• Newport Visitors Information Center - The adventure begins in downtown Newport, right by the Newport Visitor Center. As the journey into the heart of Newport unfolds, travelers will delve into the past to discover Newport’s golden era: the Gilded Age. This period, characterized by the opulent lifestyles of American elites like the Vanderbilts and Astors, is marked by stunning mansions. The tour will explore the architecture and architects behind these designs as the journey progresses.

Note: The 12-mile tour covers the highlights of scenic Newport, Rhode Island in 1-2 hours.

Purchase once, enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

• International Tennis Hall of Fame - At the intersection of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the tour turns onto the renowned Bellevue Avenue – the most expensive avenue in America. Here, travelers will witness the most magnificent homes ever built in the country, humorously referred to as “summer cottages.” There is an option to pause here to explore the Hall of Fame, which showcases tennis legends.
• Audrain Auto Museum - As the tour continues down Bellevue, the Audrain Auto Museum will soon come into view, and its beauty is sure to captivate! It features both stunning architecture and a frequently changing display of remarkable cars.
• Edward King House - A brief detour off Bellevue allows for a closer look at the Edward King House, just a block away. This serves as an introduction to the mansions of Newport.
• Kingscote - Returning to Bellevue, the first Newport Mansion, Kingscote, comes into view. The tour will delve into the history of this summer home and its residents over the years. Visitors can even take a tour of the interior.
• The Bellevue House - Next on the journey is Bellevue House. This magnificent mansion boasts a rich facade and an equally rich history! Since it is not open for tours, the tour will not pause here.
• Isaac Bell House - Continuing down Bellevue Avenue, more striking homes come into view: Isaac Bell House and Snug Harbor. The tour will explore the unique owners of both homes, with an option to stop at Isaac Bell House for an interior tour.
• The Elms - Finally, The Elms appears. This masterpiece was designed for coal baron Edward Julius Berwind and inspired by France’s Château d’Asnières. Here, the tour will slow down to learn about the Berwinds – and perhaps stop for a tour!
• Bellevue Avenue - Upon spotting Mr. Belmont’s statue, the tour turns off Bellevue. The journey now heads towards some of the largest and finest mansions in Newport – and they are technically not even on this famously expensive avenue! As the drive continues, the tour will share a bit about Belmont – whose intriguing story will be revisited when another grand house is seen later on the tour.
• Chepstow - As the journey progresses, Chepstow, a beautiful Italianate house museum built in 1860, comes into view. Its original inhabitant is not often mentioned in Newport histories but has a long connection to both early American settlers and the nouveau-riche of the Gilded Age. A tour stop is available here as well.
• Ochre Court - Ochre Court immediately captures attention! This châteauesque mansion cost $4.5 million in 1892, and it certainly shows! Now the centerpiece of Salve Regina University, this mansion is not open for tours, but its rich and fascinating history will be explored.
• McAuley Hall - Vikings-inspired Vinland is now Salve Regina’s McAuley Hall. As the tour passes this beautiful red-stone mansion, its inspiration and unique owner will be discussed.
• The Breakers - Finally, the highlight of Newport is reached: The Breakers. This Vanderbilt mansion is the largest and most impressive of all of Newport’s summer cottages – and it shows. The tour will look past the towering wrought-iron gates, along the winding gravel drive, and up to the majestic and marvelous mansion’s facade. The Vanderbilt backstory, the mansion’s architectural wonders, and much more will be explored here. This is another excellent opportunity to stop for a tour.
• Chateau-sur-Mer - As the tour heads back towards Bellevue Avenue, a pause is made to admire the delicate beauty of Chateau-sur-Mer. Not only is it the first Gilded Age mansion in Newport, but it also boasts one of the most beautiful, green, sprawling gardens. Both the house and the gardens are open for an optional tour.
• National Museum of American Illustration - Right on the corner of Bellevue, a pause is made once again for a glimpse of Vernon Court. This mansion holds a different type of treasure inside: the National Museum of American Illustrations. Norman Rockwell fans simply cannot miss this hidden gem.
• Frederick Law Olmsted Park - The journey continues along Newport’s Bellevue Avenue, passing the historic Frederick Law Olmsted Park and learning about this historic landscape architect and his Gilded Age gardens.
• Rosecliff - Rosecliff is next on the path. This is arguably the most beautiful of the Newport Mansions, and it contains a rotating exhibition gallery on its top floor. If a tour stop is made here, visitors will also be treated to phenomenal ocean views.
• Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty - As the tour continues, the Astors’ summer cottage, Beechwood, comes into view. Mrs. Astor famously had a “300 List” - the definitive list of the 300 people she considered high society. Where did that number come from? Well, this ballroom actually! It fit 300 guests. More about this list, the Astors, and the Gilded Age will be learned as the drive continues down Newport’s Bellevue Avenue.
• Marble House - The journey now takes the tour past Marble House, one of the most opulent and magnificent of Newport’s Mansions. This Gilded Age marvel is another Vanderbilt home and has one of the most interesting histories of all the mansions here. The tour will explore all about Marble House and its owners as it continues onwards – or a tour stop can be made here.
• Belcourt of Newport - The tour then passes three amazing homes in a row: Beaulieu House, Miramar, and Belcourt Castle. All three of these beautiful mansions were built in the 1800s and belonged to Gilded Age elites. Like the other Newport mansions, they were only ever intended to be used as summer homes and left vacant for the rest of the year.
• Rough Point - Now at the end of Bellevue Avenue, a glimpse of an English Manorial style home through the trees is caught: that’s Rough Point. Now a museum open for tours, the tour will explore all about its eccentric (and possibly dangerous) owner.
• Bailey’s Beach - The tour exits beautiful Bellevue Avenue for another beautiful road: Ocean Drive. This part of the scenic drive is full of natural wonders and has a few more architectural ones thrown in too!
• Gooseberry Beach - As the tour meanders along this scenic path, the fresh ocean air and relative calm are enjoyed. As the drive continues, the history of seafaring, trading, and yachting in Newport will be explored – much of which finds its roots in the Gilded Age. As the journey continues, there is an option to pause at some of the public beaches to stretch legs.
• Brenton Point State Park - The journey continues past Brenton Point State Park, which boasts magnificent ocean views and sprawling green lawns. An attempt will be made to spot the lighthouse as the tour continues forward.
• Castle Hill Inn - The tour continues past Castle Hill Inn and its lighthouse, learning a bit more about Newport’s history after the Gilded Age.
• OceanCliff Hotel - Next up, the tour passes OceanCliff and the Newport Country Club. Now at the farthest point along the Ocean Drive.
• Hammersmith Farm - The journey brings the tour to Hammersmith Farm, the childhood home of Jackie Kennedy. Jackie and JFK would later return to summer here, enjoying the same scenery, views, and breeze that are felt today!
• Fort Adams State Park - The tour continues both the history lesson and journey into Fort Adams, as this historic site and its significance to Newport’s independence are explored.
• Fort Adams State Park - As the tour turns the corner on Ocean Drive, a glimpse of Beacon Rock through the trees is caught. A little about this mansion’s history will be learned as its facade is admired.
• Bonniecrest - The journey then brings the tour to BonnieCrest, home of the Worcestershire Sauce family! The tour then pushes forward to Harbor Court, and finally, some more scenic ocean views are enjoyed.
• Ida Lewis Rock - Off in the distance, Ida Lewis Rock is seen. As the tour passes by, all about Ida Lewis’ heroic activities here will be learned.
• Rochambeau Statue and Monument - The tour continues past the historic Rochambeau Monument, celebrating the French commander’s assistance in the fight against the British for American independence.
• Spencer Park - The journey then brings the tour to Newport’s Irish District or 5th Ward. Here, the lives behind the scenes – those of the workers that made the Gilded Age possible – will be explored.
• Newport Public Library - The tour through Newport finally ends at historic St. Mary’s Church, almost a full circle to where it started at the Newport Visitor Center!

• Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

• Food and Drinks

Recommended: Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Everyone can enjoy the experience together!

Discover Newport, RI with a picturesque self-guided driving tour! Experience all that this coastal town has to offer at your own pace. As you travel down Bellevue Avenue, known as the “most beautiful avenue in the world,” admire and learn about the stunning Gilded Age Mansions along the route - including The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff, Château-sur-mer, and more. Continue along Ocean Drive, which offers breathtaking views. This self-guided tour provides maximum flexibility and value for your exploration.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

Purchase once, and enjoy for a full year! Perfect for extended stays and return visits over the next 12 months.

Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Verify opening hours before your visit.

• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
• How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
• Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
• Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
• Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.