00:00
Once simply a rocky stretch of coastline, Newport grew into the summer playground of the rich and famous during the Gilded Age. Vanderbilts, Astors, and Berwinds built themselves lavish architectural marvels here. Their “cottages” still stand in all their grandeur today — the closest America comes to Europe’s palaces. And of course, they wouldn’t settle for anything less than the best view: stunning Atlantic Ocean views over Newport’s cliffs.
Today, we can experience both Gilded Age glamour and wild Atlantic waves by walking the narrow path between them: Newport’s iconic Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile coastal trail takes about two or three hours to walk. The northern section is smooth and accessible, while the southern portion – about the last ⅓ of the walk – is rocky and more dangerous. Stretching from Easton’s Beach to Bailey’s Beach, this trail through time is one to remember.
Reaching Newport, Rhode Island, and the famous Cliff Walk is simple, whether you’re traveling by car, bus, or air. Located on Aquidneck Island, Newport is well-connected to the surrounding region and popular as a day trip or weekend destination.
Rhode Island’s T.F. Green Airport (PVD) is the closest to Newport, only 25 minutes away from Newport. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is larger and more popular but over 2 hours away.
Newport is an hour south of Providence. Take either I-195 or I-138 (nominal toll for bridge).
There is a seasonal ferry available from Providence to Newport. It takes about an hour. Amtrak riders can get close to Newport by disembarking at either Kingston (closer) or Providence (more rental car options).
The Cliff Walk is free. However, parking pretty much anywhere in Newport comes with a fee, including street parking and beach parking.
Several of the mansions along the Cliff Walk are open to visitors and provide a room-by-room guided audio tour. Tickets for The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff can be bundled together in a single purchase from newportmansions.org. Be sure to download their separate app, The Newport Mansions, for the free audio tour.
Staying in Newport
Still a popular summer destination, Newport offers a plethora of accommodation options at every price point. Be aware that the town can completely book up early in the year, so reserve accommodations early to ensure space.
Staying Near Newport
Middletown is about 25 miles away from Newport and offers additional hotel options, often at great prices. It tends to serve as the overflow accommodation site during the busy summer season.
Providence
Rhode Island’s capital is another good option, especially if Newport is only a day-trip location in a longer vacation itinerary.
The Cliff Walk is open year-round, so visitors willing to brave the cold can enjoy the views in the wintertime.
Spring brings pleasant air temperatures but can be rainy, so check weather forecasts.
Summer is the most popular time to visit, thanks to the warm sun on the beaches and beautiful views. Just remember to come early to avoid the busiest crowds along the path.
Fall is a drier season with cooler air and beautiful views of the ocean and the mansions’ grounds.
We’ll walk past Newport’s most iconic mansion, which offers a glimpse into the opulence of the Gilded Age. Built by the Vanderbilt family, this is a grand 70-room Italian Renaissance-style estate.
The path takes us past Marble House, a striking example of Beaux-Arts architecture inspired by nothing less than the Petit Trianon in Versailles. We’ll also glimpse the mansion’s unique Chinese Tea House perched on the grounds.
Why stop at the Petit Trianon? Rosecliff looks to the Grand Trianon for inspiration, and once hosted Newport’s
most glamorous party (not a small boast).
A beloved landmark along Cliff Walk, these stone steps offer the chance to get closer to the wild Atlantic crashing below the Cliff Walk.
If you can make it to the end, you’ll be rewarded with views of Rough Point, offering a glimpse into the life of
heiress Doris Duke.
A few hours is enough to explore the Cliff Walk, including seeing the exteriors of all the historic mansions, taking in the Atlantic views, and stopping by the Forty Steps.
Several of the mansions along the route offer ticketed tours, and it’s well worth taking a trip or two inside the opulent interiors and grounds. Purchase a Newport Mansions pass or bundled ticket for better value and download the Newport Mansions audio tour app for the best experience inside.
This walking tour can be completed in a few hours or spread over the whole day.
Set out in the morning at Easton’s Beach to take advantage of cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Walk along the Cliff Walk and enjoy the narration that shares stories of the Gilded Age mansions that line the path. If purchasing tickets to visit inside one (or more) of the mansions, early afternoon is a good time to do this, since it avoids the most direct sun along the elevated pathway.
The 3.5-mile walking trail ends at Bailey’s Beach, also known as Reject’s Beach. Visitors can enjoy this free beach and rest after all that walking, or explore Newport further.
Portable Charger/Battery Pack: Using location services drains device batteries a little more quickly than usual, so pack an extra charger or battery to keep the audio narration running smoothly.
Sturdy Walking Shoes: The second half of Cliff Walk involves rocky, uneven terrain, and there are steps along the route. Pack closed-toed shoes that keep feet comfortable and supported along the elevated path.
Filled Water Bottle: As with any hike, bring along plenty of water to remain hydrated.
Sun Protection: The sun can be surprisingly strong on Cliff Walk, and there is little shade along the elevated walkway. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock to protect from sunburn and stay comfortable.
Light Jacket : Coastal weather is changeable, and the wind coming off the Atlantic can get chilly in any season. Bring a light jacket, ideally waterproof, to stay comfortable in the ocean air and while touring air-conditioned mansions
Camera: Bring along a good camera or make sure internal device storage on phones is freed up for photographing the beautiful mansions and ocean views.
Enjoy a special discount on your next adventure.
Valid only on guidealong.com.