Scenic Newport, RI Self-Driving Audio Tour


1 to 2 hours
Free cancellation
1 - 1
Mobile ticket

Overview

Recommended: Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Explore Newport, RI with a scenic self-guided driving tour! See everything this seaside town has to offer at your own pace. As you drive down Bellevue Avenue, the "most beautiful avenue in the world", see and learn about the gorgeous Gilded Age Mansions along the way - including The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff, Château-sur-mer & more. Continue along Ocean Drive, featuring breathtaking vistas. This self-guided tour allows you to explore with maximum flexibility and value.

After booking, you can check your email before downloading the Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. The preceding steps require good internet/wifi access. Simply follow the audio instructions and the route from there.

This is not an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

No expiration — The tour comes with lifetime validity!

Inclusions

  • App on your phone: A link to download the Tour Guide App by Action and Password for your tours.
  • Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Travel over multiple days or on next trip. Never expires.
  • Good value: Buy just one per car. Don’t pay for each person. Save money compared to a bus tour.
  • Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.
  • Private tour in your/rental car: No group. Take breaks for photos/ snacks/hikes. Go at your own pace
  • Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
  • Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated, videos, text, hidden gems.

What to expect

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Newport Visitors Information Center, 21 Long Wharf Mall, Newport, RI 02840-2906

Our journey begins in downtown Newport, just by the Newport Visitor Center. As we set off into the heart of Newport, we'll dive into the past to learn about Newport's hey-day: the Gilded Age. This era of nouveau-riche American elites like the Vanderbilts and Astors has been marked by gorgeous mansions. We'll explore the architecture and architects behind these designs as drive.

Duration: 5 minutes

Pass By: International Tennis Hall of Fame, 194 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840-3515

At the International Tennis Hall of Fame intersection, we'll turn onto the famed Bellevue Avenue -- the most expensive avenue in America. We're about to see the most magnificent homes ever built in this country... facetiously known as "summer cottages". You can choose to pause here to check ou the Hall of Fame, which features tennis greats.

Pass By: Audrain Auto Museum, Audrain Building, 222 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

As we head down Bellevue, we'll soon pass the Audrain Auto Museum and won't be able to help by admire it! It boasts both beautiful architecture and a frequent rotation of stunning cars.

Pass By: Edward King House, 35 King St, Newport, RI 02840, USA

We'll take a quick detour off of Bellevue to get a closer look at the Edward King House, just one block away. This is our introduction to the mansions of Newport.

Pass By: Kingscote, 253 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

As we head back to Bellevue, we'll see our very first Newport Mansion: Kingscote. We'll learn all about this summer home and it's inhabitants over the years. You can even take a tour of the inside.

Stop At: The Bellevue House, 14 Catherine St, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Bellevue House is next on our journey. This gorgeous mansion has a rich facade - and a long history to match! Since it's not open for tours, we won't try to pause here.

Duration: 5 minutes

Pass By: Isaac Bell House, 70 Perry St, Newport, RI 02840, USA

As we continue down Bellevue Avenue, we'll pass more eye-catching homes: Issac Bell House and Snug Harbor. We'll learn about the unique owners of both homes, and can choose to stop at Issac Bell House for an interior tour.

Pass By: The Elms, 367 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840-6915

Finally, we'll see the Elms. This masterpiece was designed for the coal baron Edward Julius Berwind, and inspired by France's Château d'Asnières. Here we'll want to slow down as much as possible to hear about the Berwinds -- and maybe pull inside for a tour!

Pass By: Bellevue Avenue, Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI

When we spot Mr. Belmont's statue, we'll turn off Bellevue. We're now heading towards some of the largest and finest mansions in Newport -- and they're technically not even on this famously expensive avenue! As we drive, we'll learn a bit about Belmont -- whose fascinating story we'll pick back up when we see another grand house later on the tour.

Pass By: Chepstow, 120 Narragansett Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

As we journey along, we'll pass Chepstow, a gorgeous Italianate house museum built in 1860. It's original inhabitant isn't usually discussed in Newport histories... but has a long connection to both early American settlers and to the nouveau-riche of the Gilded Age. We can stop here for a tour as well.

Stop At: Ochre Court, Newport, RI

Ochre Court will immediately arrest our eyes! This châteauesque mansion cost of $4.5 million... in 1892. And it certainly shows! Now the centerpiece of the Salve Regina University, this mansion isn't open for tours... but that won't stop us from learning all about it's rich and fascinating history!

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: McAuley Hall, 100 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Vikings-inspired Vinland is now Salve Regina's McAuley Hall. As we pass this beautiful red-stone mansion, we'll learn all about its inspiration and its unique owner.

Duration: 5 minutes

Pass By: The Breakers, 44 Ochre Point Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Finally, we reach Newport's highlight: The Breakers. This Vanderbilt mansion is the biggest and the best of all of Newport's summer cottages -- and you can tell. We'll look past the towering wrought-iron gates, along the winding gravel drive, and up to the magestic and marvelous mansion's facade. We'll dive into the Vanderbilt backstory, the mansion's architectural wonders, and much more while here. This is another great opportunity to hop out for a tour.

Pass By: Chateau-sur-Mer, 474 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840-4114

As we head back towards Bellevue Avenue, we'll pause to check out the delicate beautfy of Chateau-sur-Mer. Not only is the first Gilded Age mansion in Newport, it also boasts one of the most beautiful, green, sprawling gardens. Both the house and the gardens are open for an optional tour.

Pass By: National Museum of American Illustration, 492 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840-4127

Right on the corner of Bellevue, we'll pause once again for a glimpse of Vernon Court. This mansion holds a different type of treasure inside: the National Museum of American Illustrations. Norman Rockwell fans simply can't skip this hidden gem.

Stop At: Frederick Law Olmsted Park, Newport, RI 02840, USA

We continue our journey along Newport's Bellevue avenue, passing the historic Frederick Law Olmstead Park and learning about this historic landscape architect -- and his Gilded Age gardens.

Duration: 5 minutes

Pass By: Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Rosecliff is next on our path. This is arguably the most beautiful of the Newport Mansions, and it contains a rotating exhibition gallery on it's top floor. If you pause here for a tour, you'll also be treated to phenomenal ocean views.

Stop At: Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty, 37 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

As we continue, we'll pass the Astors' summer cottage: Beechwood. Mrs. Astor famously had a "300 List" - the definitive list of the 300 people she considered high society. Where did that number come from? Well, this ballroom actually! It fit 300 guests. We'll learn more about this list, the Astors, and the Gilded Age as we continue to drive down Newport's Bellevue Avenue.

Duration: 5 minutes

Pass By: Marble House, 596 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Our journey now takes us past Marble House, one of the most opulent and magnificent of Newport's Mansions. This Gilded Age marvel is another Vanderbilt home, and actually has one of the most interesting histories of all the mansions here. We'll learn all about Marble House and it's owners as we continue onwards -- or you can pause here for a tour.

Stop At: Belcourt of Newport, 657 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

We'll then pass three amazing homes in a row: Beaulieu House, Miramar, and Belcourt Castle. All three of these beautiful mansions were built in the 1800s and belonged to Gilded Age elites. Like the other Newport mansions, they were only ever intended to be used as summer homes, and left vacant for the rest of the year.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Rough Point, 680 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

We're now at the end of Bellevue Avenue and can catch a glimpse of an English Manorial style home through the trees: that's Rough Point. Now a museum open for tours, we'll learn all about it's eccentric (and possibly dangerous) owner.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Bailey’s Beach, Cliff Walk, Newport, RI 02840, USA

We'll exit beautiful Bellevue Avenue for another beautiful road: Ocean Drive. This part of the scenic drive is full of natural wonders.... and has a few more architectural ones thrown in too!

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Gooseberry Beach, 130 Ocean Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

As we meander along this scenic path, we'll enjoy the fresh ocean air and relative calm. As we drive, we'll dive into the history of seafaring, trading, and yachting in Newport -- much of which finds its roots in the Gilded Age. As we continue, we can choose to pause at some of the public beaches to stretch our legs.

Duration: 5 minutes

Pass By: Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Our journey continues past Brenton Point State Park, which boasts magnificent ocean views and sprawling green lawns. We'll try to spot the lighthouse as we continue forward.

Stop At: Castle Hill Inn, 590 Ocean Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

We'll continue past Castle Hill Inn and it's lighthouse, learning a bit more about Newport's history after the Gilded Age.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: OceanCliff Hotel, 65 Ridge Rd, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Next up, we'll pass OceanCliff and the Newport Country Club. We're now at the farthest point along the Ocean Drive.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Hammersmith Farm, 225 Harrison Ave, Newport, RI 02840-3784

Our journey brings us 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 that you feel today!

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: 80 Fort Adams Drive Fort Adams State Park Visitor Center, Newport, RI 02840-4388

We'll continue both our history lesson and journey into Fort Adams, as we explore this historic site and it's significance to Newport's independence.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Beacon Rock, 147 Harrison Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

As we turn the corner on Ocean Drive, we'll gatch a glimpse of Beacon Rock through the trees. We'll learn a little about this mansion's history as we admire it's facade.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Bonniecrest, 111 Harrison Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Our journey then brings us to BonnieCrest, home of the Worceshtershire Sauce family! We'll then push forward to Harbor Court, and finally get some more scenic ocean views.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Ida Lewis Rock, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Off the in the distance, we'll see Ida Lewis Rock. As we pass by, we'll learn all about Ida Lewis' heroic activities here.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Rochambeau Statue and Monument, Newport, RI 02840, USA

We'll continue past the historic Rochambeau Monument, celebrating the French commander's assistance in the fight against the British for American independence.

Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Spencer Park, 26 W Narragansett Ave, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Our journey then brings us to Newport's Irish District or 5th Ward. Here we'll explore the lives behind the scenes -- those of the workers that made the Gilded Age possible.

Duration: 5 minutes

Pass By: Newport Public Library, 300 Spring St, Newport, RI 02840, USA

Our tour through Newport finally ends at historic St. Mary's Church, almost a full circle to where we started out at the Newport Visitor Center!

Additional information

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • How it works: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions. Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. To begin touring, go to the Starting Point and launch the app. The audio starts automatically. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience. Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
  • Good value: Purchase only one tour for the entire vehicle instead of taking the bus and paying for each person. You will see a significant saving. Connect your phone to car speakers by a wire or bluetooth. Enjoy the tour by listening together as you drive.
  • Flexible Schedule: Once the app/tour is on your phone, you can use it any day and at any time. You can use it over multiple days. And, also use it on your next trip here. This tour never expires.
  • Preview the tour: You can use it before the trip at home (highly recommended), use it during the trip, and use it after you come back.
  • Don't miss a thing: You will get everything with the app - a complete itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated audio stories, story script, images, videos, deep dives, hidden gems, exciting locations, recommendations for hikes, adventure, activities, treks, and stop-by-stop direction.
  • Private tour: You can use it in your car or rental car. No worries about groups or crowds. Start the tour app on your phone. And it will direct you step by step. You can stop for as many breaks as you like. Take a break for Instagram photos, and take a break for lunch/snacks. Go on a hike. The tour will wait for you and start when you start again. You can even do the tour over multiple days. Go at your own pace.
  • Easy to use: The stories play themselves as soon as the GPS is activated. It requires no use of your hands at all. You can get HELP by calling, chatting, or emailing any time of the day.
  • Offline: There is no need for a cell signal or Wi-Fi while touring. App’s GPS map works offline.
  • Expiration/go again: The tour will last for the rest of your life on your phone. It is available for use on any day of your next trip.
  • Use pictures for a photo book: Create a photo book using clean (no crowd) app images of each spot to make a memorable trip. All the photos and the correct sequence is ready in the app for you to use.
  • Social media: Share clean (no crowd) images with friends/family.
  • Devices supported include iPhones with iOS 13 & above, Android phones with version 9 & above and all cellular-enabled tablets & iPads.
  • Please refer to CDC guidelines while you are taking the tour. This is a private self guided tour so please take social distancing measures
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Ticket delivery

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
John_M
October 2021

Enjoyed hearing the history of places in the route. Beautiful mansions were described and came to life with the your.

596maryellenh
October 2021

The tour was very good. We were amazed at how interactive it was not even when interrupted by a detour. We were in amazement that it picked up where it had left off.

chelsear371
May 2022

It was fun, informative, and very easy to use. from the point of sale to > app download > day of tour. Will use moving forward on future vacations.

Olin_C
December 2021

Using the tour was confusing. I would like to have been able to have a map. We were able to hear the audio over the car radio but no map appeared on our car play screen.

Amit_J
April 2022

Best way to see Newport at your own pace. We stopped at breakers and marble mansions, and audio tour started from whatever place it stopped. Overall we spent four hours (including time spent at two mansions) to complete the tour. I would highly recommend it.

James_B
March 2022

Very informative, easy to use after getting the hang of it . Mansions and ocean drive beautiful. Took a little stroll along cliff wall

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