For ages 5+ only, this approx 90-min tour is an overview of scenic Newport.
After boarding our luxurious and comfortable trolley at platform #2 of the Newport Transit Center, your driver starts the tour with a brief history of Colonial-era downtown and explains the Gilded Age history and events that occurred over the centuries.
Then you will experience breath-taking views of scenic Ocean Drive prior to seeing the strip of mansions lining Bellevue Ave. Along the route, movie and TV sets will come to life, such as HBOs The Gilded Age, Hocus Pocus 2, The Great Gatsby, Amistad, True Lies, and a dozen more.
Today's happenings are also thoroughly covered such as the best dining spots, boat tours, and other fun activities. Your tour guide will detail the best way to navigate this bustling city as well as explain the Cliff Walk attractions.
This tour is approximately 70-90 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Newport RI Mansions Scenic Trolley Tour (Ages 5+ only)
(For ages 5 & up only). Park in the public lot at 23 America's Cup Ave (Newport Transit Center) and locate the white trolley at Platform #2 outside. Show your cell phone or printed ticket to driver.
The trolley tour will enter Fort Adams, a historic 1799 landmark and home of today's annual Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival. The fort is also home to President Eisenhower's summer home called the Eisenhower House.
The Welcome Center features a snack bar, clean restrooms, and ticket sales counter to take a tour inside of the fort.
There are also 2 water taxi stops and free public parking at Fort Adams State Park. The Bennington Overlook section of Fort Adams offers breathtaking sunsets over Narragansett Bay with free parking as well.
The trolley tour passes by Brenton Point State Park, former estate of RI's 2nd governor William Brenton (elected 1665). Riders will see the former estate of RI's 2nd governor William Brenton (elected 1665). Brenton Point State Park is a free public park offering pristine views of the Atlantic Ocean on 2 sides of the park plus free sunsets over the water 12 months per year. Seasonal restrooms are available in the stone building.
The trolley tour travels through the Ocean Drive Historic District. Visitors will begin to see Newport's Gilded Age Mansions lining the Atlantic Ocean with breathtaking scenery.
Mansions on Ocean Drive include Mavis and Jay Leno's Seafair, and several filming locations of HBO's TV series "The Gilded Age" including Indian Spring Castle, The Ledges and Crossways mansions.
Once the trolley tour enters the Newport Cliff Walk area of the Bellevue Ave Historic District, riders will begin to learn about the Gilded Age mansions along the Cliff Walk, which are on the ocean side of the mansions for 3.5 miles between Reject's Beach and Newport Beach.
Your guide will explain how to best access the Cliff Walk and areas where parking is free to enjoy the Cliff Walk and the best areas for viewing.
The trolley tour stops in front of the 2nd of the 3 Newport Vanderbilt mansions "The Marble House".
This small palace built in 1892 was instrumental in the passage of the women's suffrage movement, as Alva Vanderbilt hosted fundraisers in her pagoda (Chinese Tea House on the Cliff Walk) whereby she raised a great deal of money to pass the 19th amendment.
Both the Marble House and Chinese Tea House were the Asian wedding set in the Katherine Heigel classic movie "27 Dresses"
Free parking for Marble House tour visitors is available across the street at 585 Bellevue Ave.
The trolley tour stops in front of the Rosecliff Mansion, a 1902 'summer cottage" of Tessie Fair-Oelrichs. The most famous movie filmed here was The Great Gatsby (Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Sam Waterston).
Tours are available at the Rosecliff mansion on a seasonal basis.
The trolley tour stops at The Breakers Newport, the 3rd Vanderbilt Mansion in Newport and discharges passengers who purchased this interior tour option.
This 1895 'summer cottage' is the largest mansion in the region and is RIs most visited tourist attraction. It sits on the Newport Cliff Walk facing SE towards the Atlantic Ocean.
The trolley tour continues along Bellevue Ave and passes by The Elms Newport, a Gilded Age mansion of Edward and Sarah Berwind. The guide explains the 2 tours that are available inside the Elms Mansion.
The trolley tour passes by the front door of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the 1881 site of the old Newport Casino (shopping district of the Gilded Age millionaires). The guide explains the free and for-fee tours available inside the ITHOF.
The trolley tour continues into Downtown Newport's bustling waterfront district anchored by Bowen's Wharf. The guide explains the shopping, dining, boating excursions, and other waterfront attractions along America's Cup Ave.
Departure Point: Newport Transportation Center, Platform #2 (outside) - white trolley
23 America's Cup Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
DAY OF TRAVEL (For ages 5+ only)
Park at the Hamilton Aquarium Transit Center public lot (23 America's Cup Ave) and locate the white trolley at Bus Platform #2 outside. Parking available on site for a fee.
This tour departs promptly at the scheduled times. We recommend travelers plan to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to departure time to find a parking spot and in case of any unforeseen traffic jams due to construction and accidents. No shows, late arrivals, and cancellations made within 24 hours are non refundable.
You may present this ticket or smart phone confirmation directly to the driver to check-in.
IMPORTANT INFO
--Tours are for Ages 5+ only. This tour will last 70-90 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
--These tours are NOT handicapped accessible. Folding walkers and wheelchairs are limited to 30 lbs. We cannot accommodate battery powered scooters and chairs.
--Driver may assign seating based on customer needs.
--All members of the booking party must be present at bus platform #2 no later than 5 minutes prior to tour departure time. Driver reserves the right to sell the seats of no-shows or late arrivals to passengers waiting on standby.
--Solo travelers must allow others to sit next to them or purchase that 2nd seat in advance if they wish to keep it empty
--This enclosed trolley tour operates rain or shine except during and after winter weather events which involve snow or ice
--Youth under 17 must be accompanied by an adult
--Our drivers have updated manifests on their devices. Cancelled tickets are not accepted for admission
Newport is a charming coastal city known for its historic mansions, stunning ocean views, and rich sailing heritage. It offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, making it a perfect destination for all types of travelers.
The Breakers is a stunning Gilded Age mansion built by the Vanderbilt family. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of America's wealthiest families.
Cliff Walk is a scenic 3.5-mile trail that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the famous Gilded Age mansions.
The Newport Art Museum features a diverse collection of art, including contemporary and historical pieces, as well as rotating exhibitions.
A creamy and hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, and cream.
A buttered and grilled roll filled with fresh lobster meat and lightly dressed in mayo or butter.
Quahog clams stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, butter, and various seasonings.
This is the most popular time to visit Newport, with warm weather and numerous events. The city is bustling with tourists, and all attractions are open.
United States Dollar (USD)
Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5:00, GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)
120VV, 60HzHz
Newport is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Newport Station
Newport Bus Terminal
RIPTA buses are affordable and convenient for getting around Newport. Fares are low, and schedules are frequent.
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Car, Bike, Scooter
Block Island is a beautiful island known for its pristine beaches, scenic trails, and charming villages.
Providence is the capital of Rhode Island and offers a rich cultural scene with museums, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Mystic is a historic seaport town known for its maritime museums and attractions.
Price varies by option