Newport County Maritime Heritage Trail

Beavertail Lighthouse Museum
The 1938 hurricane uncovered the original base of the third lighthouse established in America (1749), an interesting example of early Colonial stonework. The present granite tower, just north of the original light, was erected in 1856. The point also offers spectacular views of Rhode Island 's Atlantic coastline. The assistant keeper's quarters houses a museum featuring a 4th order fresnel lens, models of many RI lighthouses and a pictorial history of RI lighthouses. Jun 15-Labor Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Memorial Day -Jun 15, Labor Day-Columbus Day, 12 p.m.-3 p.m. , Weekends only. Beavertail Point, Beavertail State Park, Jamestown ; 401-423-3270; www.beavertaillight.org

Fort Adams
The second largest bastioned fort in the U.S. Key to Narragansett Bay area defenses, 1799 to 1945. Designed to be the most heavily armed fort in America and to garrison 2,400 troops. Three tiers of guns defended Narragansett Bay 's East Passage. For guided tour information call 841-0707. Situated at the mouth of the Newport Harbor, offers panoramic view of both Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. Activities including salt water bathing, fishing, boating, soccer, rugby, and picnicking. Fort Adams is perhaps best known for its annual summer concerts when the Jazz and Folk Festivals draw thousands to enjoy the music and beautiful surroundings. Dawn-Dusk. Harrison Avenue , Newport ; 401-847-2400; www.riparks.com/fortadams.htm

Museum of Yachting
Enjoy the spectacular Harbor view and experience Newport's yachting history. Home of the Courageous, legendary two-time America's Cup winner and Rhode Island's State Yacht. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Adams State Park , Newport ; 401-847-1018; www.museumofyachting.org

Newport Exploration Center
Discover the fascinating world of Narragansett Bay. Hold living sea stars, sea urchins, snails, clams, crabs and other coastal creatures in our tidepool touch tank. See them even more closely at our microscope station, where an educator might point out a blue mussel's foot, tiny brine shrimp swimming or barnacles feeding. View other residents of the Bay, including graceful moon jellies, baby lobsters, "talkative" fiddler crabs and more. Dig for fossil shark teeth and examine lobster traps. Take home an arts project. Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Easton's Beach, Newport ; 401-849-8430; www.neaq.org/newport

Rose Island Lighthouse
In this "living museum," visitors may tour during the day, exploring the station from the windmill to the cellar cistern and learning about the working lives and amusements of lighthouse families through their own possessions and photographs. Overnight visitors actually participate in the adventure of lighthouse keeping, sleeping in the same rooms occupied by keeper families for over a hundred years. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ; and by appointment. Rose Island , Newport ; 401-847-4242; www.roseisland.org