Drive a coastal loop that passes Gilded Age mansions, Fort Adams and Brenton Point while an audio guide narrates geology, maritime history and local color. Download the VoiceMap app, redeem your code, and take 45–75 minutes to experience Newport at your own pace.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The road curves, salt air pushes at the windows and the Atlantic keeps pace to your right — this is Ocean Drive, Newport’s coastal ribbon that dares you to slow down. Street lamps give way to granite seawalls and the drive alternates between wooded bluffs and broad ocean vistas, with the occasional sentinel-like mansion watching the surf.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45–75 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels though some short walks at viewpoints may be uneven.
Wildlife
History
Ocean Drive winds past Gilded Age mansions built by 19th-century industrialists and maritime captains; Fort Adams reflects 19th-century coastal defense and Newport’s naval history.
Conservation
Coastal erosion and heavy summer visitation strain fragile bluffs and saltmarshes—stick to designated pullouts and avoid trampling vegetation to protect shoreline habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Ocean Drive Historic District: A Newport Self-Guided Driving Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you go
Install VoiceMap, create an account, and redeem your code while you have Wi‑Fi; the tour works offline after downloading.
Bring headphones
Use headphones for clear narration and to avoid distracting other drivers and pedestrians.
Plan for parking
Allow extra time to find legal roadside pullouts or lot parking near major viewpoints like Brenton Point.
Respect private property
Most mansions are private or museum properties—enjoy them from public roads or designated visitor areas only.
Smartphone with VoiceMap app
Runs the audio tour and provides GPS-triggered narration and maps.
Headphones
Improves audio clarity and keeps sound from distracting others while driving.
Portable charger
Keeps your device powered for GPS and offline audio during the full route.
Windbreaker or light layers
Coastal weather shifts quickly; layers keep you comfortable at exposed pullouts.
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