Everything You Need To Know About Visiting The Cliff Walk in Newport, RI

The Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile public walking path that winds along the coast of Newport, Rhode Island. The Cliff Walk has been designated a National Recreation Trail, the first in New England. The path offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mansions. With it’s incredible views and stunning scenery it’s no surprise the Cliff Walk is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike.

The Cliff Walk is open daily, year-round sunrise to sunset, but it can be easier to navigate during the spring or fall when the weather is mild. The path can be slippery, icy and hard to walk during wet and cold weather.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Cliff Walk.

Cliff Walk Entry Points

The Cliff Walk is a great way to experience the beauty of Newport. It is a must-do for any visitor to the city. There are various entry points to the Cliff Walk where you can start your hike, several have parking and bathrooms (seasonally). Due to structural damage to a section of Cliff Walk, detours will be in place between Narragansett Avenue and Webster Street for the foreseeable future. The remainder of the walk will be open.

First Beach/Memorial Boulevard

This is the beginning of the Cliff Walk at the end of First Beach/Easton’s Beach off Memorial Boulevard. There is public metered parking on Memorial and a parking lot at Easton’s Beach.

Narragansett Ave/40 Steps

This location has parking, access to public restrooms (seasonally) and the popular 40 Steps.

Salve Regina Ochre Court/Webster Street

This location is in front of Ochre Court at Salve Regina. There are a few free parking spots.

Ruggles Ave

A popular local surf spot close to The Breakers Mansion. There is no parking at this location however there is public parking for The Breakers Mansion not far away on Ochre Point Ave.

Marine Ave/Belmont Beach

A bit of a local hidden gem, this rocky beach is fun to explore along the Cliff Walk. There is no parking at this location. If you continue on after Marine Ave the terrain gets more difficult.

Ledge Road

A place to exit before the Cliff Walk turns into all rocky terrain. This is a beautiful spot to sit and look out on the Atlantic. There is a small rocky beach as well.

Rejects Beach/Bellevue Ave

The Cliff Walk ends at this local favorite spot Rejects Beach. This is a sandy beach that is free but there is no parking nearby.

Is the Cliff Walk Free?

Yes! The Cliff Walk is a beautifully maintained National Recreation Trail that is free to visit and explore. Some parking near the Cliff Walk is metered.

How hard is the Cliff Walk?

The Cliff Walk has different levels of difficult. The paved parts of the Cliff Walk are for all levels and can be navigated with strollers and wheelchairs. Eventually there are stairs you will need to climb to continue on the walk, and as you continue towards Rejects Beach, rocky terrain that is uneven in areas.

Where do you park for the Cliff Walk?

There are several different places to park for the Cliff Walk.

• Memorial Blvd (metered parking along First Beach)
• Forty Steps/Narragansett Ave
• Salve Regina/Ochre Court (a few spots on the street, parking is free)

Are dogs allowed at Cliff Walk?

Yes! Bring your leashed dog to enjoy the Cliff Walk and please pick up after your pup.

Here are some tips for enjoying your walk on the Cliff Walk:

• Wear comfortable shoes. The path is paved at the beginning near Memorial Blvd, and rocky in some places farther down towards Rejects Beach.
• Bring water and snacks. There are no food or drink vendors along the path.
• Don’t forget your camera! The views are amazing.