4.9(55 reviews)
Newport Open Air Trolley Tour with Mansion Admission
From$48
2 hours – 3 hours
Newport Beach, USA
About this activity
Discover Newport's rich history and stunning architecture on this open-air trolley tour, including a visit to The Breakers mansion.
Highlights
- Explore Newport's historic district
- Visit The Breakers mansion
- Learn about Newport's Gilded Age
- Enjoy scenic coastal views
- Experience live guided commentary
Full description
Step back in time and immerse yourself in Newport's opulent past with this engaging open-air trolley tour. Traverse the charming streets of Newport's historic district, where each turn reveals stories of the Gilded Age. Your journey culminates with an exclusive visit to The Breakers, the grandest of Newport's summer cottages, offering a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of America's elite. With live commentary from expert guides, you'll gain fascinating insights into the city's history, architecture, and culture. This tour is a perfect blend of education and entertainment, making it an unforgettable experience for history buffs and casual travelers alike.
Included / Excluded
- Open-air trolley tour of Newport's historic district
- Admission to The Breakers mansion
- Live commentary from knowledgeable guides
- Meals 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 open air trolley at Platform #7-9 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). This 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: 1h 30mAdmission: YES
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; dress appropriately for the weather.
- Children aged 5 and above are welcome; please book accordingly.
- The trolley is not wheelchair accessible; consider alternative arrangements if needed.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking.
- Bring a camera to capture the scenic views and historic sites.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
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*
- Departure point is the Newport Transportation Center, 23 America's Cup Ave, Newport RI, platform #2. Parking available on site for a fee
- This tour departs promptly at the scheduled time.
- The duration of this tour is 160-180 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- This is an open air trolley. Please dress accordingly. Tour may be canceled if rain is in the forecast.
- The trolley is not handicapped accessible.. Driver may assign seating based on customer needs.
- Please bring earbuds to hear the Breakers audio tour through your smartphone. We recommend you download the free Newport Mansions app prior to arrival from your phone's app store.
- Please do not meet directly at the Breakers mansion. You will visit the attraction during the trolley tour
- Drivers have updated manifests on the devices. Cancelled tickets are not accepted for admission
Traveler reviews
4.955 reviews
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Open Air Tour was the Best way to see Newport!
The open air Trolley was delightful. The guide was knowledgeable and took us around Newport showing the highlights as well as giving us tips on shopping and restaurants. The Breakers tour was really enjoyable & thorough. We had 1.5 hours for the tour and to wander the property and the sea walk. After, he dropped us at a pier where we went and had a lobster roll and were able to walk around. It was a perfect day & by far the best way to see Newport.
C6633AIsusandOct 22, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Enjoyed the trolley and Breakers tours.
Glad the weather was nice for this open air trolley tour. Our guide was great, enjoyed the city of Newport and seeing all the mansions.
Diane_SOct 19, 2025VIATOR
Great Newport tour and visit to the Breakers
Excellent tour guide who led a beautiful and informative tour through the streets of Newport as well as a great visit to the Breakers. Thank You!
M9448KUstevendOct 13, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Terrific Tour
An outstanding way to see the sights in Newport. Our driver, Russ, was knowledgeable and informative. When touring the mansions area he tied a lot of his description into the popular HBO series “The Gilded Age”, much of which takes place in Newport. Some was filmed here as well. For those who’d seen the program it made some of the sights feel familiar. His presentation of the historic sights were interesting with a bit of humor added that helped hold everyone’s attention. All in all a great tour. Highly recommended.
Robert COct 8, 2025TRIPADVISOR
Russ was terrific! Loved the open air trolley.
Russ was a great tour guide! He is so knowledgeable about the history and the people of Newport. The open air trolley was delightful.
Nancy_SOct 7, 2025VIATOR
Additional information
*MINIMUM AGE TO EXPERIENCE THIS TOUR IS 5 YEARS OLD*
Departure point is the Newport Transportation Center, 23 America's Cup Ave, Newport RI, platform #2. Parking available on site for a fee
This tour departs promptly at the scheduled time.
The duration of this tour is 160-180 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
This is an open air trolley. Please dress accordingly. Tour may be canceled if rain is in the forecast.
The trolley is not handicapped accessible.. Driver may assign seating based on customer needs.
Please bring earbuds to hear the Breakers audio tour through your smartphone. We recommend you download the free Newport Mansions app prior to arrival from your phone's app store.
Please do not meet directly at the Breakers mansion. You will visit the attraction during the trolley tour
Drivers have updated manifests on the devices. Cancelled tickets are not accepted for admission