Newport, Rhode Island: An Incredible and Underrated Destination for Photographers
Newport, Rhode Island, with its scenic coastlines, enormous mansions, and history is an incredible location for landscape and travel photographers. Unfortunately, the Newport area doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Newport, but I was blown away by the wealth of photo opportunities within a short distance. This article covers the best points of interest for photographers in Newport and the surrounding area.
Ocean Avenue and Brenton Point State Park
Ocean Avenue offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastline, making it an ideal spot for landscape photographers. The road itself is a scenic drive, but the real gem is Brenton Point State Park.
This small park is renowned for its dramatic ocean views. It’s uniquely situated at the southern tip of the island, offering excellent views for both sunrise and sunset from almost the same spot. It’s also extremely easy to access, with parking right next to Ocean Avenue, just across the street from the ocean.
👉 Related reading: Master the Art of Seascape Photography
Castle Hill Lighthouse
Perched at the edge of Castle Hill, this picturesque lighthouse is a must-visit for any photographer exploring Newport. It’s also conveniently located very close to Brenton Point State Park, just at the end of Ocean Avenue.
The rocky cliffs and surrounding waters offer dramatic settings for your photos, especially around sunrise and sunset. Depending on your angle, you can also capture the Claiborne Pell Bridge in the background.
There’s a small parking area, with a short walk to reach the lighthouse. The nearby Castle Hill Inn has signs that parking is only available for guests, so don’t park there if you’re just visiting the lighthouse.
👉 Related reading: How to Capture Stunning Lighthouse Photos
The Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile public access walkway that combines the natural beauty of Newport’s shoreline with the architecture of its historic mansions. It’s a relatively easy hike that goes behind many of the iconic mansions Newport is known for.
The Newport Mansions
Newport is home to several grand mansions that reflect its opulent past, and they make for fantastic photography subjects.
The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff are architectural marvels. Their intricate designs, lavish interiors, and sprawling gardens offer numerous opportunities for stunning shots. Many of the mansions offer guided or self-guided tours for a fee. There are also packages that allow you to visit multiple mansions for a discounted rate.
Claiborne Pell Bridge
Connecting Newport to Jamestown, the Claiborne Pell Bridge, also known as the Newport Bridge, is a beautiful structure that offers dramatic photo opportunities, especially at sunrise, sunset, and night when it is lit.
For the best shots, head to Jamestown’s shoreline. Here, you can capture the bridge in its entirety, framed by the surrounding landscape. You can also photograph the bridge from Newport, with Battery Park being a convenient location.
Fort Adams State Park
Located at the entrance to Newport Harbor, Fort Adams State Park offers a mix of historical significance and scenic beauty. This former military fort offers panoramic views of Narragansett Bay.
Beavertail State Park
Just a short drive from Newport, Beavertail State Park in Jamestown (across the Claiborne-Pell Bridge) offers some of the most beautiful seascapes in Rhode Island. Like Brenton Point State Park, Beavertail’s location offers east and west-facing views, making it ideal for sunrise or sunset.
The rocky coast and historic lighthouse make Beavertail State Park one of the most noteworthy locations in the area.
👉 Related reading: Essential Tips for Stunning Sunrise and Sunset Photography
Fort Wetherill State Park
Fort Wetherill in Jamestown is another excellent location for photographers. The park is home to abandoned military fortifications, but the natural surroundings are likely to be of more interest to photographers. You can catch a view of rocky cliffs and coastline with just a short walk from the parking lot.
Point Judith Lighthouse
Located in Narragansett about a 30-minute drive from Newport, the Point Judith Lighthouse is a historic beacon that’s a favorite of many photographers.
Black Point
Another gem in Narragansett, Black Point offers a blend of rocky shorelines and stunning coastal views. You’ll need to walk for a few minutes from a small parking lot, but it’s easy to access. This is one of my favorite sunrise locations in the area.
Start Planning
The Newport area may not get a lot of attention compared to other popular destinations for photographers, but it’s certainly worth visiting. There are plenty of great locations, and most are very easy to access. If you’re looking for an excellent destination in the northeast, consider Newport.
