Introduction
The Newport Cliff Walk is one of Rhode Island's most celebrated attractions and the only place in America where you can walk directly between a Gilded Age mansion district and the Atlantic Ocean — both on the same path. Congress designated it a National Recreation Trail in 1975.
Trail Overview and Route
The full Cliff Walk runs 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from the north entrance at Memorial Boulevard (Easton's Beach) to the south end at Bellevue Avenue near Bailey's Beach. Most visitors do a 2-mile round trip to the 40 Steps and back — this is the easiest and most scenic portion.
The northern half (from Easton's Beach to Ruggles Avenue) is well-paved and suitable for strollers and people with mobility limitations. The southern half becomes rocky and unmaintained — this section requires good footwear and careful footing.
Best Access Points
North End — Easton's Beach: 175 Memorial Boulevard, Newport. Free street parking on Memorial Blvd (arrive early). This is the most popular starting point.
40 Steps — Narragansett Avenue: Turn right off Bellevue Ave onto Narragansett Ave. Limited street parking. The famous stone staircase descending to the rocks is here — a must-see mid-walk stop.
Middle Access — Ochre Point Avenue: Parking on Ochre Court (off Ochre Point Ave). Shorter walk to the rocky southern section.
The Mansions You'll See
Walking south from Easton's Beach, you'll pass directly behind these Gilded Age estates:
Partner — Viator
Book tours, activities & experiences across Rhode Island.
- Ochre Court (now Salve Regina University)
- Breakers — the Vanderbilt family's 70-room cottage (tickets at newportmansions.org)
- Marble House — another Vanderbilt mansion
- Rosecliff — famously used in The Great Gatsby film
- Château-sur-Mer
- Belcourt Castle
When to Visit
Best: Early September–October. Crowds thin significantly after Labor Day but weather is perfect. Spring (May–June) is also excellent.
Avoid: July and August weekends before 9am are crowded.
Winter: The trail stays open but the rocky southern section can be icy and dangerous December–March.
Mistakes To Avoid
Wearing sandals or flip-flops for the whole walk — the rocky southern half requires closed-toe shoes with grip.
Expecting to visit the mansion interiors from the trail — the Cliff Walk only gives exterior views. Separate tickets required through newportmansions.org ($25–$35/person per mansion).
Trying to park on Bellevue Avenue in peak season — take the RIPTA bus (Route 67) or park in the Gateway Center garage on America's Cup Avenue.
Faq
How long does the Newport Cliff Walk take?
The full 3.5-mile one-way walk takes 2–3 hours at a leisurely pace. Most visitors do a 2-mile round trip from Easton's Beach to the 40 Steps and back, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Is the Newport Cliff Walk stroller-friendly?
The northern third (from Easton's Beach to roughly Narragansett Avenue) is paved and stroller-accessible. After that, the terrain becomes rocky and uneven.
Is there an admission fee for the Cliff Walk?
No — the trail is free and open year-round, sunrise to sunset.
Sources
- Newport Cliff Walk: cliffwalk.com
- Newport Preservation Society mansions: newportmansions.org
- RIPTA Bus Routes: ripta.com