A Travel Guide to Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island, is a world-famous 3.5-mile public walkway that combines breathtaking ocean views with the grandeur of Gilded Age mansions. Designated as a National Recreation Trail, this scenic path stretches along the Atlantic coastline, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, architectural history, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply seeking a picturesque stroll, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable visit to one of New England’s most iconic attractions.
Why Visit Cliff Walk?
Cliff Walk is a must-do for visitors to Newport, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and historic mansions like The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff. The trail provides a multi-sensory experience: the sound of crashing waves, the sight of opulent estates, and the fresh sea breeze. It’s a perfect way to experience Newport’s unique blend of natural splendor and Gilded Age extravagance. The walk is free, accessible year-round, and suitable for various fitness levels, making it a versatile attraction for families, couples, and solo travelers.
How to Get There
Cliff Walk is located in Newport, Rhode Island, about 36 miles south of Providence and 75 miles from Boston. Here are the main ways to reach it:
By Car: From Providence, take I-95 South to RI-138 East or I-195 East to RI-114 South, reaching Newport in about 40–50 minutes. Parking is available at Easton’s Beach (First Beach) (Memorial Boulevard, $10 weekdays/$20 weekends) or near Forty Steps (Narragansett Avenue, metered street parking). Note that parking can be limited during peak summer weekends. GPS Address: 119 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840 (Easton’s Beach trailhead).
By Public Transit: RIPTA Bus Route 67 stops near Easton’s Beach and other access points like Ochre Point Avenue. A one-way fare costs about $2. From Providence, take a bus or Amtrak to Kingston Station, then transfer to RIPTA Route 64 or 231 to Newport’s Gateway Visitors Center (30-minute ride).
By Ferry: From May to October, a ferry runs from Providence to Newport (1 hour, ~$20 round-trip). From the Newport dock, take a short taxi or RIPTA bus to the trailhead.
By Foot or Bike: If staying in downtown Newport, the Cliff Walk is a 10–15-minute walk from Bellevue Avenue or Thames Street to access points like Forty Steps or Memorial Boulevard.
Note: Due to a 2022 collapse, a 450-foot section between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street is closed as of 2025, with a clearly marked inland detour. Check www.cityofnewport.com for updates.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Mild weather and blooming wildflowers make this a pleasant time, with fewer crowds than summer.
Summer (June–August): The most popular season, with warm weather and vibrant scenery, but expect crowds, especially on weekends. Early mornings are ideal.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, colorful foliage, and fewer visitors make fall a prime time for photography and relaxed walks.
Winter (December–February): The trail remains open, offering a quiet experience, but icy patches and cold winds require caution and warm clothing.
Tip: Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds. Check tide schedules, as high tides can make southern sections wet and slippery.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset, year-round.
Entrance Fee: Free to access at any point. Some nearby mansions (e.g., The Breakers) charge for tours (~$29 for adults).
Parking Fees: Easton’s Beach lot charges $10 (weekdays) or $20 (weekends). Metered street parking is available at other access points like Narragansett Avenue.
What to See and Do
Cliff Walk stretches from Easton’s Beach (First Beach) in the north to Bailey’s Beach (Reject’s Beach) in the south, with 16 points of interest along the way. Here are the highlights:
Scenic Ocean Views: The trail offers stunning vistas of Narragansett Bay, with waves crashing against cliffs up to 70 feet high. Look for wildflowers, seabirds, and surfers near Ochre Point.
Gilded Age Mansions: Walk past the backyards of iconic estates like The Breakers (a 70-room Vanderbilt mansion), Marble House (with its Chinese Tea House), and Rough Point. While you can’t enter most mansions from the trail, their gardens and architecture are visible.
Forty Steps: Located at Narragansett Avenue, this stone staircase descends to the ocean, offering a scenic lookout and a chance to dip your toes in the water (beware of slippery rocks). Historically, it was a gathering spot for mansion servants.
Salve Regina University: The trail passes through the campus, featuring historic buildings like Ochre Court, a stunning Gilded Age chateau.
Photography and Nature: Capture dramatic seascapes, mansion backdrops, and rocky shores. The trail is a haven for birdwatching and spotting coastal flora.
Trail Details: Length: 3.5 miles one-way (7.2 miles round-trip), taking 2.5–3 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. Difficulty: The northern section (Easton’s Beach to Forty Steps) is paved and easy, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs (except for a few steps). The southern section (past Ruggles Avenue) becomes rocky and uneven, requiring sturdy shoes and caution. Short Route Option: For an easier 1-mile walk, start at Forty Steps and head east to The Breakers (30 minutes round-trip).
Where to Eat
On the Trail: No food vendors are available along Cliff Walk, so pack water and snacks. Tap water is available at seasonal restrooms (Easton’s Beach and Forty Steps).
Nearby in Newport: Flo’s Clam Shack (near Easton’s Beach): Famous for clam cakes and chowder (~$10–20). Newport Chowder Co. (Thames Street, 10-minute walk): Award-winning clam chowder and seafood (~$8–15). Clarke Cooke House (downtown): Upscale dining with fresh oysters and harbor views (~$20–40).
Tip: Enjoy a picnic on the trail’s benches or grassy areas for a budget-friendly option.
Where to Stay
Luxury: The Chanler at Cliff Walk (Memorial Boulevard), the only hotel directly on the trail, offers ocean views and Gilded Age elegance (~$400–800/night). Mid-Range: Newport Beach Hotel & Suites (near Easton’s Beach), with ocean-inspired decor (~$150–300/night). Budget: Newport Harbor Island Resort or Airbnb rentals in downtown Newport (~$80–150/night).
Tip: Book early for summer and fall, as Newport is a popular destination. Use Booking.com or Expedia for deals.
Tips for a Great Visit
Wear Appropriate Footwear: Sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes are essential for the rocky southern section. Avoid flip-flops or flats. Stay Safe: Watch your footing on rocky areas, especially after rain, as surfaces can be slippery. Stick to marked paths to avoid cliff edges.
Bring Essentials: Pack sunscreen, a hat, water, and a camera. There’s no shade along the trail, so sun protection is crucial. Pet-Friendly: Leashed dogs are allowed, but owners must clean up after them.
Accessibility: The northern paved section (Memorial Boulevard to Narragansett Avenue) is wheelchair-accessible, but stairs and rocky terrain limit access farther south. Combine Your Trip: Pair Cliff Walk with a tour of The Breakers ($29), a trolley tour of Newport ($25), or a sunset harbor cruise with Classic Cruises of Newport (~$40).
Final Thoughts
Cliff Walk is a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases Newport’s natural beauty and historical grandeur. From the roar of the Atlantic to the elegance of Gilded Age mansions, every step offers something to marvel at. Plan your visit for a quieter season, wear comfortable shoes, and take your time to soak in the views. Whether you walk the full trail or a short segment, Cliff Walk promises a memorable journey through one of America’s most scenic coastal paths.
Happy exploring!
