Newport, Rhode Island, is like a living museum; each mansion along its coastline tells a story of ambition and art. While Beechwood Mansion remains closed for restoration, the city still offers countless ways to step back in time. If the History of Beechwood Mansion Tours sparked your curiosity about Newport’s past, these other grand estates will keep it burning. Let’s look at the mansions to tour in Newport, RI.

1- The Breakers

No tour of Newport is complete without visiting The Breakers, the most famous of them all. Built in the late 1890s for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, this 70-room Italian Renaissance–style mansion stands as a symbol of American wealth at its peak.

Perched dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean, The Breakers was more than a home; it was a statement. Every room bursts with richness, from the grand Great Hall with its 50-foot-high ceiling to the shimmering mosaics, marble columns, and gilded details that catch the light just right.

Thanks to its audio and guided tours, visitors can walk through the mansion and imagine the laughter, music, and glamour that once filled its halls. It’s easy to see why The Breakers remains the crown jewel of Newport’s architectural heritage.

2- Marble House

Just down Bellevue Avenue stands Marble House, another one of the Vanderbilt family’s masterpieces that changed the way Americans saw architecture. Built for William K. Vanderbilt as a gift for his wife, Alva, this mansion was made from over 500,000 cubic feet of marble, a stunning creation that took four years and a fortune to complete.

Stepping inside feels like walking into a European palace. Gold ceilings shine above cool marble floors, and detailed paintings cover the walls. Outside, the beautiful Chinese Tea House, overlooking the ocean, adds calm and grace to the estate.

More than just a show of wealth, Marble House marked a turning point in American design, a move from simple style to bold and grand living. It was one of the first homes to bring the rich beauty of European palaces to American shores, setting the stage for the rest of Newport’s famous mansions. It’s one of the best mansions to tour in Newport, Rhode Island.

3- Rosecliff

If elegance had an address, it would be Rosecliff. Built for Theresa Fair Oelrichs, a silver heiress from Nevada, this mansion became the center of Newport’s social life in the early 1900s.

Inspired by the Grand Trianon at Versailles, Rosecliff was made for celebration. Grand balls, candlelit dinners, and glittering parties once filled its huge ballroom. It is one of the largest in Newport.

Rosecliff is also a favourite of filmmakers. Movies like The Great Gatsby, Amistad, and 27 Dresses were filmed here, adding a touch of Hollywood to its timeless beauty. Walking through its marble halls feels like stepping into a movie scene where history and charm meet perfectly. Therefore, it makes it to the mansions to tour in Newport, RI.

4- Chateau-sur-Mer

Before the Vanderbilts made Newport the summer home of America’s elite, there was Chateau-sur-Mer. Built in 1852 for William Shepard Wetmore, this mansion represents an earlier, quieter age of Newport’s style.

Chateau-sur-Mer is smaller and more peaceful than its grand successors, but it has a special charm. Its dark wood rooms, colorful stained-glass windows, and hand-painted ceilings make it feel warm and full of character.

Visiting this mansion is like reading the first chapter of Newport’s story, a glimpse into how the city’s love for beauty and art began long before the age of millionaires.

The Legacy Lives On

These were the mansions to tour in Newport, Rhode Island. Even though Beechwood Mansion is still closed to the public, its spirit lives on through Newport’s other great homes. The storytelling that once made the Beechwood Mansion Tours so special continues in each estate that opens its doors today.

The Breakers impresses with power, Marble House amazes with craftsmanship, Rosecliff shines with beauty, and Chateau-sur-Mer touches hearts with nostalgia. Together, they carry the same dream that Beechwood once did to keep history alive for everyone who visits.

So, while Beechwood takes its time getting ready for its grand return, Newport still welcomes you with open gates and open hearts.