CliffWalk start - Newport, Rhode Island

CliffWalk in Newport, Rhode Island is a scenic 3.5 mile National Recreation Trail which runs along the Newport Shoreline. Along the way you will pass the spectacular Newport Mansions, also known as “summer cottages.” The most famous, The Breakers, is a marvelous site encompassing over 137,000 square feet. As as a portion of the walk was closed at Ruggles Ave. due to damage from Hurricane Sandy, we could only complete a portion. However, there was still plenty of beauty to be seen up until that point (about 2 miles). Normally the full walk round-trip would be about 7 miles.

The trail starts at Easton Beach (First Beach), located at 175 Memorial Blvd. in Newport. The path takes you from Memorial Ave., past The Breakers to Ruggles Ave.

Easton Beach - Newport, Rhode Island

The paved path is fairly flat. Despite the lengthy distance, it’s a pretty easy trail. There are numerous spots along the trail where you can take excellent photographs of the ocean, beaches, cliffs, and mansions. There are also several benches, if you want to relax and take in the gorgeous scenery.

A few of the gorgeous ocean views along the path…

Scenery from Newport's CliffWalk
Ocean scenery from Newport's CliffWalk
Mansion in the distance seen from Newport's CliffWalk
Ocean scenery from Newport's CliffWalk
Ocean views from Newport's CliffWalk
Beautiful ocean views from Newport's CliffWalk
Beautiful ocean views from Newport's CliffWalk
Scenic cliff views from Newport's CliffWalk

Highlights along the path

The 40 Steps at Narragansett is a stone staircase that goes down the cliff to a beautiful balcony overlooking the water.

40 stone steps - Newport's CliffWalk

The Breakers, a Vanderbilt Mansion, is the most famous and visited of the Newport Mansions. This mansion, built between 1893-1895 for 12 million, has 70 rooms and takes up a massive 65,000 square feet. Cornelius Vanderbilt, who made his fortune in the railroad and shipping industry, was one of the richest men of the 19th Century.

The Breakers Mansion along CliffWalk in Newport, Rhode Island

The Vineland Mansion is now part of Salve Regina University. It was originally built in 1882 for tobacco heiress Catharine Lorillard Wolfe.

Vineland Mansion - Newport's CliffWalk

The Ochre Court Mansion is now part of Salve Regina University. It was built in 1892 for 4.5 million dollars. This is the 2nd largest mansion.

Ochre Point Mansion - Salve Regina University - Newport, Rhode Island

Tips for a great walk

*Bring with water – I didn’t see any drinking fountains along the way.

*Wear comfortable shoes.

*Bring with a camera – there are plenty of spots to take great photographs.

*Make sure to stay on the path! Some of the cliffs are pretty steep and high.

danger caution sign blog size

Additional Details

Admission: Free
Parking: Easton Beach ( 175 Memorial Blvd.). Parking meters, or free parking on a side street (watch the signs)
Starting Point: 117 Memorial Blvd. Newport, RI
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, everyday
Pet policy: Leashed dogs are ok
Bike policy: No bikes allowed
Interactive map

Also check out my full guide to visiting Newport