Newport & Jamestown, RI

Newport Grand Tour: Waterfront, Ocean Ave., Bellevue Ave.

ocean-ave-driveWe’ve mapped a grand tour of Newport, which features some absolutely gorgeous waterfront sections. Ocean Avenue is one of the most famous drives in the country, combining spectacular oceanfront homes and water views. The full route is nearly 12 miles, but there are options to do it in sections:

Central Newport Waterfront to Fort Adams State Park.  Can start at either the bridge (Van Zandt Ave., adds ~1 mile) or Bowen’s Wharf. This waterfront section is 1-4 miles, depending on how much you do. It’s ~1 mile along historic Washington St., and then the  waterfront path along Newport Harbor to King Park is ~1 mile, then a ~1.5 mile section along Harrison Ave. connecting to Fort Adams. Note: no sidewalk on Harrison Ave.

Ocean Ave. Section. This is the highlight. It’s ~5 miles From Fort Adams SP to Bellevue Ave. Run ~1 mile on Ridge Rd., passing lovely homes, continue on Ocean Ave., passing Brenton Point SP (beautiful views of Rhode Island Sound & the Atlantic), Brenton Cove Historic District, the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, & more.  Add-On: Run up to Castle Hill, ~1 mile out and back.  Note: No sidewalk on parts of Ocean Ave., though generally not too much traffic. 

Bellevue Ave. Section. To complete the loop, run for 2+ miles along famous Bellevue Ave. Famous mansions, great views, historic lighting, tree-line street, good sideawalk.  Complete the loop into central Newport by running on Touro St.

Add-Ons & Variations: Another from central Newport is to run along Bellevue Ave. to Ocean Ave., and then turn around where you like. Also, off Washington St., a cute bridge over to Goat Island adds ~1 mile and some views.

 

Essentials
  • Up to 12 miles, but several 'sections' possible
  • 280 feet (86m)
  • Numerous possible start points. Bowen's Wharf is a central option
  • A good parking option for Ocean Ave. is at Ford Adams State Park.

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Essentials
  • Up to 12 miles, but several 'sections' possible
  • 280 feet (86m)
  • Numerous possible start points. Bowen's Wharf is a central option
  • A good parking option for Ocean Ave. is at Ford Adams State Park.