Travel

A New England destination was just named one of the best small coastal towns in America

It makes a great day trip from Boston.

View of Newport Harbor. Ellen Albanese for The Boston Globe

April 17, 2024

Coastal towns have lots of charm and Rhode Island boasts one of the best in the nation, according to USA Today readers.

Here’s how you can cruise out of Boston for $49 a day

Newport was named among the 10 best small coastal towns in America by USA Today readers on Friday, part of its 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The Rhode Island city ranked No. 6 on the list.

Here is what USA Today wrote about Newport:

This Rhode Island town has a little something for everyone, from breweries and wineries to regattas and Gilded Age mansions — and that’s just the start. Go paddleboarding or sailing, visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, hike along the Cliff Walk with gorgeous ocean views, or simply stroll about downtown to grab a bite and do some souvenir shopping.
USA Today’s 10Best

The No. 1 small coastal town in America is Stuart, Florida, according to the publication, part of Florida’s Treasure Coast.

For the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards lists, USA Today travel experts select 20 nominees in topics from food to lodging, destinations to things to do. Then the publication asks readers to cast votes to determine the top 10.

Another Rhode Island destination was recognized by USA Today readers: Wickford was named the second best historic town in America. The No. 1 historic town is Ludington, Michigan.

Check out the 10 best small coastal towns in America.