Places to Go & Things to Do

Each stop the Jamestown Newport Ferry makes around Narragansett Bay offers a different and fun experience.

Jamestown Village Home of the Jamestown Newport Ferry!  Jamestown is a wonderful place to spend a few hours or an entire day.  The historic downtown village has a quaint mix of shops and restaurants all within walking distance of the Ferry landing.  Or, bring your bike and explore the island’s beautiful parks and beaches. Stunning harbor views and friendly people make Jamestown a stop everyone will enjoy.

Rose Island Lighthouse One mile offshore in the middle of Narragansett Bay lies Rose Island.  The fully restored and functional lighthouse is a living piece of maritime history.  Both the Rose Island light station and Ft. Hamilton are open for guided tours daily between 10 am and 4 pm from July 1st through Labor Day.  Other activities include beachcombing, fishing, bird watching and swimming (no lifeguard).  Picnic tables and public toilets are available.  Landing fees are $4 adults, $3 children ages 6-12 and seniors 65 and older.  ($1 off with ferry ticket).  Children under 6 and RILF members are not charged.

Fort Adams State Park  One of the largest seacoast fortifications built in the US, Fort Adams provides a visual record of military history for the 1820’s to the end of WWII.  The walls of the fort, the ”listening tunnels,” and panoramic views of Narragansett Bay combine to make this an interesting and educational stop.  Guided tours are available daily on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm beginning in mid-May.  Admission is $10 adults, kids 5 and under admitted free. ($1 off with ferry ticket).

While at Fort Adams State Park, you can also visit the Museum of Yachting or rent a sailboat or kayak from Sail Newport.

Bowen's Wharf Specialty shops, restaurants, art galleries, and an active waterfront make this a perfect place for people watching, yacht-viewing, shopping, dining and enjoying the “City by the Sea.”  From Bowen’s Wharf a great deal of Newport’s waterfront history and culture is within walking distance.

Perrotti Park  Perrotti Park is located on America’s Cup Avenue between the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina and the Marriott Hotel.  This is also home to RIPTA’s Newport-Providence Ferry.  Next door, the Newport Gateway Center offers a wealth of tourist information.  Trolleys, busses, cabs, and tour companies are all on hand here.

Festivals & Events

Newport Yachting Center

Just a short walk from ferry stops in Newport at Perrotti Park and Bowen's Wharf

Knorr Great Chowder Cook-Off, June 5

Nantucket Nectars Summer Music Series: Hot summer nights on the waterfront with live music, featuring a diverse range of national and regional artists. 

 

  • June 26: John Hiatt and the Combo
  • July 2: Boz Scaggs
  • July 11: BB King Live in Newport
  • July 17: Cake
  • July 24: The Blind Boys of Alabama
  • July 29: The Indigo Girls
  • July 30:  George Thorogood and the Destroyers
  • August 6: The Machine - Pink Floyd performance
  • August 14: Newport Waterfront Reggae featuring the Wailers

Newport Summer Comedy Series

 

  • July 9: The Comedians of Chelsea Lately
  • July 25: Brian Regan
  • July 31: Nick Cannon
  • August 7: Lisa Lampanelli

Newport Winefest, August 20-22

Newport Arts Festival, August 28-29

Newport Waterfront Irish Festival, September 4 - September 6

Newport International Boatshow, September 16 - 19

Stop & Shop Taste of Rhode Island, October 2 - October 3

International Oktoberfest, October 9 - October 11

Music Festivals at Fort Adams

Newport Folk Festival, July 30 - August 1

JVC Jazz Festival, August 6 - August 8