Brenton Point State Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Brenton Point State Park is located in the state of Rhode Island and is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and rich history.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is located on a rocky peninsula, which offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. One of the main reasons to visit the park is to admire the breathtaking views of the ocean and the Newport Bridge.

The park has several points of interest, including the historic Brenton Point Mansion, which was built in 1895. The mansion has been restored and is now used for events and conferences. The park is also home to several picnic areas, hiking trails, and a fishing area.

Visitors can also enjoy kite flying, bird watching, and horseback riding. The park is dog-friendly and has a designated area for dogs to run and play.

Interesting facts about the area include that it was once a significant military site during World War II, with several artillery batteries located on the peninsula. The park is also home to several migratory bird species, including the peregrine falcon and osprey.

The best time of year to visit Brenton Point State Park is in the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the fall foliage and winter snowscapes.

Overall, Brenton Point State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and history. Its scenic beauty, rich history, and recreational activities make it an ideal spot for families, couples, and solo travelers.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References