Newport attractions reveal the the area's natural and social history

Newport is a fascinating small city that retains the appearance of its Colonial past in its streets, buildings, churches, and wharf. One major attraction is the Newport mansions, like the famous Rough Point, former home of heiress Doris Duke; Marble House; the Breakers; the Elms; and more. From 1930 to 1983, Newport was the home of the America's Cup yacht race, and its yacht racing history is alive on the wharf and throughout the city. The Newport Navy base, now the home of the Naval War College, is the location of the Naval War College Museum. Other attractions in Newport for adults and families with children, include the Tennis Hall of Fame and Fort Adams, where the famous Newport jazz and folk festivals are held every summer. Wile you are in Newport, visit one of its vineyards or take a breathtaking helicopter tour.

Bird’s Eye View Helicopters

Jeff Codman
211 Airport Access Road Middletown, RI 02842 Phone: 401-843-8687 Toll-Free: 1-877-914-TOUR

The only way to see Rhode Island!

Experience the thrill of helicopter flight with Bird’s Eye View Helicopters. Fly in our 2007 Robinson R-44 helicopter and see Bellevue Avenue’s world renowned mansions from all sides. You’ll fly over Ocean Drive, one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. Enjoy the majestic Castle Hill and Rose Island light houses as well as Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy's summer home, Hammersmith Farm. One of our many tours will astound you with a truly unique perspective. Open year-round and minutes from downtown Newport, call 401-843-8687 or visit our website today for reservations. The sky is waiting for you!

Naval War College Museum

686 Cushing Road Newport, RI 02841 Phone: 401-841-4052 Fax: 401-841-7074

Open year-round Mon-Fri 10a-4:30p; Weekends from June-Sept. 12-4:30p. Closed holidays.

The museum is in Founders Hall (1820), a National Historic Landmark, and features exhibits on the history of naval warfare and the history of the Navy in the region, as well as the naval history of Narragansett Bay. Founders Hall is where the college started in 1884 and where naval historian Capt. Alfred Thayer Mahan wrote the epochal The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 - the book that helped to change the course of naval history at the start of the 20th century. Exhibits include milestones in naval warfare, the significance of the sea in international policy objectives, and the relationship between the U.S. Navy and Rhode Island in general. You may also access the U.S. Navy's History Database of ships and aircraft, available on a kiosk at the museum.

Newport & Bristol County Convention and Visitor's Bureau

23 America's Cup Avenue Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-849-8049 Toll-Free: 800-976-5122

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 New England. From weekend getaways spent touring the famed Gilded Age mansions that were once the summer playground for socialite families with names like Astor and Vanderbilt to an afternoon of wine tour and tasting through Newport's three scenic vineyards, the options for interesting activities, distinctive stories, and enticing photo opportunities are countless!
Did you know that visitors to Newport can rent court time to play where the legends have played on the lawn courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame? Or that guests looking for a unique bit of history can take a tour of the Astors' Beechwood mansion where they will be escorted by guides in character of the powerful family that once vacationed there? Home to the oldest operating synagogue in the United States, the oldest operating tavern in the nation, and rows of historic homes, walking tours through Newport offer visitors a unique way to experience and learn the many stories of the city-by-the-sea!
Discover Newport RI - a spectacular destination brimming with stories to be told!

Newport County Chamber of Commerce

Newport, RI 02840 Phone: 401-847-1600

Newport County is steeped in history and beauty. The City on the Sea, in addition to the famous mansions, has the distinction of having more authentic colonial era structures than any other American city. The region, which also includes Jamestown, Portsmouth and Middletown, features beaches, vineyards, scores of great and interesting shops, an array of restaurants, luxury hotels and quaint inns and B&Bs. Beautiful parks and dramatic vistas are found along Ocean Drive. Also not to be missed are the Tennis Hall of Fame, Fort Adams, and Newport’s world famous folk, jazz, and classical music festivals. The Newport County Chamber of Commerce can provide you complete information and help in planning your visit.

Newport Vineyards

909 East Main Road (Route 138) Middletown, RI 02842 Phone: 401-848-5161 Fax: 401-848-5162

Newport Vineyards is a family owned winery, founded in 1978. Paul and John Nunes, whose local roots date back to 1917, purchased the winery in 1995. Since that time, the winery has grown to 50 acres of varietal and hybrid grapes. Visitors are offered public tours at 1 and 3 pm, seven days a week. These include a tour in the vineyards, a behind the scenes look at the winemaking process and a tasting of five wines. The winery features an art gallery and retail shop with wine accessories and signature clothing. Private tours and tastings for groups of ten or more are available. Newport Vineyards specializes in rehearsal dinners, corporate affairs and custom labels. The winery hours are Monday thru Saturday 10-5 and Sunday noon-5 year around. Receive a $2 discount off the admission price, valid for up to two adults by presenting this web page.