Newport, RI Tourist Attractions
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Newport, in Narragansett Bay, also made its name as a shipbuilding town, and it is still an important yachting port. Its main role, however, has been as an exclusive summer resort patronized by New York society which has preserved much evidence of its past.
Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk in Newport Rhode Island is a 3.5mi/5.6km National Recreation Trail which runs along cliffs over looking the ocean and past historic homes. The trail is a public right-of-way which passes over private property.
Touro Synagogue
Dedicated in 1763, Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the United States and the only one to survive from the colonial era. The simple brick façade conceals a dramatic two-story interior. Designed by Peter Harrison, America's first professional architect, it skillfully combines classical architecture with the functions of the Sephardic Jewish ritual. It is also a national symbol of civil liberty, having received George Washington's assurance in 1790 that the new nation would protect religious freedom for all faiths. This National Historic Site also includes an historic Jewish cemetery dating back to 1677.
Save The Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium
The Save The Bay Exploration Center and Aquarium is a marine science center devoted to the Narragansett Bay. The facility features interactive learning exhibits for children and families. This is a learning center with various programs for children and students. Visitors can get close to lobsters, sea stars, crabs, flounder, moon jellies, sea cucumbers and some funky-looking fish.
Fort Adams State Park
Fort Adams was the most heavily armed fort during the Revolutionary War. It is now a state park and features great views of Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay from the fort. The fort also hosts a variety of annual summer concerts during the Jazz, Folk, and Blues Festivals.
Rose Island Lighthouse
The Rose Island Lighthouse was lit in 1870. The lighthouse stands one mile off shore. It was abandoned in the 1970's and early 80's but has since been restored by the Rose Lighthouse Foundation. The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Thames Museum (formerly Thames Science Center)
The Thames Museum in Newport, which was formerly known as the Thames Science Center, is an education science and technology museum. The museum is run by Thames & Kosmos who also operate a science learning retail store called Thames Science Center.
International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum
The International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum in Newport is located at the site the first U.S. National Championships in 1881. It features exhibits and a video presentation on tennis history.
Museum of Newport History
The Museum of Newport History is housed in the 1762 Brick Market Building. The museum features decorative arts, historical artifacts and photographs, audiovisual programs, paintings, models, and various other items.
Naval War College Museum
The Naval War College Museum in Newport is located on the site of the first college of its kind in the world, established in 1884. Displays depict the history of naval warfare and the Narragansett Bay.
Newport Art Museum
The Newport Art Museum is housed in three buildings on a two acre site. Griswold House is an 1864 Stick Style building, the Cushing Gallery is a 1919 neo-classical building, and the Gilbert S. Kahn Building which houses the museum's art school.
Old Stone Mill
The Old Stone Mill in Touro Park in Newport is a mysterious structure. It is thought to have been built by Norsemen before the arrival of Columbus, although some say it dates to the mid 1600's.
Redwood Library and Athenaeum
The Redwood Library and Athenaeum in Newport was built in 1750 the library is the oldest lending library in the United States. The library contains more than 160,000 books, archives and manuscripts and a collection of decorative arts.
Trinity Church
The Trinity Church in Newport was built in 1726 and has been in continuous use since that time. It contains a 1733 organ once played by George Frideric Handel. The church hosts concert performances during the summer months.
Museum of Yachting
The Museum of Yachting in Newport features maritime and yachting history exhibits, sail and power boats, photographs, racing artifacts, and some classic yachts.
Newport Historical Society Museum and Library
The Newport Historical Society Museum features permanent and changing exhibits, manuscript archives and a library.
Newport Sailing Tours
Newport Sailing Tours was founded in 1965 and runs tours of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay daily from May to October.
Old Colony and Newport Railway
The Old Colony and Newport Railway is a 90 minute train journey that offers excellent views over Narragansett Bay from the west shore of Aquidneck Island.
Rhode Island Fishermen & Whale Museum
The Rhode Island Fishermen & Whale Museum in Newport offers educational exhibits on the marine environment.
Rochambeau Statue and Monument
The Rochambeau Statue and Monument in King's Park in Newport commemorates the landing of the French allies in America on July 10, 1780.
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