Discover the beauty and charm of Newport, Rhode Island with a Newport vacation rental lodging as your home base.

Stroll along the three-mile-long Cliff Walk for a glimpse of many of Newport’s finest homes and panoramic views of the ocean below. Guests of Newport vacation rentals can take a walking tour of neighborhoods lined with Colonial homes or visit the Green Animals topiary garden in nearby Portsmouth.

Newport is famous for its lavish Victorian mansions, built as “summer cottages” for some of the wealthiest families of the era. The most elaborate of these is the Breakers Mansion with 70 lavishly decorated rooms, built in 1895 for Cornelius Vanderbilt.

Half a million cubic feet of marble was used in the construction of Marble House. The mansion was built in 1892 by William K. Vanderbilt at a cost of $7 million. Chateau-Sur-Mer features a stained-glass ceiling in the main hallway and Rosecliff has the largest private ballroom in Newport. Other mansions open for tours include The Elms, modeled after a French chateau, Kingscote, Hammersmith, Bellecourt Castle and Beechwood.

Known as the yachting capital of America, Newport boasts a large, deep, protected harbor and is the destination or starting point for many yacht races. Guests of Newport vacation rentals can enjoy sailing or powerboat cruises offered by area charter companies. Hourly charter boats and sailing lessons are available at Fort Adams State Park, which also boasts a bathing beach, picnic facilities and fishing areas.

A popular beach for guests of Newport vacation rentals is Easton's Beach/First Beach. This is a great spot for families, with a boardwalk, amusements, concessions, bath house and restrooms. Windsurfing and surfing are allowed in certain areas. Kings Park Beach has fabulous views of Newport Harbor, lifeguards, restrooms and a playground.

When it's time for a break from fun in the sun, guests of Newport vacation rentals can visit the Museum of Yachting, the International Tennis Hall of Fame or the History of Naval Warfare Museum. And of course fine dining and unique shopping opportunities abound.

Whatever your interests, you're sure to find the perfect Newport vacation rental to make your Rhode Island vacation memorable.

If you need more options for Rhode Island vacation rentals, consider Block Island rentals.

While you're here, check out HomeAway's guide to the best Rhode Island beaches.