Hotels in Newport, Rhode Island

A little about Newport...

Newport is a city in Newport County, Rhode Island, about 30 miles (48 km) south of Providence. It is the home of the United States Naval War College, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and a major United States Navy training center. The city is the seat of Newport County.

Newport is home of Post Secondary Schools: U.S. Naval Academy Prep School, Salve Regina University, Naval War College, and International Yacht Restoration School.

Newport has one of the highest concentrations of colonial homes in the nation. Many of these homes were restored in the late 20th century through grants made by Newport resident Doris Duke, as well as other local efforts such as Operation Clapboard. As a result, Newport's colonial heritage is well-preserved. In addition, the city is known for its Gilded Age mansions, which have also received extensive restoration from both private owners and non-profits such as the Preservation Society of Newport County.

Newport plays host to a number of festivals during the summer months, including the Newport Jazz Festival, the Sunset Music Festival, the Newport Folk Festival (where Bob Dylan shocked the crowd by playing an electric guitar), the Newport International Film Festival, and the Newport International Boat Show. In the winter the festival area transforms into an outdoor ice skating rink.

Outdoor Activities:

Aquidneck Island is home to many beautiful beaches, most public and a few private. In Newport, the largest public beach, Easton's beach or First Beach, has a view of the famed Cliff Walk. Second Beach, in neighboring Middletown, is a fantastic beach for waves, with a surfer's beach abutting. Gooseberry Beach, located on Ocean Drive, is a good family beach. There are two private beaches, both highly exclusive in Newport, Bailey's Beach (Spouting Rock Beach Association) and Hazard's Beach, both located on Ocean Drive.

Brenton Point State Park is also an excellent spot for the family, with exquisite vistas, and is home to the annual Brenton Point Kite Festival.

Fort Adams, an historical fort dating back to the War of 1812 houses the Museum of Yachting and hosts the Newport Folk Festival annually. It too has spectacular views of Narragansett Bay, and is a perfect location for family picnics.

Since Newport has a strong maritime heritage, water based recreation is a primary attraction. Options include sailing, sea kayaking, and windsurfing. For many years Newport was home to the series of yacht races for the America's Cup. One can charter 12-Meter yachts that have raced in the America's Cup for a pleasure cruise on Narragansett Bay.