Newport, Rhode Island: Scenic Tour

Newport, Rhode Island’s scenic driving tour is a captivating way to experience the city’s Gilded Age grandeur and coastal wonders. Starting at the Visitor Center, the 12-mile route guides visitors through the opulent mansions of Bellevue Avenue, such as The Breakers and Marble House, before leading them to the stunning views along Ocean Drive and historic sites like Fort Adams. Complementing the exploration of architectural marvels, the journey culminates in the lively Irish District, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage. With so much to discover, it’s no wonder this scenic tour has become a must-do for visitors to Newport.

This experience made our list of the 13 Best Tours In Newport Rhode Island.

Key Points

• A 12-mile scenic driving loop showcasing Gilded Age mansions, coastal landmarks, and the city’s Irish heritage.
• Highlights include the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Audrain Auto Museum, and renowned estates like The Breakers and Marble House.
• Offers stunning ocean views along Ocean Drive and explores historic sites like Fort Adams and Beacon Rock.
• Provides an overview of the city’s architectural wonders and the lavish lifestyles of America’s wealthy elite during the Gilded Age.
• Concludes in the charming Irish District, with cozy pubs, traditional music, and acclaimed restaurants.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Scenic Driving Tour Overview

The scenic driving tour of Newport, Rhode Island, covers the city’s essential sights and attractions in a 12-mile loop that can be completed in 1-2 hours at one’s own pace.

Starting from the Visitor Center on America’s Cup Avenue, the tour provides an engaging overview of the Gilded Age mansions, architectural wonders of Bellevue Avenue, and stories about the city’s wealthy elite.

Highlights include the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Audrain Auto Museum, and iconic landmarks like The Breakers, Marble House, and Rough Point.

Drivers can marvel at the stunning ocean views along Ocean Drive and visit state parks and historic sites before concluding the tour in the lively Irish District.

Highlights of the Tour

On this scenic tour, visitors can learn about the Gilded Age mansions that have made Newport famous, marveling at the architectural wonders of Bellevue Avenue. From the International Tennis Hall of Fame to the Audrain Auto Museum, the tour offers a rich tapestry of stories about the city’s wealthy elite and how they amassed their fortunes.

Key highlights include:

• Exploring the grand manors, such as The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff, and uncovering the lavish lifestyles of their former occupants

• Driving along the scenic Ocean Avenue, taking in the stunning sea views and stopping at Brenton Point State Park

• Visiting historic sites like Fort Adams, Beacon Rock, and the Rochambeau Monument to learn about Newport’s rich history

• Discovering the city’s Irish heritage in the lively Irish District

• Marveling at the natural beauty of Hammersmith Farm and the iconic Ida Lewis Rock.

Tour Route and Stops

The 12-mile-long Newport tour covers a comprehensive route, showcasing the city’s renowned Gilded Age mansions, historic landmarks, and scenic coastal areas.

Visitors will start at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, then head to the Audrain Auto Museum.

The tour proceeds along Bellevue Avenue, where they’ll marvel at extravagant mansions like The Breakers, Marble House, and Rough Point.

Driving along Ocean Avenue, the tour offers stunning views of Brenton Point State Park and Hammersmith Farm.

Other highlights include Fort Adams, Beacon Rock, and the Rochambeau Monument.

The tour concludes in the charming Irish District, providing a well-rounded exploration of Newport’s rich history and natural beauty.

International Tennis Hall of Fame

Visitors first stop at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which honors the greatest players and contributors to the sport of tennis. Located in a historic 1880s building, the museum features interactive exhibits that bring the history of tennis to life.

Guests can explore the:

• Hall of Fame galleries showcasing legendary players
• Multimedia displays on the evolution of equipment and playing styles
• Environmental exhibits on the global impact of tennis
• Players’ locker room and court experience simulations
• Gift shop offering official Hall of Fame merchandise

After exploring this shrine to tennis excellence, visitors are inspired to continue their scenic tour of Newport’s renowned landmarks and opulent mansions.

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Audrain Auto Museum

Next, travelers arrive at the Audrain Auto Museum, a captivating collection showcasing the evolution of automobiles throughout history.

This world-class facility celebrates the engineering marvels and design innovations that have shaped the automotive industry over the decades.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive array of vintage and classic cars, from early 20th-century models to mid-century masterpieces.

The museum’s knowledgeable docents provide insightful commentary, bringing the cars’ stories to life and offering a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and technological advancements that have defined the automobile’s development.

Whether a car enthusiast or not, the Audrain Auto Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich heritage of the automotive world.

Gilded Age Mansions

Along the famous Bellevue Avenue, travelers will come across a stunning collection of Gilded Age mansions that showcase the extravagant lifestyles of America’s wealthiest families during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These architectural marvels include:

• The Breakers – a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo built for the Vanderbilt family
• Marble House – a 500,000 square-foot mansion with 500,000 cubic feet of marble
• Rosecliff – a grand mansion modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles
• Ochre Court – a 50,000 square-foot ‘summer cottage’ built for the Goelet family
• Belcourt Castle – an opulent ‘summer home’ with a medieval European-inspired design

These mansions offer a glimpse into the lavish lives of America’s elite during the Gilded Age.

Coastal Landmarks and Sites

The stunning coastal scenery of Newport provides a breathtaking backdrop for several notable landmarks and sites along the tour route.

As you drive along Ocean Avenue, you’ll pass by the iconic Fort Adams, once an important military fortification guarding the harbor.

Further down the road, Brenton Point State Park offers panoramic views of the Atlantic and the famous Brenton Reef Lighthouse.

The tour also takes you to Beacon Rock and the Ida Lewis Rock, both named after courageous lighthouse keepers who saved countless lives.

The final stop is the Rochambeau Monument, honoring the French general who played a crucial role in the American Revolution.

Concluding in the Irish District

The scenic driving tour concludes its journey in Newport’s historic Irish District, where visitors can explore the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere.

This charming enclave is known for its cozy pubs, traditional music scenes, and vibrant community spirit.

Some highlights include:

• Strolling along the tree-lined streets and admiring the colorful Victorian-style architecture
• Popping into local pubs like The Black Pearl or Buskers for a pint of Guinness and live traditional Irish music

Visitors can also explore:

• The International Tennis Hall of Fame, which celebrates the sport’s history and legends
• The Audrain Auto Museum’s impressive collection of vintage and classic cars
• Indulging in a hearty Irish meal at one of the district’s acclaimed restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Stop and Explore the Mansions?

Yes, you can stop and explore the mansions along the tour. Many are open for tours and offer the opportunity to see the grand interiors and learn about the history of these architectural wonders up close.

Are There Any Shopping or Dining Options Along the Route?

The tour route includes the Irish District, which offers various dining and shopping options. However, the tour itself does not include stops at these establishments. Visitors can explore them independently before or after the driving tour.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible?

The tour is generally wheelchair and stroller accessible, as it’s a self-guided driving tour. However, some stops and viewpoints may have limited accessibility, so visitors with mobility needs should check ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience.

Can I Customize the Tour to Focus on Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus on specific interests. Guests can work with the tour provider to tailor the route and highlights to match their preferences, ensuring a personalized experience that aligns with their interests.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Take the Tour?

The best time of day for the scenic tour is typically in the mid-to-late morning or early afternoon when traffic is lighter and the lighting is optimal for capturing the estates and ocean views. Avoid peak rush hour times.

Recap

Newport’s scenic driving tour showcases the city’s Gilded Age grandeur and coastal wonders.

From the opulent mansions of Bellevue Avenue to the stunning views along Ocean Drive, the journey culminates in the lively Irish District, providing a well-rounded exploration of the city’s architectural marvels and rich cultural heritage.

This tour offers visitors a captivating and comprehensive experience of Newport’s captivating history and natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: