Brenton Point State Park
Iconic coastal park with stunning ocean vistas, famous for sunsets and kite flying.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular sunsets
Brenton Point State Park
Best Time
Spectacular sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic coastal park with stunning ocean vistas, famous for sunsets and kite flying.
"Perfect stop for awesome views, kite flying, and enjoying the scenery!"
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive early to secure a good spot for the breathtaking sunset views.
🪁 Bring or Buy a Kite
Perfect for kite flying! Kites are available for purchase on-site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Views
Oceanfront
Witness the sky ablaze with color as the sun dips below the Atlantic horizon. A truly magical sight.
Kite Flying
Open Fields
Vast open spaces make this a prime location for kite enthusiasts, especially during festivals.
The Bells Estate Ruins
Park Grounds
Explore the intriguing remnants of a historic Gilded Age mansion, offering a glimpse into the past.
Ocean Drive Scenery
Coastal Road
Enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastline from this iconic scenic drive.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset Spectacle & Kite Flying Fun
Coastal Exploration & Scenic Drives
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive early to secure a good spot for the breathtaking sunset views. 
🪁 Bring or Buy a Kite
Perfect for kite flying! Kites are available for purchase on-site.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking makes it easy to access the park for picnics and strolls.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Catch the Sunset
Arrive early to secure a good spot for the breathtaking sunset views.
🪁 Bring or Buy a Kite
Perfect for kite flying! Kites are available for purchase on-site.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking makes it easy to access the park for picnics and strolls.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for a walk with your furry friend.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Ideal for landscape and sunset photography with stunning coastal backdrops.
🌬️ Be Prepared for Wind
It can get windy, especially by the ocean, so dress accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Brenton Point State Park's stunning ocean views, especially during sunset, and its popularity as a kite-flying destination. Many appreciate the ample parking and dog-friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for picnics and relaxed outings. Some note the wind can be strong, and while food trucks are available during events, permanent dining options are limited.
"Perfect stop on the bike tour! Awesome views and fun climbing on the rocks and going into the water. Perfect day, did the bike tour from Ft Adams to Castle hill, then this park and cliff walk hen back to Ft Adams. So fun! Highly recommend and give yourself time to enjoy all the scenery. Kites fly here often and there are festivals too. Gotta love the wiener truck too. Lol"
Steve Thompson
"Took us by surprise, we were just driving around when we spotted kids flying kites- decided to stop, buy and fly one- amazing experience.
Kites range from $30 and above- they have a tiny store there, you also do have a food and lemonade truck and all this right across the beach.
A quiet, fun place to spend your day with family and friends."
L V
"Great place to watch sunset and or sunrise, great for walking your dog, and the best place to fly kites."
Mike Barker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brenton Point State Park is located at the end of Ocean Drive in Newport, Rhode Island. It's easily accessible by car and is a popular stop on the scenic Ocean Drive route. Many visitors drive directly to the park, and there is ample parking available. +1
Public transportation options to Brenton Point State Park can be limited. It's best to check with the local Newport transit authority for the most current bus routes and schedules. Driving or using ride-sharing services is generally more convenient.
Yes, biking is a popular way to explore Newport's coastline, including Brenton Point State Park. It's part of the scenic Ocean Drive, offering beautiful views along the way. +1
The best way to experience Ocean Drive is by car or bicycle, allowing you to stop at various scenic points like Brenton Point State Park. Many visitors enjoy a leisurely drive, taking in the coastal vistas. +1
Yes, Brenton Point State Park offers ample parking, which is convenient for visitors, especially during peak seasons or events like the kite festival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Brenton Point State Park is generally free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees required to enjoy the park's natural beauty and ocean views. +1
The park is typically open year-round from dawn to dusk. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Rhode Island State Parks website for any seasonal changes or specific event hours.
No, tickets are not required for entry into Brenton Point State Park as it is a public park. You can visit anytime during its open hours.
Yes, Brenton Point State Park hosts popular events like the Newport Kite Festival, typically in July.
Leashed dogs are welcome at Brenton Point State Park, making it a great place for a walk with your pet.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views, kite flying, picnicking, dog walking, and exploring the remnants of The Bells estate. It's also a popular spot for photography and watching sunsets. +1
Absolutely! Families love Brenton Point State Park for its open spaces, kite flying opportunities, and beautiful scenery. It's a relaxed environment for kids to explore.
The entire coastline offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunset. The remnants of The Bells estate also provide unique backdrops.
While there isn't a designated swimming beach directly within the park, the rocky shoreline allows for some exploration and wading. Nearby beaches are available for swimming.
'The Bells' refers to the ruins of a historic Gilded Age mansion that once stood on the park grounds. It's an intriguing historical site to explore.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no permanent restaurants within the park, you'll often find food trucks, including a popular wiener truck and lemonade stand, especially during events.
Yes, Brenton Point State Park is an ideal location for picnics. There are plenty of open spaces to spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal with a view.
During the Newport Kite Festival, food vendors and trucks are usually present, offering a variety of snacks and refreshments.
Yes, Newport has a vibrant dining scene with numerous restaurants located a short drive from Brenton Point State Park, offering diverse culinary options.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged for picnics and enjoying the park at your leisure.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, just after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Sunsets are particularly spectacular here.
It's excellent for landscape photography, seascape photography, sunset shots, and capturing the vibrant atmosphere during kite festivals.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for casual photography. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits, so it's best to check with park authorities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod is highly recommended for sunset shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the Rhode Island State Parks department for current rules and permit requirements before flying a drone for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a low-cost, high-fun activity that kids absolutely love. Beyond kite flying, families can enjoy picnics with stunning ocean views, explore the rocky shoreline (with supervision), and simply soak in the beautiful coastal scenery. The park's relaxed atmosphere and ample space make it easy for children to explore and have fun without feeling crowded.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
+1 The park is particularly renowned for its spectacular sunsets, offering vibrant colors that are a photographer's dream. +1Beyond sunsets, the park is a prime location for capturing the energy of the Newport Kite Festival, with colorful kites filling the sky. The ruins of 'The Bells' estate also offer unique photographic subjects, blending history with nature.
Visiting during the golden hours will yield the most dramatic and memorable images. 🚗 Scenic Drivers & Road Trippers
It's an ideal spot for a brief stop to take photos, enjoy a picnic lunch, or simply breathe in the fresh ocean air. The accessibility and ample parking make it an easy and rewarding addition to any road trip itinerary through Newport.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Newport Kite Festival: A Skyward Spectacle
+2This event is a highlight for families and kite enthusiasts alike. The consistent ocean breezes at Brenton Point provide ideal conditions for kite flying, making it a perfect location for both professional kite flyers and casual visitors. Attendees can often purchase kites on-site, and food vendors are usually present to cater to the crowds, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Beyond the festival, the park's open fields and coastal setting make it a fantastic spot for spontaneous kite flying on any windy day. It's an activity that brings joy to all ages and offers a unique way to experience the park's natural beauty.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Brenton Point
+2The remnants of 'The Bells' estate, a historic Gilded Age mansion, add a unique architectural element to the park's natural beauty, offering intriguing subjects for photographers interested in historical sites and ruins.
Combining these elements with the dynamic weather patterns often seen along the coast can result in truly spectacular and unique photographic captures. When visiting for photography, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast ocean vistas and a tripod for stable shots during low light conditions, especially for sunset photography. The consistent winds also make it a prime location for capturing the motion of waves and the vibrant colors of kites during festivals.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Bells Estate
Today, the estate stands in a state of picturesque disrepair, offering a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into Newport's Gilded Age past. Visitors can explore the remnants of this once-lavish home, imagining the lives of its former inhabitants. The juxtaposition of the decaying architecture against the vibrant natural backdrop of the ocean and coastline creates a compelling and atmospheric scene.
The ruins serve as a unique point of interest within the park, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the natural beauty. It's a spot that sparks curiosity and provides a different perspective on the area's rich history, making it a must-see for history buffs and urban exploration enthusiasts alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit