20 Bachelorette Party Ideas And Where To Do Them
Sure, the wedding is the big event. But the reality is the bride will have so much on her mind that the day won’t be all about her. The bachelorette party, on the other hand, is meant to revolve around and celebrate the bride-to-be.
Whether you're the one getting hitched or you're the maid of honor hoping to throw the bash of the year, here's a roundup of awesome bachelorette party ideas and the best U.S. destinations in which to do them.
For a Pampered Bachelorette Party: Relax at the Spa
After months and months of wedding planning, sometimes what you want to do the most is simply relax. That’s where the spa bachelorette comes in.
Treat yourself to a relaxing day — or better yet, a weekend — that’ll leave you glowing before the big day.
Where to Have a Spa Bachelorette: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Spas abound throughout the country, but if you want a full experience where you’ll be relaxed head-to-toe and completely disconnected, plan to go to Santa Fe.
This artsy town is renowned for its natural hot springs, which have given rise to myriad spas and wellness resorts. Ojo Santa Fe and Ten Thousand Waves are two of the best ones in the city. Soak your worries away with this relaxed bachelorette party idea.
For a Super Extra Bachelorette Party: Rent a Boat
If you want to feel like a true boss, head out on a boat with your bridal party. You can enjoy the sun, breeze and sea while dancing, boozing and working on your tan.
Time the boat rental correctly to see the sunset as you make your way back to land for a perfect end to your bachelorette.
Want to be a bit basic (but super cute)? Tell your bridesmaids to wear matching color swimsuits or T-shirts, and pick a different color for yourself.
Where to Have a Boat Bachelorette: Miami, Florida
Is there any place in the U.S. that epitomizes beach party life more than Miami? We don’t think so.
You’ll be able to go on a boat and enjoy the sun any time of year. Plus, the whole city has a laid-back vibe and a culture of partying until sunrise that perfectly matches a boating bachelorette trip.
For a Wild Bachelorette Party: Dance the Weekend Away
The quintessential bachelorette party looks a lot like the movie “The Hangover.”
It involves nightclubs, gambling, night shows and a large portion of random adventures that’ll make for fun stories for years to come.
Where to Do Have a Wild Bachelorette: Las Vegas, Nevada
There’s a reason why Las Vegas is the stereotypical place for a bachelorette. Is it cliché? Maybe, but that doesn’t negate the simple fact that the city is the absolute best place for this type of party.
There are a million-and-one night shows that cater to a range of interests, casinos are open until the wee hours of the morning, and everyone everywhere will be shouting an iteration of “what happens in Vegas…”
You can’t predict what will happen in the city, but you know it’ll be epic.
For a Low-Key Bachelorette Party: Go Glamping
Some people are torn between wanting luxury and wanting nature. The solution is to go on a glamping trip, where you can feel pampered even as you sleep outside.
This bachelorette party idea is perfect for those who want something decidedly more laidback and unconventional. You’ll be gazing up at the stars, roasting marshmallows by the fire and exchanging stories.
Where to Have a Glamping Bachelorette: Big Sky, Montana
There are few places in the country that have as much unspoiled natural beauty as Montana. The state has many glamping spots that take advantage of its majestic mountains, lakes and national parks.
Stay at Big Sky, where Collective Yellowstone offers peaceful glamping retreats at Moonlight Basin. The retreat is close to Yellowstone National Park and offers absolutely gorgeous interiors that’ll make you feel like you’re in a five-star hotel.
For a Glow-Up Bachelorette Party: Head to the Beach
The beach rejuvenates like few other places, which is why bachelorette party beach trips are so popular.
Rent a house near the beach, and spend the weekend sunbathing and swimming in the sea.
Where to Have a Beach Bachelorette: St. Pete, Florida
Rated as the absolute best beach in the country by Tripadvisor, St. Pete Beach has impossibly soft white sand and calm, warm water. It has also managed to avoid the overdevelopment of other beach destinations, so you don’t have to worry about a jungle of high rises blocking the sun.
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, St. Pete has plenty of beautiful places where you can catch the sunset. Seeing wild dolphins playing in the water is a relatively common occurrence, so definitely be on the lookout for that!
For a Fancy Bachelorette Party: Go Wine Tasting
If you want a weekend that’s much less party and more about enjoying the fine things in life, you can’t go wrong with wine tasting.
You’ll get to sample delicious wines and cheese pairings while taking in the beautiful views that every winery features.
Where to Have a Vineyard Bachelorette: Napa Valley, California
Although there are many wine regions in the U.S., none come close to Napa, which is synonymous with wine.
Napa Valley offers numerous tours, luxury winery accommodations and an overall amazing bachelorette party experience.
For an Adrenaline-Filled Bachelorette Party: Go Thrill-Seeking
Some people thrive off of adrenaline rushes and love feeling like danger (kind of) lurks around the corner.
This bachelorette party idea is not for the faint of heart, but it guarantees you won't be bored for even a single second.
Where to Have an Extreme Bachelorette: Sedona, Arizona
Sedona draws in adventure travelers for a variety of reasons. You can go off-roading to native ruins and rugged trails. Rafting on the Sedona River, taking an ATV tour or going for a hot-air balloon ride are also possible.
This destination is also just a few hours away from the famous Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. If you have the time, work these natural wonders into your adventurous bachelorette.
For a Disconnected Bachelorette Party: Rent a Lake House
If you want a trip on the water without the crowds and the sand, a lake house break can be the solution.
There’s something magically relaxing about the quietness of a lake, especially when all you have to do is walk out the door and jump into it. At night, stargazing and making hot cocoa are highly encouraged.
Where to Do Have a Lake House Bachelorette: Greenville, Maine
The United States has too many beautiful lake towns to count, but perhaps none come close to Greenville, Maine.
You and your bachelorette squad can disconnect from the world at Moosehead Lake, which is perfect for all kinds of fun water activities. And if you ever feel like you do want to come back to the world, you can go into town to do some group shopping or to hit up the local bars.
For an Foodie Bachelorette Party: Do a Cooking Class
Some people live for food, and there’s no better time to indulge in that than at your bachelorette.
The best way to enjoy a foodie bachelorette trip is to sign up for a cooking class where you can learn how to make a local dish and then enjoy the fruits of your labor. While you're not learning some (delicious) new skills, you can plan your days around going to the absolute best restaurants and trying different dishes.
Where to Have a Foodie Bachelorette: New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans adds its own flavor to everything: music, parties, architecture and, of course, food. This makes it one of the best bachelorette party destinations.
There are too many amazing dishes to even name here, but we can promise that a trip spent tasting gumbo, crawfish etouffee, po-boys, jambalaya and New Orleans muffaletta will not disappoint. Book a private cooking class for your bachelorette party at Simplee Gourmet.
When you're not obsessing over the food, you can enjoy the city's wild nightlife.
For an Active Bachelorette Party: Do a Hiking Trip
Sometimes, pampering yourself doesn’t mean massages but, rather, working hard for the reward of breathtaking views.
If you don’t mind getting sweaty with your squad, a hiking trip is a unique bachelorette idea that skips the clichés.
Where to Have an Active Bachelorette: Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is the gateway to many hiking trails that are safe and scenic throughout the year. Plus, this town has great food, music and craft beer scenes that you can enjoy whenever you're not taking on peaks.
And if you want to rough it out completely for your bachelorette, there are many campgrounds around the city as well as cabins in the woods.
For a Rock Star Bachelorette Party: Seek the Music
Follow the music for a guaranteed amazing time during your bachelorette.
If you live for music and love live shows or festivals, you can have a music-filled party. Costumes are definitely encouraged.
Where to Have a Rock Star Bachelorette: Nashville, Tennessee
The music capital of the country bustles with infectious energy, which makes it one of the best places for a bachelorette party.
Rent a party bus, which will take you around the city as you belt out classic tunes or new hits. Go to a karaoke bar, see a live music show or even record a song at a recording studio. Anything is possible in Nashville.
For a Cozy Bachelorette Party: Hit the Slopes
For winter weddings, there’s nothing better than a bachelorette party ski trip.
Your group can stay at a ski resort or rent out a chalet. Spend the day on the slopes, and relax at night by getting cozy next to the fireplace.
The white backdrop of the snow will set the scene for great group pictures that are different from the typical bachelorette ones.
Where to Have a Cozy Bachelorette: Vail, Colorado
Vail is without a doubt a perfect ski trip destination. Set in the Rocky Mountains, there are several ski slopes around town that cater to different levels of experience.
If this is your first time skiing, enroll your Bachelorette party in a class. Someone will probably fall, but that just guarantees great laughs.
For a Grounded Bachelorette Party: Go on a Yoga Retreat
Are you into wellness and connecting with your body? Take your whole bachelorette party on a physical and spiritual quest by going on a yoga retreat.
This will help you release stress and feel more prepared for your wedding day. It will also bring the group together with activities that don’t require alcohol.
Where to Have a Wellness Bachelorette: Palm Springs, California
As the gateway to the otherworldly Joshua Tree National Park, many people say there’s a special energy in Palm Springs. In fact, Hollywood's elite has been known to escape here to get some serious R&R. Perhaps this is why there are so many yoga retreats available at any given time of the year.
This is good news because it means you’ll get to pick the one that best fits your group. When you’re not working on your flexibility, you can take a tour of the national park, located just an hour away.
For a Luxury Bachelorette Party: Stay at a Resort
A bachelorette party is an event just for you, so one of the best things to do is to splurge on a luxury retreat that’ll leave you feeling like royalty.
Several resorts around the country offer ultra luxurious getaways that’ll make sure your every need is catered to.
Where to Have a Luxury Bachelorette: Maui, Hawaii
Get away from it all with a luxury stay in beautiful Maui, known as the Valley Isle. There are several luxury resorts on the island, including the Grand Wailea Maui.
Enjoy the beach and the pool, book an appointment at the spa, eat at fine dining restaurants and do fun experiences like helicopter tours.
Of course, take the opportunity to learn about native Hawaiian culture and enrich your mind as well.
For a Little-Bit-of-Everything Bachelorette Party: Have a City Escapade
Sometimes, you just want it all. If this is you, there’s nothing better than to plan an escapade to a big city.
Cities will give you museums, an excellent food scene, nightlife, parks, spas and more. This is the bachelorette party idea for the person who can’t make up their mind on one thing.
Where to Have a Varied Bachelorette: New York, New York
The City that Never Sleeps is also the city where you can find everything and anything your heart desires.
Go to New York for a bachelorette party that never stops. With a variety of daytime and nighttime activities, there won't be an idle moment. You may be exhausted afterward, but it’ll definitely be worth it.
For a Multicultural Bachelorette Party: Do a Round-the-World Trip
OK, we don't mean an actual round-the-world trip, since no one has time for that. (And your bridesmaids would probably want to murder you for asking.) But there are plenty of cities in the U.S. blessed with large immigrant populations that have made their own enclaves.
If you want to feel as if you've traveled around the world without spending the time or the money, pretend you're in Epcot and hop around from neighborhood to neighborhood.
Where to Have a Multicultural Bachelorette: Chicago, Illinois
We guess you could just go to Epcot, but heading out to Chicago's many multicultural neighborhoods will be much more fun. Not to mention, the food will be infinitely better and nowhere near as overpriced.
There are plenty of cities that have Chinatowns and other towns tied to specific cultures, but none of them can beat Chicago, where you can "go" to Italy, Poland, Germany, Greece, China and Mexico all in one day.
For an Indulgent Bachelorette Party: Go Island Hopping
Have money to blow and a desire for a unique experience? Head out with your bachelorette squad for a weekend of island hopping.
There are countless islands in the U.S., both in the ocean and in lakes, so you can choose the vibe of the experience and how far you're willing to go. This bachelorette party idea combines going to the beach, staying at luxury resorts and renting a boat into one. It's perfect for the bride who is really looking to indulge before her big day.
Where to Have an Island Bachelorette: The U.S. Virgin Islands
You can leave the country without technically leaving the country by heading to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Prepare to hop around from island to island. Renting a boat for the day is the perfect way to explore a few of the more than 50 beautiful islands in this territory. If you have time, complete a boating safety course so you can drive the boat yourself. This way, you can decide where to go and how long to stay on each island. Plus, driving a boat is really fun!
For a Let-Loose Bachelorette Party: Take a Dance Class
Dancing is one of the most fun ways to let off steam. And brides have a lot of steam to let off.
Plan to take a private dance class with the crew. You can choose between something traditional, like a salsa or hip hop class, or something a bit more risqué. Burlesque or pole dancing classes are hugely popular for bachelorette parties, and they're basically guaranteed to be a blast.
Where to Have a Dancing Bachelorette: Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is another place where you can feel like you're traveling internationally without needing your passport. The magical island is partially responsible for the invention of salsa and the birthplace of reggaeton, so it's a no-brainer pick for going out dancing.
The best place for a bachelorette party is San Juan. During the day, you can celebrate with private dance classes. Once the sun sets, you can put your new moves to the test by heading out to dance the night away.
For a Country Bumpkin Bachelorette Party: Stay at a Dude Ranch
For a unique bachelorette, grab your girls and head to a dude ranch. You won't actually be roughing it at all, since these former cattle ranches are now pretty luxurious. But you'll feel as if you're kind of roughing it because you'll be away from the world and closer to nature.
Dude ranches usually offer awesome experiences like horseback riding, fishing and hiking but also some more relaxed activities like spa treatments and wine tastings.
Where to Have a Dude Ranch Bachelorette: Saratoga, Wyoming
For comfort with incredible views, go to Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming. You'll be near the imposing Sierra Madre Mountains, so each day will start with beautiful scenery.
This dude ranch also offers some very interesting activities like cooking classes, mountain biking and archery courses. If you're having a winter wedding, skiing, ice skating and snowmobiling will also keep you occupied.
For a Creative Bachelorette Party: Do a Sip and Paint Class
If your party's bride is a creative type, book a private sip and paint class. These classes have become increasingly popular throughout the country, which isn't surprising given how well wine and art seem to go together.
And at the end of the night, you will all have a beautiful painting as a memento of the bachelorette party.
Where to Have a Creative Bachelorette: Austin, Texas
We've already established that you can find sip and paint classes throughout the U.S. So, why Austin?
The Texas capital is known for attracting creative types that have made it a center of culture, so it simply fits with it well. Plus, Austin is just a really cool city. After the class, you'll have many other fun activities to look forward to, like playing in the lake and catching a live music show — not to mention that the BBQ is amazing.