Newport, Rhode Island - Cruise Port
A Traveler’s Guide!
On our recent cruise with Princess to Newport, Rhode Island, we experienced a stunning port filled with luxury yachts, opulent mansions, and a rich history. From famous mansion tours to surprising travel hacks, here’s a complete guide to making the most of a day in Newport.
Newport, RI: A Snapshot
Located on the southern tip of Aquidneck Island, around 71 miles south of Boston, Newport is known for its gilded-age mansions, world-famous yachting culture, and scenic beauty along the renowned Cliff Walk. This destination is home to old-money estates, the iconic America’s Cup, and sweeping ocean views. For ease of exploration, we break down Newport into two areas:
North Newport (Downtown): Where you’ll find the tender dock, shopping areas, museums, and historical sites.
South Newport (Mansion Row): The location of famous estates like The Breakers and Marble House, Salve Regina University, and the Cliff Walk.
Arriving by Tender
Since Newport’s harbor doesn’t accommodate large cruise ships, this is a tender port. We boarded the tender early in the morning and found that arriving first made for a smooth transition.
The tender lands at Perotti Park, which has a simple gangway, the harbormaster’s office, and public toilets. With no designated parking for tour buses, buses pick up passengers conveniently right along the street. The park also hosts tourist information booths and, later in the day, spots for local favorites like lobster rolls.
Exploring Downtown Newport (North Newport)
From Perotti Park, it’s easy to explore the surrounding area. Head down America’s Cup Avenue to reach some of the key spots:
Bowman’s Wharf: A historic shopping and restaurant complex dating back to 1652. Here, you’ll find options for booking an America’s Cup charter or even shopping for a yacht.
Queen Anne’s Square and Trinity Church: Just across the street, this area offers a peaceful spot to stroll and admire historic architecture.
Nearby Essentials: A Starbucks and JD convenience store open early if you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up.
Continuing along America’s Cup Avenue, you’ll soon reach the central bus terminal. Conveniently located next to the Marriott, this terminal is the starting point for the Bellevue Trolley #67 – a free shuttle that operates seasonally (Memorial Day to October) and runs between downtown and the mansions in the south. Keep in mind:
The bus meets at Stop A, starting around 10 a.m.
The route map lists highlights but doesn’t reflect every single stop, so plan for a little flexibility.
For simplicity, consider taking the shuttle directly to The Breakers Mansion, where you can catch it again for the return trip.
Tip: If the shuttle isn’t reliable or you’re at a less frequented stop, having an Uber app ready or heading back to The Breakers stop for a more certain pick-up can save time. Orange Cab, the only taxi service on the island, can also be called to pick you up.
South Newport (Mansion Row): Discovering Gilded-Age Grandeur
In the southern part of Newport, you’ll find the city’s famous mansions and historic walkways. Here are some must-see sites:
The Breakers: Once the Vanderbilt family’s residence, this “mansion” is more like a palace. Get ready for plenty of walking as you navigate through its countless opulent rooms and gardens.
Cliff Walk: This scenic pathway runs along the eastern and southern shores, passing many grand estates, manicured lawns, and occasional pagodas. The walk is breathtaking, though parts of the trail can get rocky, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Travel Hack: Accessing Newport’s top attractions can add up, but if you’re a museum enthusiast, consider joining the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM). With a membership at any participating museum, you’ll gain reciprocal access to other NARM-affiliated museums across the country. Here in Newport, NARM membership provided us free entry to the Audrain Automobile Museum and The Preservation Society of Newport County, which oversees The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff, and other iconic mansions. This was a huge money saver, allowing us to visit multiple mansions with a single ticket!
Simple Pleasures in Downtown Newport
Downtown Newport is charming with its colonial architecture, cozy storefronts, and historic businesses like the White Horse Tavern, which has been serving guests since 1673. You might even catch a local event, like the seafood festival we stumbled upon at Bowman’s Wharf.
When it comes to local flavors, we couldn’t resist checking out The Lobster Bar, where my son Kevin tried their chowder and shared his seafood review – a delightful experience with New England classics.
Specialty Museums and Other Unique Finds
In addition to the mansions, Newport has several interesting specialty museums:
Audrain Automobile Museum: A must for car enthusiasts, this small museum boasts a rotating collection of luxury and specialty cars, including James Bond’s Aston Martin. Even if cars aren’t your passion, it’s worth a visit.
International Tennis Hall of Fame: While the museum itself requires a fee, the grounds are free to explore. The historic courts and impeccably kept lawns will make you feel like you’re strolling through Wimbledon.
Final Thoughts
Newport is packed with attractions and scenic spots that make it easy to fill a day or two. From mansion tours and cliffside walks to specialty museums and charming downtown streets, there’s something here for everyone. If time allows, I’d love to return, finish the Cliff Walk, and sample more local lobster!