Newport Harbor

Marinas near Newport Harbor

Introduction

The East Passage is the gateway to Newport from the Atlantic Ocean. The East Passage winds its way between Newport and Beaver necks, past Fort Adams, Bull Point, and then into Newport Harbor. Newport is 60 miles south of Boston (as the bird flies) and 45 miles west of Marthas Vineyard.

Newport is known as one of the biggest yachting centers in the world, and for good reason; there are more than 22 marine facilities and 1000+ moorings in Newport. Of those 22 marine facilities, approximately eight of them have slip space for transients, and many more administer moorings in the southern and northern parts of the harbor. Ashore you will find shopping, provisioning possibilities, places for historic exploration and a multitude of dining choices along the waterfront.

History

In 1524, the Italian navigator Giovani Verrazzano and his crew became the first Europeans conclusively known to visit Narragansett Bay. He did not stay in the area for long, as he was on a journey of exploration, not settlement. Early European explorers and settlers reported several thousand Wampanoag and Narragansett Indians living in the Narragansett Bay area.

In 1636 or 1637, Dutch fur traders paid to use the island of Quentenis as a base for their activities. This island, located just west of Conanicut, is now known as Dutch Island and is part of Jamestown. In 1638 the English made arrangements to use Conanicut Island for grazing sheep. One of the Narragansett sachems who gave consent was Canonicus. (As a result of these events, the name "Conanicut" was given to the island and the figure of a sheep is in a central position in the Jamestown seal.)

The extended occupation of Newport during the Revolutionary War brought hardships including disruption of shipping and commercial activities; and these took a toll on the city's infrastructure and economy. By 1784, Beavertail Light was back in operation (and remained in use until the present lighthouse was built in 1856). Following adoption of the United States Constitution, Rhode Island was admitted to the Union on May 29, 1790, as the 13th state.

Portions Courtesy Newport Convention and Visitors Bureau

Navigating the Water

Use NOAA Charts 13205 and 13221.

From the Atlantic Ocean, pick up red and white buoy “NB” (flashing red), and then set a course for quick flashing red buoy “2,” which marks Brenton Reef just south of Brenton Point on the Newport Neck. As you work your way in toward the East Passage and Newport, keep red gong buoy “4” and red bell buoy “6” far to port, as they mark several more rock ledges working out from Newport Neck. Further guidance is provided by Castle Rock Light on the extreme west end of Newport Neck.

From Castle Rock Light, you can follow the shore (at a distance) toward the light at Fort Adams and on into Newport Harbor. On the west side of the passage, keep an eye out for, and honor flashing green gong buoy “7” and flashing green gong buoy “9” at Bull Point.

Inside Newport Harbor you will find just about every type of facility imaginable from small mooring fields to major yacht facilities that can handle megayachts.

Click here to view a map of Newport Harbor

Transportation

There are a number of ways to get in and around Newport and its connecting communities. The Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority (RIPTA) runs busses, ferries, trolleys and shuttle vans to Jamestown, Providence and other surrounding towns. There are also private ferry boats that run on daily schedules to Block Island, Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. Traveling around Newport Harbor? Take a ride on Oldport Launch. Explore Jamestown and Rose island on the Jamestown Newport Ferry

T.F. Green International Airport is located in Providence, and is about a 30-mile drive (if you have a car) or a longer ride on one of the RIPTA busses. Major airlines like Southwest, United and U.S. Airways run several flights in and out of the area each day. See the “Helpful Links” section below for detailed transportation schedules.

Where to Eat, Drink, and Shop in Newport

Located just off the harbor in downtown Newport you can find great fine dining, cafes, and shopping.

Here are some of the best places to eat, drink, and shop nearby Newport Harbor:

• Brick Alley Pub (Food & Drink) - 140 Thames Street

• Diego's (Food & Drink) - 11 Bowens Wharf

• The Mooring (Fine Dining) - 1 Sayers Wharf

• Clarke Cooke House (Fine Dining) - 24 Bannisters Wharf

• Castle Hill (Fine Dining & Drinks)- 590 Ocean Avenue

• Stone Acre Brasserie (Fine Dining)- 28 Washington Square

• Scales & Shells (Casual Seafood) - 527 Thames Street

• Bowen’s Wharf (Shopping) - Bowens Wharf

• Thames Street (Shopping) - Thames Street

Local Notices to Mariners

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Visit the historic Seamen's Church Institute

Helpful Links

City of Nepwort

Newport Convention and Visitors Bureau

Newport County Chamber of Commerce

Newport Calendar of Events

Newport Transportation

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority

Places to Visit

Perhaps the most attractive characteristic of Newport is the ability that the destination has to appeal to a variety of tastes. Newport is home to miles of scenic coastline ideal for exhilarating sailing excursions, relaxing beach time, and rejuvenating walks.

For those with a penchant for the historic, Newport offers tours of opulent mansions, interesting museums, and a number of walking tours that reveal the history and charm of the city. For a mouth-watering getaway, visitors can enjoy a tour and tasting at the three local vineyards followed by a memorable dining experience at one of the waterfront’s many dining establishments.

Here are a few of our favorite places to visit nearby Newport Harbor:

• The Breakers Mansion - 44 Ochre Point Avenue

• Cliff Walk - 117 Memorial Boulevard

• Fort Adams State Park - 90 Fort Adams Drive

• International Tennis Hall of Fame - 194 Bellevue Avenue

• Brenton Point State Park - Ocean Drive

• Nearby Beaches - Middletown, RI