• Newport Visitors Information Center - The adventure begins in downtown Newport, right by the Newport Visitor Center. As the journey unfolds into the heart of Newport, participants will delve into the past to discover 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 tour will explore the architecture and architects behind these designs as it progresses.

Note: The tour spans over 11 miles, includes more than 45 audio stories, and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete.

New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as desired.

• 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. Participants will witness the most magnificent homes ever built in the country, 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, participants will soon pass the Audrain Auto Museum, where they can admire its beautiful architecture and a frequently changing display of stunning cars.
• Edward King House - A quick detour off Bellevue allows for a closer look at the Edward King House, just one block away. This serves as an introduction to the mansions of Newport.
• Kingscote - Returning to Bellevue, the first Newport Mansion, Kingscote, comes into view. Participants will learn about this summer home and its inhabitants over the years, with the option to tour the interior.
• The Bellevue House - Next on the journey is Bellevue House. This gorgeous mansion boasts 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, participants will pass more eye-catching homes: Isaac Bell House and Snug Harbor. The tour will explore the unique owners of both homes, with the option to stop at Isaac Bell House for an interior tour.
• The Elms - Finally, The Elms comes into view. This masterpiece was designed for coal baron Edward Julius Berwind and inspired by France’s Château d’Asnières. Participants will want to slow down to hear about the Berwinds and may choose to stop for a tour.
• Bellevue Avenue - Upon spotting Mr. Belmont’s statue, the tour turns off Bellevue. Participants are now heading towards some of the largest and finest mansions in Newport, which are technically not even on this famously expensive avenue. As the tour progresses, participants will learn about Belmont, whose fascinating story will be revisited later on the tour.
• Chepstow - As the journey continues, participants will pass Chepstow, a beautiful Italianate house museum built in 1860. Its original inhabitant is not usually discussed in Newport histories but has a long connection to both early American settlers and the nouveau-riche of the Gilded Age. There is an option to stop here for a tour.
• 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 participants will learn all about its rich and fascinating history.
• McAuley Hall - Vikings-inspired Vinland is now Salve Regina’s McAuley Hall. As participants pass this beautiful red-stone mansion, they will learn about its inspiration and its unique owner.
• The Breakers - Finally, the tour reaches Newport’s highlight: The Breakers. This Vanderbilt mansion is the largest and most impressive of all of Newport’s summer cottages, and it shows. Participants will look past the towering wrought-iron gates, along the winding gravel drive, and up to the majestic and marvelous mansion’s facade. The tour will delve into the Vanderbilt backstory, the mansion’s architectural wonders, and much more. This is another excellent opportunity to stop for a tour.
• Chateau-sur-Mer - As the tour heads back towards Bellevue Avenue, participants will pause to admire 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, participants will 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 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 participants pause here for a tour, they will also be treated to phenomenal ocean views.
• Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty - As the tour continues, participants will 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. Participants will learn more about this list, the Astors, and the Gilded Age as the tour continues down Newport’s Bellevue Avenue.
• Marble House - The journey now takes participants past Marble House, one of the most opulent and magnificent of Newport’s Mansions. This Gilded Age marvel is another Vanderbilt home and has one of the most interesting histories of all the mansions here. Participants will learn all about Marble House and its owners as the tour continues, or they can pause here for a tour.
• Belcourt of Newport - The tour then passes 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.
• Rough Point - At the end of Bellevue Avenue, participants can catch a glimpse of an English Manorial style home through the trees: that’s Rough Point. Now a museum open for tours, participants will learn all about its eccentric (and possibly dangerous) owner.
• Bailey’s Beach - The tour exits 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!
• Gooseberry Beach - As the tour meanders along this scenic path, participants will enjoy the fresh ocean air and relative calm. As the tour progresses, participants will dive into the history of seafaring, trading, and yachting in Newport, much of which finds its roots in the Gilded Age. As the tour continues, participants can choose to pause at some of the public beaches to stretch their legs.
• Brenton Point State Park - The journey continues past Brenton Point State Park, which boasts magnificent ocean views and sprawling green lawns. Participants will try 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, the tour passes OceanCliff and the Newport Country Club. Participants are now at the farthest point along the Ocean Drive.
• Hammersmith Farm - The journey brings participants 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 participants feel today!
• Fort Adams State Park - The tour continues both the history lesson and journey into Fort Adams, as participants explore this historic site and its significance to Newport’s independence.
• Fort Adams State Park - As the tour turns the corner on Ocean Drive, participants will catch a glimpse of Beacon Rock through the trees. They will learn a little about this mansion’s history as they admire its facade.
• Bonniecrest - The journey then brings participants to BonnieCrest, home of the Worcestershire Sauce family! The tour then pushes forward to Harbor Court, and finally, participants get some more scenic ocean views.
• Ida Lewis Rock - Off in the distance, participants will see Ida Lewis Rock. As they pass by, they will learn all about Ida Lewis’ heroic activities here.
• 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 participants to Newport’s Irish District or 5th Ward. Here, they will explore the lives behind the scenes – 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!

• Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
• Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
• Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
• One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
• Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
• Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
• Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
• Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
• Support is available via chat, email, or phone if you need help.
• Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.

• Self-guided tour — no live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.

Recommendation: Purchase one tour per vehicle, not per individual. 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 leisure. As you travel along Bellevue Avenue, renowned as the “most beautiful avenue in the world,” admire and learn about the stunning Gilded Age Mansions, including The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff, Château-sur-mer, and more. Continue your journey along Ocean Drive, which boasts 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, simply follow the audio instructions and the route.

Enjoy new, lifetime access with no expiration. Use it anytime, on any trip, as often as you like.

Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Verify opening hours before your visit.

• Travel Tip: We recommend starting this Newport driving tour in the morning if you’d like time to visit the mansions along the route. Mansion hours can be limited and may vary by day or season, especially on Sundays. Mansion admission/tickets are separate from the audio tour, so please check the latest opening hours before your visit.
• Many museums, including The Elms, The Breakers, Rosecliff, Marble House, and Chateau-sur-Mer, require a valid ticket or membership to access the properties, including their parking lots. Please purchase tickets in advance.
• Note: This driving tour begins at the Discover Newport Visitor Center, which is located at 23 America’s Cup Ave, Newport, RI 02840. (Note that the center has NOT reopened since the pandemic.)
• Easy to use: GPS-triggered audio plays automatically along the route for a hands-free experience.
• Private tour: Explore in your own vehicle without crowded buses or large tour groups.
• At your own pace: Start anytime and pause for hikes, picnics, photos, or scenic stops.
• Works offline: Once downloaded, the tour works using GPS without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
• Good value: One purchase covers everyone in your vehicle, not each person separately.
• More ways to save: Choose a single tour, a nearby bundle, or access to 200+ tours.
• Download in advance: Download the Tour Guide app by Action and tour while connected to Wi-Fi or a strong cellular signal.
• Follow the route: Begin at the suggested starting point or join anywhere along the route shown in the app.
• Lifetime access: Preview the tour before your trip and revisit the stories, photos, and details afterward.
• Supported devices: iPhone with iOS 15+, Android with version 9+, or a GPS-enabled iPad/tablet with cellular capability.

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