Newport

Newport is a city in the New England state of Rhode Island, located on Aquidneck Island. For many years, the yacht-filled port hosted the America's Cup, a renowned annual sailing regatta. Newport is also notable for the Gilded Age homes that line Bellevue Avenue, some of which have been converted into museums. The Breakers, an 1895 estate modeled after a Renaissance palace, is the most well-known.

This destination is one of the Best Weekend Getaways in New England. Newport is a ritzy weekend getaway for all types, hugging the southern tip of Rhode Island's Aquidneck Island. While sailing crews take over Narragansett Bay in preparation for one of the several regattas, girlfriends flit through the posh stores that line Thames Street. And, like any other New England seaside town, this port town is content with a simple seafood lunch and a day at the beach. The architecture, however, is what draws travelers to Newport: the 19th-century summer "cottages" on the shore and the colonial-era structures downtown give the city an Old World, blue blood aspect.

The mega-rich have gone on, leaving their mansions accessible for public tours, but a weekend here will still cost you a hefty coin. Newport's penchant for special occasion getaways (think bachelorette parties and second honeymoons) drives up pricing. But the simple, seaside elegance of this port town is certainly worth the splurge.

Location: New England, United States

Best time to visit: between March and May and from September to November

Ranking:

• #5 Best Rhode Island Beaches
• #6 Best Weekend Getaways in New England
• #8 Best Relaxing Getaways in the USA

Website: www.cityofnewport.com