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Rhode Island > Newport > Things to Do and See > Great Things to Do in RI

Great Things To Do in RI - Newport & East Bay Region

The pleasures of a visit to Newport, RI are many and widely known. From its stunning harbor to gilded mansions, you’ll also find the International Tennis Hall of Fame, music fests, great dining and lodging and places to relax body and soul. Visit one of New England’s most popular vineyards, historic lighthouses, landmarks and homes and a revolutionary fort. Stroll Cliff Walk and romantic gardens, cruise the harbor and enjoy great places to swim, bike, experience wildlife and Newport’s provocative colonial history.

New Aquarium Touchtank - Save The Bay RI
Save The Bay

Multiple Centers & Dock Locations Providence, Newport, Westerly, RI and Fall River, MA Phone: 401-272-3540

From seal tours to touch tanks, Save The Bay has lots of activities for explorers

Start with this: seal tours! And if that’s not enough, the environmental nonprofit Save The Bay also offers lighthouse tours, nature cruises and the Hamilton Family Aquarium where you can meet sea stars, dogfish sharks and sea urchins. Lighthouse Tours are offered June through October, while Nature Cruises and Seal Tours take place October through April. The organization’s Bay Center in Providence, RI offers public, Bayside walking trails, a kayak launch and fishing platform, while the year-round Hamilton Family Aquarium in Newport, RI offers dozens of exhibits featuring local species.
Boat tours depart from Newport, Westerly, and Providence RI.
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New Helicopter Aerial View - Bird’s Eye View Helicopters - Middletown, RI
Newport Helicopter Tours

45 America's Cup Avenue Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-843-8687

See Newport from above – and beyond.

Bird’s Eye View Helicopters / Newport Helicopter Tours is a thriving family-owned business that has not only provided safe, professional and thrilling tours of the greater Newport, RI area for 75,000 people over the last 24 years, but also offers the best helicopter charter and aerial photography service in the region. We fly the Robinson R44, the most popular helicopter in the world. Our Viper Red helicopters are purchased brand new and meticulously maintained in-house, so we are intimately aware of all aspects of the aircraft and their safety. Be assured that all of us are fully committed to you having a superior experience. If you see us flying overhead on your next trip to Newport, don’t just wave, come fly with us to see Rhode Island as you’ve never seen it before.
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Sailboat Trio with Bridge in Distance - America's Cup Charters - Newport, RI
America's Cup Charters

49 America's Cup Avenue Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-849-5868

A day out on the water on a legendary yacht under full sail? Now that’s a great idea!

Whether you’re the person in charge of finding something great to do for your class reunion, a parent seeking a fun family vacation or just someone with an appreciation for a yacht under sail, America’s Cup Charters has the perfect day sail or charter cruise for you. Charters can be customized for an unforgettable day on the water, and guests are welcome to pitch in with raising and trimming the sails or taking a turn at the helm — or just enjoying the jaw-dropping views out on Narragansett Bay. Options include America’s Cup winners and contenders like the 1970 Cup contender Heritage; the Weatherly, winner of the 1962 Cup; and the classic beauties Gleam and Onawa. No sailing experience required — just a desire to be wowed by a day out on the water.
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Grape Stomping - Newport Vineyards - Middletown, RI - Photo Credit Annabelle Henderson Photography
Newport Vineyards

909 East Main Road (Route 138) Middletown, RI, 02842 Phone: 401-848-5161

Fine food, great wines, craft beer and a fun atmosphere: That’s a perfect day at the vineyard

A beautiful day or lovely evening in the vineyards by the sea, enjoying exceptional farm-to-table dining, sipping delightful wines — or a fine local brew: Doesn’t that sound like the perfect thing to do? At Newport Vineyards, you can experience all of those things — and book a winery tour and tasting as well. After your tour, settle outside in an Adirondack chair near the vineyards or inside in the brewery space or in The Overlook, with views of the winemaking area and vineyard and enjoy wine, beer and food made on the premises with the freshest ingredients. Check the website for special events from yoga to holiday weekend celebrations and the spring Festival, with tastings, music, grape stomping and pie-eating contests!
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Paddys Beach Club - Misquamicut Beach, RI
Newport, Rhode Island - A Year Round Destination!
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Front Exterior Rough Point Mansion Newport Rhode Island
Rough Point

680 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI, 02840 Phone: 401-847-8344

Walk through this mansion and experience the eclectic collection of its last owner, Doris Duke

Built as a "summer cottage" for Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt in 1891, Rough Point Museum today tells the story of the life and legacy of its most recent owner - heiress, collector, and philanthropist Doris Duke. Walk from room to room, from the solarium featuring breathtaking ocean views, to the Kitchen with a deluxe 1920s cigar case and marvel in between at the eclectic collection. There are sumptuous Flemish tapestries, gilded French furnishings, vibrant Chinese export ceramics, stately portraits, and more objects that reflect the wide-ranging tastes of their collector.
Open seasonally March-early January - For information about operating hours please check the Rough Point website.
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Newport Foodie Stroll
Get to Know Newport by Touring Local Restaurants

One of the most pleasurable ways to explorea new place is through its food. The Newport Foodies Stroll welcomes guests to this charming Colonial-era city by guiding them through a walk with stops at classic and well-loved dining spots. In less than 2 miles, guests will stop in at five locally owned restaurants near Lower Thames Street. The tour runs rain or shine May 1- October 30 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Tours begin at 11:30 a.m. and noon and last 2.5 to 3 hours. These have become so popular a winter stroll has been added. Details at the stroll website.
the lady next door in warren ri
Fun Browsing & Shopping With The Lady

The Lady Next Door a vintage clothing and collectibles store on Water Street in Warren, is a condensed marketplace of the best and most interesting stuff from estate sales, flea markets, and thrift stores. Founded by a former prop master and set decorator for Trinity Rep theater group, the store, under newer ownership, offers delightful millinery, clothing, pottery, linen, toys and many other items. Fun browsing.
goat hikes at simmons farm in midletown ri
You and a Goat, With a Leash in the Middle

You and a Goat, With a Leash in the Middle Simmons Farm at 1942 West Main Road in Middletown is happy to share it goats, pastures and fields, and views by offering goat hikes for the public. Admission of $10-$40 is all it takes to acquire a goat to walk on a leash. Bring one or two kids age 9 or younger. Farmer Karla leads the hikes, which include views of Narragansett Bay at the top of the farm, a busy brook and open pastures. Greet the pigs and Galloway cows. Dress in layers with comfortable shoes. The hike ends at the farm stand with a warm cup of hot chocolate. Choose your date and time.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown - Great Things To Do
Immerse Yourself in Bird Life at Sachuest Point

At 240 acres, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown is important stopover and wintering area for migratory birds. Nature- and bird lovers know this rocky peninsula as the place to see colorful harlequin ducks, loons, eiders, gannets, and, in winter, snowy owls. A walk on the three miles of trails around Sachuest Point reveals several habitats, including salt marshlands and steep rocky shorelines around the perimeter. Elevated observation platforms along the trails provide unobstructed views. The visitor center is an ideal way to begin or end a trail walk; creative exhibits tell you all about the land and creatures you will be traversing. You can get a permit for nighttime fishing.