Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through Newport's fascinating transformation from its colonial Golden Age to its opulent Gilded Age summer colony with our "Golden to Gilded Walking Tour." Discover how the city evolved and its people thrived during these dynamic periods, long before the Vanderbilts' arrival.
Let our knowledgeable guides lead you through the rich history, stunning architecture, and captivating stories that define Newport’s legacy. This tour is a must for anyone interested in learning how Newport became a Gilded Age playground for the likes of the Vanderbilts and Astors.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Museum Admission
10% Discount on NHS Museum Shop Purchases
Bottled water
Parking fees
Gratuities
Admission to Newport Art Museum ($15 per adult, $10 per senior, free for youth 17 and under)
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
The Museum of Newport History and Shop is located inside the historic Brick market building, at the foot of Washington Square. Adjacent to Long Wharf Mall at 127 Thames Street. Go to the foot of Washington Square, the Brick Market is the brick building with arches.
End point
This tour ends at Touro Park, at 5 Touro Park Street W. To find your way back to the museum, take a left onto Bellevue Avenue, and walk to the light. Continue straight on Touro Street and walk down the hill. The museum is directly at the bottom of the street.
Good to know
Check in inside the Museum of Newport History and Shop at 127 Thames Street. Once inside, check in and show your tickets at the counter.
What to expect
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Museum Of Newport History And Shop
10 min
Guests will check in at the Museum of Newport History. Admission to the museum is included as part of the tour, as is 10% off anything in the shop.
IMPORTANT: The museum space on the second floor is not on the walking tour. It is recommended guests arrive early or come back after the tour to view the museum. -
29 Touro St
5 min
Guests will learn about the Buliod-Perry house, the Perry family, and the history of the building and surrounding area.
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85 Touro St
5 min
Guests will learn about the Levi Gale house, a perfect example of architecture in the era, and how houses were moved in early Newport.
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100 Touro St
5 min
Guests will learn about the early Irish immigrants in Newport who built Fort Adams, established Rhode Island's first Catholic church, and created a cemetery with enduring historical significance.
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12 Mt Vernon St
5 min
Visitors will learn about New York tailor-turned-real estate developer Alfred Smith, whose visionary land development transformed Newport from a hotel-based tourism culture to one of private summer residences, paving the way for the Gilded Age and skyrocketing land values.
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7 Mt Vernon St
5 min
Visitors will learn about the Queen Anne style of architecture popular from 1875-1910, exemplified by this house designed by local architect John Dixon Johnston, and how it represents the upward mobility of Irish families like the Rooneys in Newport.
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119 Touro St
5 min
Visitors will learn about Newport's oldest active fire station, highlighting the city's growth from a small town to a city requiring expanded municipal services funded by wealthy tourists, whose preferences often influenced city decisions.
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The Touro Jewish Cemetery
5 min
Guests will stop at the Jewish Cemetery, and learn about the history of the Jews in Newport, from the 17th century to the 19th century.
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Hotel Viking
5 min
Visitors will learn about the era of great hotels in Newport before the construction of Bellevue Avenue's "cottages," highlighted by the lavish Ocean House, which epitomized luxury and elegance, and attracted a privileged clientele, including notable artists and writers.
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20 Bellevue Ave
5 min
Visitors will learn about Dudley Newton, a prominent 19th-century Newport architect who designed over 100 buildings and was known for his daring architectural experimentation, including the invention of the "Newton Roof," as well as his contributions to the city's distinctive architectural landscape.
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29 Bellevue Ave
5 min
Visitors will learn about the transformation of a small Federal-style hotel into an exclusive men's club by architect George Champlin Mason Sr., his significant contributions to Newport's architecture and cultural scene, and the club's historical anecdotes, including its role in the founding of the Newport Casino.
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Newport Art Museum
5 min
Guests will stop outside the Newport Art Museum's main building, the Griswold House, and learn about the first Newport commission of acclaimed Gilded Age architect Richard Morris Hunt.
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Redwood Library & Athenaeum
5 min
Guests will stop outside the Redwood Library and learn about the intellectual culture of the Golden Age of Newport's history that was reinvigorated in the mid-19th century.
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Touro Park
5 min
Guests will end their tour at Touro Park, and learn about the Old Stone Mill; Matthew C. Perry; and the Atlantic House Hotel, home to the U.S. Naval Academy during the American Civil War.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- Walking and standing for long periods of time. Not recommended for travelers with mobility/walking issues.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Golden Age to Gilded Age Newport's Transformation Walking Tour
Can I cancel Golden Age to Gilded Age Newport's Transformation Walking Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 1 hour–1 hour 20 min.
Where does it start?
The Museum of Newport History and Shop is located inside the historic Brick market building, at the foot of Washington Square. Adjacent to Long Wharf Mall at 127 Thames Street.
What's included?
- Museum Admission
- 10% Discount on NHS Museum Shop Purchases
- Bottled water
What's not included?
- Parking fees
- Gratuities
- Admission to Newport Art Museum ($15 per adult, $10 per senior, free for youth 17 and under)
Which places does it visit?
It visits Museum Of Newport History And Shop, The Touro Jewish Cemetery, Hotel Viking, Newport Art Museum, Redwood Library & Athenaeum, Touro Park.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Newport Historical Society Walking Tours
