Salve Regina University
About
Salve Regina University's stunning oceanfront campus features Ochre Court mansion, a Gilded Age treasure that offers families an educational and visually spectacular experience. Kids can explore elaborate rooms, learn about Newport's famous mansion history through engaging guided tours, and enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the property's scenic grounds.
Highlights
- ✓Ochre Court mansion's grand ballroom and ornate architectural details
- ✓Stunning Atlantic Ocean views from the campus cliff-side location
- ✓Access to the famous Cliff Walk right from campus
- ✓Beautiful manicured grounds perfect for family photos
- ✓Educational experience about Gilded Age history and Newport's mansion culture
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead to confirm public tour availability, as this is an active university campus with limited visitor hours during the academic year
- 2.Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby Cliff Walk for gorgeous ocean views and a chance for kids to burn energy after the tour
- 3.Visit during summer months when campus tours are more readily available and the grounds are particularly beautiful
- 4.Park in the main visitor lot on Ochre Point Avenue and check in at the admissions office before exploring
- 5.Bring a camera - the ocean views and mansion architecture make for incredible family photos
Best Time to Visit
Summer months (June-August) on weekday mornings offer the best experience when tours are more available and the campus is quieter. The grounds are also most beautiful in spring and fall with pleasant weather for exploring outdoors.
What to Know
This is a functioning university, so visitor access may be limited during academic sessions and weekends. Tours may require advance booking, and costs vary depending on whether you're accessing public areas versus guided mansion tours.
Seasonal Notes
Campus access is most limited during academic year (September-May) with restricted weekend hours. Summer offers the best visiting opportunities with expanded hours and tour availability. Winter visits can be beautiful but check ahead for closures during holidays and exam periods.
Nearby Eats
Head to nearby Newport Beach for family-friendly options like The Red Parrot Restaurant (casual American fare with a kids menu) or Fastnet Pub (fish and chips that kids love). Both are about 10-15 minutes away in downtown Newport.
More Activities Near Newport
Bowens Wharf
Bowens Wharf offers families a picturesque waterfront experience where kids can watch boats come and go, spot local wildlife, and explore charming shops along the historic docks. The relaxed maritime atmosphere makes it perfect for a leisurely family stroll, with plenty of opportunities to grab ice cream, browse unique stores, and soak in Newport's nautical heritage.
Bannister's Wharf
Bannister's Wharf is a charming waterfront destination where families can stroll along the harbor, watch boats come and go, and soak up Newport's maritime atmosphere. Kids love spotting sailboats and yachts while parents browse unique shops and enjoy harborside dining with ocean breezes and beautiful water views.
Newport Mansions Preservation Society
Step back in time to America's Gilded Age at these spectacular Newport mansions, where kids can explore opulent rooms, grand staircases, and sprawling gardens that once belonged to families like the Vanderbilts. These historic estates offer an immersive educational experience that brings history to life through stunning architecture, fascinating stories of how the wealthy lived, and beautifully manicured grounds perfect for exploration.
Newport Harbor Lighthouse
Newport Harbor Lighthouse offers families an exciting maritime adventure combining kayaking, boat tours, and lighthouse exploration. Kids will be thrilled to get out on the water and see this historic 1842 lighthouse up close, learning about Newport's nautical heritage while enjoying the beautiful harbor scenery. It's a memorable way to mix outdoor activity with a touch of history that brings Rhode Island's coastal charm to life.