“Money can’t buy happiness… but it can buy a mansion with an ocean view.”’
Breezy. Glamorous. Majestic. Contrasting.
Newport’s Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile seaside path where the Atlantic pounds the rocks on one side while gilded mansions glitter on the other. It’s nature and opulence in a single stride—a walk where you’ll breathe salt air and peek into America’s age of unimaginable wealth.
This is Newport at its finest: wild waves, windblown cliffs, and the grand excess of the Gilded Age. Here’s where millionaires like the Vanderbilts and Astors built palaces to outshine one another while pretending it was all just summer fun. You don’t just see the mansions—you sense the competition, the parties, and the old-world grandeur clinging to every stone.
With our self-guided audio tour, the stories unfold exactly where they happened. GPS triggers narration as you walk, letting you enjoy the ocean breeze while the history of high society and the sea speaks for itself.
Glide past The Breakers, a Vanderbilt masterpiece that redefined luxury. Stroll by Marble House, dripping with gold leaf and ambition. Admire Rosecliff, once host to the grandest parties on the East Coast. Pause at the 40 Steps, where the ocean view was a rare escape for those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Look up at Ochre Court, an architectural masterpiece built by a banking empire. And finish with the sweep of Bailey’s Beach, where private sand meets public horizon.
Disclaimer: Side effects may include envy of old-money mansions, salty hair selfies, and sudden daydreams of throwing a Gatsby-style party by the sea.
Note:
Many of the mansions featured on this tour — including The Elms, The Breakers, Rosecliff, Marble House, and Chateau-sur-Mer — are managed by the Preservation Society of Newport County. Access to the properties, including parking lots and gardens, requires a valid ticket or membership. You can purchase tickets online at newportmansions.org or in person at any of the mansion entrances.
Upgrade and Save:
Get the most out of your money with these bundle upgrades!
- Newport Bundle: Explore Newport with self-guided driving and walking tours for $24.99 / Car. Save 22% .
- US East Coast Road Trip: Immerse yourself in 40+ self-guided driving and walking tours for $109.99 and save 61%.
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released
Newport Cliff Walk Map
Where To Start?
Starting Point Address: Easton’s Beach, 117 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 02840
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If multiple versions or entry points are available for your tour, be sure to download all the audio guides.
- Audio Setup: Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux, and bring headphones on walking tours. CarPlay and Android Auto are currently not supported; we’re working toward a solution with Apple
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.
Audio Story Highlights
-
Welcome
-
Forty Steps
-
Ochre Court
-
Vinland Estate
-
The Breakers
-
Rosecliff
-
Beechwood
-
Marble House
-
Rough Point
-
Land's End
-
Bailey's Beach
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The Newport Cliff Walk is a free, scenic stroll alongside Newport’s oceanside bluffs. It features gorgeous ocean views on one side and the famous Newport Mansions on the other.
The Newport Cliff Walk is open from sunrise to sunset. This is for the safety of visitors, as it’s not a good idea to walk along the cliffs after dark.
There really isn’t a bad time to visit the Cliff Walk, but late spring and early fall tend to be less crowded than summer and are still pleasantly warm. If you don’t mind running into a few other travelers, summer is the most popular season to visit.
The city of Newport itself is packed with things to do. From shops to restaurants and bars to whale watches departing from the harbor, you could spend a whole day there and still not run out of things to do!
The Newport Cliff Walk is a very easy walk. The first two-thirds of a mile are also paved, making them accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Newport, Rhode Island rose to prominence during the Gilded Age as one of the most sought-after getaways for New York’s well-to-do. Families like the Vanderbilts and the Astors built lavish mansions here which still stand tall today!
Marble House was home to William and Alva Vanderbilt. William actually gave the extravagant mansion to Alva as a birthday gift!
Beechwood was home to Caroline Astor (who insisted she be called “The Mrs. Astor”), a wealthy Gilded Age socialite. Caroline became famous for the parties she threw in Beechwood’s ballroom, which had a capacity of 400. This led to the creation of the highly controversial “400 List” dictating who was and was not invited to these exclusive balls.
Many of Newport’s beaches are open to the public, but almost all charge a fee for parking. Be prepared to pay between $10-25 for beach parking.
The main attractions along the Cliff Walk are undoubtedly the Gilded Age mansions which line the path. These extravagant estates are every bit as beautiful as the ocean they overlook.
Most people park on Memorial Boulevard at Easton’s Beach or at the end of Narragansett Avenue. If you’re willing to walk a little farther, however, you can also find parking within the adjacent neighborhoods.
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.
Easy to use: Stories play automatically via GPS, hands‑free. Assistance available all day via call, chat, or email.
Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.
Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.
At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.
Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.
Don’t miss a thing: Enjoy a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated videos, text guides, and hidden gems.
Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.
Entry tickets or reservations for any attractions along the route.
Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.
