• 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, there will be an exploration of Newport’s golden era: the Gilded Age. This period, 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 explored as the tour progresses.

Note: The 12-mile tour covers the highlights of scenic Newport, Rhode Island in 1-2 hours.

Purchase once, 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, some of the most magnificent homes ever built in the country can be seen, humorously referred to as “summer cottages.” There is an option to pause here to explore the Hall of Fame, which showcases tennis legends.
• Audrain Auto Museum - As the tour continues down Bellevue, the Audrain Auto Museum will soon be passed, and its beauty is sure to captivate! It features both stunning architecture and a frequently changing display of remarkable cars.
• Edward King House - A brief detour off Bellevue will be taken to get 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, will be seen. The history of this summer home and its various inhabitants over the years will be explored. An interior tour is also available.
• The Bellevue House - Next on the journey is Bellevue House. This beautiful mansion boasts a rich facade and an equally rich history! Since it is not open for tours, there will be no pause here.
• Isaac Bell House - Continuing down Bellevue Avenue, more striking homes will be passed: Isaac Bell House and Snug Harbor. The unique owners of both homes will be discussed, and there is an option to stop at Isaac Bell House for an interior tour.
• The Elms - Finally, The Elms will be seen. This masterpiece was designed for coal baron Edward Julius Berwind and inspired by France’s Château d’Asnières. Here, slowing down is recommended to learn about the Berwinds – and perhaps stop for a tour!
• Bellevue Avenue - Upon spotting Mr. Belmont’s statue, the tour will turn off Bellevue. The journey now heads towards some of the largest and finest mansions in Newport – and they are technically not even on this famously expensive avenue! As the drive continues, a bit about Belmont will be learned – whose intriguing story will be revisited when another grand house is seen later on the tour.
• Chepstow - As the journey continues, Chepstow, a stunning Italianate house museum built in 1860, will be passed. Its original inhabitant is not often mentioned in Newport histories but has a long connection to both early American settlers and the nouveau-riche of the Gilded Age. A tour can be taken here as well.
• Ochre Court - Ochre Court will immediately capture attention! This châteauesque mansion cost $4.5 million in 1892, and it certainly shows! Now the centerpiece of Salve Regina University, this mansion is not open for tours, but its rich and fascinating history will still 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 - Finally, Newport’s highlight is reached: The Breakers. This Vanderbilt mansion is the largest and most impressive of all of Newport’s summer cottages – and it shows. The towering wrought-iron gates, the winding gravel drive, and the majestic mansion’s facade will be admired. The Vanderbilt backstory, the mansion’s architectural wonders, and much more will be explored here. This is another excellent opportunity to stop for a tour.
• Chateau-sur-Mer - As the tour heads back towards Bellevue Avenue, a pause will be made to appreciate the delicate beauty of Chateau-sur-Mer. Not only is it the first Gilded Age mansion in Newport, but it also boasts one of the most beautiful, green, sprawling gardens. Both the house and the gardens are open for an optional tour.
• National Museum of American Illustration - Right on the corner of Bellevue, a pause will be made 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 cannot 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. This is arguably the most beautiful of the Newport Mansions, and it contains a rotating exhibition gallery on its top floor. If a pause is made here for a tour, phenomenal ocean views will also be enjoyed.
• Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty - As the tour continues, the Astors’ summer cottage, Beechwood, will be passed. 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. More about this list, the Astors, and the Gilded Age will be learned as the drive continues down Newport’s Bellevue Avenue.
• Marble House - The 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. All about Marble House and its owners will be learned as the tour continues – or a pause can be made here for a tour.
• Belcourt of Newport - Three amazing homes in a row will then be passed: 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.
• Rough Point - The end of Bellevue Avenue is now reached, and a glimpse of an English Manorial style home through the trees can be caught: that’s Rough Point. Now a museum open for tours, all about its eccentric (and possibly dangerous) owner will be learned.
• Bailey’s Beach - Beautiful Bellevue Avenue will be exited 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!
• Gooseberry Beach - As this scenic path is meandered along, the fresh ocean air and relative calm will be enjoyed. As the drive continues, the history of seafaring, trading, and yachting in Newport will be explored – much of which finds its roots in the Gilded Age. As the journey continues, there is an option to pause at some of the public beaches to stretch the legs.
• Brenton Point State Park - The journey continues past Brenton Point State Park, which boasts magnificent ocean views and sprawling green lawns. An attempt will be made to spot the lighthouse as the tour continues forward.
• Castle Hill Inn - The tour continues past Castle Hill Inn and its lighthouse, learning a bit more about Newport’s history after the Gilded Age.
• OceanCliff Hotel - Next up, OceanCliff and the Newport Country Club will be passed. The tour is now at the farthest point along the Ocean Drive.
• Hammersmith Farm - The 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 can be felt today!
• Fort Adams State Park - The history lesson and journey continue into Fort Adams, as this historic site and its significance to Newport’s independence are explored.
• Beacon Rock - As the corner on Ocean Drive is turned, a glimpse of Beacon Rock through the trees can be caught. A little about this mansion’s history will be learned as its facade is admired.
• Bonniecrest - The journey then brings us to BonnieCrest, home of the Worcestershire Sauce family! The tour will then push forward to Harbor Court, and finally, some more scenic ocean views will be enjoyed.
• Ida Lewis Rock - Off in the distance, Ida Lewis Rock can be seen. As it is passed by, all about Ida Lewis’ heroic activities here will be learned.
• 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 us to Newport’s Irish District or 5th Ward. Here, the lives behind the scenes will be explored – those of the workers that made the Gilded Age possible.
• Newport Public Library - The tour through Newport finally ends at historic St. Mary’s Church, almost a full circle to where it started at the Newport Visitor Center!

• 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

Recommended: Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. Everyone can enjoy the experience together!

Discover Newport, RI with a picturesque self-guided driving tour! Experience all that this coastal town has to offer at your own pace. As you travel down Bellevue Avenue, known as the “most beautiful avenue in the world,” admire and learn about the stunning Gilded Age Mansions along the route - including The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff, Château-sur-mer, and more. Continue along Ocean Drive, which offers breathtaking views. This self-guided tour provides maximum flexibility and value for your exploration.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection. From there, follow the audio instructions and the 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
• Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

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