Come Along on a Seaside Walk in Newport, Rhode Island

The Cliffside Inn, one of Newport’s best-known and most romantic B&Bs, is ideally situated for couples who want to stroll along Newport’s famous Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile pathway along the sea is one of New England’s most spectacular walks. It affords views of both Newport’s legendary mansions and the restless and magnificent ocean they overlook. A fabulous free attraction indeed!

On this Cliff Walk photo tour, you’ll see some spectacular scenery and also discover tips that will help you plan your visit to Newport’s Cliff Walk.

A Walk Beside the Sea

The northern half of the Cliff Walk, nearest to Cliffside Inn, is the easiest portion to navigate. The walkway is paved, and sturdy fences are in place to protect you from an accidental tumble as you walk along the seaside cliffs.

Rhode Island’s Rocky Coast

The views of Newport, Rhode Island’s rocky coastline are nothing short of spectacular from the Cliff Walk.

Privacy Please

Designated a National Recreation Trail in 1975, the Cliff Walk is a public right-of-way that crosses numerous private properties. Many property owners maintain tall vegetation to safeguard their privacy.

Stairway to the Sea

As you meander along, you’ll notice this iconic stone stairway known as the “Forty Steps.” This landmark is located at the end of Narragansett Avenue, less than a mile from where the Cliff Walk begins.

Rules to Follow

A sign at Narragansett Avenue outlines some important rules for visitors of Newport’s Cliff Walk. For your safety, it is crucial to remain on the designated trail. The Cliff Walk is accessible from sunrise to sunset, bicycles are not allowed, and dogs must be kept on a leash.

Signs Point the Way

You needn’t worry about losing your way along Newport’s Cliff Walk. Clear, prominent signs indicate cross streets leading out to Bellevue Avenue, which is famed for its opulent mansions.

A Message

Upon examining the “rules” sign with care, you’ll find that graffiti is discouraged along the Cliff Walk. Most visitors show immense respect for this stunning coastal path, hence this positive message on a stone arch caught my attention.

The Meaning of Life

You can always expect to see breathtaking scenery along Newport’s Cliff Walk. In fact, you might even stumble upon your own interpretation of the meaning of life! At least this graffiti held a uplifting message.

A Romantic Walk

After walking under the stone arch, I observed a couple strolling hand-in-hand, epitomizing the romantic atmosphere of Newport’s Cliff Walk. It’s simply one of the most romantic walks in New England—a perfect setting for proposals.

Cliff Walk Attractions

By walking the full 3.5-mile distance of the Cliff Walk, visitors can view numerous private homes alongside some public mansions, including The Breakers and Rough Point. This exquisite building shown here is Ochre Court located within the grounds of Salve Regina University.

Sunset Sky

While the opulent homes lining the Cliff Walk are quite stunning, the captivating sky at sunset is a show that shouldn’t be missed.

The Breakers at Dusk

As twilight descended, the grand mansions along the Cliff Walk were shrouded in shadows. Nevertheless, The Breakers—the impressive 70-room palace designed by Richard Morris Hunt for Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt—remained a sight to behold.

Through an Open Gate

These towering gates near The Breakers are not only functional but also a work of art in themselves.

Framing a View

The ornate ironwork of the gate frames the soft hues of sunset as day transitions to night in Newport, Rhode Island.

Turning Back

Though I would have relished the opportunity to explore more of the Cliff Walk, I am not one to break the rules, so I turned around and headed back toward the inn. The temperature had also started to drop, and I had neglected to bring a jacket in my eagerness to reach the Cliff Walk.

Forty Steps

As I journeyed back along the Cliff Walk, I captured this close-up shot of the Forty Steps, the nickname for the stone staircase leading down to the ocean. However, I didn’t count to confirm if there are indeed forty steps!

A Millionaire’s View

During the Gilded Age, America’s wealthiest families claimed the coastal lands of Newport. However, the Cliff Walk ensures that these exquisite ocean views will always remain accessible to everyone without charge.