Newport Mansions Scenic Trolley Tour
From$27.8
70 minutes – 90 minutes
Newport Beach, USA
About this activity
Explore Newport's opulent mansions and scenic coastal views on a guided trolley tour, featuring landmarks like The Breakers and Marble House.
Highlights
- The Breakers Mansion
- Marble House
- The Elms
- Rosecliff Mansion
- Ocean Drive
Full description
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Newport's Gilded Age with our scenic trolley tour. Glide past the magnificent facades of The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms, each a testament to the city's rich history and architectural splendor. As you journey along Ocean Drive, soak in breathtaking coastal vistas that have captivated visitors for generations. Our expert guides will share captivating stories and historical insights, making this tour a memorable experience for history buffs and casual travelers alike. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to rediscover Newport's charm, this tour offers a unique perspective on the city's most iconic landmarks.
Included / Excluded
- Guided trolley tour of Newport's historic mansions
- Narration by knowledgeable local guides
- Comfortable seating with panoramic views
- Food and beverages
Itinerary
1
(For ages 5 & up only). Park in the public lot at 23 America's Cup Ave (Newport Transit Center) and locate the white trolley at Platform #2 outside. Show your cell phone or printed ticket to driver.
Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Pass by: The trolley tour will enter Fort Adams, a historic 1799 landmark and home of today's annual Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival. The fort is also home to President Eisenhower's summer home called the Eisenhower House. The Welcome Center features a snack bar, clean restrooms, and ticket sales counter to take a tour inside of the fort. There are also 2 water taxi stops and free public parking at Fort Adams State Park. The Bennington Overlook section of Fort Adams offers breathtaking sunsets over Narragansett Bay with free parking as well.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Pass by: The trolley tour passes by Brenton Point State Park, former estate of RI's 2nd governor William Brenton (elected 1665). Riders will see the former estate of RI's 2nd governor William Brenton (elected 1665). Brenton Point State Park is a free public park offering pristine views of the Atlantic Ocean on 2 sides of the park plus free sunsets over the water 12 months per year. Seasonal restrooms are available in the stone building.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Pass by: The trolley tour travels through the Ocean Drive Historic District. Visitors will begin to see Newport's Gilded Age Mansions lining the Atlantic Ocean with breathtaking scenery. Mansions on Ocean Drive include Mavis and Jay Leno's Seafair, and several filming locations of HBO's TV series "The Gilded Age" including Indian Spring Castle, The Ledges and Crossways mansions.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Pass by: Once the trolley tour enters the Newport Cliff Walk area of the Bellevue Ave Historic District, riders will begin to learn about the Gilded Age mansions along the Cliff Walk, which are on the ocean side of the mansions for 3.5 miles between Reject's Beach and Newport Beach. Your guide will explain how to best access the Cliff Walk and areas where parking is free to enjoy the Cliff Walk and the best areas for viewing.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Pass by: The trolley tour stops in front of the 2nd of the 3 Newport Vanderbilt mansions "The Marble House". This small palace built in 1892 was instrumental in the passage of the women's suffrage movement, as Alva Vanderbilt hosted fundraisers in her pagoda (Chinese Tea House on the Cliff Walk) whereby she raised a great deal of money to pass the 19th amendment. Both the Marble House and Chinese Tea House were the Asian wedding set in the Katherine Heigel classic movie "27 Dresses" Free parking for Marble House tour visitors is available across the street at 585 Bellevue Ave.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
Pass by: The trolley tour stops in front of the Rosecliff Mansion, a 1902 'summer cottage" of Tessie Fair-Oelrichs. The most famous movie filmed here was The Great Gatsby (Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Sam Waterston). Tours are available at the Rosecliff mansion on a seasonal basis.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8
The trolley tour stops at The Breakers Newport, the 3rd Vanderbilt Mansion in Newport and discharges passengers who purchased this interior tour option. This 1895 'summer cottage' is the largest mansion in the region and is RIs most visited tourist attraction. It sits on the Newport Cliff Walk facing SE towards the Atlantic Ocean.
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NO
9
Pass by: The trolley tour continues along Bellevue Ave and passes by The Elms Newport, a Gilded Age mansion of Edward and Sarah Berwind. The guide explains the 2 tours that are available inside the Elms Mansion.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10
Pass by: The trolley tour passes by the front door of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the 1881 site of the old Newport Casino (shopping district of the Gilded Age millionaires). The guide explains the free and for-fee tours available inside the ITHOF.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11
Pass by: The trolley tour continues into Downtown Newport's bustling waterfront district anchored by Bowen's Wharf. The guide explains the shopping, dining, boating excursions, and other waterfront attractions along America's Cup Ave.
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates rain or shine; please dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
- Children aged 5 and above are welcome; please ensure they are accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Pets are not permitted on the trolley; please make alternative arrangements for your furry friends.
Know before you go
- Dress comfortably and consider bringing a light jacket, as temperatures can vary.
- Arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
- Parking is available near the departure point; however, spaces can fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- *MINIMUM AGE TO EXPERIENCE THIS TOUR IS 8+ YEARS OLD AND UP*
- Departure point is the Hamilton Aquarium Center, 23 America's Cup Ave, Newport RI, platform #2 Parking is available on site for a fee.
- This tour departs promptly at the scheduled time.
- The duration of this tour is 70-90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions
- This enclosed trolley tour operates rain or shine except during and after winter weather events which involve snow or ice
- Our drivers have updated manifests on their devices. Cancelled tickets are not accepted for admission
- Youth under 17 must be accompanied by an adult
- These tours are NOT handicapped accessible. Folding walkers and wheelchairs are limited to 30 lbs. We cannot accommodate battery powered scooters and chairs
Traveler reviews
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Trolley Rob was...
Trolley Rob was fantastic- informative and funny. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone curious about what Newport has to offer
Stacy_WMay 24, 2026VIATOR
Gilded Mansion Tours
Our guide was personable, knowledgeable, and professional. We enjoyed seeing all the beautiful mansions and listening to the guide explaining the history and stories about each mansion and owners. Also, we were able to get great pictures of the coast.
Wayne_AMay 21, 2026VIATOR
A nice, informative tour...
A nice, informative tour of the island. The guide included a nice blend of the history of Newport, dining scene, and current “big name” residents. Fun!
Ellen_BMay 20, 2026VIATOR
Fun fun fun
Tour was great carlos was excellent.
pattyboypMay 19, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Troy made the tour SO good
My family and I have lived in Portsmouth for almost a year now and wanted to finally experience a Newport trolley tour. Troy was our driver, and was absolutely incredible. He was interactive and welcoming to my children, as well as everyone on the tour. He was insanely funny and engaging. Learned some interesting and neat facts about the town, the mansions, and celebrity summer homes. We had such a good time.. Would do this again in a heartbeat.
Alexandra_RMay 19, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
IMPORTANT: Due to Newport Bridge Construction, please allow an additional 40 minutes of drive time when travelling to Newport.
*MINIMUM AGE TO EXPERIENCE THIS TOUR IS 5 YEARS OLD AND UP*
Departure point is the Newport Transportation Center, 23 America's Cup Ave, Newport RI, platform #2 Parking is available on site for a fee.
This tour departs promptly at the scheduled time.
The duration of this tour is 70-90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions
This enclosed trolley tour operates rain or shine except during and after winter weather events which involve snow or ice
Our drivers have updated manifests on their devices. Cancelled tickets are not accepted for admission
Youth under 17 must be accompanied by an adult