Your guide to Naval Station Newport

Julie Zack Avatar
Coddington Cove and Coasters Harbor Island at Naval Station Newport.
Coddington Cove and Coasters Harbor Island at Naval Station Newport.

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Newport, Rhode Island, was once the playground to Gilded Age millionaires each summer. Known for its stunning coastlines and natural beauty, Newport is still a major summer vacation destination and home to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport. If you’re headed to Newport, you’re in for a treat. With wonderful restaurants, museums, history, hiking, and more, this is a dream duty station. 

Location 

Newport is situated at the southern end of Aquidneck Island. This coastal town sees a full four seasons but thanks to its proximity to the water, the winter snow doesn’t usually stick for an extended period. That said, the winds off the water can be biting. This New England hamlet dates back to 1639 and has classic small-town charm. It was even the setting for much of Hocus Pocus 2

Directions

You can reach Newport by car going over the Pell Bridge (toll bridge) on Route 138 from either Kingstown or Narragansett. If you’re stationed in Newport it’s a good idea to get an EZ Pass to make the Pell Bridge toll both easier to pay and a little less expensive. 

The other way into Newport is to drive south across Aquidneck Island from Bristol or Triverton. From Bristol, Route 114 will head into Aquidneck Island and take you all the way to Newport. Route 24 in MA goes through Tiverton and will merge with 114 on the island. 

Transportation 

The closest airport to Newport is T.F. Green in Providence, about 40 minutes away. The next closest airport is Boston Logan, and depending on where you’re coming from, it may be easier to get a flight in and out of the larger airport, even though it’s about an hour and a half away. 

Contacts 

Main Info Line: (401) 841-3456

Base Condition LIne: (401) 841-2211

Balfour Beatty Housing: (401) 846-8877

Duty Chaplain (After Hours) : (401) 862-8408

Naval Dental Center: (401) 841-2541

Naval Health Clinic New England: (401) 841-3771

NAVSTA Newport Police: (401) 841-4041

Mission and Units

NAVSTA Newport serves as “a world-class center of learning and excellence.” It supports nearly 50 Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Army Reserve commands. It is the premier destination for training naval officers, midshipmen, candidates, and senior enlisted leaders. Units include the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Newport, the Naval Academy Preparatory School, Surface Warfare Officer School, the Naval War College, and more. 

History 

Newport has a rich history, as does the base itself. The Navy originally obtained Coasters Harbor Island from the state of Rhode Island in 1881. In 1883, the Navy opened its first recruit training station, and in 1884, it opened the Naval War College. Newport is also home to Fort Adams, a historic army post that opened in 1824 and still is home to military housing. 

Things to do

Hotels 

Navy Gateway Inn and Suites 

Navy Lodge

Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa

Restaurants

Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant:  (401) 849-6334

The Red Parrot: (401) 847-3800 

White Horse Tavern: (401) 849-3600

Gas Lamp Grill: (401) 845-9300 

The Fifth Element: (401) 619-2552

Perro Solado: (401) 619-4777

Activities 

Newport is awash in fun activities! Many of the Gilded Age mansions no longer stand, but there are still some available to tour, including several available through The Preservation Society of Newport County

Tennis enthusiasts will enjoy the International Tennis Hall of Fame, not far from many of the mansions. 

Upper and Lower Thames Street have fun shopping and an abundance of restaurants and bars in the heart of downtown Newport. 

In the summer, be sure to check out Newport’s world-class beaches. Near the beaches is the famous Cliff Walk, a fun walk along the water with views of several historic mansions. 

Schools 

Newport Public Schools 

Middletown Public Schools

Portsmouth Public Schools  

Housing 

NAVSTA Newport homes are spread across Aquidneck Island, with communities in Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth. All housing is run through Balfour Beatty.