Welcome to Newport, RI — Rhode Island’s “crown jewel” and biggest tourist attraction. Newport gives all of the advantages of a city, but with a unique abundance of beautiful oceanfront living and historic charm. In fact, the downtown area has the highest concentration of registered historic buildings and homes in the U.S. You’ll be right in the middle of everything here — top-rated restaurants, walkable boutique shopping, preserved historic mansions, music festivals, and a yachting culture unlike anywhere else in the country. Choose from the very best luxury and waterfront homes, urban-style condos, or historic houses in Newport’s unique neighborhoods.
According to Realtor.com, in January 2023, the median listing home price in Newport, RI was $845K, trending up 10.8% year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $579. The median home sold price was $691.5K.
* Tax rate based per thousand - Sources: United States Census Bureau. 2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey Office. Web. 17 March 2022. & Realtor.com
Broadway, Upper Thames, and Lower Thames are destination shopping spots in Newport. In this four-mile stretch of historic, bustling downtown, you’ll find boutique clothing shops, chocolatiers, jewelry, custom-made accessories, bars, restaurants, and much more. Of course, as a resident, you’ll want easy-access shopping for your essentials, right? Well, that’s also available in short order. Just up Broadway along Route 114 and 138 there are several shopping centers with Stop & Shop, Shaws, and CVS. Or you can visit the shopping plaza on JT Connell Highway, which includes Walmart, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, etc.
An annual folk-oriented music festival at Fort Adams State Park. Started in 1959, this festival is known for its historic performances and showcase of America’s finest folk and Americana musicians. It takes place every summer in July and hosts a weekend-long line up of musicians from all over the country.
Established five years earlier to its counterpart (Newport Folk Festival), this annual summer fest is also held at Fort Adams State Park. It has hosted some of the biggest names in Jazz, Soul, and Rock music (Frank Sinatra, James Brown, David Brubeck, just to name a few!). It’s often held the same month at the Folk Festival and continues to showcase lineups of well-known and emerging musicians.
This extensive exhibit honors players and contributors to the sport of tennis, which includes a museum, grass tennis courts, and both an indoor and outdoor tennis facility. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts and memorabilia – including videos, photographs, audio recordings, tennis equipment and apparel, trophies, and art – highlighting the history of tennis from its origins up through the modern era.
The Preservation Society of Newport have made it their purpose to maintain the historic mansions along Bellevue Avenue and Ocean Drive. You can schedule tours and explore the mansions, attend special events, see exhibits, and learn about the luxurious homes of the Vanderbilt's and other famous families of industry.
The spring, summer and early autumn seasons in Newport bring in tens of thousands of visitors and seasonal residents every year. Naturally, the food & beverage industry is a highlight here. It’s home to nearly every kind of cuisine you can imagine, from fine-dining to casual dives. Simply walk along America’s Cup Avenue, Memorial Boulevard, Thames Street, or Broadway and you’ll find hundreds of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Situated on an unbelievably picturesque estate on Aquidneck Island’s southern tip, Castle Hill offers a view of Newport that’s unbeatable. You can sit outside on the lawn, enjoy a cocktail and select menu offerings or get a reservation at their esteemed restaurant.
One of Newport’s premier dining and lodging establishments. You’ll find artfully-inspired dishes, award-winning hospitality, and a fine-dining experience like no other along Newport’s harbor district.
One of Newport’s destination restaurants for fresh seafood and dockside dining. It’s an established 35-year classic spot with raw bar offerings, extensive wine list, and private dining options.
Officially known as “America’s Oldest Tavern” the White Horse has been serving hungry mouths in Newport since 1673. It’s transformed into a tourist attraction altogether, offering fine American cuisine, a tavern shop, and private event space.
One of Newport’s biggest summer attractions, the Cliff Walk is open year-round and free to the public. It runs 3.5 miles along the eastern and southern portion of Aquidneck Island and offers unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can travel out onto the rocks and cliffs, gaze the mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and stop at many observation points along the way.
A public-use, historic park with panoramic views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. It’s home to historic, well-preserved Fort Adams, a large military fortress built in the 19th century. The park offers guided tours of the fortress, online gift shop, and rental of their barracks rooms for private events. The outside grounds have public-use facilities for fishing, boating, soccer, rugby, picnicking, and more. Fort Adams is also home to the long-running Newport Jazz and Newport Folk Festivals.
A “hidden gem” park situated in a residential neighborhood in Newport. Amazing views of the Newport Bridge and East Passage. It’s one of the best places to watch the sunset in a quiet, well-kept place along the waterfront. Also dog-friendly, with plenty of green space and benches to relax for a picnic.
Located along Ocean Drive about a mile from Bellevue Avenue, this small beach is set back in a cove and naturally protected from big waves or ocean surge. It’s open to the public, but the beach club is private. Seasonal passes are available.
Occupying the former grounds of one of Newport’s grandest estates, Brenton Point State Park has one of the most commanding and spectacular views on the East Coast. The park is located at the point of land where Narragansett Bay meets the Atlantic, midway along renowned Ocean Drive. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, and fishing.
Located on the highest natural point in Newport in a beautiful wooded landscape. At the top, you can climb the 80-foot-tall Memorial Tower for a spectacular view of Newport and Narragansett Bay. There are also public-use facilities in the park, including picnic tables, playground, and an open playfield.
A ten-mile road along Newport’s ocean cliffs and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. See the luxurious, historic cottages and mansions along the water or hike along the rocks in Brenton Cove. It’s a great place for a bike ride or to watch the sunset.
With over 400 miles of coastline, Newport has plenty of beautiful beaches and sandy seasides to visit. Bask in the water or just relax on the beach with your toes in the sand. Come relax along the shoreline for a taste of the good life.
The Newport Public Schools District consists of three primary schools and three alternative schools. As of 2013, all elementary schools have been consolidated and now attend Claiborne Pell Elementary, with a small percentage attending classes at the Pell Annex in the John F. Kennedy School in Newport, RI. As a whole, the district enrolls approximately 2,200 students per year and has a teaching staff of 293. For more information, please visit their website
These are some of the top-rated public schools in Newport based on a variety of measures, including academic performance and equity. Find out more about GreatSchools ratings.
Newport Hospital is a private, non-profit hospital and member of the Lifespan Health System. The hospital offers emergency care, diagnostic imaging, birthing services, behavioral health services, intensive care, and acute inpatient and outpatient rehab.
Getting to Fort Adams State Park: Take Thames Street or Bellevue Avenue south to Ruggles Avenue. Travel west to Beacon Hill Road / Harrison Avenue until you reach Fort Adams.
Getting to First & Second Beach: from downtown, take Rt. 138A (Memorial Blvd.) east past the Newport Cliff Walk. Continue past First Beach to Purgatory Road and follow until Second Beach.
Getting to Jamestown / South Shore: The Newport Bridge (Rt.138) runs directly from downtown Newport to Jamestown and continues over the Jamestown Bridge to North Kingstown.
Getting to Fort Adams State Park: Take Thames Street or Bellevue Avenue south to Ruggles Avenue. Travel west to Beacon Hill Road / Harrison Avenue until you reach Fort Adams.
Getting to First & Second Beach: from downtown, take Rt. 138A (Memorial Blvd.) east past the Newport Cliff Walk. Continue past First Beach to Purgatory Road and follow until Second Beach.
Getting to Jamestown / South Shore: The Newport Bridge (Rt.138) runs directly from downtown Newport to Jamestown and continues over the Jamestown Bridge to North Kingstown.
RIPTA Bus number 60 runs from the Newport Gateway Center through the entire East Bay area (Middletown, Portsmouth, Bristol, Warren, Barrington, East Providence) before ending in Providence. Very cheap and efficient way to travel for residents.
Pay only $2.00 for a ride from Newport Gateway Center through downtown and Bellevue Avenue. It’s a tour bus, but also a convenient way to get around Newport.
Distance to T.F. Green Airport: 26.7 miles
Distance to Providence Train Station: 33.5 miles