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Visit Rhode Island Newport

Science and Nature

Newport offers wonderful places to get out in nature settings

Newport, along with its nearby neighbors Middletown, Portsmouth, and Jamestown, is an island in the dynamic Narragansett Bay, so its places to observe nauture and plentiful and often connected to the sea. Some of the highlighrts include Norman Bird Sanctuary and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refugein Middletown, the Green Animals Topiary Garden in Portsmouth (associated with the Newport mansions), and the historic Watson Farm in Jamestown, where visitors can watch a farm at work and attend seasonal events. The Rhode Island Audubon Society is active in the area, hosting people who love nature at its locations

11 places to visit

  • Jamestown, RI

    Watson Farm

    Started in 1796, this working farm is set on 265 acres and features cattle, sheep, horses, chickens, and a garden. Trails and self-guided tours take visitors on a trip through the history and seasonal cycles of the farm. School programs and demonstrations are available. Open seasonally.

    455 North Road 401-423-0005
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  • Little Compton, RI

    Sakonnet Point

    Sakonnet Point is an ideal location for bird watching. The Sakonnet Point Lighthouse can be seen from the beach at the point, but is not open to the public.

  • Little Compton, RI

    Tunipis Pond

    Another good bird watching spot, particularly for the wide variety of duck species that collect there.

  • Middletown, RI

    Norman Bird Sanctuary

    This 450-acre refuge includes several wildlife habitats and seven miles of trails. The site also houses an on-site museum, educational area, and small gift shop. Spring and fall bird walks are held. Lots of activities for kids and families in the outdoors and in nature. - Trail Map (PDF)
    Hours: Open Daily 9am - 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas.
    583 Third Beach Road 401-846-2577
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  • Middletown, RI

    Purgatory Chasm

    A geological phenomenon caused by a thin crack in the ledges on the east side of Easton Point. The fissure has formed over the centuries due to erosion from the sea.
    Purgatory Road 401-847-7565

  • Middletown, RI

    Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

    Very near to Newport, this national site is a haven for many types of shore birds, and very popular with Southern New England bird watchers.
    Sachuest Point Road 401-364-9124

  • Prudence Island, RI

    Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

    National environmental preserve with a self-guided hiking trail and guided nature walks. The park has a picnic area, swimming, and boating areas. Prudence Island is accessible via a ferry from Bristol, RI (dock is off Thames St. near Rockwell Park).
    Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day, dawn to dusk.
    55 S. Reserve Drive 401-683-6780
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  • Tiverton, RI

    Sapowet Marsh Wildlife Management Area

    This typical coastline habitat is home to several species of game birds and is stocked with ring-necked pheasant. The area also supports a wide variety of songbirds, shore birds, and wading birds. Great spots for bird watching.
    Puncatest Road

  • Newport, RI

    Dutch Island Wildlife Management Avenue

    This island's 94 acres of scrub and forest provide an opportunity to observe the coastal ecosystem. Several species of waterbirds, shorebirds, and wading birds can be found there. Access to the island by boat only.

  • Bristol, RI

    Prudence and Patience Islands Wildlife Management Area

    While smaller areas are part of both parks listed above, Prudence and Patience Islands are a refuge for a wide variety of bird and mammal species. Prudence Island is known for its popularity for migrating birds and presents excellent opportunities for bird watching. Ticks are plentiful on these islands so use insect repellant and dress accordingly. Accessible only by boat.
    Narragansett Bay

  • Jamestown, RI

    Beavertail State Park

    This beautiful park on a high promontory overlooking Narragansett Bay is hemmed by a rocky coastline and lots of opportunities to study life of the tide pools. The Park operates a naturalist program for adults and kids to learn about tide pools and local geology, intertidal ecology, fish life and marine mammals.
    Beavertail Road 401-884-9834
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