Brenton Point State Park
Occupying the former grounds of one of Newport's grandest estates, Brenton Point State Park affords its visitors one of the most commanding and spectacular views on the East Coast.
Situated on renowned Ocean Drive in Newport, Brenton Point State Park offers commanding views of Narragansett Bay at its juncture with the Atlantic Ocean. Occupying the former grounds of one of Newport’s grandest estates, the park’s 89-acre site is ideal for picnicking, hiking, bird watching, fishing or enjoying the majestic views of the ocean. It also features the striking Portuguese Discovery Monument, a tribute to navigators.
Amenities & Experiences
Portuguese Discovery Monument: First dedicated in 1988, the monument was created in memory of Portuguese navigators and all those who assisted in the discovery of maritime routes. The original monument, designed by sculptor Charles De Almeida, was replaced in 2014 with an expanded granite version of the original structure, which was made of sandstone and unable to withstand the oceanfront weather. The reconstruction included a re-examination of the sculptor’s original work, featuring sixteen cylindrical bollards in a semicircle to represent the points of the compass.
Experiences
- Sightseeing
- Birding
- Saltwater Fishing
- Walking and Running
- Picnicking
- Kite Flying
- Photography
Amenities
- Pet-Friendly
- Restroom Facilities (May 1 to October 31)
Brenton Point State Park History (1976)
The story of Brenton Point begins with the earliest pages of Rhode Island history. The point of land was named for colonial Governor, William Brenton (1600-1674). As the tip of land furthest south on Aquidneck Island (also called the Island of Rhode Island), both its commanding view of the ocean and its rugged topography made it an ideal location for early settlement.
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Reserving Space
Scheduling a School Visit? Planning a field trip or gathering?
- Reservations and rental fees are required to utilize pavilions, shelters, gazebos, designated fields, and picnic tables from the 2nd Saturday in April to October 31, annually.
- Outside of these reservation periods, all areas become first come/ first serve with no rental fee required.
- Regardless of the time of year, you will need to contact the individual Park Office at 401-847-6740 or contact RI State Park Headquarters at 401-667-6200 or by emailing DEM.RIparks@dem.ri.gov if you intend to use the parks for an organized group gathering or event to determine if the activity requires a Special Use Permit.
Brenton Point State Park
