Newport Cliff Walk

Posted byrkrontheroadPosted inbeach, history, Newport, North America, Photography, Travel, United StatesTags:, , , , , ,

Looking for an interesting day trip from Cape Cod, I decided to check out Newport, Rhode Island. Newport is well known for hosting the America’s Cup, an international sailing regatta, the Newport Jazz Festival, and massive mansions. An upscale hangout for the rich and famous, those that can afford yachts and mansions, considered summer cottages, one of many residences. I wasn’t there at the right time for either of those events, and not particularly interested in those garish structures, I headed for the Cliff Walk to get my daily exercise and enjoy the dramatic views.

Cliff Walk is a 3.5-mile trail along the northern and eastern coast of Newport’s peninsula, designated a National Recreation Trail in a National Historic District. Starting at Easton’s Beach parking area, I followed the north section, rising with the trail which elevates over the rocky shoreline, waves crashing below. The sea breeze was bracing, the smell of the sea air intoxicating, the rhythm of the waves seemed to keep time with my footsteps. Most of my fellow walkers were from different states and the relaxed stroll encouraged conversation. I encountered the same couples or set of friends several times as we seemed to alternate stopping to take in the view. A section of the Walk wall had been damaged, so there was a several block detour through streets.

Heading east, the sea was to the left of the trail, and to the right, mansions sprawled, some hidden behind hedges and greenery, others floating in the distance beyond a carpet of lawn.

I planned to hike the trail about a mile and a half, until the Breakers, the most famous of the mansions and a good turning point into town. From there, I would walk by the mansion fronts on the way back to my starting point. Chatting with a local who stopped to enjoy the view with a visiting friend, I asked what street to choose for my return walk. She recommended Belleview Avenue and encouraged me to go through the self-tour at the Breakers. “It’s fabulous,” she added. That it was, although I moved rather quickly through the sumptuous 1895 home of the Vanderbilts, inspired by a Renaissance palace. I don’t usually take photos indoors at museums and notable sites, but here’s the courtyard.

(Getty images)

I couldn’t resist taking a photo of the menu, all in French, worth sharing with a friend who is the Executive Director of the elegant Hotel de Paris Museum in my historic little town.

The century-old Gilded Age mansions along Bellevue Avenue were stunning. Newport was a seaside playground for many wealthy Americans of the time. Several have been preserved as museums, but one was enough for me. I didn’t try to negotiate past hedges and fences to photograph.

(Click to enlarge)

The downtown streets were crammed with parked cars and not particularly picturesque. I wasn’t moved to take even one photo of the shops and local businesses. It was difficult to find a restaurant open for a late lunch in the downtown area, most closed for the off season or open much later only for dinner. My choice for Italian style seafood was a bit of a disappointment, especially when thoughts of that exotic menu danced in my head.

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Published by rkrontheroad

Writer, photographer, traveler

29 thoughts on “Newport Cliff Walk”

  5. What a scenic walk! Besides getting gorgeous views of the sea, you also get great views of the Breakers, let alone a visit! Looks like a great day trip from Cape Cod to discover more of the East Coast!

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  9. Who needs the mansions when you have ocean views like that? Our experience was exactly as yours – impossible to park in the downtown area and didn’t see much reason to anyway. The Breakers was truly impressive though and I’m glad we took a little time to see it. We didn’t pay for the guided tour but we walked the grounds and took in that magnificent ocean view.

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  12. This is such a wonderful seaside walk, Ruth with nothing but glistening ocean and sea birds for company! While I am in awe of those beautiful sea views and gorgeous blue sky, I am truly gobsmacked by the size of some of the mentions – they are huge! I am pretty sure that each of them has a fascinating story that you simply have to hear for yourself. Thanks for the tour, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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