USA East Coast

Baltimore

Situated on picturesque Chesapeake Bay in close proximity to Washington, D.C., Baltimore has one of America’s oldest and most pleasant historical cores (close to a third of Baltimore’s buildings are designated as historic in the National Register – more than any other US city). It is also one of the best-connected cities in the nation.

There are several first-rate marinas in and around Baltimore, such as the Inner Harbour Marina and the East Marina in the city’s inner harbour, and many others on the outlying islands and promontories. There is also a wealth of luxury accommodations in the city, such as the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court hotel on the scenic inner harbour, the historic Sagamore Pendry on the Recreation Pier in vibrant Fell’s Point, or the luxury boutique Ivy Hotel in the heart of historic Mount Vernon.

Delectable food can be had at eateries such as Charleston in the eastern harbour, which serves French cuisine, The Prime Rib in Mount Vernon, a home of surf and turf specialties, or Salt, a top-shelf New American eatery.

Key West

The city and island of Key West is at the end of the Florida Keys island chain in the Straits of Florida, 208 km southwest of Miami. Its Key West Historic District is home to many classic bungalows and guest mansions in characteristic wood-frame construction. The international airport, which has links to all major cities in Florida and the eastern United States, is very close to the main areas of Key West, including the many marinas that dot the island – City Marina and Bight Marina in the central area and the more outlying Sigsbee Marina, for instance.

Luxury accommodation options abound, including the hyper-exclusive Sunset Key Guest Cottages on its own private island, the Ocean Key Resort & Spa on the main harbour, the Marquesa Hotel in the heart of Old Town, the edgy Oceans Edge Key West or the Perry Hotel, located on a 220-slip marina on nearby Stock Island. Delicious seafood and contemporary American cuisine can be had at Prime Steakhouse in the historic centre, the exclusive Latitudes, or Martin’s, a stone’s throw from the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

Key West lies within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, created in 1990. Several national wildlife refuges are in the area, and Dry Tortugas National Park (1992) is about 70 miles (115 km) west. Fort Zachary Taylor State Historic Site and the Key West Aquarium are in the city. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum displays shipwreck artifacts, the Key West Shipwreck Historeum includes a re-creation of a shipwreck and salvage, and the Wreckers’ Museum has exhibits on the city’s former industry. The Hemingway Days Festival is held annually in July.

Newport

Located just south of Boston on one of America’s most dramatic and fabled coasts, Newport is perhaps the most iconic yachting resort in North America. Less than two hours from Boston Logan International Airport and serviced by its own local airport, as well as excellent road and ferry connections, the city is conveniently located and easy to reach.

Numerous marinas are available in its excellent natural harbour, including the Brown & Howard Marina, which affords breathtaking sunset views, the classy Newport Shipyard in close proximity to the Hyatt Regency Newport and its spa options, the more secluded Goat Island Marina or the legendary Newport Yacht Club on America’s Cup Avenue.

As one of the oldest cities in North America, Newport has an atmospheric city centre and lots of history: it was the summer residence of many of America’s wealthiest families, such as the Vanderbilts and Astors, and the site of the Summer White Houses of Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, who married Jacqueline here. Restaurant options include the Vanderbilt Grill and Bouchard in the harbour, and the spectacular Dining Room at the Castle Hill Inn overlooking Narragansett Bay. Luxury hotels in the harbour include the stylish Grace Vanderbilt and Forty 1⁰ North.

Palm Beach

Located at the northern tip of the Miami metropolitan area, Palm Beach is close to the action of this vibrant global city while being far enough to retain a sheltered charm of its own. Visitors can arrive via Miami or Palm Beach’s own well-connected international airport.

Founded as a resort on a barrier island, the city grew around luxury hotels and has long been a winter destination for the East Coast’s upper crust; it received its name from the wealth of coconut palms that grew here after a Spanish ship with a cargo of coconuts was wrecked nearby.

There are myriad marina options in Palm Beach, both on the oceanfront and the natural harbour between the barrier island and the mainland. Fine American cuisine and seafood are available in the historic Circle at The Breakers, the upscale, casual Buccan and the beautifully situated Flagler Steakhouse. And true indulgence is at your fingertips in the opulent Breakers, the heavenly Four Seasons or the luxurious Boca Beach Club Waldorf Astoria Resort.

Savannah

Nestled amid a sultry subtropical wilderness, the historic city of Savannah, Georgia, has captivated America’s collective imagination for centuries. Boasting a wealth of cobblestone streets and notable historic buildings, not to mention a stunning coastline, it has long been a playground for the rich and famous: Jekyll Island, for instance was once a winter retreat for America’s wealthiest families, including the Rockefellers, Pulitzers and Vanderbilts.

Fly into Savannah International Airport on a direct flight from New York, Chicago, Boston or Miami and get your yacht, then sail her to one of the marinas on the many meandering rivers on the Savannah plain – Savannah Bend and Morningstar are the most central. Try delicious European cuisine at the art nouveau-themed Circa 1875 or Cajun/Creole specialties in Alligator Soul, both in the city’s historic district. And rest your weary head at the historic Hamilton-Turner Inn, luxurious Mansion on Forsyth Park or the waterfront Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa.