Looking for the best girls’ trip locations? I’ve got you covered. Heading out of town with a group of friends, my sisters or even just one bestie is a must-do. You can plan a weekend getaway, a fun road trip or an epic passport-required girlfriend getaway. No matter what you plan with the right people, any place is going to be a good time.
From big-city fun in Miami, to small-town adventures in Rhode Island, from California wineries to Las Vegas nightlife to live music in Charleston, there’s a perfect place for every girls’ getaway. Before you decide where you want to go, consider these planning tips.
Tips for Planning Your Girls’ Trip
- Make the budget work for everyone.
- Decide what kind of nightlife or daytime activities you would want to do.
- Think about where you want to stay: a big resort, a boutique hotel or a vacation rental/Airbnb.
- Be realistic about how many fun things and sightseeing activities you can do in a day and the physical abilities of the group.
- Decide ahead of time how many days you can be away. Will this be a day trip or a weeklong epic escapade?
- Consider what kind of food your group will want to eat. Are your friends more Taco Tuesday or champagne Sunday brunch?
The best girls’ trip locations vary depending on how much time you have, where you live and your budget. For those planning a bachelorette party, milestone birthday celebration or just looking for an excuse to hang out with friends, there are girls’ trip ideas that will work for everyone. You can keep it local with a staycation or travel to exotic trip destinations in Europe, the Caribbean or beyond. Check out some of my favorite girlfriend getaways and the poshest places to stay in each city.
1. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee, has become one of the most popular places for girlfriend getaways. I recently spent a weekend there with my sisters and my mom. Though I did bring three of my kids, we managed to get in some adult time. Foodies will love the upscale BBQ vibe. Don’t miss the Goo Goo Cluster shop, where you can make your very own confection. Nightlife and honky tonk music lovers will adore hanging out on Broadway, where live music plays 365 days a year.
Where to stay: Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. This Marriott-owned luxury resort has a sprawling atrium that houses 19 restaurants and bars. It also boasts Soundwaves, a consistently-fun upscale water attraction (with an adults-only area).
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
There are fewer places more eccentric and fun than New Orleans. Pack up your girlfriends and head to the Big Easy for beignets in the morning and frozen hurricanes at night. Enjoy some soulful live music on Bourbon Street. One of my favorite memories is visiting the Big Easy with a group of Mocha Mom friends and taking a nighttime cocktail walking tour. So fun!
Where to stay: The Roosevelt New Orleans. Take your girls’ trip to the next level by staying in this posh, historic hotel that is within walking distance of Bourbon Street and offers a can’t-miss, luxurious brunch.
3. Chicago, Illinois
I lived in Chicago for over a decade, and it is still one of my favorite places in the world. Yes, it’s cold most of the year, but if you are prepared, you will be able to enjoy some of the best restaurants, art museums and shopping in the USA.
During this girls’ trip, have afternoon tea at The Lobby at the Peninsula Hotel, stroll the “Magnificent Mile” on Michigan Avenue and enjoy some fantastic art, theater or architecture in this big-city edition of a girlfriend getaway.
Where to stay: The Langham, Chicago. Stay steps from Michigan Avenue in the heart of Chicago’s culture scene. This elegant, refined boutique hotel will certainly upgrade any girls’ weekend getaway. Opt for a club room level room for the ultimate luxury experience.
4. St. Louis, Missouri
If you haven’t been to St. Louis lately, you are missing out. It is a small town with a big-city aesthetic. St. Louis offers a refreshing mix of sightseeing at the St. Louis Arch, breweries, wine-tasting and distillery tours and historic places to visit, such as Grant’s Farm.
Since it is located in the middle of the country, it is easy to get to from the west and east coasts. When I visited last fall with a group of people, I found the food, accommodations and attractions surprisingly affordable. My favorite part was taking a kayak out on the Mississippi River! Yes! You can do that!
Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. With views of the St. Louis Arch from your room and luxurious touches throughout the hotel, you and your friends will love this home base. While elegant, the relaxed vibe is evident in the Top Golf Suite and the delicious Cinder House restaurant.
5. Scottsdale, Arizona
If mountain views are more your thing, Scottsdale, Arizona, is the place to be. Take advantage of the hiking trails up Camelback Mountain, the relaxing, elevated eateries overlooking McDowell Sonoran Preserve National Park and the unique southwestern shopping boutiques in Old Town Scottsdale. My sisters and I have chosen Arizona when we want a slower-paced girls’ trip with plenty of time to lounge by the pool. Take a day trip to Sedona or the Grand Canyon for a fun extra.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North. For groups that enjoy yoga, spa days, golf and/or sunset hikes, this sprawling resort is perfect. The adobe casitas have an Old West vibe yet offer every upgraded luxury and technology guests could want. Book a three-bedroom suite to fit the whole crew.
6. Los Angeles, California
Make a girls’ trip in LA full of Hollywood glitz and glam. Enjoy nightlife downtown, catch a Lakers game and see how many celebrities you can spot. Or check out one of the many trendy hotspots and live like you are famous.
Within an easy drive of Los Angeles, you can experience outdoor adventures like horseback riding in the Valley and enjoying ocean views on white sand beaches in Newport. Who says you must go to the Caribbean to enjoy a well-appointed beach club and the ability to go snorkeling? You can do it right in California!
You can also take a day trip to Napa Valley for winery tours, wine tastings and other wine-country attractions.
Where to stay: Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles at LA Live. You need to stay in a place full of glamour when you are on a Hollywood girls’ trip. Located near the Staples Center and hotspot restaurants, this hotel offers luxury accommodations, a rooftop bar and pool and Instagram-worthy panoramic views.
7. Miami, Florida
There are a lot of great places to visit in Florida (Orlando, Palm Beach and Key West, to name a few), but there is something special about Miami. With optimal weather throughout the year, electric nightlife and an inclusive atmosphere, this is a destination for a young (or young at heart) girls’ trip. For those who want to see and be seen, take a stroll through South Beach and soak up the awesome ocean views.
Where to stay: Fontainebleau Miami Beach. This iconic south Florida hotel will shock you with sensational suites that offer 2-5 bedrooms and up to 10,000 sq ft! Want to really impress your friends? Guests can charter yachts directly from the hotel!
8. Paris, France
If you are going to plan a girls’ trip, up the fabulous factor and go to Paris. Last year, six friends and I did just that. We shopped, ate, visited monuments and museums and ogled French fashionistas. We planned our trip during the French Open and snagged tickets for a fun extra activity. Affordable flights to Paris can often be found in spring and fall, which are lovely times to visit.
Where to stay: Hotel de Sers. Combine the charm of a private mansion with the world-class amenities of a leading hotel and place them in the heart of one of Europe’s most iconic cities, and you have Hotel de Sers. A posh Parisian getaway? Yes, please!
9. Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
Luxury drips from every space on this compact Caribbean island. The accommodations are plentiful and fabulous. The food and drinks are delicious. And the soft white sand beaches of Grace Bay will make you beg to stay longer. Direct flights from several cities in the USA make it easy to get to this gorgeous island.
Where to stay: Beaches Turks & Caicos. I have stayed at this ultra-all-inclusive resort several times, and it always feels like coming home. Every day looks like a postcard, and best of all, everything is included in one price. For those with kids in tow, Beaches Resorts offer childcare and supervised kids’ club access (even at night)!
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