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.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly retreat or a romantic escape for two with panoramic ocean views, this list of the best waterfront hotels has you covered.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
