Sailing & Outdoor Activities
America's Cup Charters
Experience a Legend! Sail aboard a classic America’s Cup 12 Meter yacht. Two-hour casual afternoon and evening cruises are available aboard our legendary America’s Cup 12 Meter yachts. A three-hour racing sail is also available for the sailing enthusiast. All of our classic Twelve’s raced for yachting’s most coveted prize and three actually won The America’s Cup. We welcome you to participate in the sailing or just sit back and relax enjoying picturesque Narragansett Bay. We’ll sail past Castle Hill Lighthouse, historic Rose Island and the beautiful summer White House of JFK, Hammersmith Farm. Sailing aboard these 68 foot classic racers is truly a unique experience you’ll treasure always.
Classic Cruises
Owned and Operated by Classic Cruises of Newport - A division of Atlantic Star Lines Enjoy a breathtaking tour of Newport waters and relive the speed and thrill of the chase. Rum Runner II, which was originally built for two New Jersey mobsters to elude the Coast Guard while speeding cases of "Hooch", offers the luxury and intrigue you would imagine of a high-speed bandit with a history all her own. Aboard the Rum Runner II, you will cruise by mansions and former speakeasies that were fueled by seaborne smugglers. This newly restored Elco Motoryacht, built in 1929 during the height of Prohibition, carries you swiftly and safely through local waters. Originally powered with Packard Engines, she has been re-powered with twin turbo-charged 350HP Caterpillar Marine Diesels.
Madelleine Sailing Tours
Whether you are in Newport for the first time or a frequent visitor, you will enjoy sailing through Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay aboard the 72-foot schooner Madeleine. Specifically designed and built to carry passengers easily and safely through local waters, Madeleine maintains 19th century style with 21st century comfort and convenience. From Captain Kidd to Dennis Conner, sailors have felt the thrill of slipping past Castle Hill under a cloud of canvas. You can experience the joy of sailing and a memorable perspective of Newport aboard the classic schooner Madeleine. Call 401-847-0298 or For Group or Charter packages 1-800-395-1343.
Private Cruise on a classic wooden motor yacht
For those who prefer a more private adventure, La Dolce Via is a classic 33 foot wooden motor yacht ready to show you Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Enjoy a picnic onboard and swim while anchored in a secluded cove. Available by the hour, half day or full day.
12 Meter Charters’ Sailing Tours
Set sail aboard the legendary 12 Meter yachts of Newport!
Not your typical harbor cruise, 12 Meter Charters' ticketed cruises combine the history of Newport, Rhode Island with the unparalleled experience of sailing on an America's Cup contender. Enjoy historic Newport sights including Fort Adams and the Newport Bridge, lighthouses and lavish estates, aircraft carriers and historic schooners, and learn the history of the America's Cup in Newport.
During your sail, if you wish, you may participate in the sailing or just sit back and enjoy the sights of Newport! The captain and crew on board will help those willing to be involved in the sailing. As with all of 12 Meter Charters' events, no sailing experience is necessary to enjoy the thrill of sailing on our America's Cup 12 Meters. With our experienced crews, sailing participation from our guests is welcomed but never required. Take part in the sailing of an America's Cup 12 Meter or just relax and enjoy the scenic views of Narragansett Bay.
Helicopter Tours & Rides
Mansion Tour
Experience the thrill of helicopter flight!
A truly unique perspective of Newport Rhode Island awaits you. Observe Bellevue Avenue's world renowned mansions as few will...by air! Tour length -- approximately 12 minutes.
Island Tour
In addition to all the excitement of our Mansion Tour, you'll fly over Ocean Drive, one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. Enjoy the majestic Castle Hill and Rose Island light houses as well as Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy's summer home, Hammersmith Farm. Get up close and personal with the aircraft carriers USS Forrestal and Saratoga. These are just a few of the major points of interest you will explore. Tour length -- approximately 20 minutes.
Newport International Polo
The Newport International Polo Series begins June 4th through September 24th. Polo is one of the most unique experiences in the Newport area and features teams from around the world & from major US cities playing against USA / Newport. The past season witnessed an exciting lineup of action-packed polo matches, international team debuts and memorable special events, for fun on and off the field, matched by an enthusiastic spectator audience.
Coastal Biking
Seven days, five ferries, four islands, three states, one unforgettable biking adventure
Guided by award-winning photojournalists John Freidah and Betsy Angeletti. Explore America's most beautiful shoreline, breathtaking landscapes, and historic villages as you cycle the coastal roads of Narragansett, RI; Stonington, CT; Shelter Island, NY; Montauk Point, NY; Block Island, RI and saving the best for last......Newport, RI.
While staying at the Hotel Viking enjoy one of New England's most historic, romantic, and beautiful cities-by-the-sea. The home to revolutionary battles, the architectural boom of the gilded age, the "Summer White Houses" during the administrations of Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, and the America's Cup. Tour the famous mansions, explore the historic waterfront, or visit the boutique shops. If still tempted, a morning bike ride awaits. After checkout, a shuttle returns guests to the airport, train station, or vehicle lot.
Touro Park
Just two blocks away; a great place to run around, play ball, hide and seek!
Luxury Day Charters
LuxuryDayCharters is expanding to Newport this summer offering Half & Full Day charters on Private Luxury Yachts. Whether you are interested in a Lunch Cruise, Cocktail Cruise or a multi-day excursion, LuxuryDayCharters will fulfill your yachting desires this summer in Newport.
Brenton Point Kite Park
Go fly a kite! A short 10 miles away, and a lovely place to soak in the sun on a beautiful day.
Museums & Monuments
National Museum of American Art
Welcome to the National Museum of American Illustration, where artworks from the ‘Golden Age of American Illustration’ are presented in the ‘Gilded Age’ architectural frame of Vernon Court (1898). Visitors can appreciate the American Imagist Collection as a medley of beautiful pictures, but also as an historical overview of our unique culture. The adjacent Stoneacre grounds, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the legendary first American landscape architect (designer of Central Park, the White House grounds, the National Park System, many Newport estates, and other notable projects) are to be restored, revitalized and preserved along with the dedication of a Memorial Arch in honor of Louis I. Kahn, the greatest American architect of the second half of the 20th century.
Fort Adams
Make history come alive for every member of your family. Just a short drive or a water taxi ride across Newport Harbor stands the largest coastal fortification in the United States. Visit this engineering and architectural masterpiece to see where the soldiers lived, enter the casemates, explore the tunnel system, and climb the bastions for breathtaking views. Consider renting the Fort with its 6-acre parade field or North lawn on the water for your special function. Watch for our upcoming special events including military reenactments, music festivals, and classic vehicle shows. From 1824 to 1950 Fort Adams housed generations of our soldiers, today it still stands ready for your enjoyment.
International Tennis Hall of Fame
One of the country’s finest sports museums
The International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum, housed in the historic Newport Casino, is an uncommon example of sporting excellence. The entire history of the sport, dating from the 12th Century through today, is chronicled within its 18 galleries. The Museum encompasses over 20,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, momentous videos, and popular memorabilia of tennis champions past and present. The Museum’s permanent collection alone contains over 15,000 objects. The Library and Information Research Center has upwards of 5,000 books; over 1,000 tapes and films; more than 100,000 photo images, and an abundant collection of magazines, programs, periodicals, posters, and personal player memorabilia.
American tournament tennis began in 1881 in Newport, Rhode Island -- more than 125 years ago -- when the first U.S. National Lawn Tennis Championships were played. This tournament, which evolved into today’s US Open, was played at the Casino until 1915, when it moved to Forest Hills, New York.
Touro Synagogue
Touro Synagogue, which was dedicated in 1763, is the USA's oldest synagogue. This architectural jewel was designed by Peter Harrison, America's most famous 18th century architect and is considered his finest effort.
Newport Mansions
The Breakers Mansion
This is the grandest of the Newport summer mansion and a National Historic Landmark. Built for Cornelius Vanderbilt II by architect Richard Morris Hunt in 1895, this 70-room Italian Renaissance-style house includes a 45-foot high central Great Hall. It sits on a 13 acre estate overlooking a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. Decorated for the holidays in December.
Kingscote Mansion
This mansion was one of the early summer houses designed in the Gothic Revival style, in 1839. Its dining room, added in 1881, includes one of the earliest installations of Tiffany glass. It is now a National Historic Landmark, and houses the original furnishings and collections of four generations of Newport's influential King family.
Marble House Mansion
With 500,000 cubic feet of marble, this opulent Newport mansion was completed in 1892 for William K. Vanderbilt, whose wife Alva oversaw its construction and received it as a birthday present. It contains a 22 karat gilded ballroom, and cost a reported $11 million to build and furnish. In 1914 Alva added a colorful Chinese teahouse overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Decorated for the holidays during December. A National Historic Landmark.
Rosecliff Mansion
Modeled after the Grand Trianon at Versailles, this beautiful house was completed in 1902 for Nevada silver heiress “Tessie” Oelrichs. Rosecliff was the setting for many spectacular Newport parties, and in recent years has been used as a film set for several Hollywood movies.
Chateau-sur-Mer mansion
This 1852 stone villa is one of the greatest Victorian houses in America, built for a China Trade merchant. It was the grandest of Newport mansions until the arrival of the great Vanderbilt houses in the 1890s, and was home to a Rhode Island governor and U.S. senator. Its grounds include rare specimen trees, a Chinese moongate, and a Colonial Revival garden pavilion. A National Historic Landmark.
Chepstow Mansion
This Italianate-style villa designed by architect George Champlin Mason in 1860 houses a collection of 19th century landscape paintings by Hudson River school artists. Tours by reservation only.
The Elms Mansion
A National Historic Landmark, this French-style chateau built for Philadelphia millionaire Edward Berwind represented the best of gracious living and entertaining when it opened in 1901. The estate includes a 10-acre park and elaborate sunken garden. Decorated for the holidays in December.
Hunter House
This National Historic Landmark was built in 1748 by a prosperous sea merchant. Noted for its superbly carved and grained woodwork, it also houses a fine collection of Townsend and Goddard furniture.
Issac Bell House
A restoration work in progress, this National Historic Landmark is one of the finest examples of shingle-style architecture in America. Built in 1883 by McKim, Mead and White, it combines Old English and European architecture with colonial American and exotic details, such as a Japanese-inspired open floor plan and bamboo-style porch columns.
