Overview

In the early 20th century, a time when a million dollars was still a lot of money, Newport was the perfect backdrop for the so-called Gilded Age. The richest of the rich, Astors and Vanderbilts among them, built a neighborly string of opulent mansions along the oceanfront that are still Newport's leading visitor attraction. (If you have time, or patience, for only one, don't miss The Breakers, a less-than-modest, 70-room Italian Renaissance-style villa built by Cornelius Vanderbilt.)

But the mansions are not the only draw. Newport, nestled at the southern tip of Aquidneck Island, hosted sailing's America's Cup for most of the last century and its Museum of Yachting is a paean to sailors of all stripes. Tennis players need not feel left out either, because Newport is also home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the sport's equivalent of baseball's Cooperstown.

For the less historically minded, a summer day in Newport remains a classic setting for a day at the beach, watching a regatta, or attending one of the many musical events, including the famed Newport Music Festival each July.

 Plan Your Trip

SAILING

The water's off Newport, a favorite with sailors since the early 1800s, were the racing grounds of the America's Cup for most of the 20th century. That love affair with sails is celebrated in the Museum of Yachting at Fort Adams State Park. Overlooking Newport Harbor, the museum's exhibits include photos and artifacts - and for a taste of the real thing, you can charter Courageous, a two-time winner of the Cup and one of several 12-meter yachts that still race off Newport each summer.

HIKING

You'll no doubt take a tour of the Newport mansions, but for a different perspective, stroll Cliff Walk along the eastern shore. Start at the western end of Easton's Beach, and you'll not only get a seaside stroll of the first order, but the 3.5-mile path borders Newport's best beaches and provides views (free of charge) of several of the waterfront mansions. But do wear good walking shoes: the southern part of the trail along the rocky shore is a bit rugged.

SIGHTSEEING

Warm up with a visit to the International Hall of Fame, the world's largest tennis museum. Galleries cover the history of the game, with video clips of classic matches, and include a high-tech exhibit that give you the feeling of what it's like to play at center court. The museum is housed in the Newport Casino, and its lawn tennis club provides the only grass court facility open to the public. Tennis anyone?

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