Brenton Point State Park sits at the southwestern tip of Newport’s Ocean Drive, where Narragansett Bay meets the open Atlantic. This 88.9-acre coastal park occupies one of the most dramatic stretches of shoreline in Rhode Island, with rocky outcrops, crashing waves, and unobstructed views that sweep from the Newport Bridge to the horizon.

The park draws visitors for its raw, windswept beauty rather than manicured trails. Kite flying is a signature activity here — the steady ocean breezes make Brenton Point one of the best spots in New England to launch a kite, and on any given weekend the sky fills with color. Saltwater fishing from the rocky shore is popular year-round, with striped bass and bluefish running strong in season. The park also offers walking paths, picnic areas, and tide pools worth exploring at low tide.

Brenton Point doesn’t offer camping facilities, but its location along Ocean Drive puts you minutes from Newport’s historic inns and hotels. The park is free to enter, making it an easy addition to any Newport itinerary.

Visit in late spring through early fall for the best conditions. Summer brings warm days and the most reliable winds for kite flying, while early autumn offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Sunset is the main event — the western-facing coastline delivers some of the finest evening light on the East Coast. Bring layers; even in July, the ocean wind has a bite to it.

Explore Nearby

• Brenton Reef Light — Lighthouse in Rhode Island
• Gull Rocks Light — Lighthouse in Rhode Island
• Swamp Meadow Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina
• Meteor Lakes Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Connecticut State Route 169 — Scenic Byway in Connecticut