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discover newport, rhode island

+ Our Coastal Communities

A visit to The Classic Coast—nine vibrant and historic towns all sharing some seriously prime New England coastline—is both everything you expect and enjoyably unpredictable. This is a place and a people made of surf and soul; raised by the ocean and built by eccentric and outspoken rebels some 300-plus years ago. If you're looking for classic Colonial architecture and breathtaking New England landscapes, we've got 'em. Trust us. But it's a feeling you get here of being switched off yet inspired; engaged yet refreshed. There's no word for it, but it happens everyday on The Classic Coast.

Now who's hungry for some chowder? 

go-to guides

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Ocean Drive 2020

Guide to Parking

Park your ride in these lots, streets and somewhat secret spots, get out and enjoy the view.

Bowens Wharf Seafood Festival

The Best Fairs + Festivals This Fall

Crisp air and the sense of renewal; the cozy feeling you get as soft light wanes over annual harvest fairs on historic wharves—truthfully, you’ll just have to come see for yourself.

upcoming events

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Nov 3-Nov 10

Newport Restaurant Week

The flavors of nine coastal communities, all rolled up into one savory week. Newport Restaurant Week…

Nov 27 2024-Jan 1 2025

Christmas at Blithewold

Christmas at Blithewold is currently scheduled for November 27, 2024 – January 1, 2025. Come…

Nov 30

Santa Magic at Long Wharf

The name say's it all— Santa Magic. Come join the shops at Long Wharf for their 4th annual tree…

Dec 1-Dec 31

Christmas in Newport

A month long celebration of the Holiday Season throughout Newport. Enjoy a series of concerts, tree…

Feb 14-Feb 23

Newport Burger Bender

Newport Burger Bender, the “best burger” contest is back from February 14 - February 23, 2025. Local…

20 Best Weekend Getaways in New England

Travel & Leisure
Newport Harbor Sunset

our coastal community

The Classic Coast is made up of nine connected coastal towns. They all share a rich and well-preserved New England history along with an indelible spirit of artistry, hard work, and ambition that's simply, classic.

Newport Aerial Sunset

newport

Founded in 1639, Newport, Rhode Island is considered to be the shining gem in the coastal crown of New England. A haven for religious dissenters, a critical Colonial Era port city, a thriving artists’ colony, a summer playground for America’s barons of industry during the Gilded Age, home to the U.S. Naval War College and known as America’s First Resort, Newport is a destination like none other.

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Jamestown RI Beavertail Lighthouse

jamestown

Jamestown was incorporated in 1678 as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and transferred to Rhode Island in 1746. Today, Jamestown is a peaceful coastal gem with historic farms, stunning parks, award-winning restaurants, and locally owned shops and art galleries offering a serene atmosphere.

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Bristol Aerial 2019

bristol

Created in 1685, Bristol embraces its three centuries of rich history which includes being the site of a landmark battle, as a sailing and shipbuilding hub, a critical Colonial Era port and all the while continuing to have the distinction of hosting the oldest, continuous Fourth of July Celebration in America.

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Second Beach Summer

middletown

By our destination’s standards, Middletown was a late bloomer, incorporated in 1743. Just as its name suggests, Middletown is in the “middle” of Aquidneck Island in Newport County, bookended by Portsmouth to the north and Newport to the south.

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Rail Explorers Portsmouth RI

portsmouth

Founded in 1638 by Anne Hutchinson and two other dissenters of the original Boston Colony, Portsmouth is home to many historic sites, public golf courses, marinas, antique shops and more. Portsmouth also encompasses four islands: Prudence Island, Patience Island, Hope Island, and Hog Island.

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Tiverton Harbor Fall

tiverton

Tiverton was incorporated in 1694 and today, this coastal community seamlessly blends outdoor beauty with cultural pleasures. The town is home to one-of-a-kind quaint locally owned boutiques and eateries, many nestled in historic Tiverton Four Corners, a quaint New England village of 18th century buildings.

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Goosewing Beach Little Compton

little compton

In 1682, the town of Little Compton was incorporated by the Plymouth Colony, which was the first permanent European settlement in New England founded by English Pilgrims. It became part of Rhode Island in 1747 and today is home to the Ocean State’s only official “town common,” listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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Warren RI Bike Path Aerial

warren

Settled in 1653 as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Warren's working waterfront is one of the oldest in New England with more than 16 miles of shoreline, multiple marine-based industries, and a thriving downtown offering a host of local art and antique shops, waterfront restaurants and more.

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Barrington RI

barrington

Barrington boasts a long, rich history as members of the Mayflower party once called the coastal town home. More than half of the town’s square miles is water, so picturesque waterfront vistas are plenty.

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fall on the coast

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Sweet Berry Farm Apple Picking

Fall Farms + Orchards

Fall months harvest the perfect opportunity for pick-your-own experiences at local farms and orchards.

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The Breakers Great Hall, Newport RI

The Breakers, Newport RI

The Elms, Newport RI

Marble House, Newport RI

eat + drink

Go-To Vegan Food

Plant-based restaurants and cafes have been popping up in large numbers over the last few years with…

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