If visions of Gilded Age summer cottages, impressive cliff views, and classic New England coastal vistas come to mind when you think about Newport, Rhode Island, you won’t be disappointed with your PCS to Naval Station Newport or the unique Newport, RI attractions.
Most who arrive, even for a short assignment, consider their Newport duty station an opportunity to take advantage of the abundance of recreational activities and things to do. Make sure you plan for plenty of time to experience Newport and its surrounding neighborhoods.
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Quick Facts About Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island
1. NAVSTA Newport is home to the Naval War College.
Orders aligning with the school cycles typically range from 12 to 15 months. However, with more than 25 defense commands based in Newport, long-term assignments are also available here.
2. Newport is located on Aquidneck Island.
An overview of a Naval Station Newport map shows that the base and its popular neighboring cities, Portsmouth and Middletown, are located on Aquidneck Island. It’s easy to picture the geography of the island if you think of it from a north-to-south orientation, with Portsmouth up top, Middletown in the middle, and Newport at the bottom of the island.
3. Many military families live in cities near Naval Station Newport.
Military families often choose among these four cities in part because of commute times to base, public school options, and available housing.
Popular cities for Naval Station Newport housing:
4. NAVSTA Newport has several on-base housing options.
If you’re considering living on base, Balfour Beatty Homes manages NAVSTA Newport Homes. Active-duty families, military retirees, DOW civilians, and members of the general public are all eligible to live on base.
5. Naval Station Newport has the amenities you need.
NAVSTA Newport has a commissary, a Navy Exchange, an MWR office, temporary housing, and a Student Liaison Officer. The base doesn’t operate schools, so military kids attend according to their district’s boundaries: Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, and Jamestown.
Newport is always bustling with activity, offering no shortage of events and things to bring the community together.
6. Newport's island location requires bridge travel.
This fact is important, especially if you're considering a home in Jamestown. Jamestown is about five miles from Newport, but on Conanicut Island, another island to the west. Expect bridge traffic on the Newport/Pell Bridge, which will make commutes longer. Residents are encouraged to apply for discounted toll fees.
Become familiar with the Mount Hope Bridge.
It connects the northern side of Aquidneck Island at Portsmouth to mainland Rhode Island at Bristol. In addition, the Sakonnet River Bridge, also in Portsmouth, connects the northeastern portion of the island to the mainland at Tiverton.
7. Newport’s weather and climate might take some getting used to.
The weather is one of the reasons Newport has a healthy tourism scene. Visitors escape the summer heat by embracing coastal breezes and enviable temperatures. In the fall, Newport comes alive with perfect autumn sunshine days and colorful scenery.
If you’re not used to cold, windy winters, Newport might take some time to get used to. Cold temperatures take hold in late fall and hold until late spring.
8. The method of heating and cooling Newport area homes can vary.
Military families should know that air conditioning (at least central air) isn't guaranteed in every house in Newport and the surrounding area. The heat sources also vary. Some homes are equipped with oil furnaces that require regular deliveries. Other homes use propane to beat the cold temperatures. These expenses sometimes surprise newcomers.
What are the best things to do in Newport, RI?
Newport Attractions
Newport Music Festival: A renowned annual event that celebrates classical music with performances by world-class musicians in iconic Newport venues.
Newport Restaurant Week: A week-long culinary event offering locals and visitors the chance to enjoy special prix fixe menus at Newport's top restaurants.
Sailing lessons: Experience the thrill of sailing on Narragansett Bay with expert-led lessons that teach the art of navigating the waters in Newport.
Farmers markets: Explore local produce, artisanal goods, and fresh products at Newport's vibrant farmers markets, offering a taste of the region’s best.
Orchards: Discover the charm of Newport’s nearby orchards, picking fresh fruits or enjoying scenic walks amidst blossoming trees.
Vineyards and breweries: Indulge in tasting tours through the area's vineyards and breweries, where you can sample local wines and craft brews in scenic settings.
Winter sledding on Aquidneck Island: Embrace the winter season with exhilarating sledding experiences on the snow-covered hills of Aquidneck Island.
Mansion tours: Step back in time as you tour the opulent Gilded Age mansions in Newport, where history and luxury meet in breathtaking estates.
Newport Cliff Walk: This scenic trail offers stunning views of the ocean and historic mansions perched on the cliffs.
Norman Bird Sanctuary: Explore a natural haven of over 300 acres of wildlife habitat, with trails, birdwatching, and educational programs.
Weekend Destinations While Stationed at Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is lovely, of course, but its proximity to other iconic destinations means you'll need to make room for plenty of day trips and overnights to places like Boston, Cape Cod, and other New England states that you probably won’t get back to easily. Think about a fall leaf-peeping tour through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine!
Part of what makes regional travel easy is access to the user-friendly airport in Providence, which is about a 30-minute drive and much simpler than driving 1.5 hours into Boston to fly out of Logan International.
Plus, Amtrak provides connections from Providence via a complimentary shuttle bus between the Providence train station, the convention center, downtown, and the Providence to Newport ferry terminal.
Easy Weekend Trips near Naval Station Newport
Providence: Just a short drive from Newport, Providence offers family-friendly attractions like the Children’s Museum, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and the cultural hub of Brown University.
Mystic, Connecticut: Known for its iconic pizza, the Seaport Museum, and the world-famous Mystic Aquarium, Mystic is an easy getaway offering a perfect mix of history and fun.
New York City: Just 180 miles away, it offers endless attractions, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, making it an exciting day trip or weekend escape.
Philadelphia: 273 miles from Newport, Philadelphia boasts rich American history, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, alongside vibrant arts and dining scenes.
Montreal, Canada: At 380 miles, Montreal blends French and English cultures, offering incredible food, festivals, and a lively atmosphere, making it an unforgettable international getaway.
You’re going to need a long bucket list for living in Newport. There are so many options, from local eateries to access to nearby international travel. Don’t let the time slip away while lounging on Easton’s or Bailey’s Beach. You’ve got things to see and do!
