Scenic Newport, RI Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Departure Point

• After booking the tour, search your emails for "self-guided tour." Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR so follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
  

Duration
2 hours - 3 hours

Languages Available

• Audio guide - English

Points of Interest

Stop At: Newport Visitors Information Center
21 Long Wharf Mall, Newport, Rhode Island
Our journey begins in downtown Newport, just by the Newport Visitor Center. As we set off into the heart of Newport, we'll dive into the past to learn about Newport's hey-day: the Gilded Age. This era of nouveau-riche American elites like the Vanderbilts and Astors has been marked by gorgeous mansions. We'll explore the architecture and architects behind these designs as drive. Note: The 12-mile tour covers the essentials of scenic Newport, Rhode Island in 1-2 hours. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: International Tennis Hall of Fame
194 Bellevue Ave, , Newport, Rhode Island
At the International Tennis Hall of Fame intersection, we'll turn onto the famed Bellevue Avenue -- the most expensive avenue in America. We're about to see the most magnificent homes ever built in this country... facetiously known as "summer cottages". You can choose to pause here to check ou the Hall of Fame, which features tennis greats.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: Audrain Auto Museum
222 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
As we head down Bellevue, we'll soon pass the Audrain Auto Museum and won't be able to help by admire it! It boasts both beautiful architecture and a frequent rotation of stunning cars.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: Edward King House
35 King Street, Newport, RI 02840
We'll take a quick detour off of Bellevue to get a closer look at the Edward King House, just one block away. This is our introduction to the mansions of Newport.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: Kingscote
253 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
As we head back to Bellevue, we'll see our very first Newport Mansion: Kingscote. We'll learn all about this summer home and it's inhabitants over the years. You can even take a tour of the inside.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: The Bellevue House
14 Catherine Street, Newport, RI 02840
Bellevue House is next on our journey. This gorgeous mansion has a rich facade - and a long history to match! Since it's not open for tours, we won't try to pause here.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Isaac Bell House
70 Perry Street, Newport, RI 02840
As we continue down Bellevue Avenue, we'll pass more eye-catching homes: Issac Bell House and Snug Harbor. We'll learn about the unique owners of both homes, and can choose to stop at Issac Bell House for an interior tour.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: The Elms
367 Bellevue Ave, , Newport, Rhode Island
Finally, we'll see the Elms. This masterpiece was designed for the coal baron Edward Julius Berwind, and inspired by France's Château d'Asnières. Here we'll want to slow down as much as possible to hear about the Berwinds -- and maybe pull inside for a tour!
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: Bellevue Avenue
Bellevue Ave., Newport, Rhode Island
When we spot Mr. Belmont's statue, we'll turn off Bellevue. We're now heading towards some of the largest and finest mansions in Newport -- and they're technically not even on this famously expensive avenue! As we drive, we'll learn a bit about Belmont -- whose fascinating story we'll pick back up when we see another grand house later on the tour.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: Chepstow
120 Narragansett Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
As we journey along, we'll pass Chepstow, a gorgeous Italianate house museum built in 1860. It's original inhabitant isn't usually discussed in Newport histories... but has a long connection to both early American settlers and to the nouveau-riche of the Gilded Age. We can stop here for a tour as well.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: Ochre Court

Ochre Court will immediately arrest our eyes! This châteauesque mansion cost of $4.5 million... in 1892. And it certainly shows! Now the centerpiece of the Salve Regina University, this mansion isn't open for tours... but that won't stop us from learning all about it's rich and fascinating history!
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: McAuley Hall
100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Vikings-inspired Vinland is now Salve Regina's McAuley Hall. As we pass this beautiful red-stone mansion, we'll learn all about its inspiration and its unique owner.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: The Breakers
44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Finally, we reach Newport's highlight: The Breakers. This Vanderbilt mansion is the biggest and the best of all of Newport's summer cottages -- and you can tell. We'll look past the towering wrought-iron gates, along the winding gravel drive, and up to the magestic and marvelous mansion's facade. We'll dive into the Vanderbilt backstory, the mansion's architectural wonders, and much more while here. This is another great opportunity to hop out for a tour.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: Chateau-sur-Mer
474 Bellevue Ave, , Newport, Rhode Island
As we head back towards Bellevue Avenue, we'll pause to check out the delicate beautfy of Chateau-sur-Mer. Not only is the first Gilded Age mansion in Newport, it also boasts one of the most beautiful, green, sprawling gardens. Both the house and the gardens are open for an optional tour.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: National Museum of American Illustration
492 Bellevue Ave, Newport, Rhode Island
Right on the corner of Bellevue, we'll pause once again for a glimpse of Vernon Court. This mansion holds a different type of treasure inside: the National Museum of American Illustrations. Norman Rockwell fans simply can't skip this hidden gem.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: Frederick Law Olmsted Park
Newport, RI 02840
We continue our journey along Newport's Bellevue avenue, passing the historic Frederick Law Olmstead Park and learning about this historic landscape architect -- and his Gilded Age gardens.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Rosecliff
548 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Rosecliff is next on our path. This is arguably the most beautiful of the Newport Mansions, and it contains a rotating exhibition gallery on it's top floor. If you pause here for a tour, you'll also be treated to phenomenal ocean views.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: Gustave White Sotheby's International Realty
37 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
As we continue, we'll pass the Astors' summer cottage: Beechwood. Mrs. Astor famously had a "300 List" - the definitive list of the 300 people she considered high society. Where did that number come from? Well, this ballroom actually! It fit 300 guests. We'll learn more about this list, the Astors, and the Gilded Age as we continue to drive down Newport's Bellevue Avenue.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Marble House
596 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Our journey now takes us past Marble House, one of the most opulent and magnificent of Newport's Mansions. This Gilded Age marvel is another Vanderbilt home, and actually has one of the most interesting histories of all the mansions here. We'll learn all about Marble House and it's owners as we continue onwards -- or you can pause here for a tour.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: Belcourt of Newport
657 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
We'll then pass three amazing homes in a row: Beaulieu House, Miramar, and Belcourt Castle. All three of these beautiful mansions were built in the 1800s and belonged to Gilded Age elites. Like the other Newport mansions, they were only ever intended to be used as summer homes, and left vacant for the rest of the year.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Rough Point
680 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
We're now at the end of Bellevue Avenue and can catch a glimpse of an English Manorial style home through the trees: that's Rough Point. Now a museum open for tours, we'll learn all about it's eccentric (and possibly dangerous) owner.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Bailey’s Beach
Cliff Walk, Newport, RI 02840
We'll exit beautiful Bellevue Avenue for another beautiful road: Ocean Drive. This part of the scenic drive is full of natural wonders.... and has a few more architectural ones thrown in too!
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Brenton Point State Park
157 Harrison Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
As we meander along this scenic path, we'll enjoy the fresh ocean air and relative calm. As we drive, we'll dive into the history of seafaring, trading, and yachting in Newport -- much of which finds its roots in the Gilded Age. As we continue, we can choose to pause at some of the public beaches to stretch our legs.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Castle Hill Inn
590 Ocean Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Our journey continues past Brenton Point State Park, which boasts magnificent ocean views and sprawling green lawns. We'll try to spot the lighthouse as we continue forward.
Duration: Not Available

Stop At: OceanCliff Hotel
65 Ridge Road, Newport, RI 02840
We'll continue past Castle Hill Inn and it's lighthouse, learning a bit more about Newport's history after the Gilded Age.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Hammersmith Farm
225 Harrison Ave, Newport, Rhode Island
Next up, we'll pass OceanCliff and the Newport Country Club. We're now at the farthest point along the Ocean Drive.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Fort Adams State Park
80 Fort Adams Drive, Fort Adams State Park Visitor Center, Newport, Rhode Island
Our journey brings us to Hammersmith Farm, the childhood home of Jackie Kennedy. Jackie and JFK would later return to summer here, enjoying the same scenery, views, and breeze that you feel today!
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Fort Adams State Park
80 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI 02840
We'll continue both our history lesson and journey into Fort Adams, as we explore this historic site and it's significance to Newport's independence.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Bonniecrest
111 Harrison Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
As we turn the corner on Ocean Drive, we'll gatch a glimpse of Beacon Rock through the trees. We'll learn a little about this mansion's history as we admire it's facade.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Ida Lewis Rock
Newport, RI 02840
Our journey then brings us to BonnieCrest, home of the Worceshtershire Sauce family! We'll then push forward to Harbor Court, and finally get some more scenic ocean views.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Rochambeau Statue and Monument
Newport, RI 02840
Off the in the distance, we'll see Ida Lewis Rock. As we pass by, we'll learn all about Ida Lewis' heroic activities here.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Newport Public Library
300 Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840
We'll continue past the historic Rochambeau Monument, celebrating the French commander's assistance in the fight against the British for American independence.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Gooseberry Beach
130 Ocean Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Our journey then brings us to Newport's Irish District or 5th Ward. Here we'll explore the lives behind the scenes -- those of the workers that made the Gilded Age possible.
Duration: 5 minutes

Stop At: Spencer Park
26 West Narragansett Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Our tour through Newport finally ends at historic St. Mary's Church, almost a full circle to where we started out at the Newport Visitor Center!
Duration: Not Available

Additional Information

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and text with instructions: • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password • Download the tour MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular Works offline after download
• How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
• Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
• Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
• Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

Inclusions

• Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

Exclusions

• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Redemption Instructions
Set your tour up NOW ahead of your trip, while in wifi/cell signal. Do not wait until your travel date, your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR.

1. Find The Setup Instructions NOW:

- Email: Search for “Action Tour Guide” with a subject line "Your tour operator sent you a message.". Check All Mail and Spam.

- Text: Search for “Action Tour Guide” sent from 14159804997.

- Viator App Messages: Viator App > Bookings > View Voucher > Contact Tour Operator

- TripAdvisor App Messages: TripAdvisor App > Account > Messages

Can’t find it? Ask Action Tour Guide to resend: actiontourguide.com/redeem/

2. Download The Tour NOW:

You MUST follow the instructions and download your tour BEFORE traveling to the site over WiFi/cellular. Do NOT wait until your travel date to download the tour.

Your tour is VALID FOR ONE YEAR. The tour is not tied to your travel date and is valid any day, any time for multiple visits for one year from your purchase date.

3. Audio Tour Tips

Not familiar with Action Tour Guide’s audio tours? Watch a short video: actiontourguide.com/tutorial

Important Note: Your purchase is for the audio tour ONLY. It does not include entrance tickets to parks or attractions.

CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio.

Support: Action Tour Guide is here to help! For quick answers read the Action Tour Guide website FAQs at actiontourguide.com/faq. For further help, call Action Tour Guide at 1315-291-0634, chat online at actiontourguide.com, or email support@actiontourguide.com.

Note: This driving tour begins at the Discover Newport Visitor Center, which is located at 23 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI 02840. (Note that the center has NOT reopened since the pandemic.)

Many of the museums including The Elms, The Breakers, Rosecliff, Marble House and Chateau-sur-Mer, require a valid ticket or membership to access the property, including the parking lots. For tickets. (https://www.newportmansions.org/)

Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Guide With Action in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.

This offer is not eligible for promo codes.