newport ri mansions tour

15 Mansions in Newport, RI You Have to See to Believe

Newport, Rhode Island was the summer playground of America’s wealthiest during the Gilded Age, and it has plenty of still-standing mansions that live to tell the tale.

The preservation and restoration of the Gilded Age mansions give visitors a glimpse of the opulence, artistry, and complicated culture that went into these time capsules.

If nothing else, the beautiful architecture and cliffside views of the ocean should be enough to inspire you to visit this area.

Today, this article lists down the best Newport mansions to tour, as well as the lesser-known mansions in the area.

History of Newport Rhode Island Mansions

The mansions of Newport, Rhode island are remnants of the fancy Gilded Era. Built between late 19th century and early 20th century, these luxury residents were not even the primary homes of their owners. In fact, the rich of that time built these RI mansions as their “summer cottages.”

When the Gilded Age ended around the 1910s due to the start of the federal income tax, followed by the First World War, parties at the mansions declined.

The Great Depression eventually put a stop to the rich vacationing at their mansions, which in turn resulted in the properties falling to demolition or abandoned completely.

A group of residents founded The Preservation Society of Newport County in hopes of saving the 200-year-old Georgian Colonial home – the Hunter House – located on the harbor waterfront.

In doing so, they were able to save several other mansions at Newport Rhode Island, starting with Marble House, then Chateau-sur-Mer, The Breakers, Kingscote, and Rosecliff. Today, the organization remains steward of 11 historic properties in the area.

Best Preserved Newport, RI Mansions To Tour

The Preservation Society of Newport County is a cultural organization aiming to protect and preserve Newport County’s rich cultural heritage. Here are the Newport Mansions

1. The Breakers

By far the most popular Newport mansion, The Breakers is the Italian Renaissance-style Vanderbilt estate widely acknowledged to be the grandest, most extravagant mansion in Newport and is thus the signature symbol of the Gilded Age.

The mansion features 70 rooms, a 45-foot high Great Hall, gold- and platinum-covered walls, and intricate panels with mythological beings. All these sit on a 13-acre estate overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

It is recommended to visit this mansion first, as this is also the site of the Welcome Center of the Preservation Society, where you can get information about all the other mansions they’re in charge of and make your visit to the Newport mansions easier to plan.

Essential Information

• Address: 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone : 401-847-1000
• Hours: Vary depending on the season; Check their calendar prior to your visit
• Cost: $29 per head for adults; discounts available for children
• Website: The Breakers

2. Marble House

One of the first stone mansions in the area, Marble House is another extravagant mansion. Alva Vanderbilt, the original owner of the house, is said to have spent $7 million then (equivalent to almost $128 million today) on the marble used to construct it.

With 50 rooms spread over four levels decorated in various styles, as well as a Chinese Tea House that was a later addition, the Marble House is an elegant structure and one of the earliest done in the Beaux-Arts style of architecture.

• Address: 596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone: 401-847-1000
• Cost: $25 per head for adults; discounts available for children
• Website: Marble House

3. The Elms

The Elms mansion was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind. It isn’t as extravagant as the previous two mentioned, but its beautiful architecture modeled after the French chateau d’Asnieres is remarkable and well worth studying and appreciating.

The interior is designed to show off Berwind’s Renaissance ceramics, 18th-century paintings, and jades from Asia.

Fun fact: It is one of the first houses wired for electricity in this area.

Address: 367 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI | 401-847-1000 Hours: Vary depending on the season; Check their calendar prior to your visit Cost: $25 per head for adults; discounts available for children Website: The Elms

4. Rosecliff

Rosecliff was home to Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs of Nevada.

Inspired by Versailles’ Grand Trianon, which was the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles, the architectural style is Baroque and Baroque Revival, producing clean lines and perfect symmetry.

If this house looks familiar, it may be because it has been used as a set location in movies such as The Great Gatsby , Amistad , and True Lies .

• Address: 548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Website: Rosecliff

5. Chateau-sur-Mer

Considered the first of the great Newport mansions, Chateau-sur-Mer was recognized as the most palatial in Newport from its completion in 1852 until The Breakers and the Marble House were built.

This mansion was built for William Shepard Wetmore in High Victorian architecture and was subsequently remodeled in the Second Empire French style. Unlike many of the other mansions in the area, Chateau-sur-Mer was not built as a summer residence but as a year-round residence.

• Address: 474 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Website: Chateau-sur-Mer

6. Kingscote

Kingscote is one of the earliest mansions designed in the Gothic Revival style of architecture. Originally owned by George Noble Jones, the property was acquired by William Henry King when the Civil War broke out.

The dining room features the earliest known installation of Tiffany glass, which is a type of glass produced between 1878 and 1933 at the Tiffany Studios in New York.

• Address: 253 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone:  401-847-1000
• Website: Kingscote

7. Isaac Bell House

The Isaac Bell House, also known as Edna Villa, is acknowledged as the first Shingle-style house in the area and the best example of its kind.

The architects and designers of this house drew inspiration from a mix of international styles, such as Japanese, European, and Old English elements.

• Address: 70 Perry Street
• Website: Isaac Bell House

8. Hunter House

Away from the Bellevue Avenue Historic District, where most of the other mansions are located, the Hunter House is one of the finest examples of Georgian Colonial architecture.

It originally belonged to Jonathon Nichols, Jr., and the subsequent owners of the house added or renovated parts of the house. The most prominent owner of the mansion was William Hunter, a US senator after whom the house is named.

• Address: 54 Washington Street, Newport, RI
• Cost: $18 per head for adults; discounts available for children
• Website: Hunter House

9. Chepstow

Chepstow is an Italianate-style villa that is a prime example of a Victorian summer cottage.

Originally owned by Edmund Schermerhorn, it contained various valuable paintings, including the Morris family’s collections, as well as 19th-century landscape paintings by the Hudson River school of Artists.

• Address: 120 Narragansett Avenue
• Website: Chepstow

10. Green Animals Topiary Garden

Green Animals is the oldest topiary garden in the US, but when Thomas Brayton bought this property in 1872, it consisted of seven acres of land, a white clapboard summer residence, farm outbuildings, a pasture, and a vegetable garden.

The superintendents of the property were responsible for creating the topiaries, sculpting more than 80 pieces in different shapes from yew, California privet, and English boxwood.

Today, Green Animals is a rare example of a self-sufficient estate with a Victorian house, topiaries, vegetable gardens, and orchards.

While not technically in Newport, it’s still considered one of the Newport Mansions.

• Address: 380 Corys Lane, Portsmouth, RI
• Website: Green Animals Topiary Garden

Other Newport Mansions Worth Visiting

As I’ve mentioned, not all of the Gilded Age mansions in Newport are managed by the Preservation Society. Here are other Newport mansions you should consider visiting.

11. Ochre Court

Ochre Point was commissioned by Ogden Goelet in 1892 in a châteauesque architectural style and is second only to The Breakers in size.

Nowadays, it serves as the main administration building for Salve Regina University and is used for occasional social functions.

• Address: 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone:  401-847-6650
• Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
• Website: Ochre Court

12. Belcourt of Newport

Oliver Belmont commissioned this mansion in 1891 to have a summer cottage for him as well as his many horses.

With this vision, the architect, Richard Morris Hunt designed the ground floor around an enormous carriage room and stables, with only a single bedroom where Belmont can live with his horses in privacy.

However, when Alva Vanderbilt (yes, the same Alva Vanderbilt who owned the Marble House) moved in with him, she had the ground floor transformed to be more suitable for humans than for horses.

Ownership then changed hands many times before Carolyn Rafaelian bought it in 2012. Currently, Carolyn Rafaelian is in the process of restoring Belcourt to its former glory.

• Address: 657 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI
• Hours: Fri–Sun 11am–2pm
• Cost: $20 per head for adults; discounts available for children ( Book Tickets Here )
• Website: Belcourt of Newport

13. Rough Point Museum

Commissioned by yet another member of the Vanderbilt clan, Rough Point is at the south end of Bellevue Avenue and is built in the style of a stately English manor.

After a few more transfers of ownership, the last owner of the house was Doris Duke before it got turned over to the Newport Restoration Foundation, which Doris Duke herself founded in 1968.

Nowadays, Rough Point looks more or less the same as it looked when Doris Duke lived here. It’s not by accident; the house is carefully maintained to get a lived-in look. The result is that when you tour the house, it feels less like a museum and more like a visit to your distant aunt’s house.

That is, if your distant aunt were a billionaire who owned plenty of expensive art and furnishings, as well as a couple of camels.

• Address: 680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
• Phone : 401-847-8344
• Hours: Tue–Fri 10am–4pm; Sat–Sun 10am–5pm
• Cost: $20 per head for adults; discount available for students with ID
• Website: Rough Point Museum

14. Vernon Court

Vernon Court was commissioned by Anna Van Nest Gambrill and was built in 1900 in French classical style, loosely based on the French mansion Château d’Haroué.

At some point, it was considered one of the ten most beautiful mansions in America.

It remained in the Gambrill family until 1956, after which ownership changed hands a number of times.

At present, Vernon Court houses the National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI) and is temporarily closed for renovation.

• Address: 492 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI |
• Phone : 401-851-8949
• Cost: $20 per for adults; discounts available for seniors, children, students with ID, and military
• Website: National Museum of American Illustrators

Unique Newport Rhode Island Mansions Tours

15. the breakers stable & carriage house.

• Address:  53 Coggeshall Ave, Newport, RI 02840
• Cost: $20 per for adults; discounts available for seniors, children, students with ID, and military. Admission is free with any Newport Mansions ticket or Preservation Society membership.

The Breakers Stable & Carriage House was originally built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II with architect Richard Morris Hunt from 1894 to 1895. It is located about 2/3rds of a mile from The Breakers.

When the place was completed in 1895, the stable wasn’t just any humble stable. It had 26 stalls, 2 box stalls, and ample space for about 20 carriages, a five-room apartment for the head coachman, bedrooms for 20 grooms who operate the stables, an office, kitchen, dining room, workroom, office and harness room.

The Breakers Stable & Carriage House is open seasonally.

Newport Mansions Visitor Guidelines and Rules

Note that these rules and general guidelines apply to those mansions maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Other mansions may have their own set of rules that you should still follow so that you and other visitors all have a great time.

• It is recommended to start your mansion tour in The Breakers so you can also visit the Welcome Center to get information about the mansions.
• Exterior photography through handheld cameras for social media and non-commercial purposes is allowed.
• Exterior photography through drones is strictly prohibited.
• Interior photography is allowed only for social media and personal, non-commercial purposes. No selfie sticks, tripods, or flash photography are allowed.
• Allot a minimum of one and a half hours for touring each mansion.
• With very few exceptions, mansions have free parking.
• Kids are welcome, but strollers and carriages are not.
• Mansions normally have a dress code. Shirts (except those that have offensive language printed) and shoes are mandatory.
• No large bags and luggage are allowed.

Newport Mansion Tour Tickets

If you plan to visit the mansions multiple times a year, membership to the Preservation Society is the most expensive option upfront but will work out to be the least expensive per visit as long as you visit frequently.

For one time visits to multiple mansions, various packages are also available for a wide range of mansions, with some packages even including popular activities aside from touring the mansions.

However, membership and packaged tickets will only cover the 10 mansions that the Preservation Society is maintaining.

The simplest, most straightforward way to get tickets is to just get it in the mansion you’re visiting. This is the most convenient and allows for spontaneity.

Tips For First-Timers to Newport, RI

Getting to newport.

If you’re flying into Newport, it’s almost 100% certain that you’ll arrive via the TF Green Airport.

From here, you can rent a car, ride the bus (via RIPTA or Peter Pan Bus Lines), or book an Uber to go to Newport.

Getting Around

Renting a car is by far the easiest and most convenient option for getting around, especially considering most mansions do not allow large bags and luggage inside.

Where To Stay

The magic of Newport is that wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops, and other attractions.

If you want oceanfront views, Castle Hill Inn & Resort, Club Wyndham Inn on Long Wharf, or The Chanler at Cliff Walk are solid choices.

However, if downtown Newport is more your style, Hotel Viking, Courtyard by Marriott Newport Middletown, or Mill Street Inn are also great places to stay.

What To Wear

Rhode Island weather is notoriously variable. From early June to mid-September, average highs reach above 70°F; mid-September to October is known for its Indian summers, with warm, dry weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night.

November is characterized by rainfall, and December to March sees average highs of around 44°F, with more than 20 inches of snowfall yearly.

It’s wise to dress according to the weather but plan for sudden changes. Layers are encouraged, as well as weatherproof footwear.

Best Time Of Year To Visit

The end of spring (around May) and the start of autumn (around September) are generally considered the best times of the year to visit Newport, weather-wise. Not too hot, not too cold, and a few drops of rain make it the ideal weather for walking around.

What To Eat

Your trip to Newport would be a waste if you don’t at least try some of Newport’s signature dishes and drinks.

Coffee milk has been the official state drink since 1993. Coffee is simmered with pure cane sugar to create a syrup, which is then mixed with ice-cold milk.

Del’s frozen lemonade started out as a mix of snow, lemons, and sugar in the 1840s and is now prepared by machine, producing a frozen product with a texture between a Slurpee and an Italian ice.

As a coastal city, Newport had plenty of ways to prepare various seafood. Clams casino is a dish made of littleneck clams stuffed with bacon, peppers, and breadcrumbs and then broiled.

They also like putting their unique twist on already-known dishes. For instance, johnnycakes are pancakes made of cornmeal, and their version of zeppoles aren’t fried donuts but creampuff-like pastries filled with custard-type cream and topped with more cream and a cherry.

Plan Your Newport Mansion Tour Today!

Exploring Newport mansions gives you a glimpse of how the rich lived in the Gilded Age, which is part of our history.

In fact, it’s one of the stops in a New England road trip itinerary that we’ve previously described.

Don’t forget to check out nearby Rhode Island wineries .

Start organizing and scheduling your trip to Newport today!

Go Out and Explore

30 Most Popular Spring Break Destinations in the US

The 22 Best Things To Do In Atlanta

12 Fun Things to Do in Biloxi with Kids

6 Best Breweries in Asheville to Visit This Year

Top 30 Things to Do in Savannah, Georgia

7 Gorgeous Lakes in Alabama to Visit Soon

Protect Your Trip »

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.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

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

Tags: Travel , Tours

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 7 best key west snorkeling tours.

Gwen Pratesi June 21, 2024

The Best San Diego Whale Watching

John Rodwan June 21, 2024

6 Top Boston Harbor Cruises

Brittany Chrusciel and Marisa Méndez June 21, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Oklahoma

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 20, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Pennsylvania

Amanda Norcross June 20, 2024

Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline

Amanda Norcross June 18, 2024

What to Bring to a Water Park

Top Things to Do in New Hampshire

Timothy J. Forster and Mariya Greeley June 14, 2024

The Best Scotland Tours

Marisa Méndez June 13, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross June 13, 2024

Guide-led Tours

Our expert guides lead fascinating specialty tours such as beneath the breakers and the elms servant life. other guided tours available by season at some houses., beneath the breakers tour, daily 10:30 am.

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

Servant Life Tour

Daily 10:30 am, 2 pm and 3:30 pm*.

See and hear how the other half lived. This tour will highlight the stories of some of the men and women who worked to service the social whirl of Newport during the Gilded Age. * Sept. 1-Oct. 6, 10:30 & 3:30. Nov. 23-Jan. 1, 2025, 10:30 & 2:30.

Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour

May 17 – june 28, 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, May 17 through June 28.

The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour

Daily 3:30 pm*.

For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts will be open for public tours. *Oct. 15-Jan. 1 , 1:30 pm

Get the Newport Mansions app

Download our tour app before your visit and bring your earbuds.

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

Rosecliff was built for Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs, who used it to host many fabulous Gilded Age entertainments. Architect Stanford White modeled Rosecliff after the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles.

Plan your visit

Things to do, rosecliff audio tour, daily opening hours.

As you explore this elegant Gilded Age mansion, you’ll hear stories about its owner, Tessie Oelrichs, who was so eager to throw her first party at Rosecliff that she did not wait until the house was finished! You’ll learn how Rosecliff was perfectly designed for entertaining – and how the famous Ballroom, the largest in Newport, was once used as a roller skating rink.

Gilded Age Newport in Color

March 15 – june 30, 2024 10:00am – 3:00pm.

This exhibition explores a largely unknown but important chapter in American history: the experience of a thriving African heritage community in Newport.

“Becoming Peggy Scott”: An Evening with Denée Benton & Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar

July 9, 2024 6:00pm.

We invite you to a special evening at Rosecliff for dinner and conversation with actress Denée Benton, who plays Peggy Scott on HBO's "The Gilded Age," and Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar, Executive Co-Producer and Consulting Historian for the Emmy-winning series.

The Frick Renewed

July 18, 2024 6:00pm.

For the annual David W. Dangremond Lecture, Ian Wardropper, director of The Frick Collection, will share the behind-the-scenes process of the first major renewal of this renowned museum in 90 years.

Decoding Gilded Age Designer Jules Allard

July 30, 2024 6:00pm.

The annual Jacalyn and William P. Egan Lecture will present Preservation Society Fellow Benjamin Bowery discussing his contributions to our long-term study of cabinetmaker and designer Jules Allard, the man who made the Gilded Age glitter.

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

With its celebrated heart-shaped grand staircase and the largest ballroom in Newport, this elegant mansion overlooking the Atlantic Ocean recalls lost Gilded Age summers filled with extravagant parties like the one featured in 1974’s The Great Gatsby, which filmed scenes at Rosecliff.

Original Builder

Theresa Fair Oelrichs

Construction Dates

Ownership transferred to the Preservation Society

Upcoming Events

The newport flower show: “at home”, june 21 – 23, 2024.

The 28th annual edition of New England’s premier flower show explores the theme "At Home," celebrating the beauty and inspiration that flowers and plants bring to the spaces in which we live.

The Iconic Trees of Newport: Past, Present & Future

June 27, 2024 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

Learn about Newport’s landscape history, the threat posed by beech leaf disease and planting strategies for the future. This educational forum is a collaborative effort among The Preservation Society of Newport County, The Newport Tree Conservancy and Bartlett Tree Experts.

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

September 20 – 22, 2024.

Save the dates for the 19th annual festival, featuring the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Brunch and tasty yet educational seminar experiences.

More Mansions and Gardens

The breakers, 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

The Newport Mansions: 2024 Visitor’s Guide to the Gilded Age

This page may use affiliate links. When you click an affiliate link, we may get a small compensation at no cost to you. See Our Disclaimer and Affiliate Policy for more information.

Last Updated on May 31, 2024 by Ryan John

Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Rhode Island, Newport is renowned for its opulent mansions that harken back to the Gilded Age. These architectural masterpieces, once the summer homes of America’s elite, offer a glimpse into a bygone era of luxury, elegance, and grandeur. As you embark on a journey through Newport’s historic streets, each mansion tells a unique story of the families who lived there, the architects who designed them, and the events that shaped their legacy. From sprawling estates to manicured gardens, the Newport mansions are a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess.

The Breakers: The Crown Jewel of the Newport Mansions

The elms: a french-inspired masterpiece in newport, marble house: a symbol of newport’s gilded opulence, rosecliff: newport’s venue of extravagance and elegance, chateau-sur-mer: newport’s victorian architectural gem, kingscote: newport’s pioneer of summer “cottages”, rough point: newport’s secluded gem, additional properties.

The Breakers stands as the epitome of Newport’s summer “cottages,” symbolizing the grandeur and opulence of the Gilded Age. Here’s a detailed look into the most iconic of the Newport mansions:

• History : The Breakers has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, purchased the grounds in 1885 for $450,000 (equivalent to $14.7 million today). The original mansion on the property belonged to Pierre Lorillard IV. However, tragedy struck when it burned down on November 25, 1892. Determined to rebuild, Vanderbilt commissioned the famed architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a new mansion that would surpass its predecessor in splendor and luxury.
• Architecture : Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, The Breakers is a masterpiece of the Beaux Arts architectural style. The mansion boasts a lavish interior, intricate designs, and state-of-the-art amenities that were ahead of its time. Every corner of the mansion reflects the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial dominance during the Gilded Age.
• Significance : The Breakers is not just a mansion; it’s a symbol of the Vanderbilt family’s social and financial pre-eminence in the Gilded Age. The 13-acre property with its 70-room mansion has witnessed numerous events, celebrations, and gatherings, making it an integral part of Newport’s history.
• Legacy : The Breakers has seen various transformations over the years. In 2018, a significant event marked its history when the last of the Vanderbilt heirs moved out. However, the mansion’s legacy continues as it stands as a testament to the lavish lifestyles of America’s elite during the Gilded Age.
• Why Visit : A visit to The Breakers is like stepping back in time. The mansion offers a unique opportunity to experience the luxury, elegance, and opulence of the Gilded Age. From its stunning architecture to its rich history, The Breakers promises an unforgettable experience for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the lifestyles of the rich and famous from yesteryears.

As you explore Newport’s collection of mansions, The Breakers undoubtedly stands out as the crown jewel of the Newport mansions, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of luxury and opulence. Whether you’re touring its lavish rooms, walking its manicured gardens, or simply admiring its architectural beauty, The Breakers promises a memorable experience that will leave you in awe.

The Elms, often referred to as a “summer cottage” in jest due to its grandeur, is one of Newport’s most exquisite mansions. Here’s an in-depth look into this architectural gem:

• History : The Elms was completed in 1901 and stands proudly at 367 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. The Elms was commissioned by coal baron Edward Julius Berwind, who desired a residence that would reflect his wealth and taste.
• Architecture : The renowned architect Horace Trumbauer was tasked with designing The Elms. Taking inspiration from the 18th-century Château d’Asnières in Asnières-sur-Seine, France, Trumbauer created a mansion that seamlessly blended French chateau aesthetics with the modern amenities of the Gilded Age.
• Interiors : The Elms boasts an impressive collection of art, including paintings, statuary, and tapestries. The interiors are a testament to the opulence of the era, with intricate designs, lavish furnishings, and state-of-the-art technology for its time.
• Gardens and Exteriors : The landscape of The Elms is as captivating as its interiors. The mansion features formal gardens, terraces, pavilions, and fountains, offering a serene and picturesque setting that complements the grandeur of the building.
• Significance : Beyond its architectural beauty, The Elms played a pivotal role in Newport’s history. In 1962, The Elms was on the brink of being demolished. However, the Preservation Society of Newport County stepped in, acquiring the mansion and ensuring its legacy for future generations. This acquisition marked the beginning of the Preservation Society’s efforts to conserve the Newport mansions.
• Why Visit : From its French-inspired architecture to its meticulously curated gardens, The Elms has a lot to take in for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone curious about the opulence of the past. It’s one of the premier properties of the Newport mansions.

Marble House, one of the most impressive of the Newport mansions, stands as a testament to the lavishness and grandeur of the Gilded Age. Here’s a deep dive into this architectural marvel:

• History : Marble House was constructed between 1888 and 1892, serving as a summer residence for Alva and William Kissam Vanderbilt. Located at 596 Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, this mansion was designed by the esteemed architect Richard Morris Hunt. Interestingly, William Vanderbilt built Marble House as a 39th birthday present for his wife, Alva Vanderbilt, showcasing the immense wealth and status of the Vanderbilt family during this era.
• Architecture : Designed in the Beaux Arts style, Marble House is a masterpiece of architectural design and craftsmanship. The mansion’s name is derived from its extensive use of marble in both its interiors and exteriors, making it unparalleled in opulence for an American house when it was completed in 1892.
• Significance : Beyond its architectural beauty, Marble House played a pivotal role in Newport’s transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent Gilded Age mansions. The mansion set the pace for Newport’s subsequent architectural and social evolution, making it a significant landmark in the city’s history.
• Legacy : Today, it stands as a National Historic Landmark, preserving its legacy for future generations and offering insights into the lifestyles of America’s elite during this fascinating period.
• Why Visit : Touring the mansion provides insights into the architectural innovations of the era, the refined tastes of the Vanderbilts, and the social dynamics of Newport’s high society. From its stunning marble-adorned interiors to its meticulously curated gardens, Marble House promises a memorable experience for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone curious about the opulence of the past.It is part of the Newport mansions owned and operated by the Preservation Society.

Rosecliff, one of the most distinguished of the Newport mansions, embodies the splendor and luxury of the Gilded Age. Let’s delve into the history and allure of this architectural masterpiece:

• History : Rosecliff was constructed between 1898 and 1902 for Theresa Fair Oelrichs, a silver heiress from Nevada. Her father, James Graham Fair, was one of the four partners in the Comstock Lode, a significant silver discovery in the United States. Theresa’s marriage to Hermann Oelrichs, the American agent for the Norddeutscher Lloyd steamship line, further elevated her social status.
• Architecture : The mansion’s design was inspired by the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles. Esteemed architect Stanford White was responsible for bringing this vision to life, creating a mansion that seamlessly blended European elegance with American grandeur.
• Significance : Rosecliff has been the venue for many of Newport’s most lavish Gilded Age parties and events. The mansion’s grand ballroom, opulent interiors, and picturesque gardens made it the ideal setting for the elite’s extravagant celebrations.
• Legacy : Over the years, Rosecliff has undergone various transformations to preserve its beauty and historical significance. Notably, the mansion recently underwent an extensive $7.4 million renovation, ensuring that its legacy continues for future generations.
• Why Visit : From its grand ballroom to its meticulously curated gardens, Rosecliff promises a memorable experience. The mansion also provides insights into the lives of America’s elite during this era, showcasing the influence of European architecture on American designs and the lavish lifestyles of Newport’s high society. It is arguably the most interesting of the Newport mansions thanks to its use in film and availability to host events and weddings.

Rosecliff stands as a beacon of Newport’s rich history and the architectural innovations of the Gilded Age. Rosecliff, with its blend of European elegance and American luxury, is sure to captivate your senses. Whether you’re wandering through its lavish rooms, attending an event in its grand ballroom, or simply admiring its architectural beauty, the Rosecliff is sure to leave you in awe and make you eager to visit other Newport mansions.

Chateau-sur-Mer stands as one of Newport’s earliest and most impressive examples of the grand mansions that would come to define the city’s Gilded Age. Here’s an exploration of this historic mansion:

• History : Chateau-sur-Mer is one of the first grand mansions on Bellevue Avenue, marking the dawn of Newport’s Gilded Age. Before the appearance of the Vanderbilt houses in the 1890s, Chateau-sur-Mer was considered the most palatial residence in Newport.
• Architecture : Built in 1852, Chateau-sur-Mer epitomizes High Victorian architecture. Its design showcases a blend of European elegance and American craftsmanship, with intricate woodwork, wallpapers, ceramics, and stenciling that reflect the opulence of the era.
• Significance : Chateau-sur-Mer played a pivotal role in ushering in Newport’s Gilded Age. Its grand scale and lavish parties set the standard for the extravagant events and residences that would come to define Newport’s high society in the late 19th century.
• Legacy : Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, the Preservation Society of Newport County acquired Chateau-sur-Mer in 1966. The mansion was subsequently listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1968. The Preservation Society has since undertaken significant restoration efforts, including a multi-million dollar restoration of the mansion’s roof, ensuring that Chateau-sur-Mer’s legacy continues for future generations.
• Why Visit : From its stunning interiors to its meticulously curated gardens, Chateau-sur-Mer promises a memorable experience for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone curious about the opulence of the past.

Kingscote, with its distinctive Gothic Revival architecture, stands as one of Newport’s earliest and most significant summer residences. Here’s a closer look at this historic mansion:

• History : Kingscote was constructed in 1839, making it one of the first summer “cottages” in Newport. This early establishment set the stage for the numerous grand mansions that would later define Newport’s Gilded Age.
• Architecture : The mansion was designed by the renowned architect Richard Upjohn. Its Gothic Revival style is evident in its intricate designs, pointed arches, and ornate woodwork. The mansion’s architecture is a testament to the evolving tastes and styles of the era, blending European influences with American craftsmanship.
• Significance : Kingscote’s significance lies not just in its architectural beauty but also in its pioneering role in Newport’s history. Before the grandeur of the Vanderbilt houses and other opulent residences of the late 19th century, Kingscote marked the beginning of Newport’s transformation into a summer retreat for America’s elite.
• Legacy : Recognizing its historical and architectural importance, Kingscote was designated a National Historic Landmark. This recognition ensures that the mansion’s legacy is preserved for future generations, offering insights into Newport’s early days as a summer resort for the wealthy.
• Why Visit : Visitors can explore the mansion’s lavish rooms, admire its architectural details, and learn about the social dynamics of Newport’s high society in the early 19th century.

Rough Point, perched on a dramatic, windswept promontory along Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and stunning ocean views. Unlike the rest of the Newport mansions on this list, this is not a part of the Newport Preservation Society. Here’s a closer look at this remarkable mansion:

• History : Rough Point was constructed in 1889 by Frederick W. Vanderbilt, a member of the influential Vanderbilt family. The mansion later became the summer home of Doris Duke, the tobacco heiress and philanthropist, who was known for her reclusive nature and immense wealth. Doris Duke’s love for Newport was evident, as she summered at Rough Point for many years. After her passing in 1993, the mansion underwent legal proceedings and was eventually opened to the public in 2000.
• Architecture : The mansion boasts a vast English Manorial house design, reflecting the architectural tastes and styles of the era. Its location on Newport’s Cliff Walk offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a picturesque setting that complements the grandeur of the building.
• Legacy : Unlike many of Newport’s mansions, Rough Point is not part of the Newport Preservation Society. Instead, it is managed by the Newport Restoration Foundation, ensuring that the mansion’s legacy is preserved for future generations. This distinction offers visitors a unique perspective on Newport’s history and the lives of its elite residents.

A brief overview of the additional properties owned by the Newport Preservation Society, in addition to the Newport mansions listed above:

• Chinese Tea House : Located on the grounds of Marble House, the Chinese Tea House is a unique structure that reflects Alva Vanderbilt’s interest in Asian art and culture. It was used as a setting for her suffragette rallies and offers stunning views of the Cliff Walk and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s available for rehearsal dinner rentals, making it one of the few spaces available that are a part of the Newport mansions.
• Isaac Bell House : Built in 1883, the Isaac Bell House is an exceptional example of the Shingle Style of architecture. It combines elements of colonial New England architecture with the modern aesthetic and open floor plans of the late 19th century.
• Green Animals Topiary Garden : Located in Portsmouth, this is the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the United States. It features over 80 pieces of topiary, including animals, birds, and geometric figures, all sculpted from California privet, yew, and English boxwood.
• Hunter House : A fine example of Georgian Colonial architecture, Hunter House is one of the oldest surviving houses in Newport. It showcases exquisite woodwork, period furniture, and a collection of 18th-century Newport furniture, making it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
• Chepstow : Built in 1860, Chepstow is an Italianate-style villa that offers a glimpse into the aesthetic and cultural values of the 19th century. The house showcases a collection of furniture, paintings, and decorative arts from the Colonial era to the Gilded Age.
• The Breakers Stable & Carriage House : Located approximately half a mile west of The Breakers, this property was built in 1895 and is a testament to the Vanderbilt family’s love for horses and carriages. The building houses an exhibit on the New York Central Railroad, which was owned by the Vanderbilts, and showcases various carriages and early automobiles.

Hi there, I'm Ryan. I lived in Newport for 5 years and have been a constant traveler to the city for another decade. I went to college at Salve Regina and was also married in Newport. My favorite things to do in Newport are: Eat breakfast at Atlantic Grill, Stay at the Viking, Lunch at Gas Lamp, Dinner at Sardella's, and go for a drive along Ocean Drive. Our team has several decades more time spent living and visiting Newport. We want to share our knowledge and love of the area to help others take full advantage of their trip and experience everything the city has to offer!

7 Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Newport in 2024

Clarke cooke house in newport: our 2024 review, you may also like, the breakers in newport: the crown jewel of..., glen manor house: a complete guide to portsmouth’s..., 12 hidden spots in newport you won’t find..., things to do in newport in april 2024, exploring newport’s vibrant music scene: a guide to..., things to do in newport in march 2024:..., things to do in newport in february 2024, discover the magic of newport winter festival 2024, spa fjör – review of one of newport’s..., easton’s beach in newport: 2024 guide to the..., upcoming events.

• There are no upcoming events.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Not registered yet? Create an Account

Adblock Detected

17 Useful Tips for Visiting the Newport Mansions in Rhode Island

• Post author: Rachel Means
• Post last modified: 2023-11-09

Visiting the Newport Mansions is on many a dreamer’s bucket list, but there’s a lot to know before you go.

Like did you know not all of the mansions are open year-round? Or that small bags are allowed inside the mansions but strollers aren’t?

Where are you going to eat lunch, and where are you going to park?

Don’t worry! I’ve been there, done that, and learned everything you need to know ahead of time so you can enjoy your visit.

Here’s all our most useful tips for planning your first visit to the Newport, Rhode Island mansions!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and associate of other programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Best Newport Mansions to Visit: Ranked

The most popular Newport mansions to visit are owned and maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport. They have 9 houses, some of which are not open all year round.

Below I’ve ranked the mansions according to our must-see order based on opulent decor, interesting history, and availability.

• The Breakers
• Marble House
• Chateau sur Mer
• Isaac Bell House
• Hunter House

Can You Visit the Newport Mansions for Free?

This question comes up the most, so I wanted to address it first. No, you can’t visit any of the Newport mansions for free , even if you only want to see the grounds.

The only exception is if you know a Preservation Society member and they bring you as their guest.

It’s possible to see some of the mansions from the public sidewalk on the street, but you’re obviously limited in the views you’ll get.

For example, The Elms has large trees that cover most of the front façade, and The Breakers sits back a ways from the street so you only see a sliver of the front.

Most of the estates are surrounded by walls, too, so you can’t really see inside.

While there are plenty of fun things to do in Newport , we highly recommend budgeting to see a couple of the mansions while you’re here.

17 Useful Tips for Visiting the Newport Mansions

1. you need tickets to visit the grounds..

None of the Newport mansions have free entry to explore the grounds only. If you purchase a ticket to tour inside the house, you’ll also get entry to the grounds.

If you want to view the grounds only and not the interior of the mansion, those tickets are available for a reduced price.

See all your Newport Mansion ticketing options here.

2. Some mansions are guided tours only requiring advanced reservations.

Not all of the Newport mansions are open all year round.

Some of the smaller mansions are only opened seasonally and require advanced reservations and guided tours. This trips up Preservation Society members, too.

Even if you’re a member and want to see one of the seasonal houses like Chepstow or the Isaac Bell House, you have to reserve a spot ahead of time.

Members won’t have to pay for the tour, but you do need to reserve a spot. These homes are smaller and the tour size is limited to better fit in the limited interior space.

If you show up without a reservation, they’ll try to fit you in (we’ve watched them do it), but there’s not much they can do if the tour is already filled to capacity.

3. Bring headphones and download the app to enjoy the free audio tour.

What a great resource this is! Get the app and download the audio guide for each mansion.

It’s much more in-depth than the paper brochures available, and it keeps your hands free so you can take pictures while the audio guide plays. I loved it!

The app also has landscape tours at some of the mansions, like an audio tour for the grounds. It connects to your GPS and pops up informational tidbits as you walk around the grounds.

4. Photography is allowed inside the mansions.

Personal photography is allowed inside all of the Newport mansions, so feel free to take as many photos as you’d like. Shutter bugs rejoice!

Tripods and selfie sticks aren’t allowed , and obviously you’re not allowed to block others from enjoying the mansion, but otherwise you can take as long as you like and take as many photos as you want.

Important: this doesn’t include photoshoots.

If you’re trying to take senior pictures or engagement pictures or something like that where you have props (like a graduation cap) or a wardrobe change, you’ll have to get a special permit.

It’s easy to get cute and fun pictures both inside and outside of the mansions. If you’re snapping a few low-key, unobtrusive photos, you’ll be fine without a permit.

But if you show up in your quinceañera dress, they’re gonna know something’s up and ask about your permit.

5. Don’t forget the special guided tours.

The Elms and The Breakers both have additional guided tours available, revealing the behind-the-scenes areas of these great mansions.

The Elms Servants Life Tour features the lives of the men and women who worked for the Berwind family, touring their living quarters and some additional areas in the basement where they worked.

Most fancy houses have a tour like this nowadays. They’re very popular ever since Downton Abbey came out.

The Beneath The Breakers Tour takes you into the tunnels and basement level of the house, discussing the many modern marvels of the day that made The Breakers tick.

I loved both tours, but I liked Beneath The Breakers a little more because it’s so unique.

If you’re looking for that extra special something to round out your mansion visit, I highly recommend a specialty tour.

6. Strollers aren’t allowed inside the mansions.

None of the houses allow strollers. Children are welcome , but you’ll either need to hold little ones or keep them close by as you walk through the house.

I strongly recommend you consider whether your children are old enough to appreciate the house, or at least old enough/well-behaved enough to stay by your side as you appreciate the house.

I’ve been in a mansion when a toddler got loose, ducked under a rope, and took off between all the furniture, precious knickknacks, and 15 th century tapestries.

Luckily, he didn’t knock over anything, but you can imagine the mother’s dismay.

Stroller parking is available outside the front of each house , but you’ll leave your belongings at your own risk.

7. Pack a picnic lunch to eat on the grounds.

I was surprised to discover that picnics are allowed on the grounds at the Newport mansions!

Bring a blanket, picnic basket, or even camp chairs and a cooler and enjoy a meal as a Vanderbilt guest may have.

I recommend The Breakers or Marble House for this, as they both have stellar ocean views, but all of the properties allow picnics.

8. Consider becoming a member or get the one-year access pass.

A great way to save money when visiting the Newport mansions is to become a Preservation Society member.

Your pass will get you in to all nine of the society-owned mansions free of charge for a year, as many times as you wish to visit.

It also comes with other perks and special member events. I did the math and discuss if a Newport Mansions member pass is right for you here.

If you want to visit 4+ mansions in a year, the Access Pass will save you money.

It’s cheaper than buying standard tickets, but also cheaper than becoming a full member of the Preservation Society of Newport County.

If you and another adult want to visit 4+ mansions in one year, then a full membership is worth it.

9. All mansions have free parking lots.

Parking in Newport is notoriously difficult, but each of the Newport mansions open for tours has its own free parking lot.

Now, they can be packed on busy days, but I’ve always been able to find a spot. I had to circle a few times at The Breakers lot, but I did find a spot. Didn’t have any trouble at any of the other houses.

Pro Tip : The parking lot for Marble House is across the street from the house and a tad bit north, so you’ll pass it before you pass the house if coming from town. If you put Marble House into your GPS, you might miss the parking lot. As you get near the house traveling south on Bellevue Avenue, start looking on the right side instead of the left, and you’ll see the green and yellow sign.

10.  Small bags are allowed inside.

As an avid photographer, I really appreciate this policy, but this is also good news for those visiting without cars or with kids.

None of the mansions can store luggage, but a small backpack or diaper bag is fine.

You’ll still need to be aware of where you’re standing so your bag doesn’t accidentally brush up against a wall or artifact, but the ropes will mostly keep you in the safe zone.

11.  No food or drinks inside the mansions.

Food and drinks aren’t allowed inside the mansions, except for water, so make sure you give the kids a snack before you go inside.

You might have the snacks in your bag, but the kids can’t eat it inside the house. You’d have to take them to the restroom area and eat it there.

If you leave the house to eat a snack, they won’t let you back in because you already scanned your ticket.

12.  All of the mansions have restrooms.

Every mansion has restrooms available for visitors. However, they’re always at the very end of the tour, usually by the gift shop.

So, if you’re in the middle of a self-guided tour, you’ll have to walk to the end of the tour, usually on a different floor of the house, use the facilities, and then walk backwards on the tour route to where you left off.

Don’t try to re-enter from the front/start of the tour.

They’re going to want to scan your ticket, and yours won’t go through because it was already scanned when you started your tour.

Sometimes there’s an attendant that’ll recognize you and let you back through, but it’s easier to go backwards.

All of the mansions have staff on each floor, and they’ll help you find the fastest route to the restrooms.   

13.  Be prepared for crowds at The Breakers.

The biggest and most popular to visit Newport mansion is The Breakers. With that fame comes crowds…

Pretty much every time of day and every day of the week, The Breakers will be busy. Pack your patience.

Come early or late for the smallest crowds, right at opening or an hour or two before closing.

Even with the crowds, you can move pretty easily through the house at your own pace. If you’re listening to the audio guide, though, you’ll probably move in groups.

14.  Avoid arriving on the hour or half hour.

Speaking of moving in groups, start your self-guided tours at a non-standard time.

Humans like round numbers, and many will arrive at say 1PM for their tour. If you arrive at 12:45PM, you’ll be fifteen minutes ahead of a big group of people that all arrived at the same time.

It’ll help space you out inside the house and give you a bit more breathing room during your tour.

15.  All mansions require climbing stairs. Some are accessible via elevators.

Not every Newport mansion is accessible for mobility-impaired visitors.

Every house has stairs. A few of the mansions have elevators, but not all of them. And sometimes the elevators are down for maintenance, so call ahead the morning of your visit to check.

Inside the houses, there are two types of staircases: the ones built for use by the owners and the ones built for use by the staff. You’ll use both as you tour the mansions.

The ones used by the owners are always wide, often marble, and usually a shorter stair height because it was easier for the ladies in their ridiculous Gilded Age dresses to get up and down the stairs.

You’ll climb up these staircases at the beginning and/or in the middle of your mansion tours.

The servants’ staircases, though, are narrow and standard stair height. They’re usually located behind a secret door, and you climb down them at the end of a tour.

16.  Viking Trolley Tours has a shuttle option for The Breakers.

The Preservation Society doesn’t have shuttle service between its properties. If it’s a nice day, you can walk between a few of the properties.

It takes some time and adds more time on your feet, which you’ll probably already have enough of if you’re visiting more than one mansion per day, but it can be nice if you’re up for it.

Viking Trolley Tours has an option to add a Breakers tour to their trolley tour. You’ll board the trolley in town, take the tour around town, along Ocean Avenue, and into the mansion district before they drop you off at The Breakers.

You’ll then take your tour of the Breakers, and the trolley will meet you 1.5-2 hours later to pick you up and take you back to town where you started.

17.  Ride the free RIPTA bus to the mansions.

During peak visitor season, one line of the local city bus system offers free rides.

A lot of people descend on the tightly packed town in summer, so the free bus option helps to reduce the number of cars in the area.

Route 67 runs from the Newport Transportation Center in town all the way to the southern end of Bellevue Avenue before turning around.

It stops directly in front of both Marble House and The Breakers, but you can get to all of the mansions from this route if you walk a little.

FAQs for Visiting the Newport Mansions

When’s the best time of year to visit newport.

Summer is the best weather but also the most crowded time of year to visit Newport. Spring and fall are both good alternatives for slightly smaller crowds but still comfortable weather. Winter has its own allure, with the smallest crowds but also fewer shops are open.

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Newport?

I recommend at least 3 days in Newport to take it all in, but you can easily day trip to Newport from Boston or other nearby cities.

If you want to see several mansions and do other fun things in Newport , then I recommend extending to 5 days or a week.

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Each Mansion?

This is so subjective, but I’d say at least 1-2 hours for each mansion. Most of the mansion self-guided audio tours are about 45 minutes to an hour long.

But you might be taking pictures or waiting for crowds to move in front of you, and it could take longer.

Plus, you’ll want time to walk the grounds at each mansion, which could be a quick 15 minute loop or a more leisurely stroll with stops to sit on a bench and enjoy the views.

Do the Newport Mansions Have Parking?

Yes, all of the mansions open for tours have their own parking lots. The most popular spots, like The Breakers, can still be very crowded though. I’ve always found a spot, but may have circled a few times before I did.

Are There Places to Eat at the Newport Mansions?

Not really. Two of the mansions (The Breakers and Marble House) have cafes with overpriced pre-made lunch items like sandwiches or salads.

The Chinese Tea House at Marble House also offers afternoon tea, if you book it ahead, which is a fun experience if you like tea, tea sandwiches, and desserts.

But if you need a more substantial lunch, there’s nothing like that at the mansions. You’re better off going back into town for lunch.

Happy travels!

About the Author : Rachel Means

With six-figure student loan debt and only 10 PTO days per year, Rachel started traveling the world. A decade later, she’s paid off her loans, changed careers, and been to 38 US states and 17 countries. She’s an expert at planning and budgeting for travel and loves to help others do it, too! Read her full story here.

You Might Also Like

21 Fun Things to Do in Helen, GA

Don’t Miss Stunning Christmas at Biltmore!

25 Indoor Activities in Charleston, SC to Escape the Rain or Heat

Newport Mansion Tours

Which should i see and how do i get tickets.

The Breakers - The Ocean State's most popular attraction

Front entrance of The Breakers

The Elms - modeled after the French Château d'Asnières

Marble House - Over 500,000 cubic feet of marble!

Rosecliff - based on the French Grand Trianon at Versailles

Doris Duke's Rough Point - view from Newport Cliff Walk

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

• Click on the HTML link code below.
• Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.
• Newport Blog
• Where To Stay
• Where To Eat
• Where To Drink
• Where To Shop
• Things To Do

Copyright © 2009-2018 - Newport-Discovery-Guide.com

All rights reserved - Reproduction without permission is strictly forbidden

Click here to view our Privacy Policy 

• Newport Mansions
• Cultural Attractions & Museums
• Casinos/Gaming
• Air & Motor Guided Tours
• Movie Theaters

Newport Mansion Tours Offer a Glimpse Into the Immense Wealth of America's Industrialist Families

The Epicenter of Summer Social Life During the Gilded Age

Life in a newport mansion was hard work, the mansions are still the backdrop for many social events and seasonal festivals.

Since these homes were created as summer escapes, virtually all of them are not winterized and are open on a limited basis in the off-season. Some of them are meticulously decorated for the holidays, offering a truly magical experience. In the summer they host the annual Newport Music Festival , which features dozens of performances by solo artists to orchestras, making the mansions come alive with both the music of their time and contemporary artists. In addition they play host to a variety of other events, including the annual Newport Flower Show , the Wine and Food Festival , private events and countless weddings during the course of a year.

Several Ways to Purchase Your Newport Mansion Tours Tickets

The easiest way to purchase tour tickets for more than one mansion is to go to the Visitors Center at 44 Long Wharf Mall. You can also buy tickets at each home, or in advance online at The Preservation Society of Newport County , where you can print your tickets on your home computer. *BECOME A MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY and get free admission to most tours along with special event pricing!

The Breakers

The Breakers was built in 1893 by Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Mr Vanderbilt commissioned architect Richard Morris Hunt to design a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo inspired by the 16th century palaces of Genoa and Turin. The home is over 125,000 square feet with over 62,000 square feet of living space on five floors. It sits on 14 oceanfront acres with sweeping views of the Atlantic and features a working carriage house located a few blocks away on Coggeshell Avenue. The carriage house is also open to the public and features a working garden in the rear of the property. The grounds are meticulously landscaped with trees and plants from as far away as Africa, providing a natural screen from the bustle of Ochre Point Avenue. The Breakers is often considered to be one of the most opulent Newport mansions and is the most-visited attraction in the state of Rhode Island.

Chateau Sur Mer

The first of the summer cottages on famed Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Chateau-sur-Mer brought about the beginning of the Gilded Age in Newport RI with its palatial victorian architecture and furnishings. Owned by a China trade merchant named William Shepard Wetmore, he died in died in 1862 and left the bulk of his fortune to his son, George Peabody Wetmore, and a generous allowance for his daughter, Annie Derby Wetmore. It was the scene of memorable entertainments, from the "Fete Champetre", an elaborate country picnic for over two thousand guests held in 1857, to the debutante ball for Miss Edith Wetmore in 1889. George Peabody Wetmore had a distinguished political career as Governor of Rhode Island and as a United States Senator. He died in 1921 and his wife in 1927. They had two daughters and since neither of them ever married, the Preservation Society purchased this home in 1969.

An Italianate-style estate, Chepstow was built in 1860 and contains the original furnishings with important 19th century original paintings adorning its walls. It served as a summer residence to Edmond Schermerhorn and was eventually acquired by Mrs. Emily Morris Gallatin in 1911. The home was kept in the Morris family until bequeathed in 1986 to the Preservation Society, with its collections intact and an endowment by Mrs. Alletta Morris McBean.

The Elms was the summer residence of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind of Philadelphia and New York. Mr. Berwind made his fortune in the Pennsylvania coal industry. In 1898, the Berwinds engaged Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer to design a home modeled after the mid-18th century French chateau d'Asnieres (c.1750) outside Paris. The interiors and furnishings were designed by Allard and Sons of Paris and were the setting for the Berwinds' collection of Renaissance ceramics, 18th century French and Venetian paintings, and Oriental jades. Just a short walk from the center of town, this is one of the easiest mansions to get to on foot. Its manicured back lawn and gardens is just as impressive as its interior.

Isaac Bell House

Built in 1883 for Isaac Bell, a wealthy cotton broker and investor, this beautiful home displays one of the best surviving examples of shingle-style architecture in the country. It is a combination of Old English and European architecture with colonial American and exotic details, such as a Japanese-inspired open floor plan and bamboo-style porch columns. The exterior of the house has been extensively renovated and interior restoration work has been done as well.

Kingscote, built between 1839 and 1841, is a classic mansion and landmark of the Gothic Revival style in American architecture. Kingscote is considered to be one of the first of the summer cottages to be built in Newport starting during what was known as “the cottage boom”. In 1893 a man by the name George Noble Jones commissioned architect Richard Upjohn to build his cottage. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Jones and his family left their Newport home and never returned. It was sold and eventually left to a man by the name of David King who had the cottage enlarged. Today it is a rare example of a Gothic Revival house and landscape setting preserved intact with original family collections.

Marble House

This opulent estate is clearly one of the most famous mansions in Newport. Living up to its name, this "summer cottage" used 500,000 cubic feet of marble in its construction by the Vanderbilts. William L Vanderbilt had this home designed and built as a birthday present for his wife’s 39th birthday. He was also the brother of Cornelius II who owns the Breakers. The house was also designed by the architect Richard Morris Hunt, inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. The cost of the house was reported to be around $11 million, of which $7 million was spent on 500,000 cubic feet of marble. It was a social and architectural landmark that set the pace for Newport's subsequent transformation from a quiet summer colony of wooden houses to the legendary resort of opulent stone palaces.

Commissioned by Nevada silver heiress Theresa Fair Oelrichs in 1899, architect Stanford White modeled Rosecliff after the Grand Trianon, the garden retreat of French kings at Versailles. After this home was completed in 1902, at a reported cost of $2.5 million, Mrs. Oelrichs hosted fabulous parties here, including a fairy tale dinner and a party featuring famed magician Harry Houdini. This tradition continues on today with many wedding and social events taking place inside and on the grounds of the mansion. In addition, many Hollywood films have been shot on location at Rosecliff such as the Great Gatsby, True Lies, Amistad and most recently 27 Dresses. It was purchased by billionaire CEO Larry Ellison a few years ago and is currently in the process of being completely restored to include an upstairs residence and downstairs museum to house his private art collection.

Rough Point

Former home of American tobacco heiress, Doris Duke. It sits majestically atop a rocky outcropping at the end of Newport's famous Cliff Walk and has beautiful ocean vistas from just about every room. The stunning oceanfront Newport RI mansion still maintains the look and charm as when it was occupied by Ms. Duke, including personal items and original furnishings. One of the area's most remarkable collections of private art. A truly astounding display of wealth in one location. A must see while visiting Newport RI.

To purchase Rough Point mansion tour tickets, go to the Visitors Center on America's Cup Avenue, buy in person at Rough Point, or in advance online at The Newport Restoration Foundation. NOTE: This mansion is one of a few attractions in Newport including Whitehorne House and Prescott Farm in Middletown that is NOT run by the Preservation Society.

EXPLORE NEWPORT

• Hotels & Lodging
• Restaurants
• Attractions
• Plan Your Wedding

GENERAL INFO / TRANSPORTATION

• About Newport / History
• Getting To Newport
• Getting Around Newport
• Car Rentals

SIGN UP FOR SPECIALS

Get unadvertised deals on newport lodging, dining & events.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

9 Best Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island | To Admire the Architecture, Gardens, Landscapes, and Family History

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

• Activities and Interests
• Architecture
• Destinations
• History and Culture
• Rhode Island
• United States

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

The mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, once served as summer “cottages” for the wealthy. Families came to escape life in the big city for six weeks of the year in Newport. They carried last names such as Vanderbilt, Morgan, and Astor. In the late 1800s, sometimes called the Gilded Age, they poured their money into lovely homes on rolling green hills next to the ocean.

Many of the grand mansions in Newport, Rhode Island were designed by prominent architects of the Gilded Age. Architects like Richard Morris Hunt, Stanford White, and McKim, Mead & White contributed to the opulent designs of these summer cottages for America’s elite families such as the Vanderbilts and Astors. Their architectural feats still stand as testaments to the era’s wealth and sophistication.

Today, you can marvel at the opulence, imagine the extravagant parties that were hosted here, and dream about days filled with sailing on yachts and playing tennis.

Tours of the mansions cover many aspects of life and appeal to a wide range of interests. You’ll learn about decorative arts, architecture, gardens and landscapes, family history, and what daily life was like for the servants. Events and lectures will enrich your visit, too.

The prime time to tour the Newport mansions is between May and October. Some are open year-round, and some are open only on weekends. Check the websites for the different mansions to plan your visit. The Preservation Society of Newport County , which oversees all of the homes, allows you to buy tickets in advance and learn more about the different options.

When you arrive in Newport, stop in at the visitor center at The Breakers to pick up more information or tickets. You can grab a bite to eat there, too. Buses leave for the other mansions every 20 minutes. Allow at least an hour to an hour and a half to tour each mansion.

Some mansions are so large you wonder how the family kept from getting lost inside. Others are included in the group of “mansions,” but they are actually more modest historic homes. Try to include both larger and smaller homes in your tour plans.

Read on to find out more about the amazing mansions of Newport.

9 Best Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island

1. the breakers.

The Breakers is the grandest and best known of the mansions. If you have a limited amount of time to spend in Newport, this one should top your list. Built on 13 acres of a bluff above the Atlantic Ocean, this 70-room home was named for the waves that crash on the rocks below.

The Breakers is a prime picture of the extravagance of the Gilded Age. No expense was spared as the Vanderbilt family spent money earned from the thriving New York Central Railroad. The Italian Renaissance decor is luxurious, with rare marble and alabaster, along with gilded woods, throughout. The mansion includes a Great Hall with a 45-foot-high ceiling and a Morning Room with platinum leaf wall panels. The latest technology went into the modern plumbing and the elevator.

A fun part of your visit will be hearing the voices of The Breakers with the audio tour. Family members and staff “talk” to you as you move through the home. And you can enjoy finding fanciful touches such as the dolphin hiding under the grand staircase and the dining room dragons.

The basement is also open to the public. Here you’ll learn about the wonders of the heating and cooling system and other cutting-edge inventions of the time. It;s a perfect destination for a weekend in Newport .

Hungry? The Garden Cafe is open for lunch or a snack.

CO Leong / Shutterstock

2. The Elms

This summer retreat of coal magnate Edward Berwind was modeled on a French-style chateau. A large art collection decorates the walls and includes Venetian paintings, tapestries, and Chinese lacquer panels. The Elms boasted the latest technology when it was finished in 1901. It was one of the first houses in Newport to use electricity.

The Elms “below stairs” is the focus of the Servant Life Tour. More than 40 men and women worked hard to provide the upstairs residents their lavish lifestyle. On the tour, you’ll learn about the lives of the butler, cooks, and maids.

The option to go upstairs from the main floor takes you to the servant living quarters and a rooftop view of the quaint Rhode Island city . Be prepared to climb stairs for both the downstairs and upstairs tours.

A sunken garden features flower beds with pink begonias, clipped hedges, trees, fountains, and marble pavilions.

Jeff Schultes / Shutterstock

3. Marble House

This mansion was inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. Commissioned by the Vanderbilts in 1892, the house contains 500,000 cubic feet of American, Italian, and African marble. William Vanderbilt gave the deed to the house to his wife, Alva, as a 39th birthday present.

The notable history of the Marble House includes Alva’s “Votes for Women” rallies that she hosted on the back lawn. The audio tour lets you hear the words of Alva, her daughter Consuelo, and many others as they championed this cause.

A colorful Chinese tea house overlooks the Atlantic Ocean on the grounds of the Marble House. Relax here with a snack or lunch and take in the sweeping views.

4. Rosecliff

The romance of the Gilded Age lives on at Rosecliff , a lovely baroque-style mansion overlooking the Atlantic and surrounded by 20 acres of lawn and gardens. Movies filmed here include The Great Gatsby , True Lies , Amistad , and 27 Dresses . Rosecliff also hosts the popular Newport Flower Show every spring.

The audio tour includes the stories of those who lived here and partied in the gardens. From the time Rosecliff opened in 1902 to the present, it’s been a choice location for everything from business events to wedding receptions.

Notable features of the house are the immense ballroom where Arnold Schwarzenegger tangoed with Tia Carrere in True Lies and the beautiful limestone sweetheart’s staircase.

Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock

5. Hunter House

Enter the Hunter House and step back into colonial times. Built before the American Revolution, this was the home of a wealthy merchant and ship owner, and it served as the Revolutionary War headquarters of the French Navy.

Furnished with colonial furniture, the house is smaller than the more imposing mansions and will give you a glimpse into everyday life in Newport. You’ll see paintings by artists such as Gilbert Stuart, and there’s a notable collection of Newport pewter.

This is the house that prompted the formation of the Preservation Society of Newport County. In 1945, concerned local residents feared that the Hunter House would be sold or dismantled by someone who didn’t appreciate its history. So the society was formed and immediately set to work collecting colonial-era art and artifacts as the house was restored. The society continues to expand and preserve more Newport mansions .

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

6. Isaac Bell House

The Isaac Bell House , built in 1883 for a wealthy cotton broker, is fascinating for its architecture. Using a mix of English, continental European, colonial American, and Japanese styles, the builders experimented with design. The result is an intriguing, many-shingled house with bamboo-style columns and an open floor plan.

Check the website for seasonal opening hours.

Google Maps

7. Kingscote

With original rooms from 1841, Kingscote shows off rare furniture, silver collections, and Chinese decorative arts. Built in 1839 for a Georgia planter, this Gothic Revival house was abandoned during the Civil War and later occupied by the King family. The dining room added in 1881 includes the earliest known Tiffany glass decor.

8. Chateau-sur-Mer

Considered Newport’s first true mansion, Chateau-sur-Mer is a truly unique house. This National Historic Landmark is one of the finest examples of High Victorian architecture and was considered the most palatial residence in Newport until the appearance of the Gilded Age Vanderbilt houses in the 1890s. 

The main house of the estate, Chateau-sur-Mer, was built as an Italianate-style villa for China trade merchant William Shepard Wetmore by local contractor Seth Bradford. While the property’s original carriage house and stables are now part of the university’s Antone Academic Center, the Chateau-sur-Mer residence is in the Preservation Society’s hands.

9. Rough Point

Located at the southern end of Bellevue Avenue, Rough Point is perhaps best loved not for its grandeur but for its most famous resident, Doris Duke. The feel is slightly less museumlike than at most of the other mansions, though “lived-in look,” is a relative phrase when applied to the dwellings of billionaires. 

Built in 1887 by the architecture firm Peabody and Stearns, Rough Point was designed to look and feel like an English manor. It features red sandstone and granite, and wonderful gardens and lawns. The formal rooms, including the impressive Music Room and Yellow Room, are visually striking, but the ocean-facing Solarium offers the best views.

What To Know Before You Go

All of these mansions are run by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Hours and days for touring vary and may change with the seasons. Check the information for each house you want to visit before you map out your itinerary.

A package that includes a tour of The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms will save you some money.

The Breakers and Rosecliff offer full wheelchair access. Marble House and The Elms provide partial wheelchair access.

The mansions of Newport welcome you to explore and step back in time as you immerse yourself in the architecture and the treasures of each home. Listen for echoes of those who once glided down the majestic staircases. Delve into the everyday lives of the servants. Amble on the lawns overlooking the ocean. Walk through the formal gardens. Whether you have time for one or several of the homes, you’re sure to come away impressed.

For more to see and do in Newport, see this page .

Who Owns and Maintains the Gilded Age Mansions in Newport Now?

Newport County’s Preservation Society now owns eleven best-surviving examples of Gilded Age mansions in Newport, while Rough Point is the only mansion run by the Newport Restoration Foundation, which was founded by Doris Duke in 1968. 

Are the Newport Mansions Free?

Residents of the City of Newport can enjoy free admission to Newport Mansions when they are open for the Newport mansion tours. However, this excludes special events and specialty tours. Also, the Newport Mansions hours vary seasonally. 

How Newport Mansions Came to Be?

More than a century ago, during the Gilded Age, America’s wealthiest families built mansions in the coastal enclave of Newport. Most renowned architects of the time, like Richard Morris Hunt, designed these shingle-style architecture and Gothic Revival Style landmarks. 

What Else Is There to Do When Visiting Mansions in Newport?

Strolling through downtown Newport, exploring the stunning Narragansett Bay, and doing the Newport Cliff Walk before seeing all the Newport mansions are some of the things to do here. Also, mansions in Newport host many amazing events, including the annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival.

How Many Mansions in Newport Were Torn Down?

After the social era died out, about 20 of these historic mansions were torn down before it was decided that these homes were an integral part of America’s architectural history. Some of them, like the historic Stonor Lodge on Bellevue Avenue, burned down in the fire.

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

Hotel Deals!

Hot hotel deals.

• Travel Guide
• Art Galleries
• Historic Homes & Buildings
• Historic Sites
• Lighthouses
• Newport Mansions
• Historical & preservation societies
• Marinas & Harbors
• Motorized Charter
• Family Favorite Beaches
• Hidden Gem Beaches
• State Beaches
• Lakes & Ponds
• Dog-Friendly Beaches
• Music & clubs
• Performing arts
• Spectator sports
• Drive-in movie theaters
• Indoor activities
• Pick Your Own
• Nature & science
• Parks & trails
• Winter outdoor fun
• Spa & wellness
• What to do in Rhode Island now
• This Weekend
• Newport Family Summer Getaway
• Summer Like a Vanderbilt
• Rhody Art & History Immersion
• Urban Family Escape
• Ocean State Biking Adventure
• Northern RI Arts & Culture
• Coastal Family Fun
• Block Island Retreat
• Ocean State Food & Drink Tour
• Arts & Culture Family Experience
• Great Outdoors Family Adventure
• Family Fun & Games
• Newport Arts & Culture Experience
• Central-Northern RI Arts & Culture Experience
• The Rhody Mix Experience
• Block Island/ New Shoreham
• Broadway, Newport
• Chepachet Village
• Downtown Westerly
• Garden City, Cranston
• Hope Street, Providence
• Main Street, East Greenwich
• Thames Street, Newport
• Westminster Street, Providence
• Wickenden Street, Providence
• Wickford Village
• Unplugged on Block Island
• Cocktails & Culture
• Boos & Brews
• Take a Hike
• Birds Flock Here in the Fall
• Early Black History in Providence
• Nature & Luxury in South County
• Upscale Romance in Newport
• Newport with Your Squad
• Fun & Frugal Winter Break
• A Classic Coastal Christmas
• Winter Family Fun in Northern Rhode Island
• Shop like a local
• Experience Luxury
• Shows and Films in Rhode Island
• This weekend
• Gaspee Days: America's First Blow for Freedom
• Free events
• Submit Events
• Annual Fairs, Festivals & Events
• June 2024 Events in Rhode Island
• July 2024 Events in Rhode Island
• August 2024 Events in Rhode Island
• Hotels & motels
• Bed and breakfasts, inns & guesthouses
• Rentals & reservation services
• Waterfront Campgrounds
• State Campgrounds
• Delivery & takeout
• Clam shacks
• Coffee & cafes
• Desserts & ice cream
• Outdoor Dining
• Bars & Pubs
• Breweries & distilleries
• Vineyards & Wineries
• Speakeasies
• Blackstone Valley
• Block Island
• Newport County
• South County
• Warwick & West Bay
• Tourist info centers
• Travel guide
• Airports & airlines
• Car rentals
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Rhode Island Public Transit (RIPTA)
• Colleges & universities
• #VisitRhodeIsland
• Special Offers Form
• Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport
• Rhode Island in the news
• Move your business here
• Celebrate Pride in RI
• Accessibility in RI
• International
• Tourism News

The Newport Mansions

Channel your inner Crawley and get a taste of America's own Downton Abbey lifestyle in the opulent and iconic Newport Mansions . Meticulously preserved, and in some cases with museum-quality art collections, these grand summer "cottages" of the Gilded Age's rich and famous are a must-see. And if you love this period in history or costumed dramas in general, you won't want to miss HBO's hit, The Gilded Age by Downton creator Julian Fellowes - and filmed in Rhode Island's own Newport Mansions! Watch the show and then visit the gorgeous, historically authentic, and beautifully preserved settings where the scenes were filmed. See below for more information on The Gilded Age . Go to The Preservation Society of Newport County to book your Gilded Age tour to explore the show's settings in person!

The Gilded Age 

From creator Julian Fellowes (“Downton Abbey”), HBO’s  THE GILDED AGE  is available to stream on HBO Max. Written by Julian Fellowes and Sonja Warfield, and directed by Michael Engler and Salli Richardson-Whitfield, the nine-episode drama series stars an ensemble cast of Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Denée Benton, Louisa Jacobson, Taissa Farmiga, Blake Ritson, Simon Jones, Harry Richardson, Thomas Cocquerel, Jack Gilpin, with Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski.

The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, of great conflict between the old ways and brand new systems, and of huge fortunes made and lost. Against the backdrop of this transformation, HBO’s The Gilded Age begins in 1882 with young Marian Brook (Jacobson) moving from rural Pennsylvania to New York City after the death of her father to live with her thoroughly old money aunts Agnes van Rhijn (Baranski) and Ada Brook (Nixon). Accompanied by Peggy Scott (Benton), an aspiring writer seeking a fresh start, Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife, George (Spector) and Bertha Russell (Coon). Exposed to a world on the brink of the modern age, will Marian follow the established rules of society, or forge her own path?

Credits : Creator/writer/executive producer, Julian Fellowes; executive producer, Gareth Neame; director/executive producer, Michael Engler; executive producer, David Crockett; director/executive producer Salli Richardson-Whitfield; Writer/Co-Executive Producer Sonja Warfield. THE GILDED AGE is a co-production between HBO and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

The Gilded Age

The Gilded Age, Episode 1, Louisa...

Photograph by Alison Cohen Rosa/HBO Read More ›

The Gilded Age, Episode 1, Carrie...

The Gilded Age, Episode 2, Kelli...

The Gilded Age Episode 2 - Blake...

The Gilded Age, Episode 3 - Denée...

The Gilded Age, Episode 3 - Taylor...

The Gilded Age, Episode 4 - Audra...

The Gilded Age, Episode 4 - Carrie...

Filter by: clear filters.

• No available filters

Narrow Your Search

• Featured in HBO's The Gilded Age
• Recommended

All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website, however it is subject to change. Information is updated in an ongoing manner in partnership with local tourism offices, individual businesses and organizations and via a direct feed from goprovidence.com, discovernewport.org, southcountyri.com and Yelp.com.

Summer Getaways

• Industry Partner
• Leisure Travel

• Story Ideas
• Fun-Sized Rhode Island
• Rhode Island in the News
• Free Travel Guide
• Contact Visit Rhode Island
• What's New in Rhode Island
• Downton Abbey Lifestyle
• Rhode Island Foodways
• Hidden Gems
• Fall Enchantment
• Image Library
• Meetings & Conventions
• Privacy Policy
• Partner Portal
• SMS Privacy Policy
• SMS Terms & Conditions

Special Offers

Looking to plan your next visit to Rhode Island, check out some of the current special offers and enjoy savings, extra perks and more!

A Local's Guide to the Best Things to do in Newport, Rhode Island

N ewport, Rhode Island is a popular destination for visitors seeking a New England coastal getaway (after all, it is referred to as the Classic Coast.) With Gilded Age mansions, incredible seafood, miles of beautiful coastline, and a harbor littered with boats, Newport has plenty to offer families, couples, or any type of traveler.

If you are planning your first visit to Newport, you probably want to hit the highlights, but also seek out some lesser-known gems. After living in Rhode Island for over 20 years, I’ve had plenty of time to visit (and revisit) Newport’s main attractions and hidden gems to come up with my recommendations for the best things to do in Newport Rhode Island.

Just visiting for one or two days? Don’t miss these essentials:

• Visit one of the Newport Mansions. The Breakers is the most awe-inspiring of the bunch.
• Get out on the water with some sort of harbor cruise.
• Eat some delicious seafood (I’d pick Midtown Oyster Bar and either The Lobster Bar or Newport Lobster Shack if you want to feel like a local)
• Watch the sunset – The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn, Newport Harbor Island Resort, Battery Park, and Brenton Point all have great views.
• Shop and stroll on Thames Street, Broadway, and Bowen’s Wharf
• Take a scenic spin on Ocean Drive
• Hit the beach (I prefer Second Beach) or take a stroll along the Cliff Walk

If you have more time, there are plenty of other options below. And, if you are visiting Newport during the colder months, check out my suggestions for things to do in Newport in the winter . Not sure how to fit it all in? I have a Newport weekend itinerary for that.

Things to do in Newport, Rhode Island

Stroll along the cliff walk.

The Newport Cliff Walk is a lovely spot to take a stroll and appreciate the view of the rocky shoreline and the back lawns of some of the mansions. The entire Walk is 3.5 miles one-way, but unfortunately due to storms and erosion, a large portion of the walk is closed for repairs and honestly, I’m not sure it will ever be fully restored.

It is best to visit this spot early because it can get crowded and parking is tough. Ideally, you can use metered parking near First Beach and start at the beginning. Alternatively, you can park along Narragansett Avenue (you can also find public restrooms here). Right near here is also where you will find the famous Forty Steps, which is a great photo spot.

Flash Back to the Gilded Age at the Newport Mansions

If you have watched The Gilded Age on MAX, you have surely seen glimpses of some of the Newport Mansions , or “summer cottages” as they were called back in the day. The Breakers is the grandest of the mansions. Built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, who was one of the richest men in America at the turn of the 19th century, it was built in the Italian Renaissance style and it will make you think of the palaces of Europe. This Mansion is always popular with visitors because of the wow factor but also because you get a glimpse of the kitchens during a self-guided tour. There is also a family-friendly tour if you are visiting with kids.

My other favorites are Rosecliff, which has a beautiful lawn and gardens, and Marble House, which was built by Mr. and Mrs. William K. Vanderbilt and using 500,000 cubic feet of marble. For a special experience, you can also book afternoon tea in the The Chinese Tea House at The Marble House.

If you just want to see the outside of the Mansions and not tour the inside, you can take a Trolley Tour .

Explore Fort Adams

Fort Adams is one of many Colonial and Revolutionary War era military forts that line the New England coast. Today, Fort Adams is not just a historic site, but also an event venue. It is on the grounds of Fort Adams that the popular Newport Folk Festival and Newport Jazz Festival take place during the summer.

However, outside of event dates, visitors can explore the Fort with a guided tour, or just enjoy the view from the Fort Adams Bay Walk, a 2.5-mile loop around the perimeter of Fort Adams State Park.

Fly a Kite at Brenton Point State Park

Brenton Point State Park on Ocean Drive offers some of the best views in Newport. With its position on the point, this is perfect spot to fly a kite on a breezy day. And don’t worry if you didn’t bring your own, there is often a truck there selling kites to visitors.

Since this is an ideal spot to watch the sunset, you may also want to head there in the late afternoon and bring some chairs to sit along the rocks to gaze out over the water.

Shop Along Bowen’s Wharf and Thames Street

Like most tourist towns, Newport has its share of boutiques and souvenir shops. Bowen’s Wharf is the heart of the action, with many restaurants and shops. Your retail journey can then continue down Thames Street. Be sure to check out local favorites such as Kiel James Patrick and Lemon & Line for New England inspired clothing and jewelry.

Bowen’s Wharf is also a popular spot for dining (both inside and out). Most visitors can’t resist tempting bowl of New England clam chowder at the Black Pearl. For more high end boutiques, check out the options on and off of Broadway.

Hit the Beach

I’m going to express an unpopular opinion, but I don’t think that Newport has the best beaches. I prefer the beaches in Narragansett, Matunuck, or Charlestown. However, if you don’t want to drive, there are still a few options. You can enjoy the family-friendly First Beach (or Easton’s Beach.) Located near the start of the Cliff Walk, there is a paid parking lot that fills up early. The downside is that this beach also often attracts a good amount of stinky seaweed.

Surfers would prefer Second Beach and nature seekers or bird watchers will want to drive down to the  Sachuest National Wildlife Refuge  and spend time exploring the three miles of trails and the small beach at the refuge. This is a popular layover stop for migratory birds and a wintering destination for others.

You can also purchase a day pass for private beach clubs such as Gooseberry Beach.

Have Drinks at Castle Hill Inn

Castle Hill Inn is one of many luxury hotels in Newport. However, you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy cocktails or meals at The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn. Enjoy a meal on the terrace or take your cocktail down to the many Adirondack chairs that dot the sloping lawn that looks out over the Bay and the Newport Pell Bridge.

I think this is one of the most enjoyable experiences in Newport, especially when you can get a reservation in time for sunset.

Go Sailing or on a Sightseeing Cruise

Newport is known as the “Sailing Capital of the World” and while we may not all have our own yacht, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the boating life while in town. One of my favorite things to do with visitors is to take a sail with Newport Classic Cruises . They offer daytime or sunset sails with a number of vessel options including the 80 foot Schooner Adirondack II, 72 foot Schooner Madeleine, or 48-foot sailing yacht Sloop Eleanor. 

There are many other options including the Coastal Queen Cruises, Amazing Grace Harbor Tours, and even the Newport Ferry. For wildlife lovers visiting in the colder months, Save the Bay offers seal-watching tours.

If you would prefer a private boating experience, you can charter a boat (either with a captain or without) using GetMyBoat.com , which is like an Airbnb platform but for boats.

Tour Newport in a Classic Jaguar

For a luxury experience worthy of Newport’s societal history, take a private driving tour with Newport Jaguar Tours . Led by a knowledgeable local in one of a stable of classic Jaguars, there are a number of themed tours to choose from depending on your interests including wine tastings, architecture, Hollywood in Newport (including The Gilded Age filming locations), and history tours. Can’t decide? I took the Grand Tour for a bit of everything and learned more history and hidden gems than I had after 20+ years of visiting Newport on my own.

This is even a fun option for groups such as birthday or bachelorette parties as they can link together multiple cars electronically so everyone can hear and participate. For a special celebration, add a gourmet champagne picnic lunch to any full day tour or build in a lunch stop at the fabulous Castle Hill Inn.

Note: I received a complimentary tour in order to review the experience.

See Newport by Rail

The most unique way to see Newport is with Rail Explorers . Use pedal power to chug along the Old Colony Railroad. The route meanders alongside Narragansett Bay offering riders unique views that include Jamestown, the Mount Hope Bridge, Hog Island Lighthouse, and coastal woodlands.

Take a Tour

These are not the only ways to tour Newport. There are many options depending on your interests from historical walking tour with Newport History Tours , food tours with Rhode Island Red Food Tours , ghost tours with Ghosts of Newport , or even a helicopter tour with Newport Helicopter Tours .

Sip a Cocktail on a Rooftop Deck

While I love having a cocktail or glass of wine on the Lawn at Castle Hill, a rooftop bar is always fun and there are two options in downtown Newport. The Rooftop at the Vanderbilt and the Top of Newport Bar + Lounge at Hotel Viking are both open seasonally and are perfect for a sunset toast.

Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Tennis buffs should make time for a visit to the International Tennis Hall of Fame to pay tribute to the 264 inductees. The Museum also includes nearly 2,000 tennis artifacts and covers the history of tennis from its origins through present day.

Each summer the Hall of Fame hosts the Infosys Hall of Fame Open and Enshrinement Weekend, where some of the world’s top tennis players on the grass courts. You can play there yourself, but you need to be a member of the Tennis Club.

Gawk at Classic Cars

The Audrain Automobile Museum has access to collections containing over 400 cars and motorcycles ranging from brass era Veteran cars to supercars of today. Each year it curates four thematic exhibitions. Located near the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Bellevue Avenue, a visit is easy to combine with a visit to one of the Newport Mansions.

Tuoro Synagogue

There are a number of notable historic sites in Newport, including St. Mary’s Church where JFK was married. In addition, Tuoro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the United States and a symbol of religious freedom. Synagogue tours include a history presentation, interactive exhibits, and a tour of the grounds. 

More to Do Nearby

If you have a car and more time to spend in Newport, you can explore more of Aquidneck Island and nearby Jamestown.

Sip Wine at Newport Vineyards

Add a little wine tasting to your getaway at Newport Vineyards , just be sure to make tasting or dining reservations first. In addition to award-winning wine, Newport Vineyards offers fresh craft beer and farm to table dining experiences.

Another option is at Greenville Vineyards in Portsmouth. The wine isn’t as good (in my opinion, although to be honest I haven’t gone tasting there in over a decade), but they do have food trucks (including one from Cousins Lobster) in the summer and live music on the weekends.

HIke at Norman Bird Sanctuary

I already mentioned that the Sachuest Wildlife Refuge is a great spot for bird watching, but I also love hiking the trails at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown. The Sanctuary has 300 acres of diverse habitats and seven miles of hiking trails. It also hosts fun events like the annual Harvest Fair and guided bird walks and talks.

Watch Newport Polo

Get ready to tailgate or reserve a table in the Pavilion and cheer on the Newport Polo Team. If you aren’t familiar with polo, it takes a minute to get the hang of the scoring, but soon you will be cheering along and rushing the field to stomp the divots. Just be sure to wear your preppiest New England fashions.

Beavertail State Park

My favorite spot in all of Rhode Island is just across the water in Jamestown. Beavertail State Park sits at the tip of Jamestown Island and offers beautiful views. We love to pack a picnic and stake out a spot on the rocks to soak up the view. At low tide, it is fun to explore tide pools and you can also check out the small aquarium and the Beavertail Lighthouse.

Getting to Newport

Newport is just over three hours from New York City and one to 1.5 hours south of Boston. The closest airport is the Providence-Warwick T.F. Green International Airport. During the summer, parking can be a challenge (and expensive) so check and see what the options are with your hotel. If you are just visiting for the day, it is cheapest and easiest to park in the Visitor’s Center parking garage on America’s Cup Boulevard and walk from there.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to drive, you can take the seasonal ferry from Providence to Newport.

Where to Stay in Newport

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

There are many great hotels and bed and breakfasts in Newport. And if you check Airbnb, you can even find boats to sleep on. A few of my favorites are:

• Newport Harbor Island Resort on Goat Island has great views, a pool with cabanas, and great dining or options for cocktails on the outdoor decks with fire pits.
• Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa has a convenient location, great decor, and good harbor views from the Skiff Bar
• Hotel Viking is a beautiful historic hotel in the heart of downtown Newport with a great spa
• The Vanderbilt is an Auberge Collection Hotel in a historic mansion downtown

Where to Eat in Newport

There are so many great dining options in Newport but a few of my favorites include:

• Corner Cafe for breakfast
• Scratch Kitchen for grilled cheese
• The Lobster Bar for lobster rolls (try to get a table near the window to watch the boats coming and going)
• Newport Lobster Shack for more casual and local setting for lobster rolls (and a seafood market)
• Midtown Oyster Bar for oysters (request a table on one of the two decks)
• Lawn at Castle Hill for beautiful views
• The Black Pearl for clam chowder
• White Horse Tavern for a romantic meal in a historic tavern
• Diego’s Newport for Mexican food
• Cara at The Chanler for fine dining

Visiting Rhode Island? You may Also Be interested in…

• 110 Things to do in Rhode Island
• Things to do in Providence
• Things to do in Rhode Island in the spring
• Things to do in Rhode Island in the summer
• Things to do in Rhode Island in the fall
• Things to do in Rhode Island in the winter

Save this to Pinterest

The post A Local’s Guide to the Best Things to do in Newport, Rhode Island appeared first on We3Travel .

In Newport for the U.S. Senior Open? Here's some things to do while you're here.

With this year’s U.S. Senior Open taking place at Newport Country Club, the City of Newport can expect an influx of golf enthusiasts eager to explore all that the City by the Sea has to offer during the tournament.

For those interested in taking a break from the green around Aquidneck Island, here’s a list of some of the activities golf fans can do while here.

Take a drive down Ocean Avenue and get a glimpse of the action at Brenton Point

Newport Country Club, the setting for this year’s senior open, sits along a winding path down Aquidneck Island’s southern coastline called Ocean Avenue. The road is a must-do for many Newport vacationers as the street winds past sprawling mansions and major destinations, such as Fort Adams and Brenton Point State Park , the latter being so close to Newport Country Club that at certain angles, visitors might be able to get a peek at some of the action happening just up the road.

The park also features breathtaking views of the New England coastline and a seasonal stand offers kites for purchase.

Take in some golf-related history at the Newport mansions

While Newport Country Club itself has a prominent place in golf history as one of the first golf clubs in America and the setting for the first U.S. Amateur Championship and the first U.S. Open, there are other historically significant places in the city with ties to the game, and more specifically, the club.

Among the founding members of Newport Country Club were siblings Cornelius Vanderbilt II, F.W. Vanderbilt and W.K. Vanderbilt, whose summer cottage “The Breakers” is the city’s most visited mansion museum. The Vanderbilts – alongside other notable names such as John Jacob Astor IV and Hermann Oelrichs – contributed to the $80,000 land purchase to buy the property Newport Country Club sits on.

Astor, who was one of the most famous passengers to have died aboard the R.S.S Titanic, was married in his Newport family summer home, Beechwood, just a year prior. While Beechwood is not a museum, it is viewable off Bellevue Avenue. The Olerichs’ summer home, the Rosecliff , is a museum managed by The Preservation Society of Newport, which also manages The Breakers.

Visit some other golf courses

There’s nothing quite like watching golf that will make you want to get out on that putting green yourself. Luckily, Aquidneck Island boasts several courses for those looking to practice their swing.

In Middletown, Newport National Golf Club ’s 200-acre Orchard Course is one of the top-rated public access courses in New England. If Newport National’s rates are a little high, Green Valley Country Club, in Portsmouth, also offers tee times to the public for use of its 18-hole course, as does Montaup Country Club, up at the northern tip of Aquidneck Island.

Try your hand at indoor golf or mini golf

If you’ve got the itch to hit the links but your family or travel companions aren’t in the mood for a full 18 holes, Aquidneck Island has alternatives. Just 10 miles from Newport Country Club, in Portsmouth, is Newport Indoor Golf, which has five bays with simulated driving courses from across the globe.

Need something more friendly to the whole family? Newport Mini Golf in Middletown, which is a slightly shorter 7-mile drive from Newport Country Club, is an 18-hole course with nautical and pirate theming.

Check out the other popular sporting destinations in the city

Golf is not the only leisure activity the City of Newport has staked a claim on. In addition to the city’s most historical and famous summer cottages, Bellevue Avenue is home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, a museum and tennis club that has been the backdrop for the Infosys Hall of Fame Open since 1976.

Further downtown, on Thames Street, is the National Sailing Hall of Fame, another sporting museum and hall of fame. Should it inspire the desire to pick up sailing as a new sport, Sail Newport offers sailboat rentals and lessons out of its headquarters in Fort Adams.

401 Fun: The best things to do in Rhode Island, June 21-28

This week: music in woonsocket, movies in newport, walking tours, soccer games, bouncy houses, and more.

We did it. Banner 18, baby. This columnist is still pumped after that Celtics win — and I’m not alone.

It’s with a skip in my step that I’ve rounded up all the fun in the 401 (and beyond) this week. We bounce into a calendar of inflatable houses, live music, a Fort Adams bash, yoga in a vineyard, a duck boat parade with a Rhody coach and more.

GALLERY NIGHT

In case you’re reading this June 20, tonight is Gallery Night, neighbors. Hop a trolley to see art in PVD. There are five free guided tours, or you can make your own. Expect art openings and receptions across Providence at some 17 galleries and art spaces, according to billing. Details here .

START OF “STARTS AT SUNSET”

Advertisement

Also, June 20 is the Summer Solstice and PVD is celebrating the longest night of the year. WaterFire’s “Starts at Sunset” series kicks off June 20 at 8 p.m. with live music and “art activations” along the Providence Pedestrian Bridge. Five braziers will be lit at 8:41 p.m. and burn until 10 p.m. Rhode Islanders can celebrate the longest day of the year with Providence Drum Troupe, which kicks off the evening, according to WaterFire. Expect live music, The Guild Beer Garden, Tizzy K’s Cereal Ice Cream ( yes, please ) and more. 365 S. Water St., Providence. Details here .

CELTICS PARADE & A RHODY COACH MAKE HISTORY

I don’t always leave Rhode Island, but when I do, it’s because there’s a Celtics duck boat championship parade.

Let’s give a Rhody cheer for Johnston native/Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla , 35, who just became the youngest coach to win an NBA championship in more than half a century . The “Rhode Island kid” is no longer a mystery — he’s made history.

Time for a Rhode Trip to Boston for the Celtics Championship Parade , stepping off 11 a.m. June 21 in front of TD Garden on Causeway Street, traveling past City Hall Plaza and the Boston Common on Tremont Street, and ending on Boylston Street by the Hynes Convention Center. Details here .

LIVE FROM WOONSOCKET

Catch free live music in Woonsocket on Fridays all summer long with their Levitt AMP Woonsocket Music Series at River Island Art Park. The series mission is “to bring communities together through the power of live music, according to their website. Plus, expect food trucks, vendors, “kid-friendly fun,” and a bar. On the docket for June 21: New Orleans fusion artist Shamarr Allen . Billed as mix of jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk, blues, and country, the trumpeter has toured with Willie Nelson , Patti LaBelle, and Lenny Kravitz, according to billing. 95 Bernon St., Woonsocket. Learn more here .

EAST PROVIDENCE RESTAURANT WEEK

Foodies, there’s still time: East Providence Restaurant Week runs now through June 22. Expect deals and prix fixe. You might, for example, lunch on authentic Portuguese food at Madeira Restaurant, where you’ll score a free cup of soup with any sandwich. For dinner, they offer a free cup of soup or side salad with $20 entree — perhaps sautéed shrimp in butter, garlic, and wine served over a bed of rice, or marinated pork blended with roasted potatoes and little necks. Meanwhile, Uncle Tony’s Pizza & Pasta offers a $23.95 prix fixe meal: Start on soup or salad, then you might dig into baked sea scallops with pasta, veggie or fries, or chicken parmigiana, before dessert: tiramisu or carrot cake. Details here .

WBNA PARTY & TOUR

Summer officially starts June 20, and PVD’s West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA) celebrates with a Solstice Party June 21, and a Neighborhood Garden Stroll June 22. At the Solstice celebration, expect an open bar, locally sourced catering, and live music. 1560 Westminster St., Providence. 6-9 p.m. $60 each or two for $100, drink and food included. 1560 Westminster St., Providence. Details here.

Meanwhile, the free self-guided Garden Stroll is billed as a day of “community camaraderie, creative expression, and a celebration of urban green spaces.” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Map here . Details here .

BLACK HISTORY WALKING TOUR

Starting June 22, you can educate yourself to local history on a Newport Black History Walking Tour. Until now, the personal narratives and experiences of Black individuals enslaved against their will to white merchants in late 18th-century Newport have been largely unknown, according to a Globe RI story . Their voices highlight a new tour and exhibit that illuminate “the untold history of early Black Americans” and its widespread, ongoing impact in Rhode Island. Tours Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays at 10 a.m. through Nov. 30. $20 adults; $10 kids 12 and under. Departs from the Pilot House at 13 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport. Details here .

RHODE READS

I’m a lifelong book lover and want to spread the Ocean State literary love. Rhody is so packed with talented authors and books, I started a subsection of this column, Rhode Reads. In this week’s Rhody Reading News… [Cue our Rhode Reads jingle…]

Start ‘em young. Ink Fish Books in Warren hosts “Young Readers Day” June 22 from noon to 3 p.m. The free event features Rhody authors, meet-and-greets, signings, free Del’s Lemonade, and free face painting from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Getting kids to make the connection between the book in their hands and the idea that a person created it is key to developing young writers and readers. 488 Main St., Warren. Details here. On the docket:

• Haley and John Rocco talking “Wild Places: The Life of Naturalist David Attenborough ,” which was selected as the 2024 Rhode Island Great Reads for Kids for the National Book Festival.
• Astrophysicist Marc Kuchner talking about his first kids nonfiction book, “Cosmic Collisions: Asteroid vs. Comet ” via MIT Press.
• And acclaimed kids author Jamie Michalak , author of the charming “Frank and Bean” series, “Dakota Crumb” books and “Joe and Sparky” books.

Meanwhile: A Westerly native, poet Carla Panciera, talks and signs “ Barnflower: A Rhode Island Farm Memoir” followed by a reception, at Westerly’s United Theatre. $5. 5 Canal St., Westerly. Details here .

ADULT BOUNCE HOUSE

… Yes, and kids, too. But kids always get to bounce. I’m freaking out because it’s my turn. Get this: The Big Bounce America is bringing its massive inflatable fun houses — including a 24,000 square-foot bounce house, and 900-foot long obstacle course with slides — just over the border to Seekonk Speedway for two weekends, June 22-23, and June 28-30. See the attractions, with names like “Air Space” and “Octoblast” here . You can sign up by age time-slots, like toddler, older kids — and ages 16+ adult-only sessions. I haven’t gotten a chance to jump like this I was at elementary school Discovery Zone birthday parties. Here’s our chance, grownups . Let’s do this. 1782 Fall River Ave., Seekonk, Mass. Adults from $45. Toddlers from $22. Details here .

MARK ERELLI

Folk fans, don’t miss Mark Erelli in Wakefield June 22. Of his latest album, “Lay Your Darkness Down,” he told me in 2022 : “These aren’t songs about blindness. They’re songs I could only write once I realized what I was losing. My impending blindness opened my eyes.” The Massachusetts solo artist and sometime sideman for Lori McKenna, Josh Ritter, Marc Cohn, and others was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa , or RP, an inherited retinal disease that causes progressive loss of night and peripheral vision. Erelli’s new material “is the most intimate thing I’ve ever done,” he said. $20. Doors 6 p.m., show 7 p.m. 1464 Kingstown Road, Wakefield. Details here .

SOCCER TIME

Rhode Island FC, the state’s very own pro men’s soccer team, takes on El Paso Locomotive FC June 26 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary, but it’s Pride Night, so there’s a special package that includes a pride T-Shirt and a ticket for $23. At Beirne Stadium at Bryant University. 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield. Details here .

‘MUSIC AT SUNSET’’

BYO chairs, blanket and picnic dinner to soak up in the view of Narragansett Bay and sound of music on the rolling greens of a mansion. Bristol’s Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum hosts The Joe Parillo Jazz Ensemble as part of the Music at Sunset series June 26. Gates 5 p.m., show 6-8 p.m. Preregistration required; walk-ins not accepted. Adults $18; kids 5-17 $6. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. Learn more about artist here . Details here .

NEWPORT DOCS

They’re back, baby: newportFilm kicks off their 2024 documentary Outdoors Series with “Skywalkers: A Love Story” June 27 on O’Hare Lawn at Salve Regina University. The Netflix documentary “follows a daredevil couple as they take their relationship to terrifying new heights in a wild scheme to climb the world’s second highest skyscraper and perform a death-defying stunt on the spire,” according to newportFilm’s website synopsis.

newportFilm’s outdoors series runs June 27-Sept. 5, with free admission, at “iconic outdoor locations throughout Aquidneck Island” every Thursday. Venue opens at 6 p.m., live music by Van Pelt Duo at 7:30 p.m., film at 8:30 p.m. 36 Ochre Point Ave., Newport. Watch a movie trailer here . Learn more here .

YOGA & WINE

Name a more iconic duo, I’ll wait. Cumberland’s Diamond Hill Vineyards offers an outdoor yoga class open to all levels June 28 at 5:15 p.m. at the vineyard. Afterward, they host a Sip & Shop event featuring local vendors and, of course, wine. From $13. 3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland. Details here .

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE. ONGOING FUN…

‘LA CAGE AUX FOLLES’: Trinity Rep concludes its season with the Tony-winning musical “La Cage aux Folles,” with book by Harvey Fierstein, music by Jerry Herman, and directed by resident company member Taavon Gamble. The play centers on drag club owner Georges, and his husband, Albin, who performs at the club. “Hijinks ensue” when Georges’ son becomes engaged to the daughter of a homophobic politician and Georges tries to hide his sexuality, according to billing. Read the Globe Rhode Island theater review . From $24. Through June 30. 201 Washington St., Providence. Details here .

TROOPTOP THURSDAYS: ‘Tis the season for a rooftop beer garden. WaterFire Providence’s TroopTop Thursdays rock the top of WaterFire Arts Center. Each week (except July 4 and July 25) you can catch the sunset, and the current exhibition, 5-9 p.m. Expect tunes, snacks, beer and wine. 475 Valley St., Providence. Details here .

ITALIAN FOOD FEST: Foodies, rev your engines. Federal Hill, Rhody’s own Little Italy, hosts its 5th Al Fresco on the Hill on Saturdays through Aug. 31 from 5 p.m. to midnight. People can stroll the avenue and sample food from local restaurants and shop at retailers set up outside. There will also be live entertainment and artistic performances. Providence. Details here .

DRAGONS AT THE ZOO: Kids can explore “Dragons & Mythical Creatures” at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Billed as an “immersive experience featuring over 60 life-size animatronic wonders.” Through Aug. 11. Not included with regular zoo admission. $9 ages 2 and up. Under 2 free. 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence. Details here .

FOOD AND ARCHITECTURE WALKING TOUR: Food, art, and architecture come together for Downcity Providence Food Tours, noon to 3:30 p.m., on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through November. Get an insider’s view of creative and lively Providence during a tour lasting more than three hours over 1.7 miles. Discover some of the city’s award-winning restaurants, its hidden art and historic architecture. Tickets $76-$94 per person. 1 Ship St., Providence. Details here .

BROWN’S ART WALKING TOURS: Brown University now offers free public art walking tours led by Brown students every weekend. Learn about Brown’s public art collection with a 40-minute student-curated tour, exploring six works of art. All tours are outdoors, rain or shine. No registration required. Meet up at 1 p.m. On Saturdays, meet at the Eli Harvey sculpture, Bronze Bruno, on the College Green (79 Waterman St.) On Sundays, meet at Tom Friedman’s Circle Dance, on the Campus Walk. Tours run weekends through Nov. 17. Map and all details here .

Until next week, Rhody: Keep rockin.’

Lauren Daley can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter @laurendaley1 .