Make some history this weekend.

The march of the French and Continental Armies to victory over Cornwallis and the British began at Newport, Rhode Island.

The so-called sailing capital of the world dates its founding to 1639 and is filled with enough history, culture and adventure to satisfy travelers of all stripes. Plan your trip to the 鈥淐ity by the Sea鈥 with this well-rounded travel guide.

Historic Happenings

Glenn Riegel

With almost 400 years of history to account for, there are several options to seek out Newport鈥檚 past, no matter what time period or topic suits your fancy.

  • Climb aboard an old-fashioned trolley for a guided tour of some of the town鈥檚 oldest buildings and restored homes. offers such an experience on 鈥淭rolley Tour 2.鈥
  • Or take a walking tour June through October with the , which also runs the 鈥 a ca. 1762 building that hosts a wealth of knowledge on the city鈥檚 rich history.
  • But, if you鈥檇 rather strike it out on your own, start with the town鈥檚 most mysterious structure. The Old Stone Mill, a round stone tower located in Touro Park, is likely the remains of a windmill built in the mid-17th century. However, legends linger, claiming it to have been built by groups like the Vikings or the Knights Templar. You can learn more about it at the .
  • Continue on to the oldest American colonial library to still be housed and operating, the (ca. 1747).
  • Expanding your historical walk, head towards , the oldest synagogue still standing in the U.S. Dedicated in 1763, it remains an operating synagogue AND welcomes visitors as a national historic site.
  • Head toward Washington Square and find the Newport Colony House, the fourth oldest statehouse still standing in the U.S.
  • A mere 200-feet away is the oldest surviving house in Newport, the鈥(ca. 1697), which is available for tours by reservation.
  • If you鈥檙e feeling hungry after all this history, take a quick stroll over to the . Opened in 1673, it is the oldest tavern in the country 鈥 and still serves patrons!
  • To top off your tour of this historic pocket of Newport, head to . Of its many visitors, some of the most famous were George Washington, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
  • To start a new day off with tales of military鈥檚 past, head to , the largest coastal fortification in the country. Finished in 1857, it remained active through WWII. At the start of the Civil War, it housed the underclassmen of the U.S Naval Academy, after being evacuated from Annapolis.
  • Take this as your marching orders to make your next stop the and its , but do note you鈥檒l need to request access in advance!
  • And don鈥檛 forget to set aside time to explore Newport鈥檚 iconic Gilded Age treasures 鈥 its mansions, many of which sit by the sea! Travel back in time and see how America鈥檚 industrial royalty experienced Newport at or .

Family Fun

Whether your family has an affinity for water, cars, tennis, or history, they鈥檒l have a blast exploring Newport!

  • Start your day with local-favorite or .
  • Have your entire family gain their sea legs by trying out , where you can take instructional classes or rent a boat!
  • After your time on the water, grab some amazing lunch at , established in 1936!
  • Keep kids and parents alike engaged at these Newport locations:
    • , where they can learn how to perfect their swing while taking in a wealth of tennis history.
    • Enjoy world class cars at the , home to more than 80 automobiles from seven different decades!
    • Relish in some family competition at , where they offer over 50 skill and video games.
  • Enjoy the sunset and spectacular views at some of Newport鈥檚 beaches, such as the famous or , both of which have playgrounds and plenty of space for family picnics!
  • Stop by for some famous pizza, adored by locals and tourists alike.
  • If you have space for dessert, head over to for a scoop or for a delectable baked good!

Romantic Newport

Make the most of time spent with your significant other by taking in the jaw-dropping sights of this charming New England town.

  • Grab some breakfast at or enjoy a cup of joe at .
  • Take a romantic stroll with your significant other past some of the aforementioned Newport mansions such as or , which have been preserved and are available to tour thanks to the .
  • Have some lunch at and enjoy Newport鈥檚 enchanting 鈥 it鈥檚 sure to soothe the soul with breathtaking ocean views and crashing waves!
  • Gaze at spectacular works of art at the . The museum is situated in the Griswold House, built in 1864 for Old China Trade鈥痬erchant John Griswold, and one of the earliest鈥疉merican Stick鈥搒tyle鈥痓uildings.鈥
  • If short on time, take a 10-mile drive down the winding , showcasing Gilded Age mansions, the childhood home of Jackie Kennedy, Brenton Point State Park, Fort Adams, and summertime favorite Gooseberry Beach. Don鈥檛 forget to roll down the windows and embrace the sounds of the coast!
  • Enjoy a romantic dinner for two at or live it up with drinks, pub eats, live music and karaoke at !
  • And you don鈥檛 have to be a connoisseur to appreciate award-winning wine, beer, and more at .

Retail Therapy

Whether you鈥檙e looking for a trinket to remember your time in Newport, an opportunity to update your wardrobe, or unique pieces to bring home and proudly display, there are several ways to get your shopping fix in the 鈥淐ity by the Sea.鈥

  • Begin your day with some delicious breakfast at or grab a coffee at
  • Newport is home to a great number of places for some much-needed retail therapy:
    • At , situated along the waterfront near Washington Square, you can find select gift shops as well as boutique clothiers and specialty food stores.
    • is a great place to shop local, with small boutiques and galleries on the waterfront.
    • For a walk alongside luxurious mansions mixed with unique specialty shops and art galleries offering one-of-a-kind pieces, check out .
    • If you鈥檙e looking for some antiques, head over to !
    • Looking to continue your antiquing journey? Along Spring Street, you鈥檒l find an antique and fine crafts paradise, with ceramics at or fine furniture at .
    • supplies chic and sophisticated style and tons of home goodies.
    • offers fresh and regionally grown produce.
  • End your day at where you will enjoy great food accompanied by a fantastic view.

Before You Go

We鈥檝e got some tips and advice for prepping for a trip to Newport, including weather, accommodations, and historical background 鈥 everything you need to make your visit a comfortable and memorable one!

  • 鈥痵o you know how to pack and what to wear.
  • Read up on the鈥Revolutionary War, and learn about the significance of the Battle of Rhode Island.
  • is a one-stop shop for all things tourism in the city and surrounding area, including visitor stories, recreation and leisure recommendations, as well as information on seasonal events and lodging.