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Scenic Newport, RI Self-Guided Driving Tour

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Welcome to the newport tour.

Explore Newport, RI, with a scenic self-guided driving Newport tour! See everything this seaside town has to offer at your own pace. Start at the Visitor Center and drive down Bellevue Avenue, the “most beautiful avenue globally.” The tour also contains the Newport RI mansion tour, where you see and learn about the gorgeous Gilded Age Mansions along the way – including The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff, Château-Sur-Mer, and more. Continue along Ocean Drive, which features breathtaking vistas, celebrity homes, and historic sites.

About the Tour

Start a journey to discover the city known for its picturesque Gilded age mansions. Discover how the rich, at the turn of the century America made and spent their money. This 12-mile-long tour covers the essentials of scenic Newport, Rhode Island.

The tour will start from the Visitor center on America’s Cup avenue. You will hear the story of the Gilded Age America and how it shaped the future. While driving, you will next see the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Newport has its share of museums, so the next attraction on the drive would be the Audrain Auto Museum.

After the museum, we will start seeing the Gilded age mansions. The first among them is the Edward King House, followed by Kingscote and Bellevue House.

Continuing on the avenue, you will come across The Elms, Chepstow, Ochre Court, and then The Breakers. Next on tour would be Chateau-Sur-Mer, Rosecliff, Beechwood, Marble House, Belcourt Castle, and this part of the tour would end at Rough Point.

You would then continue on Ocean Avenue and drive towards Crossways while enjoying the Ocean Drive while hearing its story. Next, you would listen to the story about the Brenton Point State Park and Hammersmith Farm, the summer home of Jakie Kennedy, wife of John. F. Kennedy.

In the last leg of the tour, you would drive and hear stories of Fort Adam, beacon Rock, Bonniecrest, Ida Lewis Rock, and Rochambeau Monument, and the tour would conclude in the Irish District.

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Map Of Newport RI

Where To Start?

Starting Point Address: 23 America’s Cup Ave, Newport, RI 02840

How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Our journey begins in downtown Newport, just by the Newport Visitor Center. As we set off into the heart of Newport, we'll dive into the past to learn about Newport's hey-day: the Gilded Age. This era of nouveau-riche American elites like the Vanderbilts and Astors has been marked by gorgeous mansions. We'll explore the architecture and architects behind these designs as drive.

International Tennis hall of Fame

At the International Tennis Hall of Fame intersection, we'll turn onto the famed Bellevue Avenue -- the most expensive avenue in America. We're about to see the most magnificent homes ever built in this country... facetiously known as "summer cottages". You can choose to pause here to check ou the Hall of Fame, which features tennis greats.

Audrain Auto Museum

As we head down Bellevue, we'll soon pass the Audrain Auto Museum and won't be able to help by admire it! It boasts both beautiful architecture and a frequent rotation of stunning cars.

Edward KIng House

We'll take a quick detour off of Bellevue to get a closer look at the Edward King House, just one block away. This is our introduction to the mansions of Newport.

As we head back to Bellevue, we'll see our very first Newport Mansion: Kingscote. We'll learn all about this summer home and it's inhabitants over the years. You can even take a tour of the inside.

Bellevue House

Bellevue House is next on our journey. This gorgeous mansion has a rich facade - and a long history to match! Since it's not open for tours, we won't try to pause here.

Issac Bell House & Snug harbor

As we continue down Bellevue Avenue, we'll pass more eye-catching homes: Issac Bell House and Snug Harbor. We'll learn about the unique owners of both homes, and can choose to stop at Issac Bell House for an interior tour.

Finally, we'll see the Elms. This masterpiece was designed for the coal baron Edward Julius Berwind, and inspired by France's Château d'Asnières. Here we'll want to slow down as much as possible to hear about the Berwinds -- and maybe pull inside for a tour!

Belmont Statue

When we spot Mr. Belmont's statue, we'll turn off Bellevue. We're now heading towards some of the largest and finest mansions in Newport -- and they're technically not even on this famously expensive avenue! As we drive, we'll learn a bit about Belmont -- whose fascinating story we'll pick back up when we see another grand house later on the tour.

As we journey along, we'll pass Chepstow, a gorgeous Italianate house museum built in 1860. It's original inhabitant isn't usually discussed in Newport histories... but has a long connection to both early American settlers and to the nouveau-riche of the Gilded Age. We can stop here for a tour as well.

Ochre Court

Ochre Court will immediately arrest our eyes! This châteauesque mansion cost of $4.5 million... in 1892. And it certainly shows! Now the centerpiece of the Salve Regina University, this mansion isn't open for tours... but that won't stop us from learning all about it's rich and fascinating history!

Vinland Estate

Vikings-inspired Vinland is now Salve Regina's McAuley Hall. As we pass this beautiful red-stone mansion, we'll learn all about it's inspiration and its unique owner.

The Breakers

Finally, we reach Newport's highlight: The Breakers. This Vanderbilt mansion is the biggest and the best of all of Newport's summer cottages -- and you can tell. We'll look past the towering wrought-iron gates, along the winding gravel drive, and up to the magestic and marvelous mansion's facade. We'll dive into the Vanderbilt backstory, the mansion's architectural wonders, and much more while here. This is another great opportunity to hop out for a tour.

Cheteau-sur-mer

As we head back towards Bellevue Avenue, we'll pause to check out the delicate beautfy of Chateau-sur-Mer. Not only is the first Gilded Age mansion in Newport, it also boasts one of the most beautiful, green, sprawling gardens. Both the house and the gardens are open for an optional tour.

National Museum of American Illustration

Right on the corner of Bellevue, we'll pause once again for a glimpse of Vernon Court. This mansion holds a different type of treasure inside: the National Museum of American Illustrations. Norman Rockwell fans simply can't skip this hidden gem.

Fredrick Law Olmsted

We continue our journey along Newport's Bellevue avenue, passing the historic Frederick Law Olmstead Park and learning about this historic landscape architect -- and his Gilded Age gardens.

Rosecliff is next on our path. This is arguably the most beautiful of the Newport Mansions, and it contains a rotating exhibition gallery on it's top floor. If you pause here for a tour, you'll also be treated to phenomenal ocean views.

As we continue, we'll pass the Astors' summer cottage: Beechwood. Mrs. Astor famously had a "300 List" - the definitive list of the 300 people she considered high society. Where did that number come from? Well, this ballroom actually! It fit 300 guests. We'll learn more about this list, the Astors, and the Gilded Age as we continue to drive down Newport's Bellevue Avenue.

Marble House

Our journey now takes us past Marble House, one of the most opulent and magnificent of Newport's Mansions. This Gilded Age marvel is another Vanderbilt home, and actually has one of the most interesting histories of all the mansions here. We'll learn all about Marble House and it's owners as we continue onwards -- or you can pause here for a tour.

Belcourt Castle

We'll then pass three amazing homes in a row: Beaulieu House, Miramar, and Belcourt Castle. All three of these beautiful mansions were built in the 1800s and belonged to Gilded Age elites. Like the other Newport mansions, they were only ever intended to be used as summer homes, and left vacant for the rest of the year.

Rough Point

We're now at the end of Bellevue Avenue and can catch a glimpse of an English Manorial style home through the trees: that's Rough Point. Now a museum open for tours, we'll learn all about it's eccentric (and possibly dangerous) owner.

Turn onto Ocean Ave

We'll exit beautiful Bellevue Avenue for another beautiful road: Ocean Drive. This part of the scenic drive is full of natural wonders.... and has a few more architectural ones thrown in too!

Gooseberry Beach

As we meander along this scenic path, we'll enjoy the fresh ocean air and relative calm. As we drive, we'll dive into the history of seafaring, trading, and yachting in Newport -- much of which finds its roots in the Gilded Age. As we continue, we can choose to pause at some of the public beaches to stretch our legs.

Brenton Point State park

Our journey continues past Brenton Point State Park, which boasts magnificent ocean views and sprawling green lawns. We'll try to spot the lighthouse as we continue forward.

Castle Hill Inn & lighthouse

We'll continue past Castle Hill Inn and it's lighthouse, learning a bit more about Newport's history after the Gilded Age.

Oceancliff & Newport Country Club

Next up, we'll pass OceanCliff and the Newport Country Club. We're now at the fartherst point along the Ocean Drive.

Hammersmith Farm

Our journey brings us to Hammersmith Farm, the childhood home of Jackie Kennedy. Jackie and JFK would later return to summer here, enjoying the same scenery, views, and breeze that you feel today!

We'll continue both our history lesson and journey into Fort Adams, as we explore this historic site and it's significance to Newport's independence.

Beacon Rock

As we turn the corner on Ocean Drive, we'll gatch a glimpse of Beacon Rock through the trees. We'll learn a little about this mansion's history as we admire it's facade.

BonnieCrest

Our journey then brings us to BonnieCrest, home of the Worceshtershire Sauce family! We'll then push forward to Harbor Court, and finally get some more scenic ocean views.

Ida Lewis Rock

Off the in the distance, we'll see Ida Lewis Rock. As we pass by, we'll learn all about Ida Lewis' heroic activities here.

Rochambeau Monument

We'll continue past the historic Rochambeau Monnument, celebrating the French commander's assistance in the fight against the British for American independence.

Irish District: 5th Ward

Our journey then brings us to Newport's Irish District, or 5th Ward. Here we'll explore the lives behind the scenes -- those of the workers that made the Gilded Age possible.

Consclusion

Our tour through Newport finally ends at historic St. Mary's Church, almost a full circle to where we started out at the Newport Visitor Center!

Preview The Tour

Inclusions and exclusions, nearby tours.

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Ocean Drive

10 miles of historic landmarks and stunning coastal views.

Going for a ride around the  Ocean Drive  is another one of my favorite  things to do in Newport . 

No matter how many times I've seen it, I never cease to be amazed at the beauty of all the homes out there, and the  breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean  they enjoy.  Attractions Native Advice Where To Start Map

Attractions

***Native Advice***

Where To Start

Ida Lewis Yacht Club

I love the spiral staircase and the little balconies

Plenty of windows to enjoy a perfect view of the Narragansett Bay

My favorite - sweeping ocean view and vanishing edge pool

Ocean Drive Map

View Ten Mile Drive in a larger map

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6 top-rated newport mansion tours + tips from a local.

Newport's famed mansions are a must-see in the City by the Sea.

Top-Rated Newport Mansion Tours

Gavin Ashworth | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

More than a century ago, America's wealthiest families commissioned their "summer cottages" to be built in the coastal enclave of Newport, Rhode Island , along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The era's most renowned architects outdid one another in size and scale as well as opulence and grandeur. Today, Newport is synonymous with its exquisite Gilded Age mansions, and experiencing them in person is an absolute must.

The majority of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport – but not all – are owned and operated by the Preservation Society of Newport County, and many of the most popular are open to the public year-round. Get ready to explore the Bellevue Avenue Historic District as you tour Newport's best mansions.

The Breakers

Courtesy of Andrea McHugh

Price: Adults from $29; kids from $10

Standout perk: The Breakers offers an audio Family Tour that engages young visitors with stories about the lives of the children who summered there, the staff who ran the home and interesting things to see in the mansion, such as the playful dolphin sculpture beneath the grand staircase.

Considered the grande dame of all the Newport mansions, The Breakers was no doubt built to impress. The summertime escape of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and his family was designed by the Gilded Age's preeminent architect, Richard Morris Hunt, and boasts a classic Italian palazzo design with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors can explore the mansion at their own pace via the self-guided audio tour available in nearly a dozen languages (some are transcripts only) on the Newport Mansions free app, which will come in especially handy if you plan to explore more than one mansion. Take some time to explore the beauty of the 13-acre grounds as well, and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes .

Those with a curiosity of how a mansion of this magnitude worked – after all, The Breakers was considered a modern marvel when completed in 1895 – will enjoy the Beneath The Breakers Tour. This guide-led tour takes you through the boiler room, tunnel and basement. Guests will learn how the home was outfitted with electricity, still considered a novelty during the Gilded Age. This tour requires a separate ticket from The Breakers' audio tour and is best suited for visitors 13 years and older. Advance reservations are recommended.

Local tip: As The Breakers is the most visited mansion in Newport, a good time to visit is either when it opens or toward the end of the day, especially in the busiest summer months. The early evening light can be ideal for photos, but plan accordingly as the house and grounds close one hour after the last tour admission. Before you visit, save time by downloading the free Newport Mansions tour app.

Check prices & availability on:

Marble House

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $10

Standout perk: While it's hard to rival the splendor of Marble House, the Chinese Tea House on the end of the mansion's lawn parallel to Cliff Walk is an unexpected visual delight. For an additional fee, Marble House visitors can enjoy sandwiches and refreshments at the cafe at the Chinese Tea House or make a reservation for brunch and afternoon tea service, offered on weekends May through December. The service is operated by Stoneacre Restaurants, which owns two popular restaurants in downtown Newport.

From the moment visitors walk under the four towering Corinthian columns fronting this mansion, they know they are in for a treat. Like other Newport Mansions audio tours, Marble House has a self-guided tour available via the organization's free app, allowing visitors to peruse the property at their own pace.

Inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles , Marble House is an architectural masterpiece. Made from 500,000 cubic feet of marble, the mansion was a 39th birthday present from businessman and philanthropist William K. Vanderbilt to his wife Alva. He spared no expense for their summer escape. Later in life, Alva Vanderbilt Belmont became a suffragist and hosted events at Marble House in support of women's right to vote. Viewers of the popular HBO series "The Gilded Age" may recognize rooms in the mansion as it was used for filming and also inspired sets.

Local tip: Don't miss the ballroom on the first floor – while it's not the largest in Newport, it's widely considered the most ornate, with gilt details from floor to ceiling.

Standout perk: While The Elms is spectacular, its formal gardens – 10 acres' worth – are extraordinary, complete with nearly 40 species of trees plus terraces, gazebos, fountains and colorful blooms, depending on the time of year.

Fashioned after an 18th-century French chateau, The Elms is a must-visit mansion, from the sun-soaked conservatory and the drawing room to the handsome library and the breakfast room bearing Chinese-style lacquered wall panels. A self-guided audio tour is available in nearly a dozen languages, but any fan of "Downton Abbey" or those curious about life behind the scenes of Newport's mansions will appreciate the Servant Life Tour at The Elms.

On this newly updated, guide-led tour, visitors start in the basement, where you'll see the operations of the house such as the kitchen and butler's pantry, all the way up to the domestic staff's living quarters on the third floor. Along the way, travelers will learn more about the personal lives of staff, and see rare photographs of servants at work and in their free time. You'll even get to learn about topics like immigration and labor disputes on this tour.

Local tip: The Servant Life Tour is not only fascinating, but you'll get the rare opportunity to go on The Elms' rooftop and be rewarded with an amazing and unexpected view of Newport Harbor.

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Rough Point

Price: Adults from $20; free for children 12 and younger

Standout perk: Rough Point sits at the southern end of Bellevue Avenue, so getting here allows you to enjoy views of both private mansions and those open to the public along the way. The mansion's oceanfront perch offers an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Cliff Walk Bridge, a stone arch bridge across the rocky inlet where Doris Duke would swim regularly.

Though a Gilded Age mansion through and through, Rough Point is perhaps best loved not for its grandeur but for its most famous resident: Doris Duke. The late heiress, collector and philanthropist – dubbed the "richest little girl in the world" when she was born – spent considerable time at Rough Point until her death in 1993. A self-guided audio tour leads visitors here through the art-filled home room by room, highlighting eclectic sculpture, family portraits, centuries-old tapestries, renowned furnishings and many pieces Duke collected as an avid world traveler.

While the formal rooms such as the Yellow Room and jaw-dropping Music Room are a sight, the ocean-facing Solarium affords the best views. Whether before or after your tour, visit the house tour on the website for photos and talks of Doris Duke at the home. Note that Rough Point is typically open seasonally from spring through mid-November.

Local tip: On Rough Point's grounds, you'll find a pair of life-size topiary camels inspired by Doris' pet Bactrian camels, Princess and Baby. Both enjoyed the summer months with the tobacco heiress at Rough Point and have become the unofficial mascots of the mansion. The Newport Restoration Foundation encourages taking a #camelgram photo with the Princess and Baby topiary to share on social media.

Dave Hansen | Courtesy of Newport Mansions

Standout perk: Rosecliff's signature feature – despite being home to Newport's largest ballroom, which hosted lavish society events throughout the Gilded Age – is its celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase.

Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, Rosecliff resumed tours in September 2023, much to the delight of Newport's visitors. Architect Stanford White, who was the mastermind behind Newport's historic Casino Theatre and myriad other important buildings, modeled the mansion after the Grand Trianon at Versailles for silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs. Its European influence is felt throughout.

Explore the mansion at your own pace via the self-guided audio tour on the free Newport Mansions app. Don't forget to look up in the ballroom, where the trompe l'oeil ceiling creates an air of whimsy and romance, making it the ideal setting for the filming parts of "The Great Gatsby" with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, as well as the more recent "27 Dresses."

Local tip: Rosecliff hosts many amazing events, including the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival held in September, which features dinners, events and seminars with wines and other libations from around the world.

Note: Rosecliff will have free admission in July and August 2024 as the second floor will be closed to the public during this time.

Chateau-sur-Mer

Standout perk: An audio tour is your guide to this National Historic Landmark, considered Newport's first true mansion. Learn about the lives of the Wetmore family members who lived there for more than a century.

Until the arrival of the Vanderbilt houses in Newport in the 1890s, Chateau-sur-Mer was considered the seaside city's most palatial residence. Today, visitors can explore the home, an Italianate-style villa built for wealthy China trade merchant William Shepard Wetmore, who did quite a bit of entertaining at this summer cottage.

Local tip: While Chateau-sur-Mer is essentially a Victorian Era time capsule, the mansion's grounds are home to amazing tree specimens, shrubs and more, including a striking weeping beech tree. If you explore deeper into the grounds, you'll find a cool circular maze made from mounds of grass; this earthwork by artist Richard Fleischner is known as the "Sod Maze" and makes for a relaxing place to meditate.

What to do nearby

In addition to the historic mansions, Newport offers a variety of historic attractions, walking trails and museums. To help you fully explore the area, here are some recommendations for things to see and where to eat.

Things to do:

• Wander along the Cliff Walk
• Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame
• Explore the historic Fort Adams
• Discover automotive history at Audrain Automobile Museum
• Explore The Sailing Museum
• Visit the Redwood Library and Athenæum
• Discover the oldest synagogue in the U.S.
• Browse the private collection at the Newport Car Museum

Nearby restaurant recommendations: 

• Breakfast: Annie's or Corner Cafe
• Lunch: Cru Cafe, Belle's Café or The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
• Dinner: White Horse Tavern, Clarke Cooke House or Castle Hill Inn
• Drinks: Midtown Oyster Bar, The Roofdeck at the Vanderbilt or The Living Room at The Chanler

Frequently Asked Questions

You will need to pay for entry to many of the Newport Mansions. However, driving or walking by is free.

Yes. Driving is one way to get from one mansion to another. You can also choose to take a self-drive tour to see the different mansions and learn about area history.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel 

Andrea McHugh is a travel and lifestyle writer based in Newport, Rhode Island, where the famed mansions of the Gilded Age are common sights along her daily run in the City by the Sea. Though she regularly visits the mansions as they play host to local business and social events, such as the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, Newport Classical Music Festival and Newport Film, she spent a recent "staycation" touring these turn-of-the-century behemoths to write this article.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Things to Do in Rhode Island
• The Top Things to Do in New Hampshire
• The Top Things to Do in Maine
• The Top Things to Do in Vermont

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Customize Your Newport Adventure

Explore Newport's Stunning Beauty

See why this location was one of the top summer choices for some of the wealthiest families.

Uncover The Mysteries of the Smallest State

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Foundation For All

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Available Tours

Tours can be presented in French or Italian upon request

Standard Tour: Primarily walking and short driving. (1-20 people)

Deluxe Tour: Includes more scenic chauffeured driving. (1-20 people)

Scenic Drives

• Mansion Tour

Battle of Rhode Island

Scenic Tour and Winery

Colonial Walking Tour

• Antique Cars

<——Swipe To View Tours——>

Scenic drives throughout Newport

This is a guided driving tour along Newport’s Historic Waterfront, Fort Adams, Ocean Drive (and its historic properties), Bellevue Avenue and many of Newport’s most famous mansions. It covers the Golden Age and Gilded Age periods of Newport History.

 (3-4 hours)

Various Mansions of the Preservation Society of Newport County

This tour is often combined with some short scenic driving.  We will then visit the two Vanderbilt Mansions (the Breakers and Marble House) and any other mansions of interest.

Driving Tours of the Battle of Rhode Island

This is a driving tour of Aquidneck Island to see many of the actual battle sites and memorials of the Battle of Rhode Island and includes a complete description of its historical importance.

Scenic Tour Along Cliff Walk

After a short drive from downtown Newport and a brief history of the town, we will walk along the Cliff Walk and hear stories of the Gilded Age.  We could then tour Newport’s biggest mansion, the Breakers, and drive back to downtown Newport.

Driving Tours That Include Stop At Local Winery

Besides a trip to one of the local wineries, this tour can include scenic driving, historical walking, and/or a mansion.

Historical/Colonial Walking Tours of Newport 

This includes exploring downtown Newport and many of its historic sites such as Trinity Church, Colony House, Touro Synagogue, Rochambeau’s headquarters, the Vanderbilt Hotel and much more.

 (2-3 hours)

Driving tours that include a stop at an Antique Car Museum

This includes visiting one or two Antique Car Museums along with a scenic drive of Newport, historical walking, and/or a mansion.

Your Guides

Professor of Finance at Providence College, and likes to include the “economic” aspects of Newport’s different, “Ages” in his tours.

Norman Desmarais

Professor at Providence College and author of 17 books on revolutionary war history.

Unlock Newport’s Secrets with Your Exclusive Tour

If you enjoyed your tour please leave us a review..

Ken is by far the most knowledgeable , entertaining tour guide we have ever had. Having been to Newport many times over the last 20 years never have I learned more interesting facts about this beautiful and historic city.

Beverly Raphael Altman

Wow, I don’t think we could ever top our guide, Ken Gaus! Ken is knowledgeable, personable, and an all-around delight as a tour guide. He drew our attention to places we’ve walked or driven past a thousand times, opening up a whole world of Newport history that had been under our noses all along.

Alex Ellermann

Newport, RI

If you are looking to experience Newport from a well-sourced, historical perspective, I strongly recommend Ken Gaus and Custom Newport Tours. Several friends and I recently enjoyed the Newport Colonial Walking Tour with Ken and we all agreed it was one of the highlights of our visit to Newport. 

Minneapolis, MN.

Our trip to the US was enhanced by Norman’s guidance and the knowledge he so happily shared with us. It was certainly one of our most memorable and enjoyable holidays.

Brisbane, Australia

Thank you Ken! We learned so much and loved the stories you shared. Will book again.

Britt Benjamin

Kansas City, MS

Extremely knowledgeable and a great storyteller. Ken was a fabulous tour guide and really customized our tour based on our interests. Highly recommend!

Ashton Collins

See the spectacular history of newport.

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How To Book

• Historic Newport
• Battle Of Rhode Island
• Newport Vineyard
• Greenvale Vineyard
• Trinity Church
• The Breakers
• Marble House
• Rough Point
• Belcourt of Newport

Private tours of Newport, RI, for you, your family & Friends

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Welcome to Newport Tour & Guide Company

Avoid the crowds on your own private Newport experience with our knowledgeable tour guides. Driving and water tour options. 

Tours to fit your sense of adventure!

Quintessential Newport and Mansion Driving Tours

Three-hour private, narrated tours by SUV or Luxury Bus. Group sizes 1-54, Our knowledgeable guides will teach you about the history of Newport, Rhode Island.  

City-side or Water-side Walking Tours

Around the heart of Newport, or on the famous Cliff Walk, our guides will take you on a walking tour that will bring history up close.   

Upper Narragansett Bay Sailing Tours

Family fun or group adventure! Be part of the journey, and we'll show you the sites and teach you how Narragansett Bay shaped Rhode Island. Groups up to 6 guests.

Corporate and Group Events

Specialized Group Tours with Newport Tour and Guide Company is ideal for any corporate or group event. From Step-on-Guides to multi-bus needs, showcasing the local scene of Newport RI or one of the many tour options in Rhode Island. Our team will get your group buzzing with adventure.    

E-mail or call us to reserve your custom guided tour

Tours start at $395. All of our tours are guided private driving or sailing tours.  Avoid the crowds and let us give you a unique fun experience to see Rhode Island. 

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Top 10 Things To Do In Newport, RI During September

It's that time of year again, when we say a tearful goodbye to summer's long days, hot temperatures and lazy days at the beach. But the good news is that the best of Newport is just around the corner. Ask any local and the response is the same: "September is the best month to visit and explore Newport." We've selected our top 10 things for you to do right now when you visit, and some may surprise you!

Newport's Beautiful Beaches Are Still Waiting For You

Learn About Newport's Celebrated History As the Sailing Capital of the World

Take a Relaxing Sail Around Newport Harbor

Check Out Newport's Colonial Past With an Historical Ghost Tour

Stroll the Oceanfront Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

Visit Newport's Vineyards for Tours and Tastings

Explore Rose Island and Its Historic Lighthouse

Immerse Yourself in Newport's past at Fort Adams

Take to the Air in a Thrilling Helicopter Tour of Coastal Rhode Island

Go Fly a Kite at Brenton Point State Park

Whatever your particular interests, September in Newport is a magical time to visit. Great weather in the mid-70's, warm ocean water and all of your favorite restaurants, bars and hotels are still open for everyone to enjoy too. Just set some time aside for these special trips and we promise you won't be disappointed.

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Newport Mansions extends 'The Gilded Age,' The Breakers third floor tours

by NBC 10 NEWS

NEWPORT, R.I. (WJAR) — The Preservation Society of Newport County announced it is adding more tour hours for two of its most popular Newport mansions tours.

There will be additional opportunities for visitors to be on the Inside the “Gilded Age” Tour and The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour starting Sept. 3.

According to officials, the “Gilded Age” tour will be offered every Tuesday and Friday from Sept. 3 to Sept. 26.

This tour takes visitors through four mansions as the guides explain which scenes were filmed in various rooms and the stories behind the real people that lived in those mansions, preservation society officials said.

Officials said that tickets need to be purchased in advance at the Newport Mansions website.

• ALSO READ: Health Department recommends reopening Conimicut Point Beach

The Breakers third floor tour will be offered twice a day daily at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. from Sept. 3 through Oct. 14.

The third floor of the historic mansion was first opened to the public this June.

According to the Preservation Society of Newport County, the guide-led tour will allow visitors to learn about the private spaces that were used by the Vanderbilt family.

Officials said from Oct. 15, the tours will be available once a day at 1:30 p.m.

The tickets can be purchased beforehand at the Newport Mansions website .

The Breakers

Built 1895 National Historic Landmark

The Breakers is the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial pre-eminence in the Gilded Age.

Plan your visit

Things to do, the breakers family tour, daily opening hours.

A dragon in the dining room and a dolphin under the stairs – this tour will introduce children to this Gilded Age mansion from a unique and fun perspective.

The Breakers Virtual Tour

Daily virtual.

Visit The Breakers from the comfort of your own home

The Breakers Audio Tour

Based on personal diaries, letters, records and oral histories, The Breakers audio tour offers first-person accounts of life in the house from members of the family, servants and their children. You’ll also learn fascinating facts about The Breakers and how it was built, and see details of the rooms that you might otherwise not notice!

Beneath The Breakers Tour

Daily 10:30 am.

Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.

The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour

Daily 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm* (see below).

For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts is open for public tours. *Sept. 3-Oct. 14, offered twice daily at 1:30 and 3:30 pm. Starting Oct. 15, offered once daily at 1:30 pm.

Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour

September 3 – 27, 2024.

Fans of HBO’s "The Gilded Age" will love this guide-led tour of locations in four of the Newport Mansions where the show was filmed. Tuesdays and Fridays only, September 3 through 27.

Interested in a group tour?

Special rates available for groups of 20 or more adults and 10 or more students.

Audio tours are self-guided using our free audio tour app

Visitors must bring their own smart device with earbuds/headsets and download the free Newport Mansions tour app before your visit. Printed scripts are available at most mansions and staff appreciate your questions.

Download the App

The Breakers was built by America’s pre-eminent architect for one of the richest families in the world.

Original Builder

Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt II

Richard Morris Hunt

Construction dates

Brick faced with Indiana limestone

Ownership transferred to the Preservation Society

More Mansions and Gardens

Marble house, chateau-sur-mer, green animals topiary garden, hunter house, isaac bell house, the breakers stable & carriage house, additional visitor info, map & parking info.

Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.

Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Mansions & Gardens

Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.

Partners in Preservation

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Hotels with Pools

Hotels on the Water

Unique places to stay, best rooftop bars, must-try lobster rolls, top ice cream spots, big birds in bristol, plan for fall, endless summer, top september events, fairs + festivals this fall, on-going gallery exhibits, guide to parking, first timer's guide, top 12 things to do.

ocean drive in newport, rhode island

10 miles of commanding coastline meets one winding road on Newport’s iconic Ocean Drive. Start your journey just off historic Bellevue Avenue and continue along for an undeniably tranquil journey with heart-stopping views. You’ll pass by Gilded Age mansions, Hammersmith Farm where Jackie Kennedy grew up, Brenton Point State Park , Fort Adams State Park , and Gooseberry Beach, a favorite summertime spot. Don’t forget to roll the windows down to catch the soothing sound of rippling waves meeting the shoreline.

• Summer on The Coast
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• Ocean Drive
• Free Things To Do
• Beaches, Sailing + Water Sports
• Farms + Orchards
• Arts + Museums
• Featured Attractions
• Top 10 Things To Do
• Outdoor Recreation
• Mansions + Historic Sites
• Entertainment + Nightlife
• Spa + Wellness

You can’t put a price tag on nature’s allure. Ocean Drive is free and open to the public.

The real magic here happens at dawn when a sunrise palette paints the sky and you’ve got the road all to yourself. Sunset is also a popular time to visit, but you’ll want to get a head start as the road tends to get busy.

You can start your journey from multiple locations.

• From downtown : Begin at the intersection of Thames Street and Wellington Avenue.
• From Bellevue Avenue : Begin at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Coggeshall Avenue, at the very end of Bellevue Avenue

attractions along the way

Ida Lewis Yacht Club

New york yacht club, fort adams state park, eisenhower house, hammersmith farm, castle hill inn, brenton point state park, gooseberry beach.

Ocean Drive, Newport RI

Sea Rocks, Ocean Drive, Newport RI

Classic Spring

Food tours to take this spring.

These leisurely-paced food tours will take you on journey that sharpens your senses and indulges your foodie side.

Rail Bike Tours

Rail bike tours have returned for the season, book your pedal-powered tour today!

Guide to Wineries + Breweries

Heaven? It's a place on earth when you're here. These local vineyards and breweries just make it more indulgent.

Rainy Day in Newport

Trust us, you won't mind staying indoors for this list of rain-proof activities.