So much to do, so little time!
For information on what to do and see while you're here, visit the Newport Convention & Visitors Bureau's web site at www.gonewport.com or call 1-401-849-8048 / (800) 976-5122.

Some helpful tourism sites:
> Visit Rhode Island
> newportri.com
> Tripadvisor.com: Newport Guide
> www.newporthistorical.org
> Citimaps.com's pages on Newport
> Newport Travel Guide
> City of Newport homepage
> Citisearch's Cityguide
> Destination Insider: Newport
> DestinationNewport.com

There is so much to see and do in Newport that you won't be able to fit it all in if you do end up with any free time. Aside from all the things we mentioned on the "about newport" page, (mansions along the elegant Bellevue Avenue , Rosecliff, The Breakers, Touro Synagogue, Great Friends Meeting House), we've put together a list of a few other things you might want to consider.

Not to be missed!

Scenic Ocean Drive (Ten Mile Drive)
Ten Mile Drive takes you along the Atlantic shoreline past the west side of the island where you will pass by our reception location, Oceancliff, as well as the more scenic parts of the island and the numerous beautiful private estates. Also along this drive is Hammersmith Farm. A young Jacqueline Bouvier spent her summers there, and held her wedding reception to John Kennedy on the grounds. The estate became the "summer White House" to Jackie and JFK. While Hammersmith can still be seen from the road, it was sold in 1997 for over $6.6 million to a Chicago businessman (who sold it again 2 years later), and it is no longer open to the public.

Mansions: Rosecliff and / or The Breakers
Advice on visiting the mansions: from Frommer's
When driving or biking through the cottage district (walking its length is impractical for most people), consider the fact that most of these astonishing residences are still privately owned. That's almost as remarkable as the grounds and interiors of the nine that are open to the public. Also, resolve to visit only one or two estates per day: The sheer opulence of the mansions can soon become numbing. Each residence requires 45 minutes to an hour for its guided tour. If at all possible, go during the week to avoid crowds and traffic.

You can also visit The Elms, Chateau Sur Mer, Rosecliff, Marble House ... The Chinese Tea House, Kings Cote and the Breakers to name a few. Call the Newport Preservation Society or visit www.newportmansions.org for more info. Astors Beechwood is not owned by the Preservation Society; visit their web site at www.astors-beechwood.com for more information.

The Wharves
> Banister's Wharf and Bowen's Wharf - historic waterfront shopping district. Over 40 retail stores, offices, galleries and eateries.

 

Other places to visit / things to do

Cliff Walk
Beginning near Easton's Beach on Memorial Boulevard, Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile-long walk which runs along the coastline. Beginning at Eastons Beach (near the Chandler Inn) and ending at the private Bailey's Beach on Ocean Drive, it provides a unique vantage point with the rugged coastline of Narragansett Bay. You will be able to enjoy the ocean vistas and glimpses of the famed Bellevue Avenue mansions.

International Tennis Hall of Fame
Located on Bellevue Avenue. If you're a tennis fanatic, might be a nice stop along the way to the mansions. Visit their Web site for more information.

Viking Tours
Offers trolley tours of Newport taking in many of the sites listed here and elsewhere along the way. Can also include a visit to a mansion of your choice. More information on the Viking tours Web site.

Sailing / Boat Excursions
The Madeleine is a 72 foot sailing chooner made to sail the open seas; the Rum Runner II, is a classic Motor Yacht originally built in 1929 for two New Jersey mobsters to elude the Coast Guard while speeding cases of "Hooch" ashore on moonlit nights. They depart regularly during the day from Banister's wharf. Visit Classic Cruises of Newport or SightSailing.com for more ideas if you'd like to take a boating excursion.

Trinity Church
Queen Anne Square. Built in 1726, Trinity Church features a rare three-tier pulpit, Tiffany stained glass, original chandeliers and an organ played by Handel.

The White Horse Tavern
Constructed before 1673, The White Horse Tavern is the oldest operating tavern in the US. When Newport was Rhode Island's capital, the state legislators assembled there, and reportedly had the Colony House, their meeting place, built within easy walking distance. Today, it is still known for its fine food and hospitality.

Bird's Eye View helicopter tours of Newport
Helicopter tours - not a cheap way to see the island, but unique, for sure.

 

And last but not least, if not a "must see," surely a curiosity:

"The Tower" in Touro Park
The Newport Tower is undoubtedly one of America's oldest and most mysterious landmarks; some considered it the single most enigmatic and puzzling structure to be found in the United States.

There are at least five major theories on the origins of the tower, but none has been proven: that it was a 14th century Scottish watch tower, a 12th century Norse Christian church, remnants of a Chinese fleet's settlement, a memorial, or a 17th century English colonial structure that was built by former Rhode Island Gov. Benedict Arnold (grandfather of the notorious traitor) to replace a windmill.

For over a century debate has raged over the identity of the builders of this structure. But the full story of how this great monument came into being may not yet have been told. Read more.