Newport, Rhode Island, is a seaside destination with charming sights and a glamorous history. It’s no wonder that it has become the go-to destination for celebrations. If you’re considering a bachelor or bachelorette party here, check out the below pros/cons, as well as tips and suggestions!
Pros of a Bachelorette in Newport
- Food – there’s a fantastic variety of restaurants in Newport. Everything from fancy waterfront establishments to lobster shacks. A few favorites that work for larger parties:
- Midtown Oyster – ask for a spot on the roofdeck!
- Diego’s – perfect post-wharf exploring or sailboat ride. Order the tacos and margarita pitchers
- CRU – ideal cafe for lunch to-go after exploring Bellevue Ave and the mansions
- Lawn at Castle Hill – bike and arrive at 11:30AM for drink service in the Adirondack chairs
- Easton’s Beach Snack Bar – best lobster rolls in town! Pickup for lunch during a beach day
- Liberty Donuts – you will get hero status if you get breakfast sandwiches and made-to-order donuts here
- Setting – it is so picturesque in Newport. The beautiful harbor, Gilded Age mansions and quaint colonial squares are the picture-perfect backdrop for photos. As the go-to summer residence for the wealthy in the 19th century, Newport now offers those multi-million dollar views for all. If you want to go all-out glam, its an option. But even if you prefer to keep the weekend casual, it will still feel special.
- Activities – there is a surprisingly large amount of things to do for such a small town, not limited to: mansion tours, museums, trolley rides, vineyard visits, tennis matches, polo games, bike rides and festivals. Check the Newport Calendar for events beforehand.
- R&R – if you want a low key weekend, it’s easy enough to plan beach days and a trip to the spa.
- Enjoy a “Water Journey” at The Bodhi Spa
- Beach day at First Beach or Gooseberry Beach
- Picnics at scenic vistas along Ocean Ave or Fort Adams
- Sailboat cruises
- Leisurely stroll along the Cliff Walk
- Dancing – Newport becomes very lively on the weekends. DJs and bands can be found at many bars and after-hours restaurants along Thames Street and the wharfs.
- At the Deck – restaurant that turns into an after-hour hot spot along the wharf
- Pelham East – multi-level dancing and dueling pianos upstairs
- Speakeasy – bar atmosphere with live music on the weekend
- The Pineapple Club at Gurney’s – views for days and DJs most Saturday and Sunday nights
- Boom Boom Room – underground and rowdy club
- Walkability – once you are in Newport’s historic district, almost everything is within walking distance. The harbor, restaurants, bars and shops. From Thames Street, it’s less than a mile to the mansions and beaches too.
Cons of a Bachelorette in Newport:
- Bachelorettes Galore – Newport is bachelorette central. There will be dozens of other parties taking over the town so the bride won’t be the only one walking around in a sash. And don’t expect any special treatment!
- Limited Airbnbs – Airbnb owners are hesitant to offer their homes to bachelor/bachelorette parties. You will see “no parties of any kind” on many listings, as well as “families only” and “quiet hours.”
- Large Groups – most restaurants and attractions cap reservations at 8 people, so if you have a larger party it can be a logistical nightmare. The Clarke Cooke House, Castle Hill and White Horse Tavern are a couple of restaurant examples that have a max of 8 and can’t promise tables next to each other. Just in general, restaurants book up months in advance, so always make reservations as soon as they become available.
- Early Nights – bars tend to announce last call around 1AM so you won’t be partying all hours of the night unless you take the party back with you.
- Expensive – Newport is on the pricey side, especially if you are planning on a weekend in the summer.
Airbnbs and hotels are $$$ and activities like sail boat rides and nice dinners can add up really fast. There are less expensive alternatives:- Pack a picnic and spend time at one of the many beaches
- See the mansions from the Cliff Walk
- Ride bikes throughout the town
- Inexpensive walking tours in the historical sections
- Get a day pass for the 67 RIPTA bus (in the form of a trolley) around town
- Hop On/Hop Off Harbor Shuttle instead of a sail
- Hard to get to – Newport is not a convenient destination unless you live in the area. There’s not a major airport or train station so the bach crew will have to fly into Boston or Providence and then Uber or drive from there.
Really it just comes down to planning ahead! Newport is the perfect location for a special celebration or a getaway with friends. Click here for a suggested weekend itinerary or a list of underrated attractions.
