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Offered languages
- English
- English
- Spanish
- Spanish
Walk the colonial streets of Newport, Rhode Island, on a self-guided audio tour that plays automatically via a GPS app. You will navigate the district's past as tales of merchants and revolutionaries unfold around you.
Along the route, pass landmarks like the Colony House, Brick Market, Trinity Church, and Touro Synagogue. Discover how this 18th-century port embraced religious toleration while grappling with its ties to the slave trade and the American Revolution.
Explore at your own pace—pause to admire architecture, stop near the wharves, or linger in Washington Square. The audio resumes whenever you’re ready, so you can move freely without keeping up with a group.
This is a self-guided experience (no in-person guide). Download the tour in advance and use it anytime—it works offline and follows your location along the route.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The Museum of Newport History is found in the Old Brick Market at 127 Thames Street at the junction with Touro Street and Washington Square.
Touro Park can be found at the junction of Bellevue Avenue and Mill Street. The Windmill Tower is found inside the park, and it is across the street from the Newport Art Museum.
Itinerary
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1Thames Street
Stroll down the cobblestone spine of historic Newport, where 18th-century architecture seamlessly blends with bustling modern storefronts. This vibrant waterfront artery offers the perfect introduction to the city's maritime charm and rich commercial heritage.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Bannister's Wharf
Once the bustling epicenter of Newport's colonial maritime trade, these historic wharves now host an inviting mix of classic seafood eateries and independent boutiques. Wander past the weathered wooden buildings to soak in the authentic atmosphere of a centuries-old seaport.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Touro Synagogue (Pass by)
Step inside the oldest surviving synagogue in the United States to discover a stunning architectural masterpiece dedicated in 1763. Beyond its elegant interior, this sacred space holds a foundational piece of American history connected directly to George Washington.
Admission ticket free -
3
Experience the warmth of a bygone era at America’s oldest continuously operating tavern, which has been welcoming guests since 1673. Its distinct gambrel roof and massive fireplaces offer a captivating glimpse into the everyday lives of colonial colonists and privateers.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Touro Park
Nestled in a picturesque public park, this enigmatic circular stone tower has sparked centuries of debate regarding its true origins. Decide for yourself whether this unusual structure is the remnant of a 17th-century windmill or proof of ancient Viking explorers.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Trinity Episcopal Church
Recognizable by its distinctive tiered spire, this beautifully preserved 1726 church is an architectural treasure of colonial America. Step through its doors to see the original wooden box pews and a remarkable three-tiered wineglass pulpit that remains entirely intact.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Old Colony House
Overlooking a historic gathering space, this imposing 1739 brick edifice stands as the fourth-oldest statehouse in the nation. It was from these very steps that the Declaration of Independence was first read to the eager citizens of Rhode Island.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Redwood Library & Athenaeum
Designed to resemble a Roman temple in 1750, this intellectual sanctuary holds the title of the oldest purpose-built library in the United States. Its grand wooden facade and impressive collection of early American portraits make it a must-see for architecture and history enthusiasts alike.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This elegant 1762 building originally served as the commercial hub for Newport’s thriving port and now houses the Museum of Newport History. Its classic brick arches provide a fitting gateway to explore the sweeping narrative of the city's diverse and storied past.
Admission ticket free -
Hunter House (Pass by)
Widely considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in America, this 1748 mansion boasts exquisite colonial craftsmanship. It also played a crucial role in the American Revolution, serving as the headquarters for the commander of the French naval forces.
Admission ticket free -
8
Wander through the largest collection of colonial-era headstones in the country to find stunning examples of early American funerary art. The poignant God's Little Acre section stands as a profoundly important resting place, preserving the memory and stone-carving legacy of Newport’s enslaved and free African Americans.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House (Pass by)
As the oldest surviving house in Newport, this modest circa-1697 residence offers a rare window into the city's earliest architectural transitions. Its carefully preserved rooms chart the fascinating evolution of domestic life spanning several generations of a single colonial family.
Admission ticket free -
Newport Art Museum (Pass by)
Housed within the striking John N.A. Griswold House—a masterpiece of early American Stick Style architecture—this museum is a visual treat inside and out. Its vibrant galleries highlight the creative legacy of southeastern New England, showcasing artists who have been drawn to the region's coastal beauty for centuries.
Admission ticket free -
Great Friends Meeting House (Pass by)
Constructed in 1699, this commanding timber-framed building is the oldest surviving house of worship in Rhode Island. Its sweeping, unadorned interior reflects the profound influence the Quaker community had on Newport's early political and social landscape.
Admission ticket free -
Artillery Company of Newport (Pass by)
Chartered in 1741, this historic armory houses one of the most extensive collections of military memorabilia and uniforms in the United States. Visitors can trace the visual history of global conflicts through an incredible array of artifacts, some of which were personally donated by notable monarchs.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Tucked away within the Newport Historical Society, this unassuming 1730 meeting house features an exquisitely crafted colonial interior. The intricate woodworking was completed by skilled local shipbuilders, making it one of the finest surviving examples of early American religious architecture.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This stately 1758 Georgian mansion is celebrated not only for its rusticated wooden exterior but also for the pivotal role it played in American independence. General Rochambeau used it as his headquarters during the Revolutionary War, and George Washington visited here to help plot the crucial siege of Yorktown.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This classic colonial residence was the longtime home of a prominent 18th-century minister, scholar, and future president of Yale University. His extensive diaries, written within these very walls, remain one of the most vital historical records of daily life in pre-Revolutionary Newport.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Originally built as a schoolhouse in 1799, this historic building later transformed into a vibrant place of worship for an African American congregation. It stands today as a proud architectural testament to the enduring faith and community resilience of Newport’s diverse population.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
- GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
- Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
- Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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