The Breakers
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The Breakers is a large and spectacular mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, commissioned by architect Richard Morris Hunt to house the Vanderbilt family during what became historically known as the Gilded Age. This period, roughly between 1877 and 1900, was an era of major economic growth in the United States, and the Vanderbilts were one of the wealthiest families in the United States at the time.
The Breakers mansion was built between 1893 and 1895 to replace a smaller house made from wood that was destroyed by a fire. In order to prevent a similar accident, The Breakers was designed using limestone, steel, and brick. The mansion was given its name in reference to the waves that continually crash against the cliffs below. Since its completion more than 125 years ago, it has been a destination for presidents, celebrities, and royalty. The home was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
How to Get There
The Breakers is just about 10 minutes away from downtown Newport, RI. The nearest major airport to The Breakers is T.F. Green International Airport outside of Providence. Travel time to get to the mansion from the airport by car or RV should be less than an hour. Buses run every three hours from the airport to the Newport Visitor Center. If in need of transportation to The Breakers from Newport, there is a ticketed trolley tour available at the Newport Transportation Center.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to The Breakers
Visit The Breakers
There are 11 Gilded Age-era mansions and gardens that are under the stewardship of the Preservation Society of Newport County, which manages several homes known as the Newport Mansions. Of these, The Breakers is considered by many to be the grandest. A visit to this mansion provides you with a unique chance to tour one of the most opulent homes of the Gilded Age. You will also have the chance to take part in another very different tour of the property's underground areas.
The Breakers was a technological marvel of its time, with a subterranean boiler room located far from the home. Also on display is the power station designed by Thomas Edison that provided the residence with electricity, a luxury available at the time only to the wealthiest. There are also special events throughout the year at the mansion, such as the legendary annual Holiday Dinner Dance in December. The best times to visit are during the spring and fall when outside temperatures are the mildest.
Ticket Information
Tickets to The Breakers are available online and cost $29 for adults and $10 for youth ages 6 to 12. A ticket grants you access to the interior of the house and the outside grounds, where you will learn all about the Vanderbilt family as well as the society dinners they hosted at the mansion and the games the children would play in the halls. Guide-led tours underneath The Breakers are available at a cost of $25 for adults and $10 for youth ages 6 to 12. Admission to The Breakers Stable and Carriage House is free with a ticket to any of the Newport Mansions.
Family-Friendly Options
A family-oriented audio tour is available of The Breakers and is included with the admission price. You and your family will get to hear a pre-recorded audio tour that features the mansion itself as a character that narrates your exploration. There will also be family members, staff, and children who are part of the audio experience. To make the tour even more fanciful, the stylized dragon and dolphin motifs that can be found throughout the decor of The Breakers also act as characters in the audio experience.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Start your day off early by getting breakfast in the town of Newport at a local favorite like Franklin Spa or Corner Cafe. Either choice puts you close to the Newport Art Museum, where you can spend a couple of hours. This museum was founded in 1912 and features several galleries of art across three acres of land. Once you are done at the museum, have a tour of The Breakers, either with your own vehicle or by taking a trolley tour.
If it's the weekend, indulge in afternoon tea at the nearby Marble House. A prix fixe menu is available that features a tea tower that comes complete with tea, savories, and sweets. A la carte menu selections are also available for purchase. If you would like to have something a little more casual, guests are welcome to bring their own picnic supplies and enjoy a picnic on the grounds. Finish off your day with a hike at the Cliff Walk.
However you decide to spend your time at The Breakers, there will be plenty of opportunities for stunning photos, provided they are only for non-commercial use. Many guests choose to dress for their surroundings in order to get the best photos, wearing clothing that hearkens back to the Gilded Age. For safety reasons, the use of tripods, selfie sticks, flash, and taking photos on or from the staircase is not allowed.
The Breakers Accommodations
Campgrounds Nearby
Only 10 minutes from The Breakers, Paradise Park is about as close as it gets. It’s located in Middletown, Rhode Island, just minutes from a number of beaches. With Green End Pond and Nelson Pond on either side of the park, the area is scenic and picturesque. Easton’s Point Pub and Flo’s Clam Shack are within walking distance of the RV park, as are several supermarkets and a coffeehouse.
Another one of the RV campgrounds in Providence, Rhode Island, worth checking out as a place to stay during your travels is Paradise Park RV Campground. All of the sites are flat, and many of them are shaded to help make your vacation more comfortable. This is one of the only local campgrounds that are designed to accommodate big rigs, which is always a plus for campers who travel in this type of RV.
This beautiful waterside campground and military FamCamp offers great scenic views of the harbor and surrounding islands. Situated in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, you’re a short drive from plenty of amenities and area attractions. The Breakers is only a 20 minute drive away, and historic Newport is even closer.
Activities Near The Breakers
Things to Do
Fishing
Plenty of fishing is available near The Breakers since you will be right next to the sea. For supplies, a good option is to head over to The Saltwater Edge in Middletown.
Flora and fauna
The nearby Green Animals Topiary Garden is worth a visit. It is the oldest topiary garden in the country and is home to 35 flowerbeds, over 22,000 daffodils, 37,000 tulips, and large animal-shaped plant sculptures.
Hiking
The famous 3.5-mile Cliff Walk in Newport, is a must. The walk is free and is available year-round from sunrise to sunset.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Being so close to the sea can make the weather variable throughout the day. It is best to check the weather forecast before you head out to the attraction. Even in the warmer months, it is good to plan for when there is a breeze from the sea.
Safety & Accessibility
Visitors should be mindful of all rules and regulations when visiting this attraction. It is a preserved site, so there are some unique regulations in place. For example, strollers are not allowed due to the possibility of them causing damage to historic furnishings and surfaces.
The first floor of The Breakers is self-accessible for mobility devices, while the second floor is accessible by an elevator that is operated by staff.
Conclusion
Visiting The Breakers provides you with a unique view into a period of United States history that is still marveled at today. Just one indicator of the current fascination with the period is that several scenes of the HBO drama "The Gilded Age" were filmed at The Breakers. Spend some time at the Newport Mansions to gain insight and experience into how the wealthiest of the wealthy lived during this interesting time.
FAQ
There are several camping options near The Breakers. One of the favorite options for many guests is the Newport RV Park.
Parking is free at The Breakers, and they are accustomed to large tour groups, so parking an RV there during visiting hours should not be a problem.
Since this is a preserved historical site, it is possible that some areas might be closed to the public or that there could be a reason for the location to be completely closed unexpectedly. To be sure, contact The Breakers ahead of your visit.
The Breakers is definitely family-friendly and has special tours designed for families. It is worth using your own best judgment as to whether your children are old enough to respect a historically preserved home.
The Breakers is not an ideal destination for bringing your pets along. Only service animals are allowed at any of the Preservation Society properties or on the grounds.