• Newport Visitors Information Center - The adventure begins in downtown Newport, right by the Newport Visitor Center. As the journey into the heart of Newport commences, the rich history of Newport’s Gilded Age will be explored. This era, characterized by the opulent lifestyles of American elites like the Vanderbilts and Astors, is marked by stunning mansions. The architecture and architects behind these designs will be discovered as the tour progresses.

Note: This 16-mile-long tour encapsulates the essentials of Newport in 6-7 hours.

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, the most magnificent homes ever built in the country, humorously referred to as “summer cottages,” can be seen. Visitors can pause to explore the Hall of Fame, which celebrates tennis legends.
• Audrain Auto Museum - As the tour continues down Bellevue, the Audrain Auto Museum will soon be passed, admired for its beautiful architecture and a rotating display of stunning cars.
• Edward King House - A brief detour off Bellevue leads to 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 history of this summer home and its inhabitants over the years will be explored. An interior tour is available.
• 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 will not pause here.
• Isaac Bell House - Continuing down Bellevue Avenue, more eye-catching homes like Isaac Bell House and Snug Harbor are passed. The unique owners of both homes will be discussed, and an interior tour of Isaac Bell House is an option.
• The Elms - Finally, The Elms is reached. This masterpiece, designed for coal baron Edward Julius Berwind and inspired by France’s Château d’Asnières, is a highlight. Slowing down to hear about the Berwinds is recommended, and a tour is available.
• 424 Bellevue Ave - Upon spotting Mr. Belmont’s statue, the tour turns off Bellevue, heading towards some of the largest and finest mansions in Newport, technically not on this famously expensive avenue. Belmont’s fascinating story will be revisited later on the tour.
• Chepstow - As the journey continues, Chepstow, a beautiful Italianate house museum built in 1860, is passed. 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.
• Ochre Court - Ochre Court immediately captures attention. This châteauesque mansion, costing $4.5 million in 1892, is now the centerpiece of Salve Regina University. Though not open for tours, its rich and fascinating history will be explored.
• McAuley Hall - Vikings-inspired Vinland is now Salve Regina’s McAuley Hall. As this beautiful red-stone mansion is passed, its inspiration and unique owner will be discussed.
• The Breakers - The highlight of Newport, The Breakers, is finally reached. This Vanderbilt mansion is the largest and most impressive of all Newport’s summer cottages. The Vanderbilt backstory, architectural wonders, and more will be explored. A tour is highly recommended.
• Chateau-sur-Mer - Heading back towards Bellevue Avenue, the delicate beauty of Chateau-sur-Mer is admired. As the first Gilded Age mansion in Newport, it boasts one of the most beautiful, green, sprawling gardens. Both the house and gardens are open for an optional tour.
• National Museum of American Illustration - At the corner of Bellevue, a pause is made 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 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. Arguably the most beautiful of the Newport Mansions, it contains a rotating exhibition gallery on its top floor. A tour offers phenomenal ocean views.
• Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty - Continuing on, the Astors’ summer cottage, Beechwood, is passed. Mrs. Astor’s famous “300 List,” the definitive list of high society, originated here. The ballroom fit 300 guests. More about this list, the Astors, and the Gilded Age will be learned as the tour continues down Newport’s Bellevue Avenue.
• Marble House - The journey now passes Marble House, one of the most opulent and magnificent of Newport’s Mansions. This Gilded Age marvel, another Vanderbilt home, has one of the most interesting histories of all the mansions. Marble House and its owners will be explored, with a tour option available.
• Belcourt of Newport - Three amazing homes in a row are then passed: Beaulieu House, Miramar, and Belcourt Castle. All three beautiful mansions, built in the 1800s, belonged to Gilded Age elites and were intended only as summer homes, left vacant for the rest of the year.
• Rough Point Museum - At the end of Bellevue Avenue, an English Manorial style home, Rough Point, is glimpsed through the trees. Now a museum open for tours, its eccentric (and possibly dangerous) owner will be discussed.
• Bailey’s Beach - The tour along the beautiful Cliff Walk ends near another beach, Bailey’s Beach. The northeast end, where the Cliff Walk ends, is open to the public, but Bailey’s Beach itself is private, welcoming only a very exclusive club, reminiscent of Mrs. Astor’s “400” list. Perhaps the Gilded Age lives on in Newport!
• Gooseberry Beach - As the scenic path is followed, the fresh ocean air and relative calm are enjoyed. The history of seafaring, trading, and yachting in Newport, much of which finds its roots in the Gilded Age, will be explored. Pausing at some public beaches to stretch is an option.
• Brenton Point State Park - The journey continues past Brenton Point State Park, offering magnificent ocean views and sprawling green lawns. The lighthouse will be spotted as the tour moves forward.
• Castle Hill Inn - Passing Castle Hill Inn and its lighthouse, more about Newport’s history after the Gilded Age will be learned.
• OceanCliff Hotel - Next, OceanCliff and the Newport Country Club are passed. This is 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 felt today.
• Fort Adams State Park - The history lesson and journey continue into Fort Adams, exploring this historic site’s significance to Newport’s independence.
• Fort Adams State Park - As the corner on Ocean Drive is turned, Beacon Rock is glimpsed through the trees. 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, offering more scenic ocean views.
• Ida Lewis Rock - In the distance, Ida Lewis Rock is seen. As it is passed, Ida Lewis’ heroic activities here will be learned about.
• 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, exploring the lives behind the scenes, those of the workers who made the Gilded Age possible.
• Newport Public Library - The tour through Newport finally ends at historic St. Mary’s Church, almost completing a full circle back to the Newport Visitor Center!
• Easton’s Beach - Embark on this scenic walk at the Cliff Walk entrance by Easton’s Beach. A little about Easton’s Beach will be learned as the journey begins, followed by a short look at the Chanler. As the tour continues, Newport’s history, the impact of the Gilded Age, and the creation of the Cliff Walk will be explored. The “old-money” families, like the Vanderbilts and Astors, whose grand summer cottages line the Cliff Walk, will also be discussed.
• Forty Steps - The first major stop is the iconic Forty Steps. This alternative starting point for the tour offers a wonderful opportunity to walk down these historic steps and appreciate the wild beauty of the crashing waves. The Gilded Age elites who tried to keep access to the Cliff Walk for themselves by building a wall, and the lower-class residents who tore those walls down, will be learned about. Thanks to their battles, this beautiful pathway remains open to the public.
• Lands End - Nearing the end of the Cliff Walk, one final mansion, Land’s End, is seen. This was the home of Edith Wharton, the gifted author who disliked being a Gilded Age elite. Wharton and her works will be explored as the tour continues.

• 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!

• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Explore the historic and scenic Newport at your leisure with this self-guided tour filled with attractions. Navigate using a thoughtfully curated itinerary and live GPS map, featuring stops at renowned mansions such as the Bellevue House, the Elms with its chateau-inspired design, and the iconic Vanderbilt residence, the Breakers, along with natural landmarks like Easton’s Beach and Fort Adams State Park.

• Enjoy a self-guided tour showcasing Newport’s premier historic and natural sites
• Perfect for groups: purchase a single tour per vehicle, allowing everyone to listen
• Spend as much or as little time as you wish at each stop, with engaging audio content

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. Ensure you have a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection for these steps. Then, simply follow the audio instructions and the designated 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

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