newport ri breakers tour

Private Seaside Mansion Tours

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The Experience

Marvel at the Gilded Age splendor of Newport's most famous Gilded Age Mansions, breathtaking symbols of the Vanderbilt family and other key players in the Gilded Age's social and financial pre-eminence in the early 20th century. Enjoy a private tour before or after hours at iconic mansions like Marble House, the Breakers, The Elms, and more.

• Off property
• Duration: 1 to 4 hours
• Contact our concierge to arrange
• Pricing varies per property

More to Love

unforgettable activities for

The Breakers Family Tour

The Family Tour is narrated by The Breakers itself! You’ll also hear from family members and staff, as well as fanciful creatures like the friendly dolphin hiding under the grand staircase and the dragons in the Dining Room. Experience a summer day in the life of one of the Vanderbilt children and learn about Monsieur Le Chef and his colleague, The Butler. This tour brings the house, its furnishings and even its sculpture to life!

What you need to know

More tours, events & exhibitions, beneath the breakers tour, daily 10:30 am.

Explore the underground systems that made this great house a marvel of technology for its time.

Gilded Age Newport in Color

March 15 – june 30, 2024 10:00am – 3:00pm.

This exhibition explores a largely unknown but important chapter in American history: the experience of a thriving African heritage community in Newport.

Servant Life Tour

Daily 10:30 am, 2 pm and 3:30 pm*.

See and hear how the other half lived. This tour will highlight the stories of some of the men and women who worked to service the social whirl of Newport during the Gilded Age. * Sept. 1-Oct. 6, 10:30 & 3:30. Nov. 23-Jan. 1, 2025, 10:30 & 2:30.

Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour

May 17 – june 28, 2024.

Fans of HBO’s "The Gilded Age" will love this guide-led tour of locations in four of the Newport Mansions where the show was filmed. Tuesdays and Fridays only, May 17 through June 28.

The Newport Flower Show: “At Home”

June 21 – 23, 2024.

The 28th annual edition of New England’s premier flower show explores the theme "At Home," celebrating the beauty and inspiration that flowers and plants bring to the spaces in which we live.

The Breakers Third Floor Preservation in Progress Tour

Daily 3:30 pm*.

For the first time in the 129-year history of The Breakers, the private third-floor family space occupied by generations of Vanderbilts will be open for public tours. *Oct. 15-Jan. 1 , 1:30 pm

The Iconic Trees of Newport: Past, Present & Future

June 27, 2024 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

Learn about Newport’s landscape history, the threat posed by beech leaf disease and planting strategies for the future. This educational forum is a collaborative effort among The Preservation Society of Newport County, The Newport Tree Conservancy and Bartlett Tree Experts.

“Becoming Peggy Scott”: An Evening with Denée Benton & Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar

July 9, 2024 6:00pm.

We invite you to a special evening at Rosecliff for dinner and conversation with actress Denée Benton, who plays Peggy Scott on HBO's "The Gilded Age," and Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar, Executive Co-Producer and Consulting Historian for the Emmy-winning series.

The Frick Renewed

July 18, 2024 6:00pm.

For the annual David W. Dangremond Lecture, Ian Wardropper, director of The Frick Collection, will share the behind-the-scenes process of the first major renewal of this renowned museum in 90 years.

Decoding Gilded Age Designer Jules Allard

July 30, 2024 6:00pm.

The annual Jacalyn and William P. Egan Lecture will present Preservation Society Fellow Benjamin Bowery discussing his contributions to our long-term study of cabinetmaker and designer Jules Allard, the man who made the Gilded Age glitter.

Summer Dinner Dance: La Fête du Jardin

August 10, 2024 7pm.

Our annual black-tie fundraising event promises a fun and elegant evening of dinner and dancing amid a magical garden setting.

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

September 20 – 22, 2024.

Save the dates for the 19th annual festival, featuring the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Brunch and tasty yet educational seminar experiences.

Get the Newport Mansions app

Download our tour app before your visit and bring your earbuds.

Additional Visitor Info

Map & parking info.

Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.

Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Mansions & Gardens

Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.

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Beneath the Breakers

• 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
• (401) 847-1000

Additional Information

General info, restrictions.

• Handicap Accessible This is an underground experience in a historic structure. You will pass through some enclosed spaces. This tour is not handicapped accessible. Comfortable, flat shoes are recommended.
• Tour Length Guided tours are offered hourly on the 1/2 hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Take A Photo Tour of The Breakers | Newport Mansions

If you explore one historic mansion during your visit to Newport, Rhode Island, make it The Breakers.

This incredible mansion, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt II (heir to the Vanderbilt fortune), is often called the epitome of the Gilded Age.

Chris and I have explored castles throughout Europe, and still, The Breakers stands out as one of my favorite preserved buildings.

It’s just so extraordinarily beautiful and so unbelievably well-preserved.

Chris and I decided to attempt a tour of The Breakers, even with a toddler in tow.

We decided to arrive early in the morning, before the crowds became too heavy, and kept our fingers crossed that Trevor would behave for a quick (self-guided) tour of the mansion.

So, with Trevor as our guide, let’s take a complete photo tour of The Breakers:

The Breakers Front Entrance

You’ll begin your tour by entering the ornate north gates of the mansion.

The Breakers is now open daily to the public and owned by The Preservation Society of Newport County.

Walk the gravel pathway leading up to the mansion and begin by taking in the front entrance.

The limestone exterior is beautiful, with intricate detail and molding.

It was incredible for me to learn that this 70-room mansion was “just a summer home” for the Vanderbilts!

The Breakers was built in the late 1800’s and took only two years to complete!

The Breakers Great Hall

The first room you’ll enter after you purchase your tickets is the Great Hall.

This room was designed to make a jaw-dropping first impression, and it definitely succeeds in making a grand impact!

The Great Hall – all gilded wood and marble with painted ceilings – is fifty feet tall!

But beyond the colossal scale, the intricate detail that adorns every square each is incredible!

The burgundy-carpeted grand staircase leads to some of the mansion’s 70 rooms.

And above the Grand Staircase: a stunning stained glass skylight.

And the arched doorways, adorned with burgundy drapery, offer stunning views of the blue ocean that seems to stretch for miles beyond the green lawn.

The Breakers Dining Room

Next, let’s step into one of the most ornate and luxurious rooms I’ve ever seen in the United States: The Breakers Dining Room.

The pictures speak for themselves, but I’ll say that the one word I heard again and again as visitors entered this room: “Wow!”

The room was enough to capture even a toddler’s attention (for a minute or two!)

One of the things I love most about The Breakers is how every room is not only beautifully preserved but also fully decorated with incredible chandeliers, original furniture and lavish draperies.

The Breakers Music Room

Another incredible room is the Music Room, which has an open and airy feel with lots of natural sunlight streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Music Room is lavishly decorated in gold and burgundy with gilded wood and stunning chandeliers.

The Breakers Library

The Library is also really striking.

The ceiling includes intricate dark wood paneling and the beautiful fireplace is originally from a French château.

This room is so perfectly preserved, even every book is in perfect order!

The Breakers Bathroom

I know bathrooms are the rooms that are mostly likely to show their age and look outdated.

But I was in love with this one particular bathroom at The Breakers.

More than one hundred years after it was built, who wouldn’t want this bathroom in their own home? I’m using it to inspire my own bathroom decor!

The Breakers Kitchen

In building The Breakers, the Vanderbilts took every precaution against potential fire.

And they did not want any odors from the kitchen wafting into other rooms in the house.

So the kitchen was completely isolated in a ground-floor wing.

Even so, it’s still stunning, with a huge assortment of copper pots. Even this hidden-away room seems so much more grand than anything in my own home!

The Breakers Loggia

Aside from the jaw-dropping beauty of the mansion, the view at The Breakers is the other star of the show!

The sweeping open air balcony on the second floor, with painted ceilings and sweeping arches, offers stunning ocean views.

The blue sea seems to stretch on and on forever beyond the manicured lawn.

The Breakers Exterior and Grounds

After touring inside the mansion, we walked around outside to explore the grounds and the exterior of the mansion.

The east facade of The Breakers faces toward sweeping, panoramic views of the wide-open ocean. To me, it’s even more beautiful than the front entrance.

Trevor loved running free on the wide open green lawn.

And I loved snapping photos of the intricate detail of the exterior and the beautifully landscaped grounds.

One sad thing about the history of The Breakers:

The lead architect of the mansion, Richard Morris Hunt, did not live to see The Breakers completed.

And the owner of this “summer home,” Cornelius Vanderbilt, suffered a stroke only one year after it was completed. So he had only one good year to entertain and enjoy the realization of his dream.

But I like to think that the outcome, over 100 years later, is better than they probably ever imagined.

The Breakers lives on, perfectly preserved, for millions and millions of visitors to admire and explore.

Each visitor probably imagining, like I did, what it might be like to live daily life surrounded by all of this stunning beauty!

Here were all of the questions Chris and I had before exploring The Breakers, plus all of the answers we found:

The Breakers

Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI

What Are The Crowds Like At The Breakers?

The Breakers can get extremely crowded during the summer months, especially on weekends! It can be challenging to find parking and make your way through the mansion during peak times.

To avoid heavy crowds in the summer months, try to arrive immediately at 9am on weekends. Even better, if you’re visiting for more than just a weekend, arrive at opening on a weekday.

What Does Admission To The Breakers Cost?

We were surprised to learn that there are actually several options for admission tickets. This is because The Preservation Society of Newport County actually runs 10 different historic properties, all open to the public .

If you’re interested in checking out several of the historic mansions in Newport, you can save a lot of money by buying a Five House Ticket.

Here were the options at the time we visited:

• Breakers Only Ticket – $24.00
• Two House Ticket (including The Breakers plus one other house) – $29.00
• Five House Ticket (including The Breakers plus four other houses) – $35.00
• Kids under the age of 6 are free.

You can check out ticket options and purchase tickets online here .

Are There Tours At The Breakers?

We can’t do guided tours with Trevor since he’s too young to stand quietly with a group for the entire length of a tour.

So we were thrilled to learn that admission to The Breakers is self-guided, meaning you can walk through in your own time and at your own pace. Headsets providing audio tours were available and included with the cost of admission.

There are also additional options for tours , for example, a “Beneath the Breakers” underground tunnel tour, if you’re interested in exploring The Breakers more in-depth.

How Long Does It Take To Tour The Breakers?

Although Trevor managed to sprint through The Breakers in about 20 minutes, most will prefer about one hour to tour The Breakers! This allows time to enjoy each of the rooms. If you’d like to spend time wandering the grounds down to the ocean, or if you’d like to browse the gift shop, plan for about 1 1/2 hours.

Is The Breakers For Kids?

Older kids may be fascinated by the jaw-dropping size and opulence of The Breakers. But younger kids may not find a lot of interest here. Our toddler, Trevor, looked around a bit, but mostly sprinted from one room to the next. There is a lot of green space outside the mansion, so adults can take turns bringing young children outside. For example, Chris took Trevor outside to play while I photographed the rooms inside.

For More On Newport Travel, Check Out:

Weekend Guide To The Newport Mansions

Take A Photo Tour of The Elms | Newport Mansions

Traveling to Newport? Here Are the Top 5 Sites You Can’t Miss

Take A Photo Tour of the Green Animals Topiary Garden | Newport Mansions

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Review Highlights

“ My daughter and I had fun doing the scavenger hunt and listening to the app about this mansion on our phones. ” in 22 reviews

“ We loved going to all the different unique rooms and reading more about the Vanderbilt family was neat. ” in 7 reviews

“ In 1885, Cornelius Vanderbilt II purchased the property as a summer cottage for $450,000 ($13. ” in 7 reviews

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44 Ochre Point Ave

Newport, RI 02840

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First time in Rhode Island and we wanted to do a mini tour of the area. I purchased tickets for the Newport Trolley Tour and it was the best!! Our tour included the tour of The Breakers which was the home of the Vanderbilt family ( Anderson Coopers mom is Gloria Vanderbilt). Beautiful, humongous home with a view of the ocean. Next to other mansions, but the size of this home is massive!! If you love looking at big, beautiful homes with history, I definitely recommend seeing this home. It's not a guided tour, but there are people around that you can ask questions. Definitely take time to look at the pictures and read whatever is written.

It's an interesting place to visit and guarantees a thoughtful experience for most. This used to be the primary residence of one of the most prominent families of modern America, the Vanderbilt family, known for their network of railways among other things. It's one of the biggest (or probably the biggest) house in the Rhode Island region. The first version of the house was wooden built and was destroyed completely in a fire in the early days. The current structure is made of concrete entirely. It was built to last and it exhibits the intended permanence. The house provides a glimpse of the family's preposterous lifestyle and conspicuous consumption, which was the trend in the gilded age. Whether you are fascinated by the gold and the glitter or disgusted by the vulgarity of it, you will step out with an opinion on the experience. The house is preserved and restored well by the Historical Society of Newport, making the visit worth the $30 spent on the entry ticket per person. The parking is free and there is an entrance to the cliff walk right near the house so you can kill two birds with a stone (read visit 2 places by parking at 1 spot!). The museum gift shop is decent with a range of silverware, books, hoodies, and other merchandise. The servant's section of the house was off limits which was a bummer! Overall, do visit and decide for yourself which end of the spectrum you belong to. Tip: Make sure to download the guide app to learn about the history and relevance of this place and enjoy the full experience.

See all photos from Payal M. for The Breakers

September 2023-if you just have time to tour one of the mansions in Newport, RI this is the one. You'll want to download the mansions of Newport app to take the audio tour of the mansion. You can stop the audio to take pictures and enjoy the home. The tour takes about an hour minimum. So worth it! Afterwards you can browse their gift shop and grab a bite in their small cafe. Can't believe they used to call this a summer cottage!!

WOW... WOW... The fact that it only took 2 years to build this mansion is impressive. All the fine details, absolutely stunning. Highly recommend buying a ticket and walking the grounds as well. The staff is so lovely and informative. We loved going to all the different unique rooms and reading more about the Vanderbilt family was neat. Highly recommend driving around near the area as well; AMAZING neighborhoods.

See all photos from Ilene H. for The Breakers

You can't visit Newport without touring some of the gilded age mansions! If time only permits one tour, be sure you visit The Breakers. Built as a summer cottage for the Vanderbilt family. The opulence is felt throughout! We had such fun waking through the various rooms and imaging a day in the life here. Once you've toured the house, leave some time to enjoy the water views taken in on the expansive lawn. You can even access cliff walk from the property so if you're looking to do both activities, you'll have the needed access. To tour the house and enjoy the lawn and gift shop, we spent about two hours onsite. Tickets can be purchased online in advance which I recommend doing to avoid the purchase line but know you can purchase on site if needed.

Visited day before thanksgiving, and they advertised Holiday decorations inside and out. Not really. One decorated tree in each room. Main hall had a couple of trees, including one made by pointsettas. Also, we downloaded the app, but could not download the self guided tour, as there was no wifi in the Breakers. The website should have said that. Instead we had not tour, which at $29/person seems a big mistake by the Breakers facility. You would think they would appreciate repeat business by impressing guests. We walked the grounds and several of the sidewalks just dead ended, with no way to get to the Cliff Walk. Ok, but we have been to other mansions that were more impressive and four much more informative.

We only had time to visit one of the Newport mansions so we chose The Breakers which was a good decision. They had beautiful Christmas decorations setup throughout the tour in each room. The app you can download on apple or android provides a nicely narrated self guided tour. If you take your time, it will probably take you around 90 minutes to complete the tour. Of course there is a gift shop at the end of the tour. In a separate building near the entrance gate, there are restrooms and a place to purchase food and drinks. The adjacent parking lot is free and decent size so shouldn't be a problem finding a spot.

See all photos from Morris N. for The Breakers

Beautiful mansion with audio tour. Great for a couple hour visit with friends or family.

Talk about lavish lifestyle! The Vanderbilts knew the meaning of luxury and didn't disappoint. The grounds were well kept though some of it was blocked off due to construction/work on the grounds. The self-guided tour on the mobile app was easy to follow and full of interesting facts. It also looks like the Cliff Walk runs right next to it so this might be a 2-for-1 location if you're wanting to tour the cliff walk as well. Cheers!

The biggest & grandest of all the mansions in Newport. If you only have time to visit one, The Breakers should be it! It's hard to believe that this grand & huge mansion is just a summer cottage of the Vanderbuilts during the guilded age. If you are into beautiful buildings & historic you will find this place fascinating and worth it. We got our ticket via Viator & part of the tour bus package for 45 dollars. we e were given 1hr & 15 min to min to explore which is enough time. Make sure to download the audio tour prior & bring your headphone to enhance your experience! Love this tour one of the highlights of our newport vacation!

See all photos from Tata G. for The Breakers

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18 Amazing Things To Do in Rhode Island You Can’t Miss

R hode Island is one of New England’s most picturesque and tourist-loved states. It’s lined with seaside colonial towns, as well as entertaining and bustling cities — such as Newport and Providence. No matter where you go, there is an Italian presence offering amazing food.

Although Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States by area — they’ve packed a whole lot of amazing things in! Ready to start planning your trip to Rhode Island? Here are 18 things to do in Rhode Island that we know you and your crew are going to love.

The beautiful city of Newport is first on our list for good reason. Besides ogling at luxury yachts and strutting through The Breakers, there are just endless opportunities for fun in the sun here. If you are the sporty kind, it is worth noting that the International Tennis Hall of Fame resides here, where they host the annual ATP men’s event. 

It is a very romantic getaway, but also can be a great family summer vacation spot. It’s not hard to wonder why bachelor and bachelorette parties reside here with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd beaches all being great locations for lazy beach days. 

Read More: 13 THINGS TO DO IN NEWPORT RI EVERYONE WILL LOVE

THE MANSIONS

One of the big draws to Newport, Rhode Island, is checking out how the wealthy lived in the olden days. The major mansions are protected under The Preservation Society of Newport Mansions . This includes the incredible Vanderbilt summer cottage, known as The Breakers.

Anyone who visits here will note that the Vanderbilts idea of a summer cottage could host an army. In fact, it is more appropriately described as a Gilded Age mansion. Along with Marble House, these were mansions built between 1870 and the early 1900s, featuring lavish estate homes designed by the world’s best architects. They also have exquisite art, which you can see on the tour. 

Another beautiful journey you can take is the Rough Point guided tour through Doris Duke’s home. Doris was an heiress and philanthropist in Newport, living in a beautiful estate that is now the Rough Point Museum. From the outside, the stone mansion offers beautiful panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. From the inside, you will find lavish decorative art. 

If there is one mansion you can not miss, it’s The Elms home. In 1996, it became a National Historic Landmark honoring the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Julius Berwind. Between beautiful gardens and historic art, this tour is amazing.

OCEAN DRIVE

Ocean Drive is one of the best things to do in Newport, Rhode Island. At 10 miles long, it’s perfect for rolling down your windows and feeling the ocean breeze.

The drive starts at Bellevue Avenue, where you can find a number of the mansions listed above. The drive winds around different beaches, farms, and parks, making it very scenic. 

INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME

There are so many different reasons to visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame . Whether you want to hit some balls back and forth on the iconic grass courts or visit their museum about tennis history, there is something for everyone.

During the summer, catch the ATP Men’s tour event where you can see greats like John Isner and Kevin Anderson play! 

FORT ADAMS STATE PARK

Fort Adams State Park is one of the stops along Ocean Drive. While many zip past this park, it’s worth slowing down for.

Take the guided 75 minute tour and learn more about the history of the park and the restoration process. During the guided tour, you’ll also be able to explore the underground tunnels! Self-guided tours are also available.

Fort Adams State Park offers an exceptional panoramic view of both Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. In the summer, this state park hosts both a Jazz Festival and a Folk Festival that brings thousands of music lovers to this beautiful area.

Some of the best sunset views in Newport can be seen from Fort Adams State Park Trail loops. This walking area is a 2.5 mile loop around the outside of the Fort Adams structure. 

BEAVERTAIL LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM

Though not technically in Newport, the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum in nearby Jamestown, RI, is worth a visit.

The museum is home to a collection of information and artifacts about the history of the Beavertail Lighthouse — which is the third-oldest lighthouse in all of North America.

Learn about lighthouse history, and more about Narragansett Bay’s maritime science, technology, and culture. After your museum trip, you can explore Beavertail State Park, which adjoins the lighthouse site.

Cliff Walk in Newport is a National Recreation Trail in a National Historic District. This 3.5-mile walk takes you along the rugged New England shoreline, past mansions, beaches, and more.

On the Cliff Walk, you’ll enjoy Newport’s natural beauty, while also taking in the beautiful architecture of the homes and buildings along the way. Most of the walk is pretty easy, but part of the southern half of the walk is rougher — and you may have to maneuver over the rocky shoreline.

This popular trail is visited by more than 500,000 people each year. The beauty along the routes cannot be beat!

SACHUEST POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

The Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is officially in Middletown, but it’s so close to Newport, we’re counting it.

This national wildlife refuge is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and bird watchers.  The refuge is home to the second largest wintering population of harlequin ducks on the Atlantic coast, and more than 200 bird species visit the refuge seasonally.

Enjoy 3 miles of trails, along with elevated observation platforms along the trails to make for easy viewing.

Saltwater fishing is also popular here.

Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and has a lot to offer. For instance, their historic Federal Hill is home to the best Italian bakeries and restaurants in the state, maybe even New England! There is also a lot of great art and fun activities for the entire family to enjoy, such as the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

Because of its bustling college scene with Brown, RISD, Johnson and Wales, Providence College, etc., there is a lot to be experienced educationally and through art. Let’s get into it. 

Read More: 13 THINGS TO DO IN PROVIDENCE RI YOU’LL LOVE

ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO

With more than 150 animals to see, the Roger Williams Park Zoo has so much to offer. The park offers tons of green space and other interesting activities, such as the Museum of Natural History, recreation areas like tennis courts, among other enjoyable activities.

The zoo was founded in 1872, making it the third oldest zoo in the nation! The Museum of Natural History also includes a beautiful Planetarium, with several education programs for kids.

WATERFIRE PROVIDENCE

WaterFire in Providence takes place in the downtown area at Waterplace Park on Memorial and South Main Street Park. It’s a beautiful display that occurs from May to November, with a special holiday fire lighting returning in December. Over 80 braziers are lit up just after the sun goes down to create a magical ambiance throughout the downtown area.

This is one of the most popular attractions, as 1 million visitors come to experience the WaterFire showings. It also has an incredibly important economic impact, creating $113 million in economic output for local businesses! 

JOHN BROWN HOUSE

The John Brown House Museum was the first mansion to be built in Providence. Today, it is a museum that not only shows the one of the most elegant and magnificent mansions, according to John Quincy Adams, but also depicts what life was like back then for women, the architects, and landscapers — and of course, John Brown. 

It also takes a look into important topics, like slavery and independence. Art, culture, and history are abundant here in this home.

HISTORIC FEDERAL HILL

The Italian corner in Rhode Island rests in Historic Federal Hill . It offers the iconic Atwells Avenue, with surrounding streets lined with pasta restaurants, Italian bakeries, and boutique shopping.

With each stop, such as at Camille’s on the Hill, you’ll not only indulge in Italian food, but also quickly learn the immigration stories from families that have come from Italy to take part in the American Dream. 

The cobblestone streets with Italian flag colors used as driving dividers on the road will let you know that you are in the right spot. In fact, the street ends up being blocked off by cars, which allow patrons to roam freely in and out of shops! 

RISD MUSEUM OF ART

RISD Museum of Art stands for the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, and offers strong collections of modern and interesting art exhibits for all to enjoy. This multi-building art museum came about in 1877, showcasing work from ancient times all the way to the present day. This is incredible to see first-hand because it shows just how much things have changed. 

With over 100,000 works of art to be explored, there is no shortage of things to see. Both permanent and rotating exhibits can be found here, and they even offer some exhibits online.

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ART CENTER

The not-for-profit Providence Performing Art Center was formerly known as the Loew’s State Theater, and even before that, the Palace Concert Theater. It’s located in Johnson and Wales Providence Campus and offers tons of events and award-winning shows open to the public. From adult comedy to plays, their event calendar is busy offering different shows for an all-inclusive experience.

Make it a date night, as there are tons of restaurants and eateries in the neighborhood. If you are seeing a late-night show and coming from out of town, there is also a lot of accommodations nearby.

Not to be confused with Bristol, Connecticut, Bristol, Rhode Island , is an amazing area to visit.

Traditional and historic, this water seaport was named after Bristol, England, and was built on traditional territories named the Pokanoket Wampanoag. With state parks, museums, and more — there is a lot to see here.

COLT STATE PARK

Colt State Park is one of the biggest and best green spaces in Rhode Island, offering 464 acres on Poppasquash Neck. Its beautiful panoramic views of Narangasset Bay could have you sitting for hours taking in the Bay’s breeze. With four miles of paved bike paths and additional trail loops, there is a lot of activity going on here. 

Whether you are someone who wants to take advantage of the active areas, or you are a photographer looking to explore the history and the beautiful area, there is something for all here. 

HERRESHOFF MARINE MUSEUM

For those who love the history of boats and open waters, head out to the Herreshoff Marine Museum .

Particularly those interested in the yachting history of Rhode Island, this museum has a serious section dedicated to America’s Cup Hall of Fame. There is also an amazing exhibit and collection of boats, artifacts, and other museum sections uncovering more than 25 years of boating history. 

Blithewold Gardens and Museum may just be the best part of visiting Bristol. This beautiful 33-acre summer estate is America’s best example of the Country Place Era. Blithewold Mansion is a whopping 45-room home encompassed in a plethora of gardens that are explored yearly by many visitors. 

It’s an inspiring area for many, as the gardens resemble romance, mystery, joy, and serenity, with beautiful stonework that can be marveled at for hours.

NARRAGANSETT

Narragansett is one of the most beautiful oceanside towns you can visit in Rhode Island.

With beautiful beaches and areas to walk, run, and bike, it’s become one of the most popular New England summer vacation spots. Not to mention, it has an upscale island feel, very similar to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. 

NARRAGANSETT BAY BEACHES

Narrangansett Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Scarborough State Beach is the most popular of the Rhode Island State beaches. Other popular beach destinations include Salty Brine Beach and Roger Wheeler State Beach.  Going to any of these beaches is easily one of the most popular things to do.

Please note that most of these beaches will have a $12 entry fee, depending on the season, for parking, so plan accordingly. 

Read More: 16 RHODE ISLAND BEACHES YOUR FAMILY WILL ADORE

SAIL TO BLOCK ISLAND

Block Island is basically the Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for Rhode Island! While you can certainly sail your way there, you can also take the famous Block Island Ferry. The Newport Hi-Speed Ferry can get you from Newport to Block Island in just 60 minutes. 

The Mohegan Bluffs is one of the most beloved attractions because frankly, a beach that sits at the bottom of 200-foot bluffs is quite majestical to take in. Even if it is just a day trip, it is worth taking the ferry to come here.

You can also find the beautiful Southeast Lighthouse here, which sits atop of the bluffs, making for beautiful pictures. 

COASTGUARD HOUSE

The Coastguard House is a beautiful place to grab a bite to eat. It’s also the perfect place to learn about history.

Once it was a station built of solid granite, perched upon rocks overlooking Narragansett Bay. Now, it’s been converted into a local’s favorite restaurant with spectacular views. It features a lounge perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail, and a full dining room for family meals or date nights. 

Rhode Island FAQ

What is rhode island best known for.

Rhode Island is best known for its silverware and fine jewelry industries. In addition, this tiny state is home to the “World’s Largest Bug” — which can be seen on the roof of New England Pest Control in Providence. It’s a big blue termite, 58 feet long and 928 times actual termite size.

How many days should I spend in Rhode Island?

Even though Rhode Island is small in area, it’s big when it comes to things to do! You can see a lot of the state in 3 days, but a week would be even better.

What is the best time of year in Rhode Island?

If you’re looking for warmer weather to enjoy all of the outdoor activities Rhode Island has to offer, visiting in the summer months is best! May through October are popular, although the highest percent of rainfall is usually recorded in May.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR TRIP TO RHODE ISLAND

• YOUR RHODE ISLAND VACATION
• BEACHES: 16 Rhode Island Beaches Your Family Will Adore
• NEWPORT: 13 Things To Do In Newport, RI Everyone Will Love
• PROVIDENCE: 13 Things To Do In Providence, RI You’ll Love

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Hotels with Pools

Hotels on the Water

Unique places to stay, best rooftop bars, must-try lobster rolls, top ice cream spots, summer must-do's, beach guide, umbrella sky newport, top events this june, fairs & festivals this summer, on-going gallery exhibits, guide to parking, first timer's guide, top 12 things to do.

Looking for hot summer concerts in and around Rhode Island? Check out our list.

There’s something about music in the summertime that just hits differently, even if you’re not outside or wearing puka shells and board shorts.

It’s a lazier, more laid-back time of year, and the Rhode Island music scene delivers that vibe. Of course, if you’re a fan of music festivals, you can choose from multi-day, multi-stage events featuring jazz, classical, folk and roots performers from around the world.

Bottom line, as you're planning your summer entertainment, there’s live music for you, whether you’re looking to tote blanket and sunscreen to Fort Adams or relax in air-conditioned plushness at various indoor venues.

Here are a few of our suggestions:

Kiefer Sutherland , June 22, Greenwich Odeum ( greenwichodeum.com ). The “Lost Boys” actor has been juggling screen time with work in the studio and is taking tunes from his albums on the road for the “Come Back Down Tour.” His gravelly voice and guitar-driven Americana sound shines on hits like “Chasing the Rain” and “Two Stepping in Time.”

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Newport Classical Music Festival , July 4-21, varying events and prices ( newportclassical.org/music-festival ). Enjoy a free open-air Patriotic Pops concert the evening of July 4 at King Park; Italian Strings in Nature on July 7 at Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown; classical movie music (think “Schindler’s List,” “ET” and “Indiana Jones”) on July 16 at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol; and the Handel and Haydn Society on July 19 at The Breakers; among many other concerts.

Peter Wolf, July 13, The United Theatre, 5 Canal St., Westerly ( unitedtheatre.org ). The former J. Geils Band lead singer brings “Waiting on the Moon: An Acoustic Evening of Stories and Songs.” The songs, played with guitar masters Duke Levine and Kevin Barry, trace Wolf’s fascinating life.

Nas with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, July 20, 8 p.m., Providence Performing Arts Center ( ppacri.org ). This Grammy Award-winning East Coast hip-hop legend, considered one of the genre’s best ever, meshes songs from his extensive catalog with the lush sonic waves provided by the Philharmonic for a unique musical experience.

Newport Folk Festival , July 26-28, Fort Adams, Newport ( newportfolk.org/info ). With artists ranging from the British musical activist Billy Bragg to the raucous Boston-based Dropkick Murphys to Canadian songwriter/activist Allison Russell , the seaside air will be filled with a wide variety of indie folk, country, blues and bluegrass sounds.

Dave Matthews Band , July 12, Xfinity Center, Mansfield ( tinyurl.com/2u5zw9ct ). The set list for DMB’s summer tour packs fan favorites such as “Crash,” “So Much to Say” and “#41” and tunes from their 2023 album “Walk Around the Moon.”

Newport Jazz Festival, Aug. 2-4, Fort Adams, Newport ( newportjazz.org ). Celebrate the event’s 70th anniversary with single- or multi-day tickets. Catch a wide variety of music by artists such as former Outkast hip-hop giant André 3000 ; Elvis Costello , who Rolling Stone says “reinvigorated the literate, lyrical traditions of Bob Dylan”; new age and spiritual jazz tenor saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings ; and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Nile Rodgers & Chic with their American disco sound.

Pink , Wednesday, Aug. 21, Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts ( gillettestadium.com/tickets ). The “Summer Carnival Tour” – complete with aerial acrobatics and power opener Sheryl Crow – promises songs like “So What,” “Trustfall” and “Just Give Me A Reason.”

Rhythm & Roots Festival , Aug. 30-Sept. 1, Ninigret Park, Charlestown ( rhythmandroots.com ). You can camp onsite or come in for a day or two. In the coastal park you’ll find food, vendors and the sweet sounds of greats like Emmylou Harris , Old Crow Medicine Show , Drive-By Truckers and Ruthie Foster .

16th June 2024 - We get a first look at the 3rd floor of the famous Breakers Mansion and their new tour Connecticut East This Week Podcast

• News Commentary

In this podcast episode ... It’s one of the most famous Newport Mansions, we visit The Breakers in Rhode Island. And get a first look at their new tour of the previously unseen private third floor of the property in the mansions 130 year history. Plus we take a look at other stories from across the region.

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• Copyright 2021 All rights reserved.

What was the Gilded Age?

Spectacular settings — exceptional elegance — fascinating families, newport and the gilded age.

The Gilded Age comes alive with engaging audio tours of life in the Newport Mansions. From the soaring marble columns that greet you at Marble House to the platinum wall panels at The Breakers, immerse yourself in these social and architectural landmarks. Hear the fascinating stories of people who lived and worked in these grand houses.

The Gilded Age, approximately 1870-1910, was a period of unprecedented change in America. The expansion of industry and transportation – and the lack of an income tax – gave rise to a new wealthy class of people with names like Vanderbilt, Morgan, Ford, Carnegie and Rockefeller. Massive fortunes were made very quickly and spent on lavish lifestyles.

Gilded Age pageantry was nowhere more on display than at the spectacular “summer cottages” of the Newport Mansions, where the new millionaires sought to outshine each other at balls, banquets, carriage parades, concerts, sporting events and other entertainments. Constructed at the height of the Gilded Age, The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and Rosecliff reflect their owners’ obsession with social status and emulation of European aristocracy.

Not everyone was impressed by the newly rich. They were shunned by the “old money” members of New York society, who considered them invaders. It was a battle that would last for years.

Despite tremendous economic growth and the expansion of the workforce, the gap between rich and poor became ever wider during this period. The term “Gilded Age,” coined by Mark Twain, refers to the thin veneer of wealth that covered a less attractive reality. Yet this period marks the beginning of America’s development into a prosperous, growing, innovative, modern nation.

“The Gilded Age” on HBO

“Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes chose the Newport Mansions to provide authentic scenery for his historical drama “The Gilded Age”.

Inside “The Gilded Age” Tour

Fans of HBO’s “The Gilded Age” will love this guide-led tour of locations in four of the Newport Mansions where the show was filmed. Tuesdays and Fridays only, May 17 through June 28.

Additional Visitor Info

Map & parking info.

Parking is free onsite at all properties except for Hunter House and The Breakers Stable & Carriage House, where street parking is available.

Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Mansions & Gardens

Explore the 11 properties under the stewardship of the Preservation Society and open as historic house museums.

Partners in Preservation