Girls Weekend Getaway in Newport

With Spring and Summer on the way, it’s the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway with your girlfriends. Getting away with the girls is good for your soul—and your sanity. Laughing till your stomach hurts, finishing each other’s sentences and toasting to friendship with ocean views, it doesn’t get better than that. If you’re looking for the perfect place to getaway with your girlfriends, Newport, RI is one of the best destinations for shopping, dining, pampering and more.

From the best hotels to our favorite restaurants, spa treatments, sightseeing and more, we’ve rounded up tons of ideas and recommendations to make planning your girls weekend getaway in Newport easier than ever.

Girls Weekend Getaway in Newport

Where to Stay in Newport

Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection

If you’re looking for a bit of luxury right in the heart of Newport, this restored mansion boasts fabulous accommodations and impeccable service. It’s centrally located in downtown Newport, making it convenient for exploring the city’s shops, restaurants, and attractions. It also has a wonderful on site restaurant and bar, including a rooftop terrace for beautiful harbor views.

houses and rentals

This gorgeous townhouse is located on a quiet street in the popular Yachting Village area of Newport, just steps from downtown. The Newport Harbor View Retreat sleeps 8, with 4 bedrooms, 4 beds and 2.5 bathrooms. The nautically themed bedrooms make for a fun girls weekend destination with multiple decks to enjoy the endless water views. One of the best rooftop decks in town!

Spend your girls weekend at a rental house with any of these great options depending on the size of your group and preferences. If you want close proximity to the beach, check out this rental in Middletown in an amazing location. It can sleep up to 12 and is within walking distance to Sweet Berry Farm. If you’d rather be in the middle of the action, this charming carriage house cottage in Newport has 4 bedrooms and 2+ baths.

Where to Eat in Newport

While there are many places on the island to get food, we have a few favorites. From diner style breakfast and coffee on the harbor to oysters with a view and the best margaritas, here are some great spots to try while you’re in town.  

Belle’s CAfe at the Shipyard

A prime, somewhat secret spot for brunch, Belle’s Cafe is located in the Newport Shipyard and has a laid-back, yet delicious breakfast and lunch menu. Sip your coffee with views of the Newport bridge and mega yachts.

Clarke Cooke House

Head to dinner at the The Clarke Cooke House for American-style food with plenty of seafood options. You can’t beat the ambience or the people watching. Not to mention, the cocktails are amazing!

Perro Salado

For authentic Mexican fare, Perro Salado can’t be beat for dinner. The casual vibe, tasty margaritas (try the spicy jalapeño) and varied menu options will leave you satisfied. You have to order the sticky ribs!

The Surf Club

The Surf Club is a laid-back restaurant and bar serving both lunch and dinner. Fill up on tacos, pizza and beer while enjoying the classic, nautical atmosphere.

Sweet Berry Farm

For an easy, yet scrumptious breakfast on the go, try the cafe at Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown. Also a great place to pick fruit and stock up on some fresh farm goodies for the road!

Le Bec Sucre

Le Bec Sucre is a French pastry and coffee shop in Middletown with delicious bites for breakfast. Go early as they tend to sell out pretty quickly.

Nitro Bar

Hit up Nitro Bar for all your coffee and breakfast on the go needs. This hip, trendy bar has laid-back vibes, brewing up locally sourced coffee with a twist. Be sure to grab a breakfast burrito or muffin to fuel your morning adventure.

The Black Pearl

The Black Pearl is the perfect pit stop for lunch or dinner during your weekend in Newport. This atmospheric wharf bar and formal restaurant serves delicious American fare and fresh seafood. You can’t miss their famous clam chowder and take advantage of the outdoor patio during the warmer months.

Castle Hill Inn

For fine dining in a historic mansion, head to the Castle Hill Inn. Set overlooking Narragansett Bay, the views at this award-winning restaurant cannot be beat. Enjoy their seasonal menus with locally-sourced food. The lawn opens up Memorial Day weekend!

The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar

Escape to a tranquil setting at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar overlooking the harbor along Newports waterfront. Enjoy fresh seafood, an excellent raw bar selection including delicious oysters and clams and craft cocktails.

Activities and Things To Do

Harbor Tour

• Newport Charter Group is a private boat tour agency that provides wonderful services with knowledgable and experienced individuals. Choose from their morning boat cruise, afternoon cruise or sunset cruise options.
• Coastal Queen is another great boat tour agency providing cruises with delicious cocktails.
• Gansett Cruises offers a wonderful evening cruise.
• Enjoy a Morning Sail on Schooner Madeleine with mimosas. The perfect way to ring in the day with your girlfriends.

Spa & Pampering

Pencil in some pampering. What’s a girls weekend without a little spa time?

• Star Nails: Stop in to Star Nails for mani/pedis in Middletown or Newport.
• The Bodhi Spa: Or if you’re in the mood for a massage The Bodhi Spa not only offers hydrotherapy, but also body treatments and facials.

Beach Day

Newport has a great selection of beautiful beaches to choose from. Second and Third Beach are two of the best beaches on the island (located in Middletown next to Newport). Third Beach is typically quieter with calm waters and a cute snack bar, while Second Beach or Sachuest has a more lively vibe if you are looking for fun and people watching. Paid parking is available for non-residents at Peabody’s Beach (part of Third Beach). The middle lot at Second Beach is available for non-residents. Check out our post on the Best Beaches in Rhode Island for more info.

Mansions

The Newport Mansions are a popular destination for good reason. Elegant mansions overlook ocean views, step back in time and experience the rich history of the area. There are a variety of ways to see the mansions including a trolley tour with admission to Breakers. You can also bring your own picnic to the mansions and enjoy on the lawn overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Tour the former summer home of the Vanderbilts at the Marble House.

Cliff Walk

The Cliff Walk is a great activity to pair with the mansion tours. Walk a paved path along the stunning cliffs with picturesque ocean and mansion views on either side. See our Cliff Walk Guide here.

Newport Vineyards

Get your Napa fill in Newport amongst 100 acres of gorgeous farmland. Head to Newport Vineyards for award-winning wine, craft beer and an excellent farm to table dining experience. Check their website for weekly special and unique events.

Nightlife

Firehouse Theater

Enjoy a night out laughing with your girlfriends at the Firehouse Theater. The Firehouse Theater features improv comedy in a unique and intimate setting.

Newport Blues Cafe

If you and your girls are wanting to dance, look no further than the Newport Blues Cafe. This nightclub features rock and blues bands in an old restored bank. There is also an American cafe in the upstairs portion of the building.

The Roof Deck at Vanderbilt

Open seasonally, the Roof Deck at Vanderbilt is the perfect place to take in sweeping ocean views and enjoy cocktails with friends.

Newport Neighborhood Food Tour

Treat your girlfriends to a locals perspective with the Newport Neighborhood Food Tour. Enjoy top Newport bites and city sights with all the secret locals spots. As you move from eatery to eatery enjoy stories about the cities architecture and history.

Shopping in Newport

• The furniture, planters, ceramics, and gift items at Cottage & Garden are always eclectic and interesting. They have the best succulents around too.
• Handcrafted in Rhode Island, the soaps, scrubs, candles, and lotions at the Shore Soap Company come in such pretty packaging you’ll want to stock up on gifts for family and friends.
• Matriarch has all the gifts, books and treats you will need on your Newport getaway. This woman-run shop keeps things fun and fresh with feminist and food-related books and merchandise.
• Kristen Coates has a beautiful collection of art, gifts, home decor and fresh flowers in season. Find pieces that inspire creativity, uniqueness, complexity and sophistication.

There are so many great festivals and events throughout the year in Newport, there’s no bad time to visit. Whether you want to hang at the beach, step back in time and see a bit of Gilded-Age history or indulge in some of New England’s best seafood, the one thing you’re sure to have in Newport is a good time!