Learn why locals refer to Newport as "the island" when you fly above the seaside town in a Birds Eye helicopter. Choose from different private tours that soar above Newport's coastline along Ocean Drive and the beaches or tour the mansions of the Cliffwalk from 20,000 feet in the air! You will hear the history of Newport and its attractions from knowledgeable pilots.

Wonder how 18th century Rhode Islanders lived and worked? Once home to an English philosopher, George Berkeley, this small Colonial museum and garden will give you an intimate view of an early New England settler's life. The house is furnished with 18th century antiques and the small gardens are landscaped with a variety of plants and flowers. Knowledgeable guides will answer any questions about the philosopher, the furnishings and the Newport area before the Civil War.

Newport Vineyards & Winery, located 10 minutes from downtown Newport is a favorite location for corporate functions, wedding showers, rehearsal dinners, and family events. Plan a full day of touring, tasting, viewing and eating; winery tours are at 1pm and 3pm daily. Tours can accommodate groups of 10 or more, but please call for an appointment. The Glass Onion restaurant, Fatulli's Gourmet Bakery & Deli, a gift shop and art gallery, toy store, garden center and farmers market are also on site. Tour and tasting $3. No admission fee.

Prescott Farm is a fun, educational short day trip for children and adults. Less than a mile from downtown Newport, you will spot the windmill vanes of Prescott. The guided tours explain what life was like for early New England settlers and tells stories of General Prescott himself and his men. The Guardhouse offers a peak at Colonial furnishings and costuming, with occasional special exhibits. Stroll the woodland paths and ponds and feed geese and quacking ducks along the way.

Third Beach is not an oceanfront beach; it faces Narragansett Bay. Small and quiet, this beach is popular with families. The surf is calm, making it easy to play in the water. Bath houses and facilities for changing are available, but parking is limited. Bird watchers may also catch a glimpse of favorite species from a nearby bird sanctuary. Sunsets are lovely to watch from this eastern section of the beach, making this a great spot to end a beach day.

The Norman Bird Sanctuary is the perfect venue in Newport for bird watching, hiking and family outings. Located just beyond Newport's Third Beach, the park blends ponds and woodlands with ocean breezes and sandy terrain. Trail maps and public restrooms are available at the entrance to the park, along with ample parking. There are over seven miles of trails, allowing visitors to bird watch from designated posts or enjoy views of the sea from the rocks and hills. Admission is free.

There is good reason for the name "Rough Point" for this incredible mansion that originally belonged to artist Doris Duke. This was Doris' private retreat, inaccessible by car and surrounded by the rocky shoreline that characterizes the Newport coastline. Admire her extensive collection of fine and decorative art, walk through the rambling rooms and capture the breathtaking views.

Cliff Walk offers a legendary view of the ocean and some of the famous Mansion Row homes from Newport's gilded age. The 3.5-mile path lies just above the rocks where water meets shore. The views are breathtaking, but this is a real hike, you will need to be sharp-eyed and nimble, wear very good walking shoes, and be prepared to climb over a few rough spots. The Newport Historical Society conducts guided tours for seven dollars every Saturday morning at 10am, from May to September.

Attend open house programs by the ocean at beautiful Salve Regina University, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in Newport. Interviews are not required, but it is suggested that prospective students first visit the campus and chat with an academic adviser. Or perhaps you simply want to enjoy the beauty of the buildings, including examples designed by Gilded Age architects Richard Morris Hunt and Seth Bradford. The buildings and 60 landscaped historic acres were once part of Newport estates.

The Breakers is an architectural masterpiece, and was home to one of America's wealthiest families, the Vanderbilts. Tours of the mansion tell stories of the Vanderbilts as well as the building of this grand estate and the ventures of its architects and designers. Thousands of visitors arrive at the spectacular 70-room palace every year to enjoy the many special events and guided tours the mansion has year round and to walk the elegant marble halls or stroll the green lawns that overlook the blue sea on the cliffs below. Admission: $16 adults, $4 children ages 6-17.