Top Things to do in Rhode Island
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The 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Rhode Island, United States
With the perfect combination of great seaside views, colorful local culture, and endless family activities, Rhode Island is a big vacation destination in a small package. Whether you are into art and culture, beautiful seaside sights, or great family-friendly activities, there is sure to be something for you in Rhode Island. If you're staying in Newport, try a breathtaking tour of the harbor in the Schooner Madeleine, or enjoy a bit of history at Fort Adams State Park. The Newport mansions are one of the most popular attractions around, and the nearby Cliff Walk is a great place for a hike. Narragansett is home to the lovely Narragansett Town Beach and Point Judith Lighthouse, and if you hop on the Block Island Ferry you are only a short trip away from Block Island, where you can enjoy the sights of the Mohegan Bluffs or party it up at Capt. Nick's Rock and Roll Bar. Take a drive up to Providence for some great shopping at Providence Place Mall and to visit the unforgettable Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Restaurants in Rhode Island
1. Private Mansion and Newport Rhode Island City Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 6 reviews
Get the clearest, most comprehensive picture of Newport, a.k.a. "The City-By-The-Sea" through the experiences only a 'Native Newporter' can provide. As our guest, you will learn about its colonial history, its religious and racial diversity, as well as view the City's remarkable architecture and landscapes. This Tour has a duration of 2.5 - 3 hours, depending on weather, traffic, and time spent walking, including about 1 hour spent touring a Mansion.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by van, Private tour
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off (available for an additional charge)
Reviewed By jameshX427CF
On 10/17/19 at approximately 12:30PM our cruise ship captain notified us that our ship would not be able to make port in Newport, RI, because of high seas and gale force winds. Our tour was scheduled for 11AM the next morning on 10/18/19, so my calls to this tour operator were placed at 22 hours prior to the scheduled tour. The weather and the timing were out of my control, and yes, I was slightly less than the 24 hour minimum on the cancellation policy, but I was very disappointed that Native Newporter Tours declined my request for a refund of $110. Considering the weather, I very much doubt that he would have been able to book someone else for a walking tour on that day, and I believe that most tour operators given these circumstances would have refunded my purchase price. In addition, I have called several times, hoping to discuss this with Peter, but he as chosen not to return my phone calls.
2. Newport Mansions Trolley Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 231 reviews
For ages 5 and up, this approx 90-min tour is an "overview" tour of scenic Newport. After boarding our luxurious and comfortable trolley at Bus Platform #2 of the Newport Bus Terminal, 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 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.
Inclusions: For Ages 5+, board our luxurious, comfortable late-model Trolley with leather captain's chairs, Our breath-taking, narrated Scenic Overview Trolley Tour of Newport, See over 150+ points of interest such as Colonial Downtown, Scenic Ocean Drive, and Mansion Row
Exclusions: Parking available at Newport Bus Terminal (fees apply at gate upon exit)., Gratuities
Reviewed By michaelmZ5118EY
My wife and I and another couple took the tour. Was very impressed on the knowledge Troy had of Newport and it’s mansions. Troy was very informative and also tossed in a little humor along the way. The trolley was very comfortable along with the leather seats. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone wanting to visit Newport. Make sure you ask for Trolley Troy.
3. Private Newport, Rhode Island City Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Who better to tell the story of Newport's history and social and cultural scene than someone who has, and continues to be living the 'Newport life'? What sets our Tours apart is that we provide a 'Native Newporter' as your guide and chaperone, with the lifelong experiences and knowledge only obtained from being born and raised in Newport. In short, we offer a clear, comprehensive, and fun experience of the "City-By-The-Sea". Thank You
Inclusions: Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Driver/guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pick-ups are available for an additional charge, please contact local tour provider for arrangement
Reviewed By Bob C
My wife and I found this trip on TripAdvisor. What a great choice. Our driver, Peter, was wonderful. He is a life long Newporter and he displayed all that knowledge during our tour. He was on time and phoned us with exact pickup location and time. He was enthusiastic and answered all our questions. Newport has so much history and Peter made us feel like we were locals. Thanks again for a wonderful day.
4. Scenic Newport, RI Self-Driving Audio Tour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
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. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Within 30 min, we'll send you two things: a password & an app. Download the app, enter password, & download tour. When you arrive, go to the Discover Newport Visitor Center to start the tour. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience. This is not an entrance ticket. Check COVID rules & opening hours before your visit. No expiration — the tour is available from the minute you book until forever!
Inclusions: GPS Map, Audios and Text, Online Support, Learn about the gorgeous Gilded Age Mansions of Newport, including the famous Breakers., Marvel the architectural wonders along Newport’s Bellevue Avenue, from the Elms to Marble House. , Hear stories about American elites like the Vanderbilts who lived in Newport., Drive at your own pace along Newport’s Ocean Drive and enjoy the views of the sea.
Exclusions: Admission to Paid Attractions
Reviewed By dawnfL3112MV
Enjoyed the commentary while walking on path. Made the adventure much more interesting! The only hiccup was I could not let my phone screen timeout.
5. Light House Harbor Cruise of Narragansett Bay
Overall Ratings
4.2 based on 5 reviews
Spring cruising aboard Coastal Queen offers maximum comfort and spectacular views of the lighthouses and historic sights that surround magnificent Newport Harbor and lower Narragansett Bay. On the tour, you will see and hear about the lighthouses of Goat Island, Rose Island, Castle Hill & Lime Rock, and also learn about neighboring sites like the harbor mansions, churches, historic Fort Adams and Jamestown Village, the Newport Pell Bridge, Clingstone, Hammersmith Farm and more. You may even see a local seal or two in the water! Valid ID (for bar service) and cloth face covering is required to board. Cruises depart from Bowen's Wharf, Newport & Jamestown.
Inclusions: Live Narration Onboard
Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages can be purchased from our magnificent onboard bar.
Reviewed By swistakp
Cruised on the Coastal Queen twice, for a wine tasting and sunset cruise. Both were wonderful unique experiences. Relaxing, informative and breathtaking views make this the ideal way to unwind and enjoy time on Narragansett Bay. The crew is wonderful. I would recommend it to all ages.
6. Private Historic Newport Pedicab Tour
Overall Ratings
4.2 based on 35 reviews
Small city, big history! Let your private pedicab driver take you around Newport's fascinating historic high points. See it all at the perfect speed with your own local pedicab guide.
Inclusions: Pedicab tour
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Jeffrey W
Great tour, we extended it an additional hour, as there is so much to see. We utilized two bikes and they were more than accommodating. Very knowledgeable and pedal hard to get our group throughout the Mansions. Highly recommend.
7. Newport Cliff Walk Self-Guided Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
4.1 based on 7 reviews
Newport's Cliff Walk features the raw, untamed, crashing waves of the Atlantic to one side and lavish, man-made Gilded Age mansions to the other. This juxtaposition creates one of the most beautiful scenic walks in the world. Get the most out of the Cliff Walk with this self-guided audio tour, which dives into the Gilded Age and explores the stories behind the Vanderbilts, Astors, and other American millionaires behind mansions like The Breakers, Marble House, Rosecliff, and others. Within 30 min, we'll send you two things: a password and an app. Download the app, enter password, & download tour. When you arrive, go to Easton’s Beach or 40 Steps to start the tour. Stick to the tour route for the best experience. This is not an entrance ticket. Check COVID rules and opening hours before your visit. No expiration — the tour is available from the minute you book until forever!
Inclusions: GPS Map, Audios and Text, Online Support, Newport’s Cliff Walk offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gilded Age Mansions., Admire the scenery — both natural and architectural — as you stroll along this peaceful walk., The scenic Cliff Walk trail passes famed mansions like the Breakers, Rosecliff, and Marble House.
Exclusions: Admission to Paid Attractions
Reviewed By nbs57
This is a nice informative tour of Newport mansions and ocean views. The audio was just as good as having a live tour guide. We were able to go at our own pace and pull over and take pictures when safe to do so. Since it was April, the only mansion open was The Marble House. We stopped and went in it and was awesome. We strolled outside to the backyard and the landscaping and ocean view was spectacular. The wealth of the families of the gilded age was evident in the grandness of the mansions and landscape. Beautiful, big trees and flowers were a joy to see. This tour was a good deal and I throughly enjoyed it along with my two companions.
8. Ultimate Newport Self-Guided Combo Tour
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 2 reviews
Explore all of Newport, RI! Experience the iconic Cliff Walk, which winds past famous Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers and Marble House. Then hop into your car and drive down Bellevue Avenue and around Ocean Drive. Learn about the mansions, Newport's historic past, and iconic American millionaires like the Vanderbilts and Astors. This combo package offers the best value for those looking to get the most out of their trip to Newport, Rhode Island. Purchase one tour per car, Everyone can listen together! Within 30 mins, we'll send you a unique password & an app. Download the app onto your phone and enter password. Then download the tour inside. When you arrive, head over to the first stop. Once there, launch the app and simply follow the instructions from there! Stick to our recommended route and speed limit for the best experience. Check COVID rules and opening hours before your visit. No expiration — the tour is available from the minute you book until forever!
Inclusions: GPS Map, Audios and Text, Online Support, Bundled tours
Exclusions: Admission to Paid Attractions
Reviewed By nbs57
This is a nice informative tour of Newport mansions and ocean views. The audio was just as good as having a live tour guide. We were able to go at our own pace and pull over and take pictures when safe to do so. Since it was April, the only mansion open was The Marble House. We stopped and went in it and was awesome. We strolled outside to the backyard and the landscaping and ocean view was spectacular. The wealth of the families of the gilded age was evident in the grandness of the mansions and landscape. Beautiful, big trees and flowers were a joy to see. This tour was a good deal and I throughly enjoyed it along with my two companions.
9. Private Day Trip From Boston to the Newport Mansions
Escape the city for the day and visit the charming, historic Newport mansions in coastal Newport, Rhode Island! With this private, full-day trip you'll enjoy roundtrip transportation with a private driver who will escort you to the extravagant mansions overlooking the ocean. Take your time visiting as few or as many mansions as you'd like, exploring their stately grounds and learning about the wealthy families who once occupied them.
Inclusions: Private day trip
Exclusions: Mansion entrance fees, Mansion tour fees, Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By dmsibert08
My goodnes it was all good! Dave was amazing and knew his stuff. The views were awesome! I enjoyed it!
10. NYC Day Trip from Providence, RI by Rail
From Providence, RI to New York hot dogs and knishes, enjoy a full day trip by rail from Providence, RI to New York. In this family-friendly day of fun, step aboard a double-decker bus and visit New York's most famous sites. Kids will enjoy seeing the Empire State Building, United Nations, Rockefeller Center, Battery Park with views of the Statue of Liberty, and so much more. You'll also enjoy a VIP meal at a local Times Square restaurant.
Inclusions: Lunch, Live commentary on board, Hop-on hop-off tour, Self Guided Tour
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Global51125935803
Awesome experience! We saw the majority of park and walk a lot. So have good walking shoes. Dayna was the best, she made the tour exciting and informative. If you can ask for Dayna when booking do so, you won’t be disappointed.
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