Fort Adams State Park Tours

Fort Adams State Park featuring signage
Fort Adams State Park featuring a coastal town and heritage architecture
Fort Adams State Park showing heritage architecture
Fort Adams State Park which includes a bridge and a bay or harbor
Fort Adams State Park featuring heritage architecture


Make your way through eerie tunnels and climb to stunning vantage points at this historic 19th-century fortress overlooking a grassy foreshore and the mouth of Newport Harbor.

Fort Adams stands commandingly over the east passage of Narragansett Bay, where the high fortress walls served as a significant army post for over a century. The site that was formerly used as a vantage point in five major wars is today known for being a scenic backdrop for recreation and music festivals. Learn about the region’s intriguing military history on a tour of the historic structure and spend some time exploring the fort’s surrounding estate, where you’ll find hiking trails, sports fields, boat marinas and open-air concerts.

Wander around the expansive grassy estate and make your way along the foreshore trail. You’ll see yachts moored in the marina, protected by the bay from the open Atlantic Ocean. Watch boats and ferries sailing by as you stroll around the headland. Check out the marina’s windsurfing and sailboat rental facilities and see if any of the local teams are playing on the waterfront rugby and soccer pitches.

The imposing fortress sits back from the foreshore, its high ramparts looking out over the eastern and western sides of the headland. Join a tour of the fort and learn about its fascinating military heritage. The fort was used in five wars between 1841 and 1953. Explore the quarters where officers and their families took residence and learn about the conditions they faced during wartime. Find out about 180 years of military history, architecture and engineering. Discover a labyrinth of secret underground tunnels beneath the fort and climb to the top of the fort walls to see stunning views of the coastline.

Visit Fort Adams in summer to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Jazz Festival or the Folk Festival. These annual programs showcase a wide array of local and international musicians with exciting open-air concerts and workshops.

Fort Adams is located on the tip of Fort Adams State Park, a grassy headland that forms the entrance to Newport Harbor. It is a 15-minute drive from downtown Newport. The park is free to enter however, tours of Fort Adams have a fee, with discounts available for children and families. Check the Fort Adams official website for specific dates and times of the tours.

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Reviews of Fort Adams State Park

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
209
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
150
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
39
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

What an neat place, don't miss the tour of the fort. It was very interesting and entertaining as well. A part of American history that is seldom talked about.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Museum of Yachting no longer here. Attraction now seems to be the tall ship 'Oliver Hazard Perry' - a ship in search of a mission (and funding).

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

need a bypass around for short walk

4/5 - Good

David&Alison

Dimensional model of the vauban style fort made it easier to explain military engineering

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Check out the Eisenhower house on the way in/out.

4/5 - Good

Jim

Check to see if will be open; it was closed the day we went.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Fort Adams State Park

The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina

The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina

3 out of 5
49 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI
The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
Newport Harbor Island Resort

Newport Harbor Island Resort

4 out of 5
1 Goat Island, Newport, RI
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Private Houseboat In Beautiful Newport Harbor

Private Houseboat In Beautiful Newport Harbor

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Private Houseboat In Beautiful Newport Harbor
Sweet summer escape on Newport Harbor

Sweet summer escape on Newport Harbor

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Sweet summer escape on Newport Harbor
Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa

Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
25 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI
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Hammetts Hotel

Hammetts Hotel

2.5 out of 5
4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, RI
Hammetts Hotel
Hotel Viking

Hotel Viking

4 out of 5
1 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
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The Brenton Hotel

The Brenton Hotel

3.5 out of 5
31 America's Cup Avenue, Newport, RI
The Brenton Hotel
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Americas Cup Inn

2.5 out of 5
6 Mary St, Newport, RI
Americas Cup Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Fort Adams State Park

At Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including boating and sailing, as well as local festivals. For those seeking adventure, explore nearby attractions like a water park and the best campsites. Don't miss the chance to discover Newport's major attractions, which offer a unique blend of history and scenic beauty, making your visit truly memorable.

Shopping

At Fort Adams State Park, you can find local treasures like Oliveira Textiles, 14 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out Tony's Bakery, 18 miles away, and Hartley's Original Pork Pies, 16 miles away, for unique gifts and delicious treats.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at the Newport Country Club, just a mile from Fort Adams State Park, where you can embrace the outdoor vibes. For a fun family night, catch a comedy show at the Firehouse Theater, located 2 miles away, and enjoy some laughs together.

Adventure

At Fort Adams State Park, explore the stunning Cliff Walk, a scenic hiking trail 2 miles away, perfect for outdoor adventures. Enjoy thrilling water sports at Sail Newport, located 0.5 mile away, or immerse yourself in nature along the Newport Bristol Heritage Passage, 1 mile away, offering beautiful outdoor experiences.

Nightlife

In Newport, the Jane Pickens Theater offers a romantic cinema experience just a mile from Fort Adams State Park. For adventure seekers, Ryan Family Amusements, also a mile away, provides an exciting arcade atmosphere. For a cultural night out, Theatre by the Sea is a charming venue 14 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Fort Adams State Park

While visiting Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island, immerse yourself in the local culture and outdoor experiences. Explore the historic Fort Adams, enjoy the scenic Newport waterfront, and sample wines at Newport Vineyards. The park's attractions, including beautiful beaches and the nearby national state park, offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for every traveler.

  • Newport Mansions: Discover the grandeur of Newport Mansions, a collection of opulent historic buildings that showcase the lavish lifestyles of America's Gilded Age elite. With stunning architecture and rich cultural history, a visit here immerses you in the elegance of a bygone era.
  • Thames Street: Stroll along Thames Street, a vibrant thoroughfare filled with charming shops, delightful restaurants, and stunning waterfront views. This lively area captures the essence of Newport's city vibe, perfect for leisurely exploration and local dining.
  • The Breakers: Experience the breathtaking beauty of The Breakers, a magnificent historic house that exemplifies the architectural splendor of the Vanderbilt family. The opulent interiors and meticulously landscaped grounds offer a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of America's wealthy elite.

Best time to go to Fort Adams State Park

The best time to visit Fort Adams State Park is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January32.4°F (0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December38.7°F (3.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fort Adams State Park

To save money on your visit to Fort Adams State Park, consider traveling between December and February when hotel rates are lower. Aim for a Tuesday stay, the cheapest day, and avoid Saturdays for better deals. Use Expedia to compare prices and explore package deals that combine flights and accommodations for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and rewards for future bookings. Don't forget to take advantage of free activities like walking tours and enjoying the scenic park grounds.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fort Adams State Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Fort Adams State Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Fort Adams State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, preferred destination, and the type of hotel you desire. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Fort Adams State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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