Uncover Newport’s hidden history on a walk through the city’s colonial streets with Newport History Tours. Dive into stories of entrepreneurship, resilience, and diverse cultures that have defined Newport’s past and present.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; comfortable footwear recommended.
Wildlife
History
The tour sheds light on Newport’s diverse communities, revealing how African American entrepreneurs and religious groups contributed to its growth.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes the importance of preserving historic sites and promoting sustainable tourism in Newport.
Newport History Tours
Uncover Newport’s hidden history on a walk through the city’s colonial streets with Newport History Tours. Dive into stories of entrepreneurship, resilience, and diverse cultures that have defined Newport’s past and present.
Newport History Tours offers expert-led walking tours and self-guided experiences in Newport, Rhode Island, focused on the city’s layered past.
The company presents a curated program of guided walks, lantern tours, themed historical events, and a QR-code self-guided visit to the Colony House.
Tours explore Colonial Newport, African American maritime heritage, Revolutionary-era events, the transition from the Golden Age to the Gilded Age, and the evolution of local firefighting.
Several walking tours are designed to run in about an hour, offering concise, accessible history for visitors of all ages.
Guided experiences include lantern-lit cemetery walks, narrative-driven explorations of legends and lore, and programs that highlight maritime culture within the African diaspora.
Public events such as “Two Lights for Liberty: Sip & Celebrate America 250” pair historic settings with craft refreshments to mark civic anniversaries and support local historical initiatives.
The Colony House Self-Guided QR Code Tour enables flexible, smartphone-accessible exploration of an iconic colonial landmark.
Newport History Tours emphasizes factual storytelling anchored in documented places and artifacts across the city.
Presentations reference local sites including Station 5 and the Common Burying Ground, and they incorporate accounts of entrepreneurship, religious diversity, civic unrest, and community resilience.
The approach balances scholarly research and engaging narrative to make Newport’s history approachable for families, independent travelers, and history enthusiasts.
Visitors seeking concise, site-specific historical context, thematic depth, or seasonal evening programming will find a range of options tailored to different interests and mobility levels.
Bookings and schedules are available on the company website directly.
Tours Offered
10 tours
Guided and self-guided options
Typical Length
≈1 hour
Most walking tours run about an hour
Local Focus
Newport history
Stories of community and culture
Reserve a spot on a guided walk, lantern tour, or the Colony House self-guided experience to discover Newport’s living history.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Streets are historic cobblestones; sturdy footwear ensures a smooth stroll.
Bring a hydration bottle
Stay refreshed during the 1+ hour walk, especially in warm weather.
Arrive early for best lighting
Morning or late afternoon provides ideal natural light for photos of historic sites.
Prepare to engage with local stories
Pay close attention to narratives about African American heritage and religious diversity.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating cobblestone streets comfortably during the tour.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Protects against unexpected weather changes and ensures a pleasant experience.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic streets and historic sites along the way.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days.
summer
Event Highlight
Two Lights for Liberty
Special event at Colony House