A trip to Newport, Rhode Island would not be complete without a visit to The Breakers, the crown jewel of the city’s legendary Gilded Age mansions. Perched above the cliffs, this seventy room Italian Renaissance style palace stands as a symbol of America’s Age of Opulence, when the Vanderbilt family defined luxury, architecture, and seaside living.
Whether you are drawn to its grand architecture, historic details, or sweeping ocean views, The Breakers Newport RI is a must see destination. Even better, it is just a short walk from Magnolia Manor and Magnolia Portside.
Why You Will Love The Breakers
Built in the eighteen nineties by Cornelius Vanderbilt II, The Breakers is the most iconic and most visited of all Newport Mansions. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, it draws inspiration from Italian palaces and French chateaus but showcases a level of detail and scale only the Vanderbilt family could create.
Inside, you will see soaring ceilings, marble staircases, glittering mosaics, and gold leaf accents that stop you in your tracks. Every room tells a story about an era when the wealthy escaped to Newport to relax, entertain, and enjoy the shoreline.
Today, The Breakers is beautifully maintained by the Preservation Society of Newport County and remains one of the most impressive historic landmarks in the United States.
Highlights You Will Not Want to Miss
- The Great Hall
A fifty foot tall grand space that once hosted Vanderbilt family gatherings and social events. - The Morning Room
Decorated with Tiffany glass, marble, and hand painted ceiling panels. It is one of the most elegant and photographed rooms in the mansion. - The Music Room
Originally created in France and shipped to Newport, this room features ornate detailing and period furnishings that transport you back more than one hundred years. - The Ocean Views
Step onto the rear terrace for sweeping views of the Atlantic. It is one of the best viewpoints in all of Newport.
And make time to walk the surrounding gardens and grounds. They are beautiful in every season.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 44 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport RI
Hours: Open daily. Check seasonal hours at NewportMansions.org
Tickets: Available online or at the gate. Combo tickets include access to multiple mansions.
Tour Options: Choose from an audio guided tour or use the Newport Mansions app for a self guided experience.
Tips for Visiting The Breakers
- Arrive early. It can get busy, especially on weekends and summer days.
- Reserve tickets online to skip the line.
- Bring your camera. Photos of the exterior views and grounds are allowed.
- Pair your visit with a stroll. The Breakers connects directly to the Cliff Walk.
- Stop by the gift shop. You will find unique Newport inspired items and local gifts.
A Glimpse Into Newport’s Gilded Age
During the late nineteenth century, Newport became the summer playground for America’s wealthiest families. The Breakers cost more than seven million dollars to build in eighteen ninety five which equals well over two hundred million dollars today. It famously combined modern technology and stunning European artistry under one roof.
What was once a symbol of ultimate private luxury now welcomes millions of visitors each year as a treasured American landmark.
Stay Steps from The Breakers
When you stay at Magnolia Manor or Magnolia Portside, you are not only close to The Breakers. You are part of the same historic neighborhood that helped make Newport famous. Both properties are walkable to the mansion, the Cliff Walk, and many of the city’s most beloved restaurants, beaches, and shops.
Begin your morning with a shoreline walk, explore The Breakers, and return to your private retreat just moments away. It is the perfect way to experience Newport elegance and charm.
Book Your Stay and Save Ten Percent
Ready to walk in the footsteps of the Vanderbilts?
Book your stay at Magnolia Manor or Magnolia Portside and mention this blog to receive ten percent off your stay with code BLOG10.
Enjoy the best of Newport right outside your door, from ocean breezes to timeless architectural beauty.