33 Best Sights in Newport, Newport County and East Bay

George Washington once sat in the distinguished visitor pew close to this church's distinctive three-tier wineglass pulpit. Completed in 1726, this structure is similar to Boston's Old North Church; both were inspired by the designs of Sir Christopher Wren. Trinity's 1733 London-made organ is believed to be the first big pipe organ brought to the 13 colonies. Among those interred in the churchyard's historic cemetery is French admiral d'Arsac de Ternay, commander of the allied French Navy in Newport, who was buried with special permission in 1780 as there were then no Roman Catholic cemeteries in New England.

As Newport's oldest surviving house, built circa 1697, this residence provides a glimpse of the city's Colonial and Revolutionary history. The dark-red building was damaged during the city's Stamp Act riots of 1765. After the British Parliament levied a tax on most printed material, the Sons of Liberty stormed the house, which was then occupied by a prominent Loyalist. The Newport Historical Society can arrange private tours.

Guided walking and site tours depart the Newport Historical Society's information center and museum in the 1762 Brick Market on Washington Square. Designed by Peter Harrison, the building houses a gift shop and a Newport history exhibit. Tour themes include Rogues and Scoundrels, about the history of pirates, criminals, and other unsavory types; and Road to Independence, a look at Newport's role in the American Revolution.