Photo: Preservation Society of Newport County

Newport has been a summer resort since the eighteenth century when the wealthier among our early settlers took to Aquidneck Island to escape the heat of the inner bay and the Providence plantations which provided the staples for the ruling class. The tradition continued into the 19th and 20th centuries when the original big money families built their "summer cottages" on the island as a summer retreat. These "cottages" are now the world famous Newport Mansions including The Elms, The Breakers, Rosecliff and Belcourt Castle.

The mansions are open to the public and can be seen on a tour which can include a stroll along the world famous "Cliff Walk" which skirts the oceanside perimeters of the estates and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic as well as the mansions themselves. See how the rich and famous, from the Vanderbilts to the Kennedys lived in the days of Scott & Zelda!

Photo: Preservation Society of Newport County

Museums abound. The Fisherman's & Whale Museum, the Museum of the Naval War College are just two of the many interesting places to visit to see why Rhode Island is a pivotal point in the history of our nation.

Newport is also home to many other cultural attractions including the Newport Jazz Festival and The Newport Folk Festival. It is the Yachting Capital of the World and all other ocean sports abound. World-famous Easton's Beach is the place for swimming and Second Beach is the lure for surfers. The rocky cliffs offer some of the greatest snorkling and scuba sites in the country. The fishing is world-class and sailing is a way of life - Newport is (at least most of the time!) the home of the America's Cup yacht races.

Many options for vacationers are available in all budget ranges making Newport a great way to experience what it's like to frolic in the "playground of the rich".