The park was once the location of 'The Reef,' a 30-room mansion built in 1887 that was demolished in 1963.
It is frequently used for the annual Newport Kite Festival, which takes place on the park's expansive lawn.
The park offers one of the few unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean on the southern Newport coastline.
The stone ruins remaining in the park are structural remnants of the original estate's gatehouse and garden walls.
The shoreline at Brenton Point is part of the designated 'Ocean Drive Historic District' listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Brenton Point State Park is situated at the confluence of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, marking the southern tip of Aquidneck Island. The park occupies the former site of the William Watts Sherman estate, which burned down in the 1960s. It is recognized as a premier location for kite flying due to its consistent ocean breezes and wide, unobstructed grassy expanses. The grounds include remnants of historic carriage roads and stone walls from the Gilded Age era. Visitors utilize the rocky coastline for saltwater fishing, targeting species like striped bass and tautog. The park serves as a gateway to the Ocean Drive scenic loop, a historic road featuring massive coastal mansions. Amenities consist of picnic tables, benches, and vault toilets, with no formal indoor facilities. The site is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. It remains one of the few points on the island where public access to the full ocean view is completely unrestricted.
The elevated grassy knoll overlooking the Atlantic, specifically near the stone ruins during the golden hour.
Bring a high-quality windbreaker even in summer, as the point is significantly windier than the Newport city center.
Plan for limited cell service and sparse shade; bring sunscreen and portable power banks.
Use the park as a base to start or end the 10-mile Ocean Drive scenic loop by bicycle or car.
Do not attempt to swim at the shoreline, as the currents and jagged rocks are extremely hazardous.
Park grounds are generally accessible year-round, though some seasonal amenities may be restricted during winter months.
Stay on marked trails and designated areas to protect coastal vegetation; pack out all trash as there are no disposal facilities.
