Adventure in Newport, RI!

Newport Cliff Walk

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating journey along the Newport Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile adventure paradise in Rhode Island, combining stunning natural beauty with the grandeur of Gilded Age architecture. This world-famous trail offers breathtaking ocean views, rugged cliffside pathways, and a peek into the backyards of Newport"s opulent mansions.

Starting Point: Begin your adventure at the western end of Easton’s Beach (First Beach) at Memorial Boulevard. Parking is available here, though it can fill up quickly during peak season. Prepare with sturdy walking shoes, as the path can be rough in places.

The Trail: As you traverse the north to south route, you"ll encounter varying terrain—from easy paved sections to more challenging rocky stretches. Notable spots include the Forty Steps near the start, descending to a striking view of the Atlantic, perfect for a photo op.

Highlights

1. The Breakers Mansion: Roughly one-third into the walk, capture the sight of The Breakers, an iconic 70-room mansion built by the Vanderbilt family. Its impressive facade and oceanfront location make for a dramatic juxtaposition against the wild coastline.

2. Salve Regina University: Further along, the path skirts around the university’s scenic campus. Here, the trail includes some unpaved, rugged sections that adventure lovers will find thrilling and challenging.

3. Bellevue Avenue Mansions: As you near the end of the walk, Bellevue Avenue presents an array of architectural marvels with storied pasts, ideal for history buffs.

End Point: The walk concludes at the opulent grounds of Bailey’s Beach. From here, either loop back on Bellevue Avenue for a different return perspective or arrange for transportation back to your starting point.

Tip: Visit in early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and capture the golden sunlight illuminating the cliffs and sea.

Interesting Fact: The Newport Cliff Walk is a designated National Recreation Trail in a National Historic District, showcasing not only natural beauty but also a rich slice of American history.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Rough Point

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling adventure to Rough Point, an awe-inspiring gem located on the rugged cliffs of Newport, Rhode Island. This former estate of Doris Duke, the tobacco heiress and philanthropist, blends opulent history with breathtaking ocean views, making it a must-visit for those who crave a blend of culture and adventure.

Getting There

Begin your journey to Rough Point by flying into T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Providence, just about a 40-minute drive away. From Providence, you can rent a car or catch a local bus heading to Newport. Once in Newport, Rough Point is accessible via Bellevue Avenue, famed for its historic mansions. Parking is available on-site.

Adventure Itinerary

Morning – Arrival and Cliff Walk

Kick off your day with an invigorating stroll along the Newport Cliff Walk, starting from Easton’s Beach. This 3.5-mile trail offers stunning ocean views on one side and the opulent mansions of Newport on the other. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the path can be rocky and uneven—perfect for adventure lovers seeking a bit of a challenge!

Midday – Tour Rough Point

Reach Rough Point by noon to explore the mansion. Join a guided tour to discover the eclectic art collection and personal artifacts of Doris Duke, set against the backdrop of richly decorated rooms. Don’t miss the exquisite gardens overlooking the ocean, where you can enjoy a serene moment reflecting on the grandeur of the Gilded Age.

Afternoon – Bailey’s Beach

Conclude your visit by heading to Bailey"s Beach, a short drive from Rough Point. Here, the adventurous can enjoy surfing or simply relax on the secluded sands. The beach is semi-private, but public access areas allow you to experience its beauty.

Interesting Fact

Doris Duke was not only an heiress but also an avid traveler and collector, and Rough Point displays art from her global journeys, adding a unique cultural layer to your visit.

This day trip to Rough Point encapsulates the perfect blend of natural beauty, historical exploration, and physical activity, tailored for those who love to weave a bit of adventure into their cultural exploits.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Touro Synagogue National Historic Site

Why Visit?

### Adventure Itinerary: Touro Synceland

Day 1: Arrival in Newport, Rhode Island

Start your journey by arriving in Newport, easily accessible by car or bus from major cities like Boston or New York. Settle into a local inn, absorbing the maritime vibes and prepare for an early start the next day.

Day 2: Touro Synagogue National Historic Site

Begin your morning with a brisk walk or a short bike ride through the scenic streets of Newport to reach the Touro Synagogue located at 85 Touro Street. As the oldest synagogue in the United States, built in 1763, it stands as a beacon of religious freedom and American history. Join the 10:30 AM guided tour, which offers insights into the architectural marvel designed by Peter Harrison and its significant role in the development of religious liberty in America. Noteworthy is the letter from George Washington to the congregation affirming the government"s commitment to religious freedom.

Highlight Activity: Engage in a thematic treasure hunt around the synagogue and nearby colonial-era sites, exploring hidden nooks while learning historical trivia. Ensure you"ve downloaded the Newport Historical Society’s app for a self-guided tour that includes the Touro Synagogue.

Lunch Break: Enjoy a picnic at Washington Square with locally sourced deli treats.

Day 3: Cliff Walk and More

Gear up for an adventurous day along Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile rugged trail offering stunning ocean views and glimpses of opulent Gilded Age mansions. Start early at the east end of Bailey"s Beach and head north; the path includes some rocky stretches, so good hiking shoes are a must.

Conclusion: Complete your visit with a sunset sail around Newport Harbor, reflecting on the rich history and vibrant community spirit of this captivating city. As the sails billow and the skyline fades, you"ll carry home memories of a profound journey through America’s foundational values of freedom and diversity.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI)

Why Visit?

Adventure Lover"s Guide to the National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI), Newport

Morning: Start your day with an invigorating walk or cycle along the scenic Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. Feel the fresh ocean breeze and soak in the stunning views of the Atlantic as you make your way toward Bellevue Avenue. Here lies your main destination, the National Museum of American Illustration, housed in the magnificent Vernon Court, an 1898 Gilded Age mansion that epitomizes American Beaux-Arts architecture.

Arrival at NMAI: Enter through the grand gates of Vernon Court at 492 Bellevue Avenue. Parking is available on-site for those who prefer driving. The museum is a short taxi ride from downtown Newport, and local buses also serve this route, making stops nearby.

Exploring NMAI: Upon stepping inside, you"re transported to an era where illustration was the primary form of public media. The museum showcases the "Golden Age of American Illustration," featuring works by luminaries like Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker, and Maxfield Parrish. Engage with the special exhibition, which often highlights adventurous themes and tales that graced early 20th-century magazines and books. Adventure lovers will appreciate the stories of exploration and heroism depicted in these vibrant works.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that the NMAI holds the largest collection of Maxfield Parrish’s works, whose fantastical landscapes and characters can ignite anyone"s imagination for adventure?

Wrap up your visit by strolling through the meticulously landscaped gardens of Vernon Court, which offer a tranquil ending to the stimulating visual feast.

Lunch: Cap off your visit with a meal at one of the quaint cafes on Bellevue Avenue, where you can relish local seafood while planning your next Newport adventure.

Adventure Tip: Combine your visit with a sailing tour around Newport Harbor, available in the afternoon, to truly embrace the adventurous spirit of this historic seaside town.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Bellevue Avenue

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the historic splendor of Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island, a treasure trove of Gilded Age mansions and lush landscapes perfect for adventure lovers seeking a mix of culture and exploration.

Morning

Start your adventure at the top of Bellevue Avenue with a visit to The Breakers, the grandest of Newport"s summer "cottages" and a symbol of the Vanderbilt family"s social and financial preeminence in turn-of-the-century America. Open from 9 AM, it’s a short bus ride on the RIPTA 67 from the Newport Visitor Center or a pleasant bike ride if you"re up for it. Explore the mansion with an audio tour, marveling at the opulent rooms and intricate architecture.

Midday

Stroll south along Belleville Avenue to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, about a 10-minute walk. Dive into the history of tennis in a setting that combines Victorian architecture with the sport"s modern champions. Engage with interactive exhibits or even catch a match if you’re lucky.

Afternoon

Continue your adventure with a 15-minute walk to the Marble House, another Vanderbilt mansion known for its lavish decor and striking marble facade. Here, you can immerse yourself in a self-guided audio tour that reveals the mansion"s role in the women’s suffrage movement, offering a fascinating glimpse into historical social changes.

Evening

Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk to Cliff Walk, starting near the end of Bellevue Avenue. This world-famous 3.5-mile walking path offers stunning ocean views on one side and architectural marvels on the other. It’s perfect for sunset vistas, ensuring a breathtaking end to your Bellevue Avenue adventure.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of historical insight, cultural richness, and physical activity, tailored for adventure lovers seeking to uncover the stories and beauty of Newport’s most famous avenue.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.