Where is Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

Fort Adams is located in Newport, Rhode Island, USA. It lies between the Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. It is famous for being a large historic coastal fort and for its role in protecting the harbor and coastline.

Fort Adams Location Map, Newport, Rhode Island

Top Attractions Inside Fort Adams

  • Historic Fort/Tunnels & Walls – Explore 19th‑century ramparts, original cannons, and (on guided tours) subterranean tunnels and defenses. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • Parade Field & Casemates – Walk across the 6½‑acre central parade ground and check out restored casemates with historic exhibits. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • Sail Newport – Sailing center offering boat and windsurf rentals plus lessons — a chance to sail from the historic fort into the bay. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  • Bay Walk – A scenic 2.5‑mile perimeter loop around the park with panoramic views of harbor, bridge, and bay — perfect for strolls and sunsets. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • Old Guardhouse & Historic Buildings (e.g. Eisenhower House) – View historic structures on-site including the 1873 mansion once used as a high‑ranking officer’s residence. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  • Waterfront & Harbor Views – The fort's location at the mouth of the harbor offers superb views of water, ships, and the surrounding bay. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  • Picnic, Beach & Recreation Areas – Enjoy salt‑water bathing, picnicking, kayaking, fishing, and open lawn space inside the park. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Fort Adams Facts

Official NameFort Adams
LocationNewport, Aquidneck Island, Rhode Island, USA
Latitude & Longitude41.4788° N, 71.3379° W
Total AreaHistoric fort + grounds; entire state park ~105 acres
Opened / BuiltOriginal fort 1799; current fort constructed 1824–1857
Founder / Named AfterNamed for John Adams (2nd President of the United States)
Managed ByFort Adams Trust in cooperation with Rhode Island State Parks / Department of Environmental Management
RegionNewport County, Southeastern Rhode Island
Address90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI 02840, USA
Zip Code02840
Area Code401
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / Concept19th-century coastal artillery fortification / Historic military site / Cultural heritage park
Sections (Lands)Main fort structure, outer bastions, tunnels, parade grounds, surrounding state park with recreational areas
Famous AttractionsGuided tours of tunnels and fort interiors, period cannons & carriages, harbor views, festival & concert venues
Annual VisitorsApprox. 250,000–300,000
Entry Fee TypePaid admission for guided tours; state park open free for general access
Ticket Price RangeGuided tours: Adults ~$12–15, Children ~$6–8
Ticket OptionsGuided tours, self-guided tours, group / school tours, event tickets
Best Time to VisitMay through October (warmer weather, outdoor events, guided tours operating)
Nearby AirportT.F. Green Airport (PVD) – ~30 miles / 48 km
TransportationPrivate vehicle access, parking on-site; seasonal shuttle buses during festivals
Official Websitehttps://fortadams.org/

Distances from Fort Adams to Nearby Landmarks

  • Newport Harbor – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Cliff Walk – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Newport Mansions (The Breakers) – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • International Tennis Hall of Fame – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Easton’s Beach – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Brenton Point State Park – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Naval War College Museum – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Newport Art Museum – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Thames Street Shopping District – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Goat Island – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Rose Island Lighthouse – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Castle Hill Lighthouse – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Battery Park – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Pershing Avenue Beach – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • St. Mary’s Church – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Newport Cliff Walk Visitor Center – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Rough Point Mansion – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Queen Anne Square – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Forty Steps – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Island Park – 1 km (0.6 mi)