Florida Girlfriend Getaways: Where to Have the Best Time with Your Besties

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Two women holding drinks while drinking around the world at Epcot, a fun Disney Girlfriend Getaway idea.
Head to EPCOT to sample delicious drinks from the “countries” surrounding the World Showcase Lagoon. Photo Credit: Nasreen Stump

From beaches to shopping, nightlife to theme parks, there are hundreds of options for a fun girls getaway in Florida. As a regular visitor to Florida, I’ve experienced much of what the Sunshine State has to offer. My personal favorites for a weekend in Florida with my BFFs are:

  • Shopping and people-watching in Miami’s South Beach
  • Chillin’ in quirky Key West
  • Drinking around the world in EPCOT at Disney World

If those aren’t your jam, read on for all of my favorite Florida girlfriend getaway ideas!

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Nightlife and Beaches in Miami Beach

With its stunning beaches, world-renowned nightlife and fabulous shopping, Miami Beach is a great destination for a girls’ weekend. Spend your days lounging on the beach or by the pool, indulging in spa treatments or exploring the city’s many designer boutiques, funky local stores, murals and galleries.  If you’re feeling more adventurous, book water sports like paddleboard, jet ski, or parasail.

At night, put on your cutest outfit and hit up one of the city’s many clubs or bars or just snag a table along the sidewalk to sip a margarita and you watch the people walk by.

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Must-Dos on a Girls Trip to Miami

  • Take a stroll on the famous Ocean Drive through the Art Deco District.
  • Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.
  • Take a day trip to the Everglades National Park.
  • Book a lunchtime food tour of Little Havana or just plan to grab a quick Cuban breakfast.
  • Ask your hotel where ladies drink free that night! That’s right – Miami still has entire evenings where ladies drink free during certain hours.

Where to Eat in Miami on a Girls Weekend

The Bazaar by José Andrés has been a South Beach destination for foodies for over 10 years. With Spanish-influenced cuisine, an award-winning wine list and whimsical décor, it’s a must-visit for a special night out.  

Komodo offers an Asian fusion menu in a stylish and modern setting right on Brickell Avenue. If your girls’ weekend is celebrating a landmark birthday or is a bachelorette party, Komodo offers a VIP lounge experience.  

Saloni Bar by Meraki offers up fantastic Greek food and inventive cocktails. Ladies drink free from 5-6 p.m. nightly. The fried zucchini sticks and Milo Spritz are must-order items!

Where to Stay in Miami for a Florida Girlfriend Getaway

The Fontainebleau Miami Beach: Combine the best of both worlds here with ocean views, six outdoor pools with private cabanas, a nightclub, nine restaurants and a spa. You might not even have to leave the property during your stay!

Intercontinental Miami: The spot for active women travelers, this resort offers Biscayne Bay views, on-site restaurants, a rooftop pool and a spa. If your Florida girlfriend getaway includes a cruise, the Intercontinental is roughly 5 minutes from the port.

citizenM Miami Worldcenter: Located near museums and steps to public transportation, this artsy hotel has iPad controls for your room, colorful décor and a stunning rooftop. Wind down each evening in the lounge or at nearby Bayside Market.

aerial view of key west coastline
Key West is a beautiful island paradise. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Relaxing with your BFFs in Key West

If you’re looking for a laid-back, bohemian vibe, Key West is the perfect girls’ weekend destination. This southernmost city in the continental United States is known for its charming and quirky atmosphere. With a vibrant arts scene, eclectic shops, free things to do and beautiful beaches, you’ll stay busy in Key West.

Girls’ Weekend Itinerary for Key West Florida

Here’s a list of some of our favorite Key West Florida things to start you off:

  • Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to learn about the famous author’s life and see the six-toed cats that live there. Heads up, museum admission is on a walk-in basis and is cash only.
  • Splurge on a 2-hour sunset cruise.
  • Meet the island’s ghosts on a haunted pub crawl or walking “Ghosts of Key West” tour.
  • Go snorkeling and explore a coral reef.
  • Watch the sunset from Mallory Square. Every evening, locals and visitors gather to watch the sun dip below the horizon while street performers put on a show.

Key West Restaurants to Put on Your Girls’ Trip List

Food is my priority on vacation. Key West doesn’t disappoint. From fresh seafood to tropical cocktails and of course Key Lime Pie, you will be in a food coma by the time you leave!

Blue Heaven is a must-visit for brunch, with a menu that features fresh seafood and Caribbean-inspired dishes and the best Key Lime Pie. Breakfast and lunch are first come, first serve so get there early! The restaurant takes limited reservations for dinner.

Latitudes is a fine-dining restaurant located on the grounds of Sunset Key Cottages, offering stunning views and chef-inspired cuisine. Their amazing lobster bisque is available on both the lunch and dinner menu.

Cuban Coffee Queen is a great casual option for breakfast or lunch. Cuban coffee choices are made with cane sugar and true to tradition. Sip a cortadito to be properly prepared for a full day of fun!

Resorts for Your Key West Girls’ Weekend

Florida Keys vacations are all about slowing it down a little. We love Key West hotels with oceanviews and walkable locations.

Key West Harbor Inn: An adult-only property in a great central location means you’re close to both Duval Street and Simonton Street Beach. With a free happy hour and breakfast by the pool we think it’s a perfect pick!

Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa: Three minutes from Duval Street, this resort offers spacious ocean views. With the Jala Spa on-site and a pool bar you can relax in between adventures.

Orlando is home to the Disney and Universal parks, plus tons more downtown. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Travel Guide: Orlando Girls’ Trips

I’m a Disney lover, so no trip to Orlando would be complete without spending at least a little time with my favorite Mouse. But Orlando has so much more to offer! A thriving arts scene, inventive restaurants and abundant shopping make for a fun non-them-park girlfriends getaway.

Theme Park Florida Girlfriend Getaways

Universal Orlando Resort: This is the theme park for Harry Potter fans and girlfriends who love thrill rides and over-the-top themed events like Halloween Horror Nights, Or, just stroll through CityWalk for shopping and great eats and drinks.

For accommodations, we recommend the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel for your Universal girls’ weekend. Standard rooms at this premier level resort sleep up to 5 and suites are available that sleep up to 10. As a premier resort your stay includes complimentary Universal Unlimited Express Passes, water-taxi transportation to and from the park, priority seating at select restaurants and some Club Level access to concierge lounges.  

Woman eating Mickey pretzel.
Mickey-shaped food for the win on a girlfriends trip to Disney Wold! Photo: Jill Robbins.

Disney World Girls Weekend in Florida

There is something special about flying off to Orlando to spend the weekend at a theme park without your kids. You can eat all the snacks, Drink Around the World at EPCOT and maybe do some Disneybounding. It might even be the right time to book a special Disney tour.

Since it will just be you and the girls plan the hotel around adult activities. We loved our stay at Saratoga Springs. The resort offers large villas that can sleep all of your besties. Save a little cash by booking through David’s Vacation Club Rentals. My friend, Breeze, and I headed to Disney Springs, where we did the chef’s tasting menu at Jaleo and enjoyed sizzling stone bowls of deliciousness at Morimoto.

Read More: Beaches Near Disney: 10 We Recommend

A view of the sand dunes in Destin, Florida
Destin’s beaches are simply unmatched. Photo credit: Visit Florida

Destin: A Florida Girlfriend Getaway for Beach Lovers

Destin is a charming Panhandle beach town with white-sand beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. In Destin, you’ll find beach resorts complete with spas, luxury amenities, private beaches and fine dining. This beach town also has tons of vacation rentals available in case you’re looking for a full condo or home rental for your girls getaway.

Things to Do in Destin on a Girlfriend Getaway

Whether your group of friends is the yoga and kayaking crowd or the beachfront lounging and cocktails crew, Destin has you covered. This area is definitely beach focused so you’ll find more opportunities for water sports than museum visits.

  • Go paddleboarding.
  • Check out the sugar-white sand beaches at Henderson State Park.
  • Take a hydrojet boat tour to spot dolphins and other sea creatures.
  • Visit Destin’s famous Crab Island on this sandbar cruise.
  • Book private surf lessons.
  • Adventure to Grayton Beach State Park. Located between Destin and Panama City Beach, this park is home to coastal dune lakes which only occur in a few spots worldwide.

Best Restaurants in Destin for Your Girls Trip

Enjoy fresh seafood and laid-back vibes at The Back Porch Seafood & Oyster House. The views are top notch and so are the raw oysters.

Marina Cafe has been a fine dining destination for more than 30 years. Offering happy hour specials in the bar area nightly you’ll find an extensive menu including seafood, steaks and more. Reservations are encouraged.

The Crab Trap is a casual beachfront restaurant featuring seafood and burgers. It’s first come first served so arrive early!

Destin Resorts for a Girls Weekend

The Gulf Coast is home to tons of beachfront resorts. With access to some of the best beaches in Florida, we love these Destin hotels.

The Henderson Beach Resort: Offering private beach access to Henderson State Park, this resort is a favorite for adult visitors. The resort boasts a full service spa, water activities and multiple dining options.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa: Located on Miramar Beach, this Hilton property has tennis courts, golf courses, pools and a full service spa. Six onsite restaurants make dining convenient.

The Pearl Hotel: Technically this option is a bit outside of Destin. The Pearl Hotel, located in Rosemary Beach, is architecturally stunning. With a private beach, this 55-room boutique hotel is a Forbes Four Star and AAA Four Diamond property. Head here for a top-shelf girls getaway.

Read More: Best Destin Resorts

downtown St. Augustine.
The architecture is eye-catching in downtown St. Augustine. Photo credit: Christine Tibbetts

History and Culinary: St. Augustine Girls Weekends

St. Augustine is home to some of the oldest buildings in the country, including the famous Castillo de San Marcos, a Spanish fortress that dates back to the 17th century. Spend your days exploring museums, art galleries and historic sites. Then head to dinner with your best friends to enjoy everything from fresh seafood to classic Southern cuisine.

Don’t Miss These St. Augustine Sites

  • Tour the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
  • Maximize your time with a hop-on hop-off bus. The ticket that includes entry to museums.
  • Take a ghost tour of the city.
  • Visit the San Sebastian Winery. 

St. Augustine Restaurants to Try

Collage Restaurant is a fine-dining spot that’s been named one of the best 100 restaurants in the US multiple times. Local ingredients are featured in an eclectic menu of French, Italian, and Asian-inspired dishes.

The Floridian is a casual spot that offers Southern-style cuisine. I highly recommend going for lunch. The restaurants offers giant salads and creative sandwiches. The cornbread stack is a personal favorite.

Catch 27 is a seafood-focused spot that features freshly caught 27th state (Florida) fish. You can’t go wrong with any of the entrées. Definitely order the chowder to start with. It’s spicy with bacon and tomato and is out of this world.

St. Augustine Hotels for Your Florida Girlfriend Getaway

Casa Monica Resort & Spa: This centrally located Autograph Collection hotel features Moorish-style architecture dating to the 1800s. Don’t miss the Poseidon Spa.

Villa 1565: The Historic Old Town location of Villa 1565 put you within easy access to the Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth and a nearby trolley stop.

Renaissance St. Augustine Historic District: With a prime location steps away from the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, also is steps away from dining and attractions.

The author having a drink at happy hour.
Third Street South is a fun place for happy hour. Here’s Hannah enjoying a drink at The Bevy. Photo credit: Hannah Rinaldi

Boutiques and Restaurants: Naples Florida Girlfriend Getaway

Located on the Gulf Coast in Southwest Florida, Naples is an upscale destination known for its high-end shopping and dining. Naples also provides the perfect jumping off point to surrounding areas for short road trips. Don’t miss the beautiful beaches just a short drive away, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

Things to Do in Naples with Your BFFs

  • Visit the Naples Botanical Garden.
  • Book a Gulf of Mexico Sunset Cruise.
  • Spot manatees on a Wildlife Boat Tour.
  • Stroll on Naples Pier.
  • Shop Third Street in Old Naples.

Naples Restaurants for a Girls Getaway

USS Nemo is a must-visit for seafood lovers, with a menu that features fresh fish and seafood in a cozy and intimate setting. The miso glazed rib eye and pepper jelly crispy calamari deliver on every level.

Explore a new cuisine at Bha!Bha! Persian Bistro. You’ll be welcomed into the inviting dining room. Persian dishes ranging from kabob to stews fill the expansive menu.  

Head over to Mr. Tequila for pitchers of margaritas, queso fundido and piña cancún (stuffed pineapple) in a relaxed atmosphere.

Best Resorts in Naples for Your Girls Trip

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples OR The Ritz-Carlton Tiburón Golf Resort: Naples is one of only a few cities to have two Ritz-Carltons. The Ritz-Carlton Naples is located on the Gulf of Mexico with ocean views and three miles of beach. Tons of suite options make this a great spot for groups. The Ritz-Carlton Tiburón features two golf courses and is 10 minutes from the beach. The resort offers a shuttle to the beachside Ritz-Carlton location.

Edgewater Beach Hotel: With a great beachfront location, the Edgewater Beach Hotel is a great choice for your girls’ trips. Numerous suites are available, many with kitchenettes, making staying in and cooking together an option.

Naples Grande Beach Resort: This resort offers the best of both worlds. Located along 200 acres of mangrove estuary, but also just one mile from shopping, you’ll find accessible relaxation here. The property features 5 restaurants, a golf course, a full-service spa and even a giant water slide if you feel like cutting loose.

Iron Gwazi roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay seen from front entrance
There are tons of fun rides in Florida that aren’t at Disney. Check out Busch Gardens! Photo credit: Marquita Smith

City Fun in the Sun: Tampa Weekend Getaway

With beautiful beaches, a thriving arts scene and world-class theme parks, Tampa is a great destination for a girls’ weekend. This often overlooked city is a vibrant destination filled with food and history.

Girls Weekend Itinerary for Tampa

  • Visit Busch Gardens for a day of roller coasters.
  • Catch a show at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, one of the largest performing arts centers in the country.
  • Go on a speedboat adventure on Tampa Bay.
  • View manatees for free.
  • Head to one of our 15 favorite beaches near Tampa.

Tampa Restaurants to Book for Your Girls’ Weekend

Bern’s Steak House is a legendary spot that offers some of the best steaks in the country, along with an extensive wine list and impeccable service.

Edison: Food + Drink Lab is a gastropub that offers creative and innovative cuisine in a stylish and modern setting.

Ulele is a waterfront spot that offers a menu featuring Florida-inspired cuisine and craft beers.

Best Tampa Hotels for a Girls Trip

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay: Located right on the Bay, this hotel provides a scenic jumping off point for your Tampa adventures. With free local transportation provided it’s a great choice for your girls’ trip.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa: If a little bit of gambling is in your plans, book your girls weekend at the Seminole Hard Rock. The on-site casino is gigantic and the location allows you to also head out to explore Tampa.

The Tampa EDITION: Conveniently located downtown, you’ll be able to walk to tons of attractions and restaurants from this modern hotel. A gorgeous lobby and good food on-site will add to your experience.

The Worth Avenue Clocktower, things to do in West Palm Beach
The Worth Avenue Clocktower on Palm Beach. Photo credit: Linnea Bailey

Spas and Sun in Palm Beach

Palm Beach is an upscale destination perfect for a luxe-level girls’ weekend combining indulgence and relaxation. With award-winning restaurants, high-end boutiques, sought-after spas and of course some of Florida’s best beaches it’s perfect for a girls’ trip.

Palm Beach Things to Do

Beyond the obvious – boutiques and beaches – there is a ton to do in Palm Beach. Be sure to add these options to your plans.

  • Visit the Gilded Age Flagler Museum. If your trip falls during the seasonal cafe’s operations, be sure to book lunch.
  • Go on a Palm Beach Food Tour.
  • Take a guided kayak tour of the cypress forest on the scenic Loxahatchee River.

Best Palm Beach Restaurants

Many top tier chefs have establishments in the area. It is always best to make reservations for coveted spots in advance to prevent disappointment.

Buccan features small plates and shareable dishes. New American cuisine and cocktails with a view make this a popular spot for dinner.

Hit up the renowned Café Boulud, located at the Brazilian Court Hotel. This fine-dining spot has the distinction of earning four stars in the Forbes Travel Guide and Wine Spectator’s “Best Award of Excellence.”

Grato is more casual and features a seasonal Italian-inspired menu. Shareable seafood small plates and house-made pastas make Grato a delicious pick for your Palm Beach trip.

Girls Weekend in Flori

The Breakers Palm Beach: With a half-mile private beach, six hot tubs, four oceanfront pools, an on-site spa and two golf courses, The Breakers Palm Beach is the definition of luxury. Visitors refer to the resort as breathtaking, spectacular and marvel that every detail is taken care of.

Palm Beach Historic Inn: With a location steps from Worth Avenue and minutes from the Atlantic Ocean, the Palm Beach Historic Inn manages to keep costs reasonable while delivering first class service. Its charming Old World Spanish provides a cute backdrop for photos.

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa: With 7 key luxuries that we loved on our visit, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is located away from the city center on Hypoluxo Island on Manalapan Beach. Service, the spa and the large rooms are highlights of this property.

Which Florida girlfriends’ getaway sounds right for you and your besties? Which ones did we miss? Let us know in the comment section below!

Nasreen’s adventures started out as business travel. Working as a territory sales manager she covered 21 states during her tenure, traveling 3-5 nights a week. As she visited new cities and states, she always worked in a quick stop at a unique or iconic site. A travel writing career was born. When her father-in-law’s cancer came back she started writing and consulting full-time around his chemotherapy schedule. Traveling with her firefighter/paramedic husband, kids, friends and solo allows her to cover a variety of situations and topics. Her four kids (19 year old boy, 13 year old girl, 11 year old girl and 7 year old boy) are professionals at the cross country road trip. After 10 years in Texas, their family is back in the Northeast exploring both familiar and new destinations. There she runs her own business providing go-to-market, sales strategy, podcast, and content marketing consulting for websites and B2B businesses. Whenever possible she writes for a variety of publications in the podcast, travel, and business space. Connect with her on LinkedIn to chat about travel, content, sales, and podcasts!
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