visitor information
Let’s plan this visit! Here you’ll find the “need to know” nuts and bolts to get started:
- What our information center can do for you
- Travel resources including our official destination map, travel times, parking options, etc.
- Bus/ferry/water taxi/cab/rail services
- Air travel info including airlines that service our local airports
- Access to marine services resources (weather, currents, port services, launches, local marinas, etc.)
- Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority Live Traffic Updates
Want a little preview of your trip? Request a free Destination Guide here. Also, keep your finger on the pulse of all our destination happenings by signing up for our eNewsletter.
planning essentials
Newport Visitor Center
Welcome - we’re glad you’re here!
plan for the holiday's
see more holiday guidesHoliday Shopping Guide
No matter who's on your list, these eclectic spots for shopping have you covered.
Holidays at the Newport Mansions
The opulence of Newport's Gilded Age mansions meets the sparkle and magic of Christmas during the return of Holidays at the Newport Mansions on Saturday, November 22, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Christmas at Blithewold Manor
A short drive from Newport will land you in the quaint, patriotic town of Bristol where you'll find Blithewold Manor, Gardens and Arboretum tucked away on 33-acres of meticulously maintained land.
A Guide to New Years in Newport
This year's line up of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day dinners, parties, brunches and bashes is just what you need to ring in the new year the right way.
our coastal community
The Classic Coast is made up of nine connected coastal towns. They all share a rich and well-preserved New England history along with an indelible spirit of artistry, hard work, and ambition that's simply, classic.
newport
Founded in 1639, Newport, Rhode Island is considered to be the shining gem in the coastal crown of New England. A haven for religious dissenters, a critical Colonial Era port city, a thriving artists’ colony, a summer playground for America’s barons of industry during the Gilded Age, home to the U.S. Naval War College and known as America’s First Resort, Newport is a destination like none other.
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jamestown
Jamestown was incorporated in 1678 as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and transferred to Rhode Island in 1746. Today, Jamestown is a peaceful coastal gem with historic farms, stunning parks, award-winning restaurants, and locally owned shops and art galleries offering a serene atmosphere.
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bristol
Created in 1685, Bristol embraces its three centuries of rich history which includes being the site of a landmark battle, as a sailing and shipbuilding hub, a critical Colonial Era port and all the while continuing to have the distinction of hosting the oldest, continuous Fourth of July Celebration in America.
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middletown
By our destination’s standards, Middletown was a late bloomer, incorporated in 1743. Just as its name suggests, Middletown is in the “middle” of Aquidneck Island in Newport County, bookended by Portsmouth to the north and Newport to the south.
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portsmouth
Founded in 1638 by Anne Hutchinson and two other dissenters of the original Boston Colony, Portsmouth is home to many historic sites, public golf courses, marinas, antique shops and more. Portsmouth also encompasses four islands: Prudence Island, Patience Island, Hope Island, and Hog Island.
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tiverton
Tiverton was incorporated in 1694 and today, this coastal community seamlessly blends outdoor beauty with cultural pleasures. The town is home to one-of-a-kind quaint locally owned boutiques and eateries, many nestled in historic Tiverton Four Corners, a quaint New England village of 18th century buildings.
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little compton
In 1682, the town of Little Compton was incorporated by the Plymouth Colony, which was the first permanent European settlement in New England founded by English Pilgrims. It became part of Rhode Island in 1747 and today is home to the Ocean State’s only official “town common,” listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
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warren
Settled in 1653 as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Warren's working waterfront is one of the oldest in New England with more than 16 miles of shoreline, multiple marine-based industries, and a thriving downtown offering a host of local art and antique shops, waterfront restaurants and more.
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barrington
Barrington boasts a long, rich history as members of the Mayflower party once called the coastal town home. More than half of the town’s square miles is water, so picturesque waterfront vistas are plenty.
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A Day in Barrington
Think: Cozy cafes, serene coves, nature pit stops and one of the sweetest candy shops this side of the bay.
Read MoreA Day in Bristol
A quaint all-American seaside town delivering quintessential small town vibes with big reasons to visit.
Read MoreA Day in Portsmouth
It’s time to slow down, browse vintage cars, ride the rails, eat good food and make a toast (or two).
Read MoreA Day in Middletown
There’s something to be said about being in the middle, and in this case, in the middle of it all.
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