Welcome to Rhode Island's oldest resort town, where it's now possible to picnic on the lawns of million-dollar mansions and mingle with the heiresses at velvet-rope nightclubs.
Newport's cobblestone wharves are lined with a variety of galleries featuring everything from exceptional nautical photography to spectacular landscape paintings and unique sculptured pieces. For visitors looking to highlight their visit with dramatic entertainment, the performing arts lineup features enjoyable plays and musicals and moving dance presentations by the island's resident dance company.
Through the years Newport has made a name for itself in a variety of manners; first as a colony founded on religious freedom, later as the summer playground for American socialite families with names like Astor and Vanderbilt, as a key location for the U.S. Navy, and then as the yachting capital of the world.
Today the stories of Newport can be enjoyed on tours through opulent ocean-side mansions, interesting museums, and historic sites such as coastal forts, lighthouses, and worship buildings. For a closer look at the city-by-the-sea, visitors can choose from a variety of walking tours, boat tours and self-guided tours.
A vibrant seaside city, the nightlife scene offers great options to top off a Newport visit. Live music at waterfront bars, cool blues bars, and dancing all night are options for a fun night out. For a more relaxing evening, Newport welcomes visitors to numerous sports bars, Irish pubs, and numerous relaxing outdoor restaurants.
There is always something happening in Newport. Our dynamic calendar of events offers something for everyone, ranging from laugh-out loud comedy shows to mouth-watering food fairs. The sun-filled, fun-filled days of summer are a great time to enjoy Newport with professional sports tournaments, boat shows on the harbor, outdoor music festivals, and fragrant floral parties.
The action doesn't stop in the fall and winter, when Newport celebrates Haunted Newport in October, Winter Festival in February, and Irish Heritage Month in March. Visitors will be enchanted by the festive holiday season featuring holiday parties and Victorian Christmas Feasts in the ballroom of mansions.
