Take a Day Trip to Historic Newport, RI

When you’re staying in one of our Narragansett beach rentals, take a look at neighboring towns for exploring and adventuring. While you’re in town, be sure to consider an exciting day trip to a nearby destination like Newport! It only takes 20 minutes to get from Narragansett to Newport, making it the perfect destination for a day trip.

There are all kinds of exciting attractions in Newport, from unique shops and delicious restaurants to beautiful nature spots and more. However, Newport is particularly appealing to the history buff. Here are some of the most fascinating historical sites that Newport, Rhode Island, has to offer!

Narragansett Rhode Island Vacation Day Trip Cliff Walk

The Cliff Walk

In 1975, this picturesque walk was designated as a National Recreation Trail, the very first in New England. Located in the National Historic District, the walk follows the eastern short of Newport, combining natural seaside beauty with impressive architecture. It continues for 3.5 miles, and two-thirds of it are considered easy walking. 

The trail can be divided into five parts. From Memorial Boulevard to Forty Steps, the trail is paved and ideal for a casual walk or jog. Forty Steps to Ruggles Avenue passes impressive mansions at Salve University Campus, giving walkers a taste of Rhode Island history. Along this path, there are several sets of stairs. Ruggles Ave to Belmont Beach includes a bit of rougher terrain and is close enough to the water that waves may break near the trail during strong winds. Belmont Beach to Ledge Road is the most challenging part of the walk, which involves some rock scrambling along the beach, ideal for hikers not afraid of heights. Finally, Ledge Road to Bellevue Avenue is the last stretch and significantly easier than rock scrambling! 

Whether you choose to walk only partway or complete the entire trail, the Cliff Walk is worth a visit! It is one of the top attractions in Newport, the perfect place to explore Rhode Island history and natural beauty of the area with family and friends. 

Newport Art Museum

Dating back to 1912, the Newport Art Museum features art from its permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions showcasing talented, contemporary artists from across the globe. The museum’s aim is to bring diverse groups of people together through art. 

Not only can visitors come to witness art, but there are numerous activities and public programs available throughout the year, including a Winter Speaker series, performances, artist talks, and films. The museum is involved in numerous outreach programs to underserved populations with the goal of making art accessible to all. 

As a guest, you are welcome to view the museum’s permanent collections, which include contemporary and American art, or any of its rotating exhibitions. Likewise, you may participate in museum activities and programs, so look ahead to see what will be happening during your visit. 

This Rhode Island museum is located at 76 Bellevue Avenue and is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. Admission is free for museum members, but otherwise costs $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for students or military, and is free for anyone 17 and under. 

International Tennis Hall of Fame

Tennis fans will appreciate a visit to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, officially recognized in 1986. The museum holds over 1,900 artifacts of tennis history. Exhibits are newly redesigned, providing an engaging visitor experience. Additionally, you can tour the 7-acres of historic Newport Casino grounds to see the newly-built indoor courts and the manicured grass courts of the Bill Talbert Stadium.

The hall of fame is located at 194 Bellevue Avenue, and you can visit daily from 10am to 5pm. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, college students, or military, and is free for anyone 16 and under. 

Newport Vineyards

Paying a visit to Newport Vineyards will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into Napa, California, without ever leaving Rhode Island!  The current owners, John and Paul Nunes, took over the land and created the vineyards in 1995, but farming has been in their family since 1917. In 1998, the original Newport Vineyards expanded and acquired historic Perry Farm, offering even more room and an exciting backstory. Since then, this vineyard has been working to craft some of the most highly praised wines in Rhode Island, as well as a luxurious experience for all.

You can visit Newport Vineyards to sample any of their red, white, rosé, or sparkling wine options. You can also taste some delicious craft beer at the Taproot Brewing Company on the property or get some mouthwatering, farm-fresh food at the Marketplace. You can spend an entire day exploring everything Newport Vineyards has to offer.

Plan Your Stay

These destinations are just a few favorite historical spots in Newport, and luckily, they’re all just a short drive away from our most popular Rhode Island vacation rentals! Durkin Cottages is happy to provide a huge catalog of Narragansett vacation rentals for families of all sizes so that you will feel right at home throughout your entire stay. Ready to learn more? Contact us today to get started!

Fort Adams

One of the most popular things to do in Newport, RI, is visiting Fort Adams. This historic fort was constructed to prevent enemy fleets from entering Narragansett Bay to attack cities situated along the shore. Construction began on the fort after the Revolutionary War, but Fort Adams as we know it today, with its extensive fortifications, wasn’t constructed until 1824. 

Today, Fort Adams guests are welcome to explore the property independently with a self-guided tour, or they can check out the area with a guide and get behind-the-scenes information about the history of this landmark. You can explore everything from the underground tunnels to the tops of the walls, giving you a complete look at what life was like when the fort was built. 

Ocean Drive

If you’re looking for historical sites that are also convenient to experience, this one is for you! You don’t even have to get out of your car! Ocean Drive spans 10 miles along the breathtaking Rhode Island coastline, allowing you some of the most beautiful views you can hope to see in the state.

As you travel along Ocean Drive, you’ll pass right by some awe-inspiring Gilded Age mansions. You’ll also spot Hammersmith Farm, the childhood home of the late Jackie Kennedy. Brenton Point State Park and Fort Adams State Park are also on this drive, perfect for those who want to get out and explore nature. Finally, don’t miss a stop at Gooseberry Beach, where you can experience stunning waves and feel the sand between your toes.

Beautiful Beavertail lighthouse in Narragnasett
Photo from Pixabay

Narragansett Vacation Rentals

As you travel along Ocean Drive, you’ll pass right by some awe-inspiring Gilded Age mansions. You’ll also spot Hammersmith Farm, the childhood home of the late Jackie Kennedy. Brenton Point State Park and Fort Adams State Park are also on this drive, perfect for those who want to get out and explore nature. Finally, don’t miss a stop at Gooseberry Beach, where you can experience stunning waves and feel the sand between your toes.

Durkin Cottage Realty

815 Pt. Judith Rd.
Narragansett, RI 02882

Phone: 401-789-6659
Fax: 401-789-6705
info@durkincottages.com
FacebookTwitter

Sign Up For Our Email