Scenic Newport, RI Self-Guided Driving Tour

Tour Details

Type
Driving
Duration
2 - 3 Hours
Audio Stories
49
Deep Dives
39

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, in 1-2 hours.

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.

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

What You'll See

Welcome
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.
Kingscote
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.
Elms
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.
Chepstow
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
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.
Beechwodd
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!
Fort Adams
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

Stop 1 : Welcome

Stop 2 : The Gilded Age

How It Works

Additional Information

What do we do?

Simply put, Action Tour Guide is an audio guide, map, and tour book – all in one app! We are a GPS-enabled app-based tour that narrates information based on your location right on your phone. You can experience our driving and walking tours at your own pace and literally at any time of the day!

Lifetime Validity

Changing travel date? No worries! All individual tours come with lifetime validity.

No Network Needed

The tour works offline which means you do not need your phone network to enjoy the tour. However, we do suggest you download the tour at your home, hotel, visitor center, etc before you head out for a completely immersive experience.

Not an Entry Ticket

This is not an entry ticket.

Scenic Newport, RI Self-Guided Driving Tour

Tour Details

Welcome to the Newport Tour

About the Tour

What You'll See

Welcome

International Tennis hall of Fame

Audrain Auto Museum

Edward KIng House

Kingscote

Bellevue House

Issac Bell House & Snug harbor

Elms

Belmont Statue

Chepstow

Ochre Court

Vinland Estate

The Breakers

Cheteau-sur-mer

National Museum of American Illustration

Fredrick Law Olmsted

Rosecliff

Beechwodd

Marble House

Belcourt Castle

Rough Point

Turn onto Ocean Ave

Gooseberry Beach

Brenton Point State park

Castle Hill Inn & lighthouse

Oceancliff & Newport Country Club

Hammersmith Farm

Fort Adams

Beacon Rock

BonnieCrest

Ida Lewis Rock

Rochambeau Monument

Irish District: 5th Ward

Consclusion

Preview the Tour

Stop 1 : Welcome

Stop 2 : The Gilded Age

How It Works

Additional Information

Reviews

Recommended Tours

All Boston and Newport Walking & Driving Tours Bundle

Ultimate Boston Self-Guided Walking Tours Bundle

Gilded Age Bundle: Newport Cliff Walk & Drive Self-Guided Tours

COMPANY

SUPPORT

CONTACT US