How to Maximize Your Newport Tour Experience
Experience Newport through a trolley tour to explore its vibrant culture and history, making it the perfect starting point for your visit.
I’ll always remember one of my first solo trips was to Boston. It was pretty close to home and a great way to see if I could handle traveling alone. Everyone travels for a reason, and I'm a history buff, especially American history. So, what better way to dive into a city and its past than to start with one that’s practically in my backyard? Whenever I go to a new city, I like to really get to know it. I want to learn about its history, its background, and all the little details, including the flaws that make it unique. I decided to approach this trip like a first-time tourist would. After hopping off the T Subway at the New England Aquarium in Boston, I spotted a sign for a "hop on hop off" trolley tour, and I was curious. These tours follow a set route through the city, driven by a local guide who shares insights about the area while taking you to various landmarks and museums. When I visited Boston, my trolley tour featured an older guy with that unmistakable Boston accent who spoke about the different neighborhoods as we moved from stop to stop. One aspect that stood out for me was when the tour guide mentioned how the North End used to be a dilapidated area, but thanks to the "Big Dig" construction in the early 2000s, it’s been revitalized. It’s not just about making stops; it’s about understanding why those stops matter to the city’s history and foundation. Although I’ve been to Newport, Rhode Island many times, I was thrilled to discover that they now offer their own city tour. While it’s not exactly a "hop on hop off" tour, it gives tourists (and sometimes locals) a chance to learn more about the city they’re visiting. Let's go on the Viking Trolley Tour of Newport, and find out why it should be a foundational part of your experience in Newport.
Bundling: It's Not Just for Insurance - It Can Be For Your Tour!
This tour was a package I purchased that included admission to the Marble House Mansion. The entire tour lasts for 3 hours, beginning with a 90-minute exploration of Newport. The route takes you through downtown Newport, its waterfront, neighborhoods, Ocean Drive, and the stunning mansions. At the mansions, the tour will stop at Marble House and the Breakers Newport (depending on the package you choose), after which you'll have an hour to enjoy a self-guided tour of the mansion. Be sure to set an alarm since you'll be on a schedule. The tour driver will inform you when he will return to pick you up. Once that time comes, you'll be collected and taken to the next destination. In my experience, we proceeded to the Breakers, where the passengers from that tour were gathered. After that, it’s a 30-minute ride back to the starting point.
What Can You Experience on a Newport Trolley Tour?
On this scorching day as I write this, we embark on a journey aboard what seems to be a relatively new air-conditioned bus designed to resemble a trolley, with very comfortable seating. Our tour guide, an 82-year-old retired Vietnam veteran, proudly shared his experiences of traveling to all 50 states and Europe, a goal I also aspire to achieve! The tour driver was both charismatic and charming, engaging well with the passengers. The tour kicks off with the history of Newport, which dates back to 1639 when it was established by a group of affluent colonists as a port city, complete with numerous rum distilleries at that time. You will traverse through Newport's neighborhoods, discovering what once existed and what has endured over the years. Colonists sought a place to gather and enjoy a drink or two (or ten), and the White Horse Tavern fulfilled that need as the oldest continuously operating tavern in America. Newport also boasts the largest collection of colonial homes outside of Gettysburg, which you will witness as you pass through the neighborhoods. The tour bus glides along the charming cobblestone street of Thames St, lined with various shops, pubs, and restaurants. Even in the late morning of this early summer Thursday, the area was bustling. You will also catch a glimpse of Americas Cup Ave as it transitions into Memorial Blvd. As the tour bus navigates through town, the driver will share his dining recommendations, many of which are Irish pubs. One particular place was O’Brien’s Pub, where he joked that you could enjoy a 6-course meal for just $12, featuring a baked potato and a six-pack of beer!
The tour goes on through Newport, venturing into the quieter parts of the town. We strolled past the charming Newport Harbor and the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, named in honor of the famous diver. If you're a fan of celebrity homes, Newport has plenty to offer, as both Judge Judy Sheindlin and Jay Leno own residences and cottages here. The tour also includes a visit to Fort Adams State Park and the Eisenhower House, both of which provide stunning views of Narragansett Bay and the Claiborne Pell Bridge. During my tour, we made a stop at the overlook, allowing us a few moments to step off the bus and stretch our legs while soaking in the scenery. You’ll also navigate through the peaceful back streets of the lower area, which features the Newport Country Club, a golf course situated right along the bay.
The route continues onto Ocean Drive, which is a 10 mile road with million dollar homes right along the bay and Breton Point State Park on that same road. If you visit in the summer months, see if you can have the windows open as you will smell the salt and seaweed of the adjacent ocean. As you pass through the edge of Breton Point State Park, you will see the Portuguese Discovery Monument which honors the Portuguese navigators of the Golden Age of maritime exploration spanning from the early 1400’s to the late 1500’s. It should be noted that Rhode Island and this portion of Southern New England is home to a thriving Portuguese community, and is evident in its food and neighborhoods. You will then approach the Cliff Walk, which is the crown jewel of Newport, accessible to everyone, it’s a place of absolute scenic beauty and it's a must-visit when visiting Newport.
As you move back into town, you will pass by the mansions of Newport including Rough Point, The Belcourt, the Miramar, and the Marble House. This portion for us on the tour would be our stop. The tour would pick up after my tour of the Marble House. For the rest of the passengers, you will continue back to the base. You’ll see Rosecliff and The Breakers Newport - which is the largest attraction in the state of Rhode Island. The tour in its entirety for me ran for 3 hours, this includes an hour at Marble House, along with the stops at the Breakers. If you book a tour with the Breakers, you will be the next stop after the pickup at Marble House.
The Intrinsic Value of City Tours
I have visited Newport several times, and I loved taking this tour as I learn something new every time, and this tour is no exception. I strongly believe that tours, guided by locals who know the town and can recommend places to visit and places to eat and drink are the best options for any kind of traveler. These tours are incredibly popular for good reason, as it connects all types of travelers into a shared experience - including solo travelers, and those traveling with friends and family. It also allows you the freedom to either stay on the entire ride and learn about the city from the local tour guide, or it allows you to connect to various stops on the journey. Budget travelers should not balk at the price point of these tours, but understand the immense intrinsic value in having a local guide you through this town, and tell you where to go and where to avoid. I highly value guides who do not direct me to tourist hotspots, I would prefer to be directed to areas that value tourism, but isn't overwhelmed by it either. This tour does that, and I learned about a less traveled part of Newport known as Ocean Drive, which features gorgeous mansions, an unvarnished beach front with beautiful views, and a couple of state parks in that area. I distinctly remember as I was documenting this experience to make a mental note when I have more time to experience to return to visit those parks again. That is what these tours offer, the ability to see beyond the tourist hotspots and enhance your experience when visiting a city. It's why I constantly recommend everyone traveling to take a day and let someone else do the driving while you sit, listen and learn.
