbilts and other prominent families are open to visitors with both guided and self-guided options. Before your visit, download the Newport Mansions app and bring earbuds for the self-guided audio tours available at The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Rosecliff. For a deeper look, reserve a guided behind-the-scenes tour of The Breakers or The Elms. Kingscote is suitable for self-paced visits, while Hunter House is typically shown on guided tours.
Fort Adams State Park offers a mix of guided and independent touring options of its historic fortifications. Guided tours highlight spaces such as officers’ quarters and underground tunnels; without a guide, some areas—especially the tunnels—may remain closed. On Mondays, the Eisenhower House, which served as Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Summer White House, is open for a self-guided visit.
Recreation has long been central to Newport’s identity. The new Sailing Museum and the National Sailing Hall of Fame provide insight into the city’s maritime legacy, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame celebrates the sport’s local history. For pleasant waterfront walks, the 2.5-mile Fort Adams Bay Walk circles Fort Adams and offers views of lighthouses and yacht clubs. The paved Cliff Walk blends ocean panoramas with close-up views of Gilded Age architecture, making it one of Newport’s signature experiences.