Whether you want to party it up, get adventurous with some scuba diving or pamper yourselves at a deluxe spa, these fantastic girls trip destinations offer something for every woman in your group. However you choose to spend your vacation, these girls weekend getaways are bound to help you and your best gal pals create lifelong memories.
Phoenix
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This city, located in the scenic Sonoran Desert, is a wonderful destination for a memorable girls trip with plenty of options for wellness, art and adventure. Start your day together in Phoenix with a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Hot Air Expeditions, for a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling landscape below. Next, explore art and culture at a local museum. The Heard Museum focuses on Indigenous art, and the Phoenix Art Museum displays works from many of the greats, including Monet, Picasso, O’Keeffe and Kahlo. This historic Taliesin West – Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert compound, located about 30 miles out of town – is another cool place to wander around in the area.
Don’t miss the award-winning cocktail experience at Century Grand. For wellness and pampering, CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa sits about 35 miles north of Phoenix and offers classes focused on personal growth as well as an award-winning spa. Or, head to the remote, all-inclusive Castle Hot Springs resort about 50 miles north of the city to bathe in the mineral-rich waters and dine on farm-fresh produce grown on property. For a resort stay in nearby Scottsdale, opt for the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North or the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain.
Victoria, Canada
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Reconnect with your friends in this charming waterfront city in British Columbia. Stay at the elegant Fairmont Empress hotel, which recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation to update its luxury Fairmont Gold experience. Put on your best dress for the iconic afternoon tea with finger sandwiches or meet the girls for the new Sunset Sips offering with cocktails served in teapots.
For some R&R in Victoria, walk to the newly opened HAVN floating spa to enjoy its outdoor hydrotherapy circuit. Leave time to visit the impressive Butchart Gardens with five themed gardens spanning 55 acres. Victoria is also brimming with historical and cultural sites, including Craigdorrach Castle, and you can find plenty of outdoor activities like kayaking and whale watching as well.
Newport Beach, California
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For the ultimate girls getaway, it doesn’t get much better than Newport Beach. This Orange County destination – located about 45 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles – is home to attractions like Corona del Mar State Beach and the Fashion Island shopping center, an upscale open-air complex. When you need a break from shopping, explore the adjacent 1,000-acre Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.
For a five-star stay with spacious accommodations, check into The Resort at Pelican Hill. The luxury two-, three- or four-bedroom villas are perfect for a sleepover with the girls. Spend your days lounging by one of the largest circular swimming pools in the U.S., hitting balls at one of the two championship golf courses or getting spoiled at the property’s spa. For a waterfront stay, you can’t beat the Balboa Bay Resort, located on the picturesque Newport Bay, with views of mega-yachts. Have a girls day at the spa, cruise the bay on a Duffy boat, or head to nearby Lido Marina Village for upscale shopping and gourmet dining.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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Hit the slopes with your besties at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for world-class skiing and snowboarding in Jackson Hole. After a day on the mountain, head to the iconic Mangy Moose in Teton Village for après-ski cocktails and live music. Hotel Terra and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole offer easy slope access, as well as luxurious spas for relaxing and recovering.
The mountain adventure doesn’t stop when the snow melts. During the summer months, you and your gals can go mountain biking at the Bike Park, take the scenic tram to the top for a waffle with a view at Corbet’s Cabin and hike down through wildflowers, or explore new climbing routes on the Via Ferrata. You’ll have so much fun that you may even want to return with your family in tow.
San Diego
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This Southern California destination provides warm weather, beautiful beaches, gourmet dining and upscale shopping. During the day, head out with the girls for kayaking in La Jolla Cove, hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, visiting one of the many museums in Balboa Park, shopping in the Gaslamp Quarter or exploring California’s roots at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
There’s no shortage of dining options in “America’s Finest City.” Grab brunch at the lively Bib Gourmand-winning Morning Glory (worth the wait) in Little Italy, go for a sunset dinner cruise with City Experiences and grab after-dinner drinks at the space-inspired Mothership. Cap off your day with a sleepover at the newly opened The Lafayette Hotel and Club, which has been restored to its 1940s glory.
Las Vegas
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From casino games to shows to grand hotels, Las Vegas offers many ways to spend a weekend away with the girls. To escape the hustle and bustle of the Strip, stay at the Delano Las Vegas, a quieter boutique-style hotel that’s part of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Delano guests receive access to all of the larger resort’s amenities, including the Mandalay Bay Beach and Shark Reef Aquarium. What’s more, the Delano’s spa boasts massages, body treatments and facials, and you can also enjoy a seasonal pool with a whimsical submerged chessboard and a lounge with panoramic city views.
For top-notch shopping, head to The Shops at Crystals. Vegas shows are also perfect entertainment for a girls getaway. Catch one of Spiegelworld’s adults-only shows, a live performance at the Beverly Theater, a dazzling concert at the new high-tech MSG Sphere or live country music at Ole Red when it opens in early 2024. Weekenders may also enjoy the futuristic AREA15 for immersive art, a secret bar, rides and the surreal worlds of Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart.
Palm Springs, California
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Warm up in the desert with a weekend in Palm Springs. You and your friends can gossip poolside with a cocktail, enjoy a game of golf or round of tennis, explore the midcentury modern architecture on a self-guided bike tour, or take the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway for beautiful views of the valley below.
For an overnight stay, the Trixie Motel offers a pink party scene created by drag queen Trixie Mattel. You can also find a tranquil escape at the newly opened Azure Sky, with its updated midcentury modern aesthetic, or at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in nearby Indian Wells. At night, get dressed up for dinner at the industrial-chic Workshop Kitchen + Bar – one of the city’s top restaurants – for contemporary American cuisine.
Lexington, Kentucky
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Steal away to the land of all things equine in the rolling green hills of Lexington, where white fences surround picturesque horse farms. Grab your friends and don your race-day best at the Keeneland racecourse, a world-renowned thoroughbred racing destination. Or, go for a horseback ride and stay the night at The Kentucky Castle, a 110-acre estate with European-inspired architecture. Check out the scenery and save time for a bourbon tasting at Woodford Reserve or Buffalo Trace Distillery.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington Green offers a free cooked-to-order breakfast daily, plus easy access to all of the city’s can’t-miss shops – including Joseph-Beth Booksellers in addition to the upscale boutiques in Fayette Mall and The Summit at Fritz Farm.
Atlanta
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There’s no shortage of things to do in Atlanta. Wander through downtown’s Centennial Olympic Park and tour the World of Coca-Cola, where you can sip sodas from around the globe, before taking a ride on the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel. Your group can enjoy some barbecue and bourbon at Twin Smokers BBQ or visit the TikTok-famous mozzarella bar Bastone! before turning in for the night.
Head back to your Lifestyle Suite at the Loews Atlanta Hotel, which is conveniently equipped with a Peloton bike should you want to burn off some calories. The property’s spa offers a variety of fitness classes, as well as treatments like body scrubs, facials and massages. For the best views of the city, grab drinks at the Bellyard hotel’s Drawbar, located in The Interlock. It has easy access to the area’s top attractions, including Puttshack’s high-tech mini-golf, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena. Top shopping areas in Atlanta include the posh Buckhead Village District and the expansive Lenox Square mall.
Miami
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Sun, surf and fun are what you’ll find in Miami at nearly any time of year. Spend a day with your friends shopping at the outdoor Lincoln Road Mall or Española Way in Miami Beach, or meandering through murals at the Wynwood Walls art installation, one of Miami’s top museums. When you’re ready for some nightlife, head to South Beach to dance the night away. Park your pals at the Hotel Indigo Miami Brickell in the Financial District to enjoy sweeping views of the Brickell neighborhood, an outdoor pool and cocktails at Mosaico Kitchen & Bar. For Asian cuisine and a clubbing scene, head to Komodo or Gekkō (owned by Bad Bunny and David Grutman).
New York City
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Friends can find any activity to strike their fancy in New York City. The FreeStyle Pass helps travelers save money and skip ticket lines at multiple attractions, such as One World Observatory – a top NYC observation deck option – and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Check out the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty during a brunch, dinner or other cruise with City Cruises.
Stay in the heart of bustling Times Square at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, enjoy a more leisurely escape at the hip Arlo Williamsburg in Brooklyn or book a room in the vibrant Financial District at The Wall Street Hotel for a chic experience. New York City offers seemingly endless places to dine, from the high-end Clement restaurant at The Peninsula New York to the casual Melt Shop lunch spot.
Napa Valley, California
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Picture yourself and your friends sipping wine amid the rolling green hills of Napa Valley. An easy way to get the lay of the land is on a Getaway Adventures bike tour, which stops at wineries in areas like Calistoga. You can even sign up for a hot air balloon ride with Napa Valley Balloons – on a clear day, you can see all the way to San Francisco.
The centrally located Andaz Napa is a modern and convenient hotel to retire to after dining at one of the valley’s top restaurants, such as The Grove at Copia with its farm-to-table fare. Also located in Napa is The Meritage Resort and Spa, offering a luxurious stay with on-site tasting rooms, a six-lane bowling alley and Spa Terra. For a storybook getaway with the girls, stay at the Harvest Inn in St. Helena and dine at Gott’s Roadside for casual California fare.
Los Angeles
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For the ultimate girls getaway, head to Los Angeles and experience luxury amenities, leading-edge fashion, skyline views and rooftop pools. Check into the historic, boutique Hotel Figueroa – created by women, for women – where you can enjoy a coffin-shaped pool, specialty suites and artwork by local independent female creators. At the five-star Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles, take in some of the best views of the city from the pool on the rooftop, see a concert at LA Live, or shop for clothes and accessories from up-and-coming designers at the nearby LA Fashion District.
Work up a sweat by hiking on Runyon Canyon Trail for views of Hollywood Hills. For a ranch-style getaway with the girls, head to Malibu to stay at the boutique Calamigos Guest Ranch, then dine at the Calamigos Beach Club Restaurant and Lounge, which offers scenic Pacific Ocean vistas just 10 miles from the ranch.
Chicago
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Get your fill of retail therapy along the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. This central thoroughfare, which spans several blocks of Michigan Avenue, is lined with various shops and restaurants and several top hotels. The nearby Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago’s rooms are outfitted with bay windows that overlook the city, and the stylish Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown is home to a lively restaurant and lounge.
After a restful night’s sleep, stroll through Millennium Park to see the iconic “Bean” sculpture and catch a show in the city’s theater district. Of course, no visit would be complete without ordering some deep-dish pizza from a local favorite like Lou Malnati’s or Gino’s East.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
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In the foothills of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’ll find amenities such as live entertainment venues, restaurants, shops and spas. The Island in Pigeon Forge entertainment complex features more than 80 shops and mouthwatering local eateries like Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. You’ll find the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, an escape room and the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, which displays iconic artifacts such as Al Capone’s rosary.
Also at The Island is the Margaritaville Island Hotel, which has rooms outfitted with fireplaces and private balconies as well as special offers like the “Margarita Package,” complete with a frozen concoction maker. Additional Pigeon Forge must-dos include the Dolly Parton’s Stampede and Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud performances, which are both top dinner shows in the area.
Santa Barbara, California
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Have a quintessential Southern California vacation in Santa Barbara, which is known for its beaches, Spanish colonial-style buildings and abundant shops along the city’s main road, State Street. Relax with your buddies at the Kimpton Canary Hotel, which boasts a rooftop pool, free loaner bicycles, and accommodations equipped with four-poster beds and yoga mats. The property’s Finch & Fork restaurant serves seafood and classic American dishes.
When you’re ready for drinks, venture to downtown’s happening Funk Zone, where you can visit wine-tasting rooms such as Pali Wine Co. as well as distilleries and breweries. There are also great trails to hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains. In the nearby town of Los Olivos, in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country, you and the girls can enjoy handcrafted wine, expansive views and cozy amenities at Fess Parker; lodging options here include cabins and a charming inn.
Charleston, South Carolina
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Step back in time to 17th-century America while on vacation in Charleston. This charming port city in South Carolina is home to preserved historic mansions, beaches, award-winning restaurants and shops. Many of Charleston’s popular attractions, such as the Battery and Charleston City Market, are easy to explore on foot or by bike.
After a busy day of sightseeing, gal pals can relax at Wentworth Mansion, a former home built in the 1800s by wealthy Charleston resident Francis Silas Rodgers. The hotel offers plush digs, a spa inside the property’s former stables and the highly regarded Circa 1886 restaurant. For under-the-radar dining, The Wreck offers fresh seafood away from the crowds. Also in Charleston’s Historic District, the cozy boutique Emeline hotel boasts suites with memorable touches like record players, plus close proximity to picturesque cobblestone streets and charming boutiques.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
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It’s hard to find a more picturesque destination than Carmel-by-the-Sea, thanks to its misty beaches and homes straight out of a fairy tale. This coastal village, less than 5 miles southwest of Monterey, is an ideal spot to hop on bikes and ride down to the beach and through charming neighborhoods with your gal pals. When you reach downtown, stop to check out the area’s shops, restaurants and art galleries. For more beautiful sea views, venture to nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Carmel offers a range of quaint hotels and inns, including the historic La Playa Carmel and the cottage-style Hotel Carmel.
Charlotte, North Carolina
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The plethora of activities in Charlotte – think: artsy events, heart-pumping pursuits and top-notch shopping – makes this Southern city appealing to all kinds of travelers. Try whitewater rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, where visitors will find the world’s largest human-made whitewater river, or enjoy ample shopping opportunties at the high-end SouthPark Mall.
For boutique digs in Charlotte, stay at the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel. Overlooking an urban park in the city center, the property boasts amenities like complimentary loaner bikes, in-room yoga mats, a yoga deck and an on-site restaurant. Angeline’s offers Italian-American cuisine at the hotel, while the rooftop Merchant & Trade serves up bar snacks and cocktails.
Toronto
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If you’re looking for an international escape that’s close to home, head to Toronto. The city’s abundance of distinct neighborhoods – such as Little Italy, Greektown, Chinatown and Little India – makes it a superb spot for foodies. Gourmands can pick up specialty items at Kensington Market. Meanwhile, fashionistas may want to shop for designer clothing at Bloor-Yorkville and music enthusiasts can check out top live music venues like Horseshoe Tavern, The Rex and Massey Hall.
When you need a break from all the city has to offer, take advantage of the Bisha Hotel Toronto’s amenities. Set between the Fashion District and Old Toronto, the hotel features a seasonal rooftop infinity pool, steam rooms, and four bars and restaurants, including an eatery with sweeping city panoramas.
New Orleans
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A vacation in this city is bound to include time spent sipping hurricanes on Bourbon Street and munching on beignets at Café du Monde. But if partying isn’t your scene, don’t fret: New Orleans offers something for everyone. The chic South Market district appeals to avid shoppers, Frenchmen Street boasts incredible live music, and the 18th-century Jackson Square is a must for history buffs. A streetcar ride down St. Charles Avenue, which features gorgeous mansions, is also a fun way to pass the time.
New Orleans is home to a variety of hotels, but for traveler-approved amenities and a superb location, hang your hat at the Loews New Orleans Hotel. This property sits in the New Orleans Art District and houses an indoor pool, a restaurant and a fitness center. Another option is the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel with diverse culinary options, spacious rooms and close proximity to many of New Orleans’ top attractions.
Finger Lakes, New York
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There are 11 Finger Lakes to explore on a scenic girls trip in New York state. Not only can you enjoy outdoor recreation on and in the lakes, but you’ll also find opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing and golf. Maximize your time with your friends while visiting several local vineyards on a wine trail, seeing a show at one of the performing arts centers, zip lining at Bristol Mountain, shopping in Canandaigua, visiting a museum or petting an alpaca at Lazy Acre Alpacas.
A variety of accommodations awaits you in the Finger Lakes, ranging from campgrounds and bed-and-breakfasts to resorts and vacation rentals. For a memorable overnighter, opt for the Miami Motel with its art deco ’50s vibe or the luxurious and historic Belhurst Castle. When you’re choosing where to eat out, great options include farm-to-table cuisine at Kindred Fare, Roots Cafe or the opulent Diciannove Dieci.
Key West, Florida
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Escape to the Florida Keys for a tropical getaway with the girls. The southernmost key, Key West, is known for its abundance of ocean activities, year-round warm weather, lively Duval Street, historic homes and a laid-back vibe. Hop on bikes to search for the best key lime pie, kayak through the mangroves, taste rum at Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery, see the six-toed cats at the Ernest Hemingway house, visit the southernmost point in the continental U.S. and go sailing at sunset. For a night out, have a classic shot of whiskey with a pickle juice chaser at one of the iconic bars on the island, such as Sloppy Joe’s or Capt. Tony’s Saloon.
Asheville, North Carolina
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For a girls trip focused on outdoor adventure, Asheville is a great choice because of its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore the area’s top hikes to get your adrenaline pumping. Your group will love getting a taste of life as a Vanderbilt by staying at the extravagant and historic Biltmore Estate. With 8,000 acres to explore here, activities include hiking, biking, fishing, floating on the river, horseback and carriage rides, bird walks, farm tours and more. Guests can stay at the Village Hotel, The Inn or one of the cottages that sleep up to five.
If you’d rather stay in town, The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton has a modern industrial ambiance with Appalachian cuisine and elegant guest rooms. With the property located in The Block, Asheville’s historic Black business district, you’ll be within walking distance of the vibrant downtown scene and its multitude of shopping and dining options.
Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to planning girls trips with her friends. She prefers to plan getaways in places that offer outdoor adventure and five-star spas. Her favorite destinations include Palms Springs, Jackson Hole and British Columbia. Kolberg used her personal experience and research skills to curate this list of the best girls trip ideas.