Cliff Walk

Newport’s iconic 3.5-mile Cliff Walk pairs natural beauty with Gilded Age grandeur. This National Recreation Trail traces the rocky shoreline, passing elegant mansions, wild coastal vistas, and historic landmarks. Whether you stroll a section or walk it all, the views are simply unforgettable.

MUST-DO CHECKLIST

• Walk the Different Sections – Enjoy both the paved northern stretch near The Breakers and the rugged southern half, where rocky cliffs meet crashing Atlantic waves.
• Find the Forty Steps – Descend this historic stone staircase at the end of Narragansett Avenue for sweeping ocean views and a classic Newport photo op.
• Tour The Breakers Mansion – Step inside the Vanderbilt family’s opulent summer home, where marble halls and oceanfront lawns capture the splendor of Newport’s Gilded Age.
• Visit Other Gilded Age Mansions – Stroll nearby Bellevue Avenue to explore Marble House, Rosecliff, and The Elms—each showcasing unique architecture and lavish décor.
• Go at Christmas – Visit The Breakers and other mansions aglow with lights, garlands, and holiday cheer during Newport’s spectacular seasonal celebrations. 

Itinerary Idea: Soak in Newport’s coastal beauty and Gilded Age elegance on a narrated trolley tour covering 150+ sights along Ocean Drive, Bellevue Avenue, and the Cliff Walk, then step inside The Breakers for an unforgettable look at Vanderbilt-era opulence.

Photo Credit: Kumar Mehul/Usplash