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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. The 3.5-mile coastal trail takes about two or three hours, from Easton’s Beach to Bailey’s Beach, past the most impressive 19th-century estates in America. These architectural marvels of the Gilded Age elite tell stories of wealth, ambition, and personal drama.
Stroll past The Breakers, a Vanderbilt masterpiece that redefined luxury. Pass by the palatial Marble House, admire Rosecliff’s sweeping lawns, and pause to take in the vast ocean vistas at Forty Steps. The northern section of the Cliff Walk is smooth and accessible, while the southern portion – about the last ⅓ of the walk – is rocky and more dangerous. Good footwear is a must.
Northern Entrance at Memorial Blvd & Eustis Ave, Newport, across from Easton’s Beach. Most people choose to begin here.
Seaview Avenue Entrance on Seaview Ave near Cliff Ave, Newport, close to the Forty Steps. This mid-point entry is popular for those not planning to walk the whole path.
Webster Street Entrance on Webster St near Salve Regina University and Tobin Hall, Newport; entry point from the University.
Plan to spend about 3 hours completing the narrated Cliff Walk tour. The route follows the full 3.5-mile trail, with the first two-thirds offering an easy, mostly flat walk, while the final section becomes rockier and more uneven. If you’d like to tour any of Newport’s famous mansions, be sure to allow extra time.
A full day is the perfect amount of time to enjoy the Cliff Walk, explore one or two of the historic mansions, and still unwind at one of Newport’s beautiful beaches before the day is done.
The walking distance is about 3.5 miles.
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