Fictional coastal cliffs are frequently imposing terrain features, reaching to extreme heights and acting as a natural defense against sea invasion. The process of erosion may have carved these cliffs into sea stacks, rock arches, or riddled them with sea caves, all of which can add a unique flair to a coast. Often the water beneath these cliffs is treacherous and may be sites of jagged rocks, or whirlpools.

Perched atop the cliffs may be man-made structures. As the sea holds many dangers worth keeping an eye on, lighthouses, forts, castles, or watchtowers may be found here. In worlds with a fictional religion, coastal cliffs may be holy sites where churches, altars, temples, or oracles may be found.