Brenton Point State Park does not have a specific visitor center with set hours. The park is always open, and you can contact the park office at 401-847-6740 for more information.
Brenton Point State Park is free to enter, with no admission fees.
Drive via Ocean Drive to the southern tip of Aquidneck Island. GPS to “Brenton Point State Park.” From Newport Harbor, take a short cab or ride-share. Closest airport: T.F. Green (Providence), with car rentals or bus service to Newport.
Free parking is available at Brenton Point State Park, with plentiful spots for cars, but no overnight parking. No specific accommodations for RVs or motorcycles, and no parking fees.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Brenton Point State Park sits where the Atlantic Ocean meets Narragansett Bay in Newport, RI. Once a grand Gilded Age estate, it’s now a beloved coastal park known for panoramic ocean views, kite flying, scenic picnics, and historic charm. Visitors can explore open meadows, walk scenic trails, fish from rocky outcrops, or marvel at the iconic Ocean Drive. The annual Kite Festival brings the skies to life each summer, and birdwatchers will find year-round delight in its coastal habitats. Brenton Point blends natural beauty with seaside nostalgia.
- Area (mi²)
- 1
- Established year
- 1976
Top 3 Facts about Brenton Point State Park
The Portuguese Discovery Monument, dedicated to Portuguese navigators, features 16 cylindrical bollards in a semicircle, representing the points of the compass, and was rebuilt in 2014 using granite to withstand oceanfront weather after the original sandstone structure deteriorated. The monument stands at the tip of Aquidneck Island, 7.9 meters above sea level.
Premier destination for kite flying; hosts an annual Kite Festival.
Located along Newport’s iconic Ocean Drive with sweeping coastal views.
Family programs
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Arts & Crafts
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Review maps and amenities before visiting. Arrive early for parking, especially in summer.
Pack Appropriately
Wear walking shoes and layered clothing for ocean breezes; bring kites, cameras, and picnic gear.
Respect Wildlife
Pack out trash, don’t disturb wildlife, and tread gently along trails and rocky coasts.
Stay Informed
Visit Rhode Island State Parks website for updates, Kite Festival dates, and seasonal events.
Seasons
Mild temps and blooming flowers make this ideal for walks, picnics, and birdwatching.
Peak season: warm temps, ocean breezes, and prime kite flying weather. Arrive early for parking; Kite Festival draws big crowds.
Fall colors, fewer crowds, and crisp coastal air — great for hiking and photography.
Serene shoreline strolls, ocean wave watching, and ideal for photography in peaceful solitude.
