Embark on a scenic self-guided driving tour of Newport, RI. Explore the stunning Gilded Age Mansions and breathtaking Ocean Drive at your own pace. Book now!
Embark on a scenic self-guided driving tour of Newport, RI. Explore the stunning Gilded Age Mansions and breathtaking Ocean Drive at your own pace. Book now!
- Newport Visitors Information Center - The adventure begins in downtown Newport, right by the Newport Visitor Center. As the tour ventures into the heart of Newport, it delves into the city’s illustrious past during the Gilded Age. This period, characterized by the opulent lifestyles of American elites like the Vanderbilts and Astors, is marked by…
- Newport Visitors Information Center - The adventure begins in downtown Newport, right by the Newport Visitor Center. As the tour ventures into the heart of Newport, it delves into the city’s illustrious past during 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 magnificent designs as it progresses.
Note: The tour spans over 11 miles, includes more than 45 audio stories, and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.
Purchase once and 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, some of the most magnificent homes ever built in the country can be seen, humorously referred to as “summer cottages.” Visitors can pause to explore the Hall of Fame, which showcases tennis legends.
- Audrain Auto Museum - As the tour continues down Bellevue, it passes the Audrain Auto Museum, a place of both architectural beauty and a rotating display of stunning cars.
- Edward King House - A brief detour off Bellevue leads to the Edward King House, just a block away. This marks the introduction to Newport’s mansions.
- Kingscote - Returning to Bellevue, the first Newport Mansion, Kingscote, comes into view. The tour provides insights into this summer home and its residents over the years, with an option to tour the interior.
- The Bellevue House - Next on the journey is Bellevue House, a mansion with a rich facade and a long history. Since it is not open for tours, the tour does not pause here.
- Isaac Bell House - Continuing down Bellevue Avenue, the tour passes more striking homes: Isaac Bell House and Snug Harbor. The unique owners of both homes are discussed, and there is an option to stop at Isaac Bell House for an interior tour.
- The Elms - Finally, The Elms is seen, a masterpiece designed for coal baron Edward Julius Berwind, inspired by France’s Château d’Asnières. The tour slows down here to learn about the Berwinds, with an option to tour the interior.
- Bellevue Avenue - Upon spotting Mr. Belmont’s statue, the tour turns off Bellevue, heading towards some of Newport’s largest and finest mansions, which are technically not on this famously expensive avenue. The tour provides insights into Belmont’s fascinating story, which will be revisited later.
- Chepstow - As the journey continues, it passes Chepstow, a beautiful Italianate house museum built in 1860. Its original inhabitant, often overlooked in Newport histories, has connections to early American settlers and the nouveau-riche of the Gilded Age. A tour is available here.
- Ochre Court - Ochre Court immediately captures attention with its châteauesque style, costing $4.5 million in 1892. Now part of Salve Regina University, it is not open for tours, but its rich history is explored.
- McAuley Hall - Vikings-inspired Vinland is now Salve Regina’s McAuley Hall. The tour provides insights into its inspiration and unique owner.
- The Breakers - The highlight of Newport, The Breakers, is reached. This Vanderbilt mansion is the largest and most impressive of Newport’s summer cottages. The tour explores the Vanderbilt backstory, architectural wonders, and more, with an option for a tour.
- Chateau-sur-Mer - Heading back towards Bellevue Avenue, the tour pauses to admire the delicate beauty of Chateau-sur-Mer, the first Gilded Age mansion in Newport, with beautiful gardens open for a tour.
- National Museum of American Illustration - At the corner of Bellevue, the tour pauses for a glimpse of Vernon Court, home to the National Museum of American Illustrations. Norman Rockwell fans will not want to miss this hidden gem.
- Frederick Law Olmsted Park - The journey continues along Bellevue Avenue, passing the historic Frederick Law Olmsted Park and learning about this landscape architect and his Gilded Age gardens.
- Rosecliff - Next on the path is Rosecliff, arguably the most beautiful of the Newport Mansions, with a rotating exhibition gallery on its top floor. A tour offers phenomenal ocean views.
- Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty - Continuing, the tour passes the Astors’ summer cottage, Beechwood. Mrs. Astor’s “300 List” of high society is discussed, with insights into the ballroom that fit 300 guests.
- Marble House - The journey passes Marble House, one of the most opulent Newport Mansions, another Vanderbilt home with a fascinating history. A tour is available here.
- Belcourt of Newport - The tour then passes three amazing homes: Beaulieu House, Miramar, and Belcourt Castle, all built in the 1800s for Gilded Age elites, intended as summer homes.
- Rough Point - At the end of Bellevue Avenue, Rough Point, an English Manorial style home, is glimpsed through the trees. Now a museum, the tour explores its eccentric owner.
- Bailey’s Beach - Exiting Bellevue Avenue, the tour continues on Ocean Drive, a scenic route with natural and architectural wonders.
- Gooseberry Beach - As the tour meanders along this scenic path, it enjoys the fresh ocean air and calm, exploring Newport’s seafaring, trading, and yachting history, with options to pause at public beaches.
- Brenton Point State Park - The journey continues past Brenton Point State Park, with magnificent ocean views and sprawling lawns, and a lighthouse to spot.
- Castle Hill Inn - The tour passes Castle Hill Inn and its lighthouse, learning about Newport’s history post-Gilded Age.
- OceanCliff Hotel - Next, the tour passes OceanCliff and the Newport Country Club, reaching the farthest point along Ocean Drive.
- Hammersmith Farm - The journey reaches Hammersmith Farm, Jackie Kennedy’s childhood home, where she and JFK summered, enjoying the scenery and views.
- Fort Adams State Park - The tour continues into Fort Adams, exploring its historical significance to Newport’s independence.
- Fort Adams State Park - Turning the corner on Ocean Drive, Beacon Rock is glimpsed through the trees, with insights into its history.
- Bonniecrest - The journey reaches BonnieCrest, home of the Worcestershire Sauce family, then moves to Harbor Court for more scenic ocean views.
- Ida Lewis Rock - In the distance, Ida Lewis Rock is seen, with stories of Ida Lewis’ heroism.
- Rochambeau Statue and Monument - The tour passes the historic Rochambeau Monument, celebrating the French commander’s role in American independence.
- Spencer Park - The journey reaches Newport’s Irish District, exploring the lives of workers who made the Gilded Age possible.
- Newport Public Library - The tour concludes at historic St. Mary’s Church, nearly completing a full circle back to 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!
-…
- 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
- 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…
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: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour 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.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car’s stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.
- For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.