Newport Named Third-Best Beach Town in America by Parade Magazine

There are plenty of amazing beach towns right here on the SouthCoast, but according to one magazine, one of the best in America is just a short drive away.

Parade Magazine recently listed its top 50 beach and coastal towns across the country and Newport, Rhode Island landed at number three.

The magazine says Newport reigns supreme among coastal towns because of the scenic Cliff Walk, historic mansions and lots of local shopping and dining.

I definitely don't disagree that Newport has plenty to see and do, but their tiny paragraph about this town doesn't quite do it justice. I mean, they don't even mention the beaches.

Like Easton Beach, also known as First Beach. This three-quarter-mile stretch of sand comes complete with boardwalk, carousel and beach bounce area for the kids and even an aquarium on site for further ocean exploration.

They also host family concert nights and kids nights throughout the summer.

If the busy beach isn't your scene, you can sneak away to Reject's Beach in Newport, too. It's a super tiny beach spot that will make you feel like you're a private beach owner. But wear comfy shoes, because there's no parking here. Just bike or foot access for those who really want to get away from it all in Newport.

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Then there's the Newport restaurants with plenty of outdoor dining, lots of waterfront eateries and food options that are seemingly endless.

Some of my favs include Brick Alley Pub on Thames Street and At The Deck on the end of Waites Wharf for its incredible harbor views.

Plus you've got the yearly Newport Folk Festival, Jazz Festival, Flower Show and Regatta – and those are just the summer events.

You can also visit the Tennis Hall of Fame, stay overnight in a Newport mansion or just enjoy the ferry ride to and from the island.

Clearly there is a lot more that makes Newport, RI the third-best beach town in America, but I'm sure Parade Magazine just didn't have the room to list everything about this town.

And for those who would rather keep their summer trips to Massachusetts towns, Rockport, Nantucket, Provincetown and Martha's Vineyard all made the Top 50, too.