Remember that time you and your squad laughed until your cheeks hurt, exploring somewhere new? Those are the moments that stick—not the pricey resorts. I’ve learned the magic lies in shared adventures, whether it’s chasing sunsets or spooking each other on ghost tours.
This list skips the usual suspects (looking at you, Napa) for fresh spots where bonding takes center stage. Think llama trekking in Montana or sipping cocktails by a rooftop pool in Oceanside. Budget-friendly? Check. Unforgettable? Absolutely.
From coastal hideaways to mountain retreats, I’ve handpicked these gems based on my own misadventures and insider tips. Because the best trips aren’t about the destination—they’re about the stories you bring home.
Why These Spots Make the Ultimate Girls Getaway
Picture this: your squad laughing under desert stars, zero fancy resorts required. These destinations aren’t about luxury—they’re about the moments that turn into inside jokes for years. Here’s why they work:
Affordable Adventures
Your crew doesn’t need a trust fund to feel like queens. Think $5 tacos in Austin or free lighthouse climbs in the Outer Banks. Even Jasper’s hot springs won’t break the bank.
Bonding Over the Unusual
From moose safaris in Maine to ATV fails in El Paso, these activities are built for shared stories. Ever tried llama trekking? It’s harder (and funnier) than it looks.
| Destination | Unique Activity | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Holbox, Mexico | Beachside hammock naps | Chill |
| Austin, Texas | Live music bingo | High-energy |
| Jasper, Alberta | Stargazing in hot springs | Magical |
Flexibility for Every Personality
Spa lover? Sedona’s creek-side massages await. Adrenaline junkie? Try Telluride’s alpine hikes. No unpaid travel agents needed—each spot caters to mixed groups.
Pro tip: Pick places with walkable downtowns (like Savannah) to avoid rental cars. More experience, less logistics.
Best Girls Trip Destinations for Nature Lovers
Nature has a way of turning even the most chaotic friend group into a zen squad. Whether you’re whispering to spot moose or laughing at llamas’ judging stares, these spots blend *adventure* with unforgettable bonding.
Moosehead Lake, Maine: Cabins and Wild Neighbors
Channel your inner Reese Witherspoon—but with Wi-Fi and local wine. Rent a VRBO cabin near Baxter State Park’s rugged trails. Sunrise moose safaris are a must (*Pro tip: Coffee first—those 5AM moose don’t care about your beauty sleep*).
Evenings? Think board games and stargazing from the porch. It’s *trip* perfection for *friends* who crave cozy over crowded.
Glacier Country, Montana: Llamas and Lager
For an *adventure* with furry porters, try llama trekking through Ross Creek Cedars. They’ll carry your snacks and side-eye your hiking playlist. Reward yourselves with hoppy IPAs at local breweries—*views* taste better with mountain backdrops.
Stay at Residence Inn Missoula or Bridge Street Cottages. Both mix *hotel* comforts with rustic charm.
| Destination | Must-Do | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Moosehead Lake | Moose safaris, lake kayaking | VRBO cabins |
| Glacier Country | Llama treks, brewery hops | Bridge Street Cottages |
Small-Town Charm with Big Adventures
Small towns pack big surprises—especially when your squad’s along for the ride. Think cobblestone streets lined with quirky boutiques, wine tastings in historic barns, and enough photo ops to break the internet. No passport required.
Franklin, Tennessee: Wine Trails and Antique Shopping
Franklin’s historic town square feels like a Hallmark set—minus the fake snow. Hit the Masters & Makers Trail for sips at hip distilleries (*History with a whiskey chaser, anyone?*). Then, hunt for treasures at antique shops or paddleboard the Harpeth River. Pro tip: Falling in is only acceptable post-wine.
Stay at the Harpeth Franklin Downtown Hotel. It’s steps from farm-to-table restaurants and SOAR Adventure Park’s ziplines. Because balance.
Solvang, California: Danish Vibes and Windmill Views
This town is a slice of Denmark with extra sunshine. Stuff your face with aebleskivers (think pancake balls) while debating which sister would play you in your trip’s movie adaptation. Shopping? Yes—clogs, Christmas shops, and Rusack Vineyards’ wine rooms (*Pinot + photo ops = perfection*).
Windmill selfies are mandatory. So is pretending you’re in a fairy tale. No apologies.
Beach Vibes for Sun-Seeking Squads
Nothing bonds a squad faster than sandy toes and saltwater hair. Whether you’re learning to surf or racing to beat the sunset, these spots turn ordinary weekends into legendary stories. Pro tip: Waterproof mascara is non-negotiable.
Oceanside, California: Surf Lessons and Sunset Markets
Channel your inner Baywatch—but with more laughter and fewer slow-mo runs. Mission Pacific Hotel’s rooftop pool is prime for post-surf lounging, while Sunset Market’s tacos and live music beat any resort dinner. *Wipeouts included; pride optional.*
Don’t miss the Top Gun house for obligatory fighter-pilot poses. Summer vibes peak here, especially when your squad’s cheering each other through wave fails.
Outer Banks, North Carolina: Beach Houses and Lighthouse Climbs
Rent a beach house with a hot tub (2AM gossip sessions demand it). Climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse to burn off fish taco calories—*views taste better when earned*. Jockey’s Ridge’s dunes are perfect for hang gliding or dramatic photo ops.
“Rent the house with the hot tub—your 2AM gossip sessions demand it.”
Pack light: Flip-flops, sunscreen, and zero expectations. Because the best girls weekend stories start with saltwater and end with inside jokes.
Urban Escapes with Rooftop Pools
City lights hit different when your squad’s sipping cocktails eight stories up. These downtown gems blend culture, convenience, and just enough chaos to keep your group chat buzzing for months.
Cincinnati, Ohio: Boutique Hopping and Mimosa Brunches
Over-The-Rhine’s graffiti murals outshine any Instagram filter. Start at Taste of Belgium for waffle flights (yes, that’s a thing), then browse indie boutiques. The 21c Museum Hotel doubles as an art gallery—perfect for rooftop bar debates about which sculpture looks most like your ex.
Pro tip: Their lavender mimosas taste even better with skyline views. Save room for restaurants serving goetta hash—a local must-try.
Buffalo, New York: Foodie Havens and Waterfront Walks
Forget wings—beef on weck (caraway-crusted roast beef) is Buffalo’s real MVP. The hotel at Marriott LECOM Harborcenter puts you steps from waterfront strolls and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces.
By night, hit downtown’s speakeasies or the rooftop scene at Vue. Morning recovery? A chocolate-stuffed croissant from Butter Block. No regrets.
| City | Must-Do | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | OTR murals, 21c rooftop bar | 21c Museum Hotel |
| Buffalo | Beef on weck, Wright homes | Marriott LECOM Harborcenter |
Wine and Dine Like Queens
Some trips call for champagne toasts—others demand wine with alpaca photobombs. Skip the crowded Napa scene for these underrated gems where views come with furry sidekicks and sunset sails.
Finger Lakes, New York: Sunset Cruises and Alpaca Farms
Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is your base for wine adventures. Book a sunset cruise—your charcuterie board tastes better when someone else steers. Post-sail, meet Muranda Cheese Company’s alpacas. They’re like wine doges: fluffy and great for profile pics.
Pro tip: Visit in fall. The foliage turns your third glass of Riesling into an artsy Instagram moment.
Willamette Valley, Oregon: Vineyard Hopping in Cottage Grove
At Black Walnut Inn, sip Pinot Noir under fairytale covered bridges. The tour vibe? Cottagecore meets bon vivant. Bike between vineyards or nap in hammocks—no influencers photobombing your squad’s food pics.
| Destination | Must-Try | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Finger Lakes | Alpaca farm visits, sunset cruises | Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel |
| Willamette Valley | Vineyard biking, bridge picnics | Black Walnut Inn |
“Alpacas don’t judge your wine choices—they just want your cheese plate.”
Spa Retreats to Unwind and Reconnect
Self-care with your squad hits different when someone else handles the scrubbing. These spots blend *spa* luxe with small-town charm—perfect for a *getaway* where the only decision is “deep tissue or hot stone?”
Excelsior Springs, Missouri: Mineral Baths and Artisan Shops
The Elms *Hotel*’s Grotto feels like Roman baths minus the togas (swimsuits optional). Soak in mineral-rich waters, then browse quirky *shops* for Missouri-made pottery. *Pro tip*: Dubious Claims Brewery’s IPAs are the ideal counterbalance to zen.
Sedona, Arizona: Creek-Side Massages and Crystal Shops
At L’Auberge’s *spa*, let Oak Creek’s babble soundtrack your massage. Post-treatment, hunt for vortex-friendly crystals—because aligning chakras beats souvenir magnets. Margaritas optional but highly recommended.
| Destination | Must-Try | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Excelsior Springs | Mineral baths, brewery hops | Historic charm |
| Sedona | Vortex massages, crystal shopping | Desert zen |
“Alpacas don’t judge your wine choices—they just want your cheese plate.”
Quirky and Unexpected Gems
Ever feel like your squad thrives on the weird and wonderful? These spots deliver unforgettable moments without the usual tourist traps. From desert hikes to fudge-fueled nostalgia, they’re perfect for groups who think ‘basic’ is a four-letter word.
El Paso, Texas: Boot Shopping and Desert Hikes
Channel your inner cowboy at Lucchese’s boot factory tour—nothing bonds friends like debating which custom kicks scream ‘yeehaw’ vs ‘yikes.’ Reward your shopping stamina with rooftop margaritas at Hotel Indigo. The view? All desert hues and downtown charm.
For adventure, hit Red Sands ATV park. Just remember: cacti don’t care about your Instagram pose. Watch your step unless you want prickly souvenirs.
Mackinac Island, Michigan: Fudge Shops and Horse-Drawn Carriages
Step into a storybook where cars don’t exist and fudge is a food group. The Grand Hotel’s afternoon tea feels like time travel—minus the corsets. Pro tip: Try all eight fudge flavors at Murdick’s. No judgment here.
Explore the island by horse-drawn carriage (Uber for people who hate Uber). End your day at the Pink Pony, dancing to live music like it’s 1899. The vibe? Pure nostalgia with a side of buttercream frosting.
| Destination | Must-Do | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| El Paso | Boot tours, desert ATV | Hotel Indigo |
| Mackinac Island | Fudge tasting, carriage rides | Grand Hotel |
“The only bad decision here? Not buying extra fudge for the ride home.”
Historic Havens with Modern Flair
History doesn’t have to be boring—especially when your squad turns it into a comedy show. These towns blend centuries-old charm with irreverent fun, proving that cobblestones and cocktails mix perfectly.
St. Augustine, Florida: Ghost Tours and Fountain of Youth
At the St. Francis Inn B&B, you’ll sleep in a building older than your grandma’s recipes. But the real thrill? Their ghost tour, where “booze and ghosts” become the ultimate truth serum. (*Spoiler: The Fountain of Youth is just water. The photo op? Priceless.*)
By night, hit the colonial quarter’s lantern-lit alleys. By day, visit the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park—if only to laugh at who actually believes it works.
Providence, Rhode Island: Food Trucks and Pedestrian Bridges
Hotel Providence puts you steps from gourmet food trucks (*tacos > textbook history*). Walk the downtown pedestrian bridges at sunset—views taste better with zero “we need to talk” energy.
Book Rhode Island Red Food tour for bites at farm-to-table restaurants. Pro tip: Their clam chowder could mend even the most dramatic friendship rift.
“History without the homework—cocktails included.”
| Destination | Must-Do | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine | Ghost tours, Fountain selfies | St. Francis Inn |
| Providence | Food trucks, bridge strolls | Hotel Providence |
Mountain Magic for the Active Crew
High-altitude laughter hits different—especially when your *crew*’s dodging marmots on a cliffside. These towns blend heart-pumping *adventure* with aprés-hike shenanigans, proving mountains are the ultimate bonding playground.
Telluride, Colorado: Saloons and Via Ferrata
Historic saloons here serve whiskey with a side of *views*—and possibly a celebrity sighting. But the real thrill? The Via Ferrata climb, where cliffs and harnesses turn trust falls into an *adventure* sport. Pro tip: Save the celebratory shots for *after* the descent.
Stay at The Hotel Telluride for easy access to Main Street’s quirky *shops*. Their rooftop hot tub is prime for stargazing with your squad.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Saddle Up for Grand Teton
The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar’s saddle stools are the only place “yeehaw” feels legit. By day, explore Grand Teton *National Park*—just remember bison selfies are a terrible idea (*yes, even for the ‘gram*).
“Cliffs + harnesses = trust falls on steroids.”
Basecamp at The Lexington Hotel. Its cozy vibe feels like *home* after *summer* hikes. Bonus: You’re minutes from Yellowstone’s geysers if your *crew* craves more *adventure*.
| Destination | Must-Do | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Telluride | Via Ferrata, saloon crawls | The Hotel Telluride |
| Jackson Hole | Grand Teton *National Park*, cowboy bar | The Lexington Hotel |
Desert Dreams and Cowboy Boots
Who says you can’t mix cowboy boots with genealogy charts? Your squad’s about to prove them wrong. These spots blend rugged landscapes with retail therapy—because nothing bonds friends like shared credit card statements.
Tempe, Arizona: Hot Air Balloons and Tacos
Start with sunrise at the Desert Botanical Garden, where cacti stand taller than your weekend regrets. Then, chase views (and adrenaline) with a hot air balloon ride. Pro tip: The Canopy by Hilton’s rooftop pool is prime for post-flight margaritas.
Fuel up on a food crawl—think carne asada tacos that’ll make you forget your ex’s name. Sand-colored sunsets? Optional but highly recommended.
“Champagne toasts at 5,000 feet—because brunch is basic.”
Fort Wayne, Indiana: Vera Bradley and Genealogy Treasures
At the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale, unleash your inner shopping dragon. Matching luggage? A friendship test. Then, dive into Promenade Park’s riverside vibes—kayak or nap, no judgment.
For a quirky experience, visit the genealogy center. Discovering you’re 2% royalty justifies crown purchases. Priorities.
| Destination | Must-Do | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Tempe | Balloon rides, taco tours | Canopy by Hilton |
| Fort Wayne | Vera Bradley haul, park strolls | Hyatt Place |
Budget-Friendly Trips That Feel Luxe
Who says luxury has to break the bank? Your squad deserves champagne vibes on a lemonade budget. These hacks and *destinations* deliver five-star experiences—minus the guilt.
Maine Windjammer Cruises: All-inclusive sailing without the cruise-ship crowds. BYOB (Bring Your Own Boots) and let the crew handle the rest. Pro tip: Sunset lobster bakes taste better with salt-stiffened hair.
Off-season steals: Beach houses in November = hot tubs for $100/night. Santa Fe’s adobe spas? Half-price when the summer crowd vanishes. *Time* it right, and you’ll have the *place* to yourselves.
| Budget Move | Luxe Feels | Where to Try |
|---|---|---|
| VRBO kitchens | Rosé picnics with ocean views | Bar Harbor, ME |
| National park passes | Free sunrise yoga at Grand Canyon | Sedona, AZ |
| HomeExchange | Parisian apartment + local wine stash | Montmartre, France |
“A *girls weekend* isn’t about the receipts—it’s about the stories you’ll still be laughing at next year.”
Skip the *hotel* minibar. Stock your rental with Trader Joe’s charcuterie and call it a *trip* hack. Bonus: More money for spontaneous kayak rentals or that extra round of margaritas.
How to Plan the Perfect Girls Trip
Planning a getaway with your crew shouldn’t feel like herding cats—here’s how to make it seamless. Whether it’s a *weekend* escape or a week-long *experience*, these hacks keep the focus on fun, not logistics.
Divide and Conquer Roles
Assign roles like a pro:
- The Foodie: Handles reservations and snack raids.
- The Planner: Master of Google Docs and *time* management.
- The Key Loser: In charge of dramatic exits and Uber calls.
Pro tip: Rotate duties to avoid mutiny.
Budget Like a Boss
Use Splitwise to track shared expenses. Because *friends* shouldn’t feud over who ordered the extra guac. Set a cap upfront—*weekend* splurges are better without credit-card regrets.
Activity Voting Made Easy
Create a shared *list* in Google Polls. Options like “beach naps” vs. “vineyard hops” prevent democracy collapsing into a group-chat civil war.
“One checked bag for shoes, one carry-on for ‘emergency’ wine—this is the way.”
When All Else Fails, Outsource
Hire a local guide or use a trip-planning service. Your sanity is worth the fee. Bonus: They’ll know which rooftop bars have the best sunset views.
| Tool | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Splitwise | Track shared expenses |
| Google Polls | Vote on activities |
| PackPoint | Custom packing *list* |
Conclusion
Whether you’re whispering to moose in Maine or debating rooftop mimosas in Cincinnati, the magic lies in the experience—not the Instagram likes. These destinations prove that the best memories start with a simple “What if we…?” and zero regrets.
Your squad deserves more than another Netflix party. Book that trip now. From llama side-eye to ghost tour giggles, the stories you’ll collect beat any souvenir.
Still overwhelmed? My DMs are open (wine bribes accepted). Now go forth—tag us when your friends finally master that rooftop pose.
