Cliff Walk
A 3.5-mile coastal path offering dramatic ocean views and glimpses of opulent Gilded Age mansions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Cliff Walk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 3.5-mile coastal path offering dramatic ocean views and glimpses of opulent Gilded Age mansions.
"The Cliff Walk is a must-visit, blending natural beauty with historic grandeur for an unforgettable experience."
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path varies from paved to rocky. Good walking shoes are a must for this 3.5-mile trail .
🚗 Parking Advice
Consider parking on Shepherd Avenue for free access, or near mansions like The Breakers .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean Vistas
Entire 3.5-mile stretch
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the rugged coastline.
Gilded Age Mansions
Adjacent to the Cliff Walk
Marvel at the grandeur of historic mansions like The Breakers and Marble House from a unique perspective.
The Forty Steps
Midway along the Cliff Walk
A historic stone staircase offering a picturesque spot to pause and soak in the coastal scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Cliff Walk
+1Best Time to Visit for Views & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path varies from paved to rocky. Good walking shoes are a must for this 3.5-mile trail.
🚗 Parking Advice
Consider parking on Shepherd Avenue for free access, or near mansions like The Breakers.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are limited services along the walk, so bring your own refreshments.
☀️ Check Weather Forecast
The Cliff Walk is beautiful in all weather, but be prepared for sun, wind, or rain.+1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
The path varies from paved to rocky. Good walking shoes are a must for this 3.5-mile trail.
🚗 Parking Advice
Consider parking on Shepherd Avenue for free access, or near mansions like The Breakers.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are limited services along the walk, so bring your own refreshments.
☀️ Check Weather Forecast
The Cliff Walk is beautiful in all weather, but be prepared for sun, wind, or rain.+1
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone for stunning ocean and mansion photo opportunities.+1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cliff Walk for its stunning ocean vistas and the unique juxtaposition of natural beauty with Gilded Age mansions. Many highlight it as a must-do in Newport, offering a free and accessible way to experience the area's charm. Some note that certain sections can be challenging or closed, requiring flexibility in plans.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cliff Walk is accessible from multiple points. Popular starting points include near The Breakers mansion or Marble House. You can also find parking on Shepherd Avenue for free access.
Yes, parking is available. Some lots are near the mansions and may have fees. Free parking can often be found on Shepherd Avenue.
No, the Cliff Walk is a pedestrian-only trail. However, Ocean Drive runs parallel to parts of the coast and offers scenic driving views.
While there isn't direct public transport to every access point, local buses can get you close to the Newport area, and from there, it's a short walk or taxi ride to the Cliff Walk.
For those with mobility issues, accessing the Cliff Walk from the southern end near the mansions or finding accessible viewpoints along Ocean Drive is recommended. Some sections are paved, but others can be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Cliff Walk is a public access trail and is free to enter. There are no tickets required.
The Cliff Walk is open 24/7, as it's a public outdoor space. However, it's best enjoyed during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
There are no entrance fees for the Cliff Walk itself. If you choose to visit the adjacent mansions, separate admission fees will apply.
Yes, sections of the Cliff Walk can experience closures due to structural damage. It's advisable to check local advisories or Discover Newport's website for current status, especially between Narragansett Ave. and Webster Street.
While technically open 24/7, walking the Cliff Walk at night is not recommended due to uneven terrain, potential hazards, and lack of lighting.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Cliff Walk is 3.5 miles one way, so a round trip is 7 miles. Most visitors spend 2-3 hours to complete the walk, allowing time for photos and enjoying the views.+1
The terrain varies. Some parts are paved and smooth, while others are rocky and uneven. Be prepared for some inclines and declines.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and a camera. A hat and sunglasses are also recommended.
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Cliff Walk, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Everywhere! But particularly scenic spots include the areas with unobstructed ocean views, the Forty Steps, and any vantage point offering a clear view of the Gilded Age mansions.+1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly on the Cliff Walk itself. However, you can find numerous restaurants and cafes in the nearby town of Newport, many with ocean views.
Picnicking is permitted, but remember to pack out all your trash and leave no trace.
Popular dining spots near the Cliff Walk include The Mooring, The Chanler at Cliff Walk (for a more upscale experience), and various eateries in downtown Newport.+1
While not directly on the trail, you can find cafes in Newport town. The Chanler at Cliff Walk offers a cozy spot for hot chocolate.
Newport offers a diverse culinary scene, from fresh seafood and classic American fare to international cuisine. Many restaurants boast beautiful waterfront or historic settings.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for both the ocean and the mansions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and mansions. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the mansions. A polarizing filter can enhance the ocean's colors.
Drone usage is generally restricted in public areas and near historic properties. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
The sections offering unobstructed ocean views, the historic Forty Steps, and the facades of The Breakers and Marble House are prime photography locations.+1
Yes, the Cliff Walk provides excellent vantage points for photographing the exteriors of the Gilded Age mansions.+1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that some sections can be uneven or have drop-offs, so close supervision is crucial. The open space and ocean views are usually a hit with children. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone. The Forty Steps can be a fun landmark for kids to discover.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
You can enjoy miles of stunning coastal scenery and views of historic mansions without spending a dime on admission. Pack your own food and drinks to save on dining costs.Look for free parking options, such as on Shepherd Avenue, to avoid parking fees. While visiting the mansions themselves incurs costs, simply walking the Cliff Walk provides a rich and memorable experience that fits any budget. It's a perfect way to soak in the beauty and history of Newport without breaking the bank.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider packing a small picnic to enjoy at a scenic overlook. For a more luxurious experience, The Chanler at Cliff Walk offers a charming spot for a drink or meal with stunning views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gilded Age Mansions
Many of these mansions are now museums managed by The Preservation Society of Newport County. While the Cliff Walk provides exterior views, visiting the interiors offers a deeper dive into the history, art, and architecture of these magnificent estates. Plan for separate admission tickets if you wish to tour the mansions. The proximity of the Cliff Walk to these landmarks makes it easy to combine a scenic walk with a historical exploration.
For those interested in the history, consider visiting Rough Point, Doris Duke's former estate, which also borders the Cliff Walk and offers a glimpse into a later era of Newport's grand residences. Each mansion tells a different story, contributing to the rich tapestry of Newport's past. The contrast between the natural beauty of the coastline and the man-made grandeur of the mansions is a key part of the Cliff Walk's appeal.
Navigating the Cliff Walk's Terrain and Access
For instance, the stretch between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street has experienced closures due to structural damage, requiring detours. This means visitors should be prepared for varied walking conditions, from smooth, manicured paths to rocky, uneven surfaces.When planning your visit, consider starting points that offer easier access. Many visitors opt to begin near the grand mansions like The Breakers or Marble House, which provide well-maintained entry points. Alternatively, parking on Shepherd Avenue offers a free and convenient access point to the northern end of the walk.
For individuals with mobility concerns, it's wise to research specific sections or utilize viewpoints along Ocean Drive, which offers scenic vistas with less demanding terrain.It's always a good idea to check local advisories for any temporary closures or detours before you go. Wearing sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential, as is bringing water and snacks, as amenities are scarce along the trail itself. The varied terrain, while sometimes challenging, is part of what makes the Cliff Walk a unique and rewarding coastal adventure.
Best Times for Photography and Views
Early mornings are also ideal for avoiding crowds, allowing for unobstructed shots of the coastline and the majestic mansions like The Breakers and Marble House.
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive ocean vistas and the grandeur of the estates. A polarizing filter can be beneficial for enhancing the blues of the ocean and sky and reducing glare. Remember to also capture the smaller details – the textures of the rocks, the wildflowers, and the historic elements of the Forty Steps.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit