Top Rhode Island Arts & Design in 2026

Explore Newport, Rhode Island - a colonial powerhouse built on maritime trade and religious freedom on this 60-minute Self-Guided walking tour. Trace how the harbor town once rivaled Boston and New York, revealing stories of dissenters, merchants, and the Atlantic slave trade through its historic streets and architecture. Highlights include: • Newport Harbor and Thames Street’s colonial homes • The White Horse Tavern, dating to the 1670s • The Great Friends Meeting House and early Quaker abolitionists • The Colony House, where the Declaration of Independence was read • Touro Synagogue, a symbol of religious tolerance • Vernon House, visited by George Washington • Trinity Church, inspired by Sir Christopher Wren The tour ends at Touro Park’s mysterious stone tower.

Discover many of Providence’s top landmarks—and learn all about the city’s centuries of history—on this immersive walking tour. Pick between morning and afternoon departure times, and explore Rhode Island’s capital in the company of a local. You’ll see highlights like the Rhode Island State House, the first Baptist church in America, Providence City Hall, and much more—and will hear the stories behind the sights as you go.

Explore scenic Newport, Rhode Island at your own pace with this private self-guided driving tour. Listen to enriching background on iconic historic mansions like Bellevue House, the Elms, and the Vanderbilt estate The Breakers. Follow an offline GPS-enabled route with planning, maps, scenic stops, and hidden gems. Visit public beaches and parks while enjoying lifetime access and customer support via email, messaging, and phone.

Visit historic, coastal Newport at your own pace during this attraction-packed, self-guided tour. Follow a carefully chosen itinerary and live GPS map, with stops at celebrated mansions like the Bellevue House, the chateau-inspired Elms, and the iconic Vanderbilt home, the Breakers, plus natural sights like Easton’s Beach and Fort Adams State Park.

Discover the beauty of Newport, Rhode Island, and its historical mansions on a trolley tour that takes you past more than 150 points of interest along Ocean Drive, Bellevue Avenue, Cliff Walk, and more. Also included is admission to The Breakers, a Vanderbilt mansion and U.S. National Historic Landmark.

Step into a world of sweeping ocean views, architectural ambition, and high-society drama on this immersive self-guided audio tour along Newport’s legendary Cliff Walk. You’ll uncover the stories of a city where old money met new ambition—and where elegance masked scandal, rebellion, and reinvention. Journey through the heart of America’s Gilded Age. Discover how self-made tycoons and society queens used architecture to vie for dominance, and how the lives of servants, socialites, and outsiders influenced the creation of these incredible estates. This tour peels back the curtain on a world that is dazzling and deeply human, from behind-the-scenes secrets to forgotten voices. Move at your own pace as you take in breathtaking views while listening to richly narrated stories grounded in historical research and local insight. See Newport as you’ve never seen it before, whether you're a history lover, an architecture fan, or a curious wanderer.

WaterFire—an annual installation by artist Barnaby Evans, which sees lighted braziers and flickering flames reflected along the Providence River—is a much-loved Providence event, and this boat tour offers unparalleled access to the exhibition. Meet your captain at the basin of Waterplace Park, hop aboard your vessel, and set off along the full length of the installation after dark, to enjoy the best views of the fires.

Step into the elegance of the 18th century at Hunter House, a remarkable example of Colonial architecture in Newport, built around 1748. This historic mansion reflects the luxurious lifestyle of its wealthy merchants, showcasing exquisite decorative arts, while also acknowledging the significant contributions of enslaved individuals who shaped its legacy. Explore the rich history and architectural beauty through guided or audio tours that bring Newport’s fascinating past to life. Enjoy the serene gardens and learn about the Gilded Age, making this visit a memorable journey through time.