One of New England’s most popular summer resorts, Newport is a beautiful seaside city on Aquidneck Island. It’s renowned for its lavish mansions, historic fort and dramatic coastal scenery, as well as hosting the annual Newport Jazz Festival.

Things to do

Spend a day exploring Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, which extends more than five kilometres along the southern coast of Aquidneck Island. There are sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and sightings of shorebirds along the way, as well as an up-close look at Newport’s opulent mansions.

A highlight of the Cliff Walk is the early-19th-century Forty Steps where Irish servants and mansion workers used to congregate for weekend dances. The restored staircase descends directly to the water and is an idyllic spot for both fishing and swimming.

If you’re interested in Newport's Golden Age, join a guided tour to see the eleven historical mansions that were once owned by influential families. Visit Astor's Beechwood Mansion and Belcourt Castle to admire diverse architectural styles, opulent period rooms and impressive 19th-century art collections.

At the mouth of the Newport Harbor stands historic Fort Adams, one of the largest coastal fortresses in the United States. Join a guided tour of the soldier’s quarters and peruse the exhibits at the Naval War College Museum, then soak up the panoramic views on offer across Narragansett Bay.

Getting around

The T.F. Green Airport in Warwick is located around 30 minutes’ drive from Newport and there are regular train and bus connections to Boston and New York City. Newport is a great city to explore on foot or by bicycle and pedicabs provide an alternative means of getting around.