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Adventures

Newport Cliff Walk

This three and a half mile stroll along the ocean remains open to the public by a quirk of law that protects public access to shoreline as “fisherman’s rights”. Some of the owners of the “cottages” in Newport employed strategies, such as fences and hedges, for shielding their homes from the prying eyes of the public but many of them are in plain view. From public First Beach to the exclusive and private Bailey’s Beach the mostly paved trail hugs the cliff-side. Expect it to be quite crowded. Wear comfortable shoes with good tread, take along water, snacks and other basic comforts because once you start there are only three options: walk the entire length, turn around and retrace your steps or exit the walk at one of the side streets. Caution: After the second tunnel there are no more exits from the Cliff Walk and the terrain is difficult with boulders and wet patches. Hint: Park at the Gateway Visitors Center, ride a RIPTA trolley out to First Beach. After you finish the Cliff Walk, grab the trolley back to your car. Show your RIPTA pass and pay only $2 for parking for the entire day (Summer only). Now that’s a sweet deal!

Redwood Library and Athenaeum

Built in 1750, this is the oldest public library still standing in the U.S. The Redwood is a membership library that is open to the public but is not free. Thankfully, the original part of the now much expanded library, the Harrison Room, is open for viewing. Some of the books that line the walls are from the original collection but many are replacements since the British officers who used the building during the Revolutionary War were quite careless. Tours are offered at 10:30 am during the week.

Phone: (401) 847-0292
Address: 50 Bellevue Ave, Newport RI 02840

Miscellany

Newport Trolley

During the summer RIPTA enhances service in Newport to include trolleys to the Cliff Walk, and beaches as well as the cottages. Park at the Gateway Visitors Center, buy a RIPTA pass and ride the trolley out to First Beach. After you finish the Cliff Walk, grab the trolley back to your car. Show your RIPTA pass and pay only $2 for parking for the entire day (Summer only). Now that’s a sweet deal!