Things to do in

Rhode Island

Visit the Newport Mansions and discover the “summer cottages” that provided the ultimate backdrop for "The Gilded Age" - a society centered on sport, fashion, and parties set in spectacular natural surroundings. Learn the history of each mansion and its owners. Start your visit by picking up your mansion tickets at the Welcome Center at The Breakers. For combo tickets, save 23% on two properties or 32% on three and select which properties you would like to visit. Download the free multilingual audioguide app before you arrive to make the most of your self-guided tour or get a paper guide if you do not have a smartphone. Start by visiting The Breakers, the grandest mansion and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn-of-the-century America. Explore the 70 rooms of this Italian Renaissance-style palazzo. Then visit the 13-acres of grounds, along with a Stable and Carriage House (open daily). With 2 or 3 Mansion Tickets, besides The Breakers, you can also choose to visit either: - Marble House, inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles, with over 500,000 cubic feet of marble and a Chinese Tea House in the gardens. (Open Daily except June 21 & 22 2023, and October 30 – November 17, 2023) - The Elms, modeled after the mid-18th century French Chateau d'Asnieres outside Paris. (Open Daily except October 30th – November 17th, 2023) - Rosecliff, modelled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles (Open Daily September 1st – December 31st 2023; except September 21st – 25th 2023,) - Kingscote (1834), a landmark Gothic Revival style mansion, and the first of the “Cottages” (Open May 30th – July 30th 2023 only)

Hop aboard an old-fashioned trolley and explore Newport, Rhode Island during this 90 minutes scenic tour. Begin your day meeting at the Visitor Center of Newport where you will be greeted by your tour guide. Begin your adventure as you set off into Newport to enjoy the charm of the historic downtown area and restored homes to glorious mansions on the water. Take in the rugged beauty of Ten-Mile Ocean Drive and the fabulous mansions along tree-lined Bellevue Avenue. Enjoy viewing homes and architecture from the Modern Age to the Gilded Age. During this narrated tour you will view over 150 points of interest including Historic Thames Street, The Newport Waterfront, The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff.  Upgrade your ticket and visit the historic Breakers Mansion located on the elaborate estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt. The Breakers is the grandest of Newport's summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family's social and financial preeminence in turn of the century America. Take in the lavish decor and waterfront views as you tour the property grounds. The additional mansion tour will last about 3 hours.

Take in the classic New England scenery aboard the comfortable Coastal Queen on a 75-minute Scenic Bay Cruise from Newport, Rhode Island. Listen as local guides share their knowledge of the historic sites that surround the Newport Harbor and the Jamestown shoreline. See historic church steeples, Bowen’s and Banisters Wharves, lighthouses, forts, mega yachts, mansions, and more on the tour. The Coastal Queen offers maximum comfort and has a weatherproof interior that can be heated on chilly days, a bar, panoramic views, and an open-air top-covered deck where the side curtains can roll up for catching the ocean breezes or rolled down for warmth.

Experience Newport Harbor and Lower Narragansett Bay while sipping a special complimentary drink. See mega yachts, lighthouses, historic church steeples, the Newport Pell Bridge, Rose Island, the Jamestown shoreline, historic forts, and so much more from aboard the Coastal Queen. Enjoy panoramic views from the main salon or from the open-air upper deck. Additional refreshments are available for purchase at the cash-only bar onboard. After the cruise, take a moment to walk around and soak up the vibrancy of this coastal town. Checkout out the shops and amazing restaurants in downtown Newport.

Set sail on a day trip from Newport and enjoy the scenery as you sail through Newport Harbor, into the protected waters of Narragansett Bay, and along the shoreline of Newport’s picturesque Ocean Drive. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights, or help raise the sail, take the wheel, and sail. Get great views of the Pell Bridge, Fort Adams, Clingstone, Hammersmith Farm, and the legendary coastline of Narragansett Bay. See vintage America’s Cup boats, lighthouses, superyachts, and weekly races. Your captain and crew, well-versed in the history of the sights, will point out the highlights with some light commentary.

Start your day in with style on a 75-minute, narrated lighthouse tour of scenic Newport Harbor. Take in some classic New England scenery aboard the boat, while sipping a morning drink. Listen as local guides share their knowledge of the four lighthouses surrounding Newport Harbor. Along the way, see historic church steeples, the Jamestown shoreline, the Newport Pell Bridge, Clingstone, Hammersmith Farm, the Newport Harbor mansions, mega yachts, offshore lobster and fishing vessels, and so much more. Kick back in the warm, covered, and virtually weatherproof main salon, or hit the open-air upper deck for catching the ocean breeze. Wherever you choose, enjoy sipping your drink while taking in the panoramic views in absolute comfort

Climb aboard the iconic Aquidneck in Newport and prepare to enjoy a relaxing morning cruise with a mimosa in hand. Sip on a refreshing blend of champagne and orange juice as you sail through historic Newport Harbor and into picturesque Narragansett Bay. Listen to light, informative commentary provided by the expert captain and crew. Sit back as you take in the view and start your day off right by discovering the area's coastal scenery. Learn interesting information about Newport's history and acquire a new perspective on the city before sailing back to the starting point.

Step into America's oldest Jewish house of worship: Touro Synagogue. Enjoy a history presentation, interactive exhibits, and access to the beautiful grounds. Join a guide to learn why Touro Synagogue is considered one of the most architecturally distinguished buildings of 18th century America and why it stands as a symbol of religious freedom for all Americans. Visit the Loeb Visitors Center to explore interactive, multi-media exhibits that examine America’s first freedoms. Discover how Newport’s colonial community laid the groundwork for our First Amendment Rights.

Enjoy a sightseeing cruise of Newport Harbor aboard a classic motor yacht and discover the city's coastline from the water. Rum Runner II is a classic motor yacht similar to the rum running boats of the 1920's. Sit back and enjoy as our knowledgeable and informative crew provide narration about scenic estates, the Castle Hill Lighthouse, naval history, as well as Newport's rich and famous! Take advantage of the covered area or soak up the sun on the open section of the deck. Don't hesitate to bring an extra layer because weather conditions can change rapidly and temperatures are lower on the water than on shore. Sunscreen and a hat are suggested when sitting on deck. Don’t forget to bring a camera! Enjoy a beverage on board after purchasing tickets at our booth before your trip. This cruise is not BYOB. Any group of 10 or more people, booked together or separately, is subject to an automatic 15% gratuity.

Experience the macabre side of the Newport Historic District on this guided walking tour. Listen to ghoulish stories compiled from over 20 years of research and first-hand accounts. Uncover the city's ominous past as you see haunted locations like the White Horse Tavern. Don't be misled by copycat tours, join Newport's original paranormal ghost walk! Meet your guide at the Newport Marriott and get in an eerie mood with a costumed guide who is carrying a lantern. Hit the streets in search of things that go bump in the night. Keep your camera at the ready, as past participants have caught pictures of ghostly images. Follow the lantern through shadowy lanes and church burying grounds to discover the local haunted history. Stop outside haunted places along the way like the White Horse Tavern which was originally opened in 1673 and is hiding dark tales behind its colonial charm. Finish your paranormal wanderings outside the historic 17th century Trinity Church which is just 3 blocks away from your starting location.