Newport abounds in maxi-yachts, 70-knot powerboats, cruise ships, round-the-world racers and luxurious cruising palaces. These waters are a terminus for many of the world's great races, such as the Cruising Club of America's Newport-to-Bermuda Race on even years and the OSTAR single-handed race, as well as the Maxi Series. The Classic Yacht Regatta, Admiral's Cup trials, the New York Yacht Club Cruise and the Volvo Ocean Race and other special events with some regularity. The America's Cup trials and races dominated Newport for many decades and the legacy of those events is evident everywhere. At moorings around the harbor you will see many 12-meter racers from the classic period of the America's Cup. These refurbished racers are used for day charters and occasional regattas.

The well-preserved Newport Historic District boasts meticulously and beautifully maintained buildings, churchs and houses (most of which are inhabited and private).