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.

Waites Wharf  Enjoy easy access to the many shops and restaurants on Lower Thames Street.  Or, walk the length of Thames Street and we'll pick you up at the other end at Bowen's Wharf or Perrotti Park.  This stop is home to The Deck Restaurant and Bar and the more casual Dockside which also offers indoor and outdoor live entertainment.

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.

Just a short walk from Bowen's is the Newport Yachting Center, home of the Newport Waterfront Festivals which include the Sunset Music Series, the Summer Comedy Series, the Newport International Boat Show, and more.

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.