Brenton Point State Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Self-Driving Audio Tour

1. Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Self-Driving Audio Tour

Discover the city known for its picturesque Gilded Age mansions on a self-driven audio tour. Found out how the rich in America made and spent their money at the turn of the twentieth century. This 12 mile-long tour covers the essentials of scenic Newport, Rhode Island, in 1-2 hours. Start from the Visitor Center on America’s Cup Avenue. Here, listen to the story of Gilded Age America and how it shaped the future. While driving, you will first see the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Next up is the Audrain Auto Museum before you start exploring the Gilded Age mansions. Marvel at the first among them, Edward King House, followed by Kingscote and Bellevue House. Continuing on the avenue, come across The Elms, Chepstow, Ochre Court, and then The Breakers. From there, proceed to Chateau-Sur-Mer, Rosecliff, Beechwood, Marble House, and Belcourt Castle before ending this part of the tour at Rough Point. From there, continue on Ocean Avenue and drive toward Crossways while enjoying the Ocean Drive and hearing its story. Next, listen to the story about Brenton Point State Park and Hammersmith Farm, the summer home of Jackie Kennedy, wife of John. F. Kennedy. On the last leg of the tour, drive and hear stories of Fort Adam, Beacon Rock, Bonniecrest, Ida Lewis Rock, and Rochambeau Monument. The tour concludes in the Irish District.

Newport Cliff Walk & Ocean Drive Self-Guided Tours Bundle

2. Newport Cliff Walk & Ocean Drive Self-Guided Tours Bundle

Explore Newport on a self-guided driving tour via an app that functions as your own personal guide, audio tour, and map all in one. See everything this seaside town has to offer at your own pace. Learn about local history, take a scenic walk, and admire elegant mansions as you drive. Download the app, then start the tour at the visitor center. As you drive down Bellevue Avenue, known as the "most beautiful avenue in the world." See and learn about the gorgeous Gilded Age Mansions along the way, including The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff, Château-Sur-Mer, and more. Continue along Ocean Drive, featuring breathtaking vistas. Learn about Newport's historic past, and iconic American millionaires like the Vanderbilts and Astors. Then, park up and stroll along the famous Cliff Walk which features the raw, untamed, crashing waves of the Atlantic to one side and lavish Gilded Age mansions to the other. This juxtaposition creates one of the most beautiful scenic walks in the world.

Newport: Ocean Drive Historic District Self-Guided Tour

3. Newport: Ocean Drive Historic District Self-Guided Tour

Take in the awe-inspiring views and cool breeze that have attracted visitors to Newport for centuries. Learn about the colonialists who first settled along the harbor and the stunning summer cottages wealthy industrialists built on a self-guided driving journey. Download the tour app and head out on a trip through architectural gems like Rosecliff, where scenes from The Great Gatsby and 27 Dresses were filmed. See Newport’s largest house, The Breakers, as well as Rough Point, which was owned by heiress Doris Duke. While cruising through the Ocean Drive Historic District, gain a deeper appreciation for the history of the area. Drive past a 19th-century fortification at Fort Adams State Park, President Eisenhower’s old summer residence, and the Monument to Portuguese Discovery in Brenton Point State Park. Take in the impressive architecture of The Elms, Marble House, Ochre Court, and the Belcourt of Newport, and hear about Newport’s colonial and Gilded Age history from the audio guide. Enjoy the flexibility of stopping whenever you feel inspired or need a break.

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What people are saying about Brenton Point State Park

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 32 reviews

Thanks to the Newport guide, we saw much more and learned far more than we could have by researching on our own. Easy to use, but sometimes the info began a little before we had reached the point of interest, so it created a bit of confusion a couple of times. Otherwise, we highly recommend this program.

It took a while to connect my phone to rental car. Also, it was not clear from instructions that tour talk would begin wherever car was. Once we got started it was great. The older the guest, maybe less tech savvy but we eventually figured it out.

I would recommend this for a more detailed and enjoyable drive through by the Newport mansions. Interesting stories and detailed directions. Worth it!

It was nice to be able to drive around and see all the mansions in Newport, RI

Great day one activity to get the lay of the land. Thank you!