49 Best Sights in Newport County and East Bay, Rhode Island

Completed in 1741, this National Historic Landmark on Washington Square was the center of political activity in Colonial Newport. The Declaration of Independence was read from its steps on July 20, 1776, and British troops later used this structure as a barracks during their occupation of Newport. In 1781, George Washington met here with the French general Rochambeau, cementing an alliance that led to the American victory at Yorktown. Colony House served as Rhode Island's primary statehouse until 1901, when the new capitol building opened in Providence. The Newport Historical Society manages the Colony House and offers guided tours, including a children's tour.

Stroll through the woods or hike to the top of Hanging Rock for a spectacular view at this 325-acre sanctuary for diverse wildlife including more than 300 species of birds. The sanctuary has about 7 miles of trails traversing ridges, forests, thickets, fields, ponds, streams, salt marsh, and sandy beach. The raucous dawn chorus of birdsong in the spring is one of the great wildlife experiences in Rhode Island.

The tracks for the Old Colony Railroad were laid in the 1860s; Rail Explorers' tandem and quad rail machines are newfangled contraptions that make it easy to glide six miles along Narragansett Bay as long as at least one member of your group is willing to pedal. Guide-led tours of either the Northern Ramble or Southern Circuit offer glimpses of shorebirds, coastal woodlands, and historic sites few travelers get the chance to see. Special outings include Sunday brunch and lantern-lit rides.

In 1747, Abraham Redwood gave 500 pounds sterling to found a library of arts and sciences; three years later, this Georgian Palladian–style building (with its wood exterior and columns cleverly styled to look like stonework) opened with 751 titles. More than half of the original collection vanished during the British occupation of Newport, though most of it has been recovered or replaced. Paintings on display include five portraits by Gilbert Stuart. Look for the portrait of the Colonial governor's wife, whose low neckline later led to the commissioning of Stuart's daughter, Jane, to paint a bouquet over her cleavage. Self-guided audio tours are available. The library also presents talks by authors, musicians, and historians.

Newport's most romantic mansion was commissioned by Tessie Fair Oelrichs, who inherited a Nevada silver fortune from her father. Stanford White modeled the 1902 palace after the Grand Trianon at Versailles. Rosecliff has a heart-shape staircase and Newport's largest private ballroom. The mansion stayed in the Oelrichs family until 1941, went through several ownership changes, and then was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. J. Edgar Monroe of New Orleans in 1947. The Monroes were known for throwing big parties before donating the mansion to charity in 1971. Scenes from the films The Great Gatsby (1974), True Lies (1994), and Amistad (1997) were shot here. The property underwent renovations in 2023.

Located just over the town line in Middletown and more commonly known as Second Beach, this mile-long sandy beach is known for its lively surf—the western end, aptly known as Surfer's End, attracts many surfers. Surfboard and standup paddleboard rentals are available. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking; sunsets.

Newport's former Armory is the new home for this museum dedicated to the sport and history of sailing. Incorporating the National Sailing Hall of Fame, the museum mixes historical information and displays on legendary sailors and boats with hands-on interactive stations where visitors---including kids---can get a feel for navigating, steering, and racing boats.

A scenic drive down Route 77 ends at this quiet southeastern tip of Rhode Island. People like to fish off the Army Corps of Engineers breakwater, or walk along it to enjoy views of the harbor. The 1884 Sakonnet Lighthouse on Little Cormorant Rock is picturesque, offshore, and not open to the public. 

White, rosé, red, and dessert wines are all in the portfolio of this winery founded in 1975, reinvigorated by second owner Carolyn Rafaelian of Alex and Ani jewelry fame, and now the domain of acclaimed local foodies Marissa Stasheko and James Davids, who have substantially upgraded the winery's dining options. If you've ever wondered what a Rhode Island Red (not the chicken!) might taste like, here's your chance to find out. Several of the wines are award winners. In the winery's tasting room you can sample five of them and keep the glass.

Formerly located in tight quarters at Easton’s Beach, the aquarium run by local conservation group Save the Bay is now prominently sited at the Gateway Transportation Center, making it the first stop for many Newport visitors. The aquarium exclusively features marine life found in Narragansett Bay; the residents of touch tanks and created habitats ranging from shorelines to salt marshes and eelgrass are returned to the Bay after their temporary stint educating and entertaining visitors.

Located near the mouth of the Sakonnet River in Middletown, Third Beach is more peaceful than other nearby ocean beaches and a great spot for families and windsurfers. It has grills, picnic tables, and a shade structure near the boat ramp. You'll find gear rentals near the south end. Amenities: parking (fee); lifeguards. Best for: swimming; walking; windsurfing.

Historic Tiverton Four Corners has been a part of Tiverton's history since 1629 when Governor Bradford of the Plymouth Colony purchased the area (then called Pocasset) from the Wampanoag tribe. The "four corners" intersection follows the original Native American trails. Today, the Four Corners Arts Center, in the circa 1800 Soule-Seabury House, hosts an annual antiques show, as well as art festivals and exhibits, concerts and movement classes, and other special events. A sculpture park behind the arts center is free and open to the public. Gray's Ice Cream and the Groundswell Cafe & Bakery also are located here.

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.

North of Bristol, Warren has the distinction of being the smallest town in the smallest county in the smallest state in the United States. The East Bay Bike Path travels through Warren's commercial district, so stop for a Del's frozen lemonade, browse the unmissable Imagine Gift Store, or catch a performance at the eclectic Galactic Theater. 

This Historic New England--operated farm on Narragansett Bay, in existence since 1789, is still a working farm. The farmers use sustainable practices to raise heritage-breed cows and sheep and to produce wool blankets for local markets. They also host educational programs; for example, during the annual Sheep Shearing Day in May you can visit the baby lambs, see the flock being shorn by local shearers, and watch spinning and weaving demonstrations. You can also stroll more than 2 miles of trails and view seasonal farm activities on this 265-acre property.

Weetamoo Woods takes its name from a formidable female sachem of the Pocasset Wampanoag tribe. There are more than 10 miles of walking trails within this 650-acre town-owned parcel and the adjacent 230-acre Pardon Gray Preserve, which encompass a coastal oak-holly forest, an Atlantic white cedar swamp, two grassland meadows, early-American cellar holes, and the remains of a mid-19th-century village sawmill. The main entrance to Weetamoo Woods, ¼-mile east of Tiverton Four Corners, has a parking area and a kiosk with maps.

This 85-acre hollow with picnic tables and a waterfall is a good place for a casual hike along a marked 1.6-mile loop trail that passes through a rare maritime oak-holly forest and winds along and over Dundery Brook. The trail passes a boulder dedicated to Queen Awashonks, who ruled the local Sakonnet tribe during the early Colonial period.

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.