Explore Newport Cliff Walk Self Guided Walking Tour

Itinerary

1. 1
   Belcourt of Newport Pass by

   A bold blend of Gothic romance and eccentric ambition, Belcourt is unlike any other Newport mansion. It’s a dramatic expression of wealth, whimsy, and personal vision designed as a medieval-style fortress for a rebellious heir.

2. 2
   Chateau-sur-Mer Pass by

   One of the first truly grand summer cottages, Chateau-sur-Mer showcases pre-Gilded Age opulence with its Victorian interiors and sweeping grounds. It tells the story of a city on the brink of transformation—from merchant port to millionaire playground.

3. 3
   Chepstow Pass by

   Chepstow offers a more personal look at the intimate and refined Newport life, with preserved furnishings and family heirlooms from generations of New York elite. It's a quieter gem where history feels lived-in and close to the surface.

4. 4
   Stop Pass by

   The Chinese Tea House is a whimsical pavilion that was a playground for East-meets-West luxury perched dramatically on the cliffs near Marble House. It embodies the theatrical flair of Newport’s social scene with its striking architecture and sweeping views.

5. 5
   Isaac Bell House Pass by

   The Isaac Bell House blends modern innovation with artistic restraint and is a masterpiece of Shingle Style architecture. Its clean lines and natural materials reveal a different side of Newport—where design, not just wealth, shaped the future.

6. 6
   Kingscote Pass by

   One of Newport’s earliest summer cottages, Kingscote blends Gothic Revival charm with Gilded Age ambition. Its unique architecture and exotic interiors reflect the tastes of a rising American elite eager to impress.

7. 7
   Marble House Pass by

   Built as a temple to wealth, Marble House dazzles with more than 500,000 cubic feet of imported stone and Versailles-worthy splendor. Created by Alva Vanderbilt, it's not just a mansion—it's a bold statement of power, taste, and defiance.

8. 8
   Ochre Court 15 minutes

   Grand, romantic, and richly detailed, Ochre Court evokes the drama of a French château perched above the sea. Once a summer palace, it now anchors Salve Regina University—proof that old-world glamour can still serve a modern purpose.

9. 9
   Rosecliff Pass by

   Rosecliff was inspired by the Grand Trianon at Versailles and is Newport at its most theatrical. Designed for lavish parties and glittering society events, it’s a place where imagination and extravagance still echo off marble floors.

10. 10
    Rough Point Museum Pass by

    The oceanfront estate of heiress Doris Duke, Rough Point blends European treasures with a surprisingly lived-in warmth. With its art-filled rooms and quirky personal touches, it offers an intimate view into the life of one of America’s most enigmatic millionaires.

11. 11
    Salve Regina University 30 minutes

    Set among Newport’s most iconic mansions, Salve Regina’s campus is a stunning fusion of academia and architectural heritage. Ivy-covered halls and ocean breezes create a truly one-of-a-kind backdrop for higher learning.

12. 12
    The Breakers Pass by

    The crown jewel of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions, The Breakers was built by the Vanderbilts to dazzle—and it still does. With its Italian palazzo design and commanding ocean views, it’s luxury on a scale few could ever imagine.

13. 13
    The Elms Pass by

    Modeled after a French château, The Elms is elegance with an edge—where formal gardens, lavish interiors, and the cutting-edge technology of the time reveal a world of wealth, ambition, and meticulous design.

14. 14
    Stop 45 minutes

    A quieter stretch of coastline between the mansions and the sea, Sheep Point offers sweeping views and a touch of pastoral calm. Once used for grazing, it's now a scenic pause along Newport’s dramatic shoreline.

15. 15
    Stop Pass by

    At the southern tip of the Cliff Walk, Land’s End once hosted novelist Edith Wharton, while exclusive Bailey’s Beach remains a summer retreat for Newport’s elite. This windswept stretch blends literary history with high-society lore.

16. 16
    Stop Pass by

    Miramar feels more private than palatial with its understated French classicism and sprawling lawn cascading to the sea. Yet it’s a stunning reminder that Newport’s most powerful families often preferred quiet grandeur to showy excess.

17. 17
    Bellevue Avenue 45 minutes

    Known as The Avenue of the Mansions, Bellevue is Newport’s historic showcase of wealth, architecture, and ambition. Lined with palatial estates and grand entrances, it's a journey through America’s most opulent era.

18. 18
    The Preservation Society of Newport County Pass by

    The Preservation Society is the steward of Newport’s historic legacy—they have saved, restored, and opened to the public many of the city’s most iconic estates. Their work ensures that the Gilded Age and the stories behind it live on.

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible — Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time