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+ 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? 

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Saint Patrick's Day Parade at Midtown Oyster Bar in  Newport, RI

Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Thousands of people line the streets of downtown Newport to enjoy the two-hour parade featuring pipe and marching bands, and a host of local organizations.

Spring

Best Spring Events

The season of awakening brings a host of experiences to the events calendar in and around Newport.

Gardiner House

Guide to Waterfront Hotels

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.

upcoming events

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Apr 1-Apr 30

Newport Daffodil Days

Newport’s Daffodil Days celebrates the arrival of over 1,200,000 bright yellow daffodils throughout…

Jun 28-Jun 30

Newport Pride

LGBTQ+ Pride is happening in Newport, RI in June 2024! We're creating events and experiences to…

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The Breakers Great Hall, Newport RI

The Breakers, Newport RI

The Elms, Newport RI

Marble House, Newport RI

plan for spring

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Daffodil Days Newport

Daffodil Days In & Around Newport

Just as millions of hibernating daffodils prepare to make their debut, Newport and Bristol counties prepare to celebrate with two annual celebrations.

Kid Sailing Newport

Spring Break in Newport

With a plethora of activities to put that spring back in your step, school vacations are made easy on The Classic Coast.

Cliff Walk

Explore Cliff Walk

Craving serenity? Newport's enchanting 3.5-mile Cliff Walk is the perfect place for your moment of peace.

eat + drink

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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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