Fort Adams State Park

Fort Adams State Park is one of Newport’s most popular playgrounds. In summer, locals and visitors alike come to swim, fish, sail, play soccer, and picnic on its 105 acres, all against a panoramic backdrop of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. The park is also the site of Fort Adams, a sprawling 1820s fort that you can see on a guided tour, and the Museum of Yachting, which is housed in 19th-century stone barracks.

In August, the park hosts the famous Newport Jazz Festival and Newport Folk Festival, both of which feature performances from up-and-coming artists to big names. On the southern end of park is Hammersmith Farm, the childhood home of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis; she and President Kennedy also hosted their wedding reception here.

Practical Info

Fort Adams State Park is located at the mouth of Newport Harbor, on the northern end of the peninsula east of Bellevue Avenue. For a scenic drive to the park, drive south on Bellevue Avenue to its southern end, then north to Ocean Avenue. Take Ocean Avenue west to Harrison Avenue. A right on Harrison Avenue takes you to the park.