Shore Excursions Group
Newport History Walking Tour
Newport History Walking Tour
Join an expert guide on this Newport History walking tour and learn about Newport’s history from the colonial Golden Age to the Gilded Age! Hear stories of entrepreneurship, African American heritage, religious diversity, pirates, privateers, the American Revolution and more.
Your tour starts at the historic Brick Market building. This award-winning institution provides people of all ages with an engaging introduction to the area’s rich history and the beauty of its architecture. Glimpse the lives of the people –past and present– who have made Newport one of America’s most historic cities. Next, you’ll visit the Washington Square. It is the geographical and historical heart of Newport, Rhode Island. More trapezoid than square, it exists at the intersection of several major streets and what was the colonial long wharf, projecting into the harbor off Aquidneck Island and into Narragansett Bay.
Continue on to the Old Quarter. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968 due to its extensive and well-preserved assortment of intact colonial buildings dating from the early and mid-18th century. In Newport, 17th-century English settlers started a community based on religious toleration, which lead to a thriving, cosmopolitan city. It attracted craftsmen and artists, and citizens with the wherewithal to patronize them. Distinctly American originals, such as Newport’s Goddard-Townsend craftsmen, the finest furniture makers in America, flourished in Newport. In the 19th and 20th centuries, wealthy Americans, along with gifted artists, writers, and architects, made Newport their summer resort during the Gilded Age. Your tour concludes near the Washington Square.
Book your spot on this historical tour today.
| Day 1 |
Newport, Rhode Island, is a charming coastal city steeped in history and elegance. Often referred to as the "Sailing Capital of the World," Newport offers stunning seaside views, rich colonial heritage, and Gilded Age grandeur. Stroll along the famous Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile path that weaves between the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the opulent Newport mansions on the other. These "summer cottages," such as The Breakers and Marble House, were built by American industrialist families like the Vanderbilts and Astors and serve as a testament to America's Gilded Age extravagance. Today, visitors can tour these meticulously preserved estates and marvel at their architectural splendor and lavish interiors. Newport's historic Thames Street, lined with quaint shops, seafood restaurants, and cobblestone paths, provides a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. Newport was founded in 1639 and quickly became a significant trading port. Its history can be explored further at the Newport Historical Society Museum or the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the United States, built in 1763. For those interested in military history, the nearby Fort Adams State Park offers guided tours of one of America's largest coastal fortresses, along with panoramic views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. For maritime enthusiasts, Newport's allure is unparalleled. The city has hosted America's Cup, the renowned yacht race, for over 50 years. The Newport Yacht Club and the International Yacht Restoration School provide a fascinating look into this enduring tradition. During the summer months, visitors can experience the excitement of Newport Harbor on a sailing cruise or explore the annual Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival, both of which attract top global artists and music lovers from around the world. Fun fact: Newport is home to one of the oldest continuously operating taverns in the United States, the White Horse Tavern. Opened in 1673, this historic landmark has served meals to countless guests over the centuries, including George Washington himself! Today, the White Horse Tavern continues to offer New England classics in a setting that feels like a step back in time. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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05/03/22 - 04/09/27 |
Starting At $35 |
Get A Quote |
Guests must be able to walk on narrow, uneven sidewalks and in some places cobbled streets. Tour is not recommended for strollers, wheelchairs or scooters
