45 American Cities for the Ultimate Girls’ Trip
Whether you’re the planner, the one who's down for anything, the overpacker or the hot mess, these U.S. cities are the best for a girls' trip.
45 Best American Cities for a Girls’ Trip
Who runs the world? Girls. And who needs a vacation? Girls. Nothing beats a holiday with your girlfriends. It could be a wild bachelorette party in Las Vegas or a classy wine getaway in Napa Valley with your mom and sisters. But when it comes down to it, you don’t need an excuse to bring the ladies together. Girls just want to have fun.
Whether you’re the planner of the group, the one who’s down for anything, the overpacker or the hot mess, these are the best cities in the U.S. for a girls’ trip. They include destinations for beach vacations, ski trips, foodie escapes and desert getaways. Call your friends, and let’s go.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Florida tourists often overlook Fort Lauderdale and head straight to Miami. But not so fast. Fort Lauderdale may actually be the better option for a girls’ trip. It’s less crowded, the beaches are just as nice (if not, nicer), and the city offers plenty of spas, shopping and dining.
What sets Fort Lauderdale apart is the 165 miles of canals that run through the city. Get on the water and book a boat tour — Fort Lauderdale Tiki is a super fun floating tiki bar charter (yes, you read that right) for up to eight people.
For something tamer, the Jungle Queen is an iconic dinner and show sightseeing cruise that will sail the group through the Venice of America.
Nashville, Tennessee
If you want an unforgettable (maybe a little forgettable) vacation, head to Nashville. It’s one of the best cities for a girls’ weekend. It’s loud, it’s exciting, and it’s fun. Pull on the cowboy boots, and check out the buzzing downtown area. Rows of honkey tonks blast live music all day.
When you’re tired of walking and would rather dance while getting a tour of the city, consider Off The Wagon Tours, a tractor that pulls a wagon full of people through the city. You really don’t see that every day.
Asheville, North Carolina
Head to the mountains for a girls’ getaway in Asheville. There’s plenty of outdoor adventure, shopping and restaurants in this trendy city. If you plan a girls’ trip during the summer, pack a bathing suit and tube down the French Broad River. If you visit during the winter, soak in hot tubs with a view at Shoji Resort and Spa.
No matter the season, spend half a day shopping at the local artisan galleries throughout the River Arts District. Asheville is also known as "Beer City," so organize a brewery tour to taste local brews with the girls.
Sedona, Arizona
Align your chakras in Sedona, a desert town in Arizona that’s surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. When you’re not hiking one of the Red Rock trails or searching for vortexes, get your aura read at Mystical Bazaar.
Sedona is known for its vibrant arts community, so be sure to schedule time for shopping in town. Our best advice? Arrange a hot-air balloon ride to experience this beautiful city from the sky at sunrise.
Key West, Florida
Head to the southernmost point in the continental United States for the ultimate girls’ trip. Key West’s quirky atmosphere and island vibes are perfect for a quick vacation.
Jumping in the ocean is probably one of the best things to do in Key West, so organize a snorkel charter with the ladies to swim in the turquoise water and explore marine life.
Key West is also known for its incredible sunsets, so head to Mallory Square for the city’s famous Sunset Celebrations. And don’t forget to embrace all of the Margaritaville vibes.
Napa Valley, California
If Napa Valley doesn’t scream girls’ trip, then we don’t know what does. Spoil the ladies with the best food, wine and spas in the world. There are about 500 wineries in Napa Valley, and while it’s tempting to visit all 500 in one go, it’s best to stick with one town such as St. Helena, Yountville or Oakville and tackle the wineries at a leisurely pace.
Other than sipping stellar wines, be sure to take advantage of Napa’s culinary scene. The only challenge to planning a girls’ trip to Napa is not being able to do or see everything. Oh well, you’ll just have to look forward to another reunion in wine country.
Denver, Colorado
Spas, shopping, dining, dancing, craft beer — yup. Denver is the ultimate place for a girls’ getaway. The historic Larimer Square in Lower Downtown (LoDo) is the perfect spot for a Denver shopping spree. After maxing out the credit cards, venture to Little Man Ice Cream for a much-needed treat.
There are plenty of museums, sports, breweries and dispensaries to keep the group occupied. Denver is fun for the girls because it has options for things to do with any group, depending on the mood.
Las Vegas, Nevada
If you want pure fun with no strings attached, take the girlfriends to Las Vegas. Relax before getting rowdy with a spa treatment at one of the resorts. Then, opt for a boozy brunch to get the party started.
Depending on how things escalate, swing by Magic Mike Live in true girls-night-out fashion. Recover by booking a daybed at a resort and lounging by the pool.
Then, repeat.
Austin, Texas
It’s not hard to plan a girls’ trip to Austin. Live music, trendy bars and southern hospitality make it a welcoming city.
But when you’re not shopping for cowboy boots downtown or sipping cocktails on Rainy Street, book an ATX Party Boat for fun on the water. The tour offers captained pontoon rentals for groups, which depart from the west side of town and motor down the Colorado River toward Lake Austin.
West Yellowstone, Montana
Book a cozy cabin, and visit West Yellowstone with the girls. The town is known as the gateway to Yellowstone National Park and boasts plenty of outdoor adventures. The area has a surprising array of options for dining and drinking, thanks to pubs, restaurants and coffee shops that are ideal for a girl group.
The only problem you’ll run into is deciding whether to bike, fish, ski, shop, eat, horseback ride, gamble or relax. Don’t forget the cowboy hats.
Palm Springs, California
For those looking to trade a big city for a desert escape, Palm Springs is the answer. With an average of 350 days of sunshine, you’ll want to go pool hopping at popular hotels, which are open to the public. The Saguaro has an Instagram-worthy pool and live DJs on the weekend.
And for relaxed shopping, the city center hosts Village Fest every Thursday evening with street music, live entertainment and food stalls. At night, head to Red Barn for local live music, wild dancing and cheap drinks.
Killington, Vermont
If you have a group of friends who are into skiing and snowboarding, then book a trip to Killington. This cute ski resort is perfect for all skill levels.
Balance out the sports with a relaxing spa day. The Killington Grand Spa offers a warm maple sugar scrub that’s made with Vermont maple syrup. When it’s time to let loose, the Wobbly Barn Nightclub turns up with live music and themed parties.
Park City, Utah
Mines, wines and alpine spas will make for a memorable girls’ trip in Park City. While it’s known as winter’s favorite town, it’s a great place year-round.
For something a little different, sign up for Fox School of Wine’s mines and wines tour. A sommelier pairs snacks with wines during a three-hour group tour that heads into the historic mines (sensible shoes recommended). Park City has an array of restaurants, bars, art, culture, spas and, of course, incredible skiing.
A foolproof girls’ trip is inevitable.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Fun fact: Forbes ranked Santa Fe the No. 1 city in the U.S. for female-owned businesses. If that’s not a reason to plan a girls’ trip to Santa Fe, then we don’t know what is.
Besides excellent food and desert weather, check out all of the art galleries and museums. Of course, you’ll also want to visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and pay homage to this fascinating female artist.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
If you and the girls love adventure and wine, then consider Willamette Valley for your next girls’ trip. It’s a smaller version of Napa Valley and home to some of the best wines in the world.
Have each of the girls choose one vineyard to tour, and make a game plan to tackle each winery. Willamette Valley has incredible food, too, so be ready to splurge on some stellar meals.
Charleston, South Carolina
Head to Charleston for an Instagram-worthy girls’ trip. The cobblestone streets, rainbow-colored buildings and rich history make it a super fun place to explore (and have photoshoots).
Take the ladies for makeovers at Largo Salon. Once you’re all dolled up, check out happy hour at Uncork Charleston for wine and charcuterie boards. And don’t skip a sunset cruise around Charleston Harbor with (the appropriately named) Carolina Girl Yacht.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Put your party pants on for a girls’ trip to New Orleans. It’s about to get wild in the best way possible. The great thing about NOLA is that you can balance exploring a cool city with unforgettable nights on the town.
During the day, book a mural and graffiti art walk that takes you to the best hidden art in NOLA. When it gets dark, take the girls to an intimate music venue called Bacchanal, which has a shady courtyard for small-stage performances and an incredible wine list.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Rent a cozy cabin in Jackson Hole and plan an off-the-grid girls’ weekend. If you visit during the winter, then take advantage of the ski resorts. Cross-country skiing is an excellent activity to do with the girls.
If you visit during the summer, though, even better. In true Wild West fashion, saddle up on a horseback riding adventure through the grassy plains. At night, no matter the season, check out Millionaire Cowboy Bar — it’s like stepping into a Western film, complete with saddles for barstools and plenty of space for line dancing.
Destin, Florida
Located on Florida’s panhandle is a cute beach town called Destin. It has uncrowded beaches, relaxing spas and high-end food. Wake up in the morning with group yoga on the beach, and then grab a coffee and explore the town.
Paddleboarding is a super popular activity in Destin because you’re likely to spot a dolphin in the water. If the group would rather kick back on a boat, you can charter a private catamaran and go snorkeling off the coast.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah screams girls’ weekend. Book a tour with Savannah Slow Ride to experience a traveling tabletop powered by a 15-person bicycle, complete with a tour guide/conductor/DJ (what a job).
When you’re not exploring the city via bicycle bar, relax at the beach on Tybee Island. It’s an awesome spot to soak up the sun and splash in the waves.
Los Angeles, California
Big cities are great spots for girls’ trips because there’s plenty of options for things to do, and Los Angeles has everything. Depending on the mood of the group, hike Runyon Canyon for an outdoor activity. When it’s time to shop, visit The Grove outdoor mall.
The best way to tackle the food in L.A. is to have each member of the group pick a restaurant so that you all get a chance to try something different and new. When the sun goes down, head to a drag show at Hamburger Mary’s for fun entertainment.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket, a charming coastal town, comes to life in the summer. Plan a girls’ weekend full of boutique shopping, sunny beach days and lobster rolls. One of the best ways to see Nantucket is by bike. Pack a picnic, and take a scenic loop to Sconset and back.
But don’t skip the chance to get on the water, as there are plenty of sunset cruises that will take your group around the harbor. If you want to embrace the Nantucket way of life, plan a clambake with the girls (complete with a bib, white wine and laughs).
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Pagosa Springs is a small town in southwest Colorado known for its hot springs and surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. A girls’ trip to Pagosa Springs is a combination of adventure and relaxation.
In the summer, you can paddle, float or tube down the San Juan River. In the winter, plan a dog-sledding adventure with your girlfriends. But no matter what time of year it is, the natural hot springs are the main attraction, and there are plenty of spas where you can enjoy them.
San Diego, California
Soak up the sun, and slather on the sunscreen in San Diego. When you’re not drooling over the surfers at the beach, check out the local wineries and breweries.
And, of course, when it comes to food, eat all the fish tacos you can find. There are some really cool Airbnbs in San Diego, like this oceanside cottage. Dibs your room now.
Miami, Florida
The great thing about Miami is that you’ll all be able to find something you all want to do — whether that's a pool party, jet skiing in the ocean, relaxing at a spa, renting a yacht charter, or shopping on Lincoln Avenue. Plus, it boasts great weather year-round.
If the vibe is to relax, there are plenty of resort pools that offer cabanas and poolside service for the girls to enjoy. If you’re feeling more of a party vibe, we suggest dressing up and heading for a rooftop bar.
Honolulu, Hawaii
What better way to enjoy time with your girls than in gorgeous, gorgeous Hawaii? The state's capital has everything you could want. Most of the tourism movement centers around the famous Waikiki Beach, where you can sunbathe during the day and party at night. Restaurants, shops, surf spots and night lounges all congregate in this neighborhood.
Located on the island of Oahu, the city also has unique non-beach activities perfect for friend groups. If you want to enjoy the state's natural beauty, you can hike up to Diamond Head or Punchbowl Crater, both of which offer gorgeous views. For a bit of history, visit Iolani Palace, where the last two monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom lived, or spend an afternoon at the Hawaii State Art Museum.
Charlottesville, Virginia
It may be a small city, but Charlottesville has something to offer everyone. Home of the University of Virginia, the city is filled with the electricity that usually accompanies college towns. But don't think all you'll find are frat parties and dive bars. On the contrary, Charlottesville provides a refined atmosphere with boutique shops and delicious local restaurants.
More impressively, the city is quite literally surrounded by more than 30 vineyards, most of which offer tours and wine tastings with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some even have horseback riding opportunities! For an outdoor adventure, you can also do a day trip to Shenandoah National Park.
Newport, Rhode Island
Often-overlooked Newport is a perfect small New England town by the water. While it's laid-back and welcoming, it also has a glitzy side that can be most obviously witnessed at Cliff Walk. This very light trail provides views of the Atlantic, but what really motivates people to come here are the grandiose mansions that stand tall on the cliffs right on the trail.
Once you're done fantasizing about owning one of the mansions, you can go to the harbor and fantasize about owning one of the countless yachts that float along it. It is, of course, entirely possible to rent a sailboat and make the fantasy a reality with an incredibly fun activity everyone in the group will love (finally!).
Washington, D.C.
Like most capitals, D.C. is one of the best cities in the United States. Drag your friends to visit all the places on the essential D.C. checklist: Smithsonian Museums, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, the Tidal Basin, etc.
Once you've checked those off the list, you can drag them to all the cool spots in the capital that many tourists simply miss out on. Go to Adams Morgan, where colorful historic buildings peacefully coexist with street art and where high-end restaurants reside next to tattoo parlors. Or put your walking shoes on and spend time in Georgetown, a somewhat insular neighborhood that's basically a tiny college town. Here, you'll find great bars and cheap eats.
Bar Harbor, Maine
For a perfect New England vacation, look no further than picturesque Bar Harbor. With rows of colorful historic houses downtown and around the harbor, this postcard-perfect city is perfect for relaxing with friends.
You can spend your days delighting in fresh seafood or shopping at myriad boutique shops that line Main Street. As the gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor also offers plenty of outdoor activities. For those who want to see nature without breaking a sweat, whale watching tours and general boat tours around the bay and the nearby Cranberry Islands are always fun.
If you want to get more active, you'll have numerous trails in the national park, many of which will reward you with views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as of pretty Bar Harbor from the distance. You can also go sailing or get out into the water with an Acadia sea kayak tour.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
While technically a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is very much its own country. A trip here is like sneakily leaving the country without needing a passport!
San Juan, the capital of "the Isle of Enchantment" (as Puerto Rico is known) is a beautiful city where there is always something exciting to do. Spanish colonial architecture lends it both undeniable beauty and a testament to a painful history of European rule. Cobblestone streets take you to landmarks like El Morro fortress and the famous Paseo de la Princesa, a waterfront promenade dotted with restaurants and shops.
You are more than welcome to spend the day at the beach with your friends, sipping refreshing piña coladas — the Puerto Rican national drink. If you want a little adventure, you can go on a day trip to nearby El Yunque National Forest, where you can finally test which of your friends is the bravest by ziplining or rapelling down powerful waterfalls.
Chicago, Illinois
If you want to spend a girls' getaway weekend in a beautiful city with good food, awesome nightlife, views of Lake Michigan and some of the most prestigious museums in the U.S., come to Chicago.
Thank the Chicago School of Architecture for part of the city's good looks. Take the Chicago Architecture River Cruise to learn about the different architectural movements that have influenced the city. When you're done, your group can head to the expansive Millennium Park, where you'll find the Art Institute of Chicago and the famous Bean sculpture — an unmissable photo op.
Another place you'll want to go for Insta-perfect pictures is Skydeck Chicago, where brave souls step out onto a glass panel that literally puts the city at their feet.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
Want a quiet beach getaway with the girls? Rent a beach house in North Carolina's Outer Banks for a relaxing girls' trip. The days will be spent on the sand, playing beach volleyball and eating obscene amounts of fresh seafood. And unlike in other beach destinations, you won't have to deal with high-rise resorts and hoards of loud tourists.
On the contrary, here, you'll get to see wild horses that like to run on the beach as much as you do. You can also visit Cape Hatteras National Seashore and, if you're looking for a thrill, go diving in shipwreck sites.
New York, New York
New York may not be the prettiest city, but it is undeniably the coolest city in the U.S. (and one of the coolest in the world.) The city simply has it all and moves with an energy that's almost like a wave, taking you in with it and forcing you to move at its speed.
There are a million ways to do New York, whether you want to be chill and focus on the culture, live the high-life and pamper yourself, dedicate your time to partying or a mix of all of them. You can be spending the day at the Metropolitan Art Museum, dining at a Michelin-star restaurant in the evening, going to an underground club at night and getting kebabs from a food cart as the sun rises. Whatever you decide to do, your girls' trip is guaranteed to be memorable.
Fairbanks, Alaska
They say sharing extreme experiences brings people together, and there are few places as extreme as Alaska. As the gateway to the Alaskan Arctic, Fairbanks is particularly situated for adventures. Hikes, boat tours and seafood restaurants can fill your days with fun.
Your experience will change completely based on the season. Summer brings long days, opportunities for kayaking and pleasant weather. The winter is very harsh, but you'll be able to go dog sledding and, if you're lucky, perhaps even see the dancing whirlwinds of the Northern Lights.
Escalante, Utah
Escalante is more of a town than a city, but it has its own airport and makes for one of the most special girls' trips you can have.
You'll be within 1.5 hours of both Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks and less than five hours from Zion, Canyonlands and Arches national parks. If you're doing a short weekend trip, you can potentially see at least two of these natural landmarks. And if you have more time, you could plan to visit every single one of the state's otherworldly parks.
Nothing helps to bond with the girls like hiking through some of the country's most astonishing sites. Plus, you can camp, glamp or sleep in a cabin to make you feel like you're all back in the blissful days of summer camp.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Looking for something a bit more off-the-beaten-path? Set your eyes on this little-known Kentucky city, which is so much cooler than many people expect.
Bowling Green's uniqueness comes from its status as a refugee resettlement city, which has brought it diversity and definitely enhanced its food scene. Besides learning about the town's interesting history at the Kentucky Museum, you'll have the amazing opportunity to take an underground boat tour through the Lost River Cave system. And don't think this is just a sleepy little town — if you need adrenaline, you can actually race Corvettes at the National Corvette Museum.
Atlanta, Georgia
For reasons unknown, Atlanta continues to be sorely underrated when it comes to friends' trips. The city has it all: a grand park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame, an absolutely amazing food scene, Civil Rights history museums and plenty of funky bars that guarantee a good time. And, unlike in other places in the U.S., there is actually decent public transportation in Atlanta, so you won't have to worry about renting a car or spending a month's worth of rent on ride-sharing apps.
Visit East Atlanta Village for a less tourist, more authentic side of the city, where you'll find independent bookstores, mom-and-pop shops and locally owned restaurants. At night, head over to Little Five Points, the heart of alternative nightlife in the city.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the perfect place for friend groups that can't decide between city and nature. Washington state's most famous city is ultra modern, housing tech giants like Microsoft and boasting landmarks like the Space Needle. You'll find everything you'd want from a cosmopolitan destination, including any food you could crave and a variety of bars and clubs.
But you can also easily get out into nature. Seattle is located on the majestic Puget Sound, so you don't even have to get out of the city to go kayaking, and you could be enjoying fun hikes within half an hour of the metropolis.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
An entire city dedicated to soaking in natural hot springs is definitely where you want to go for a relaxing getaway with the girls.
As the gateway to Hot Springs National Park, this city in Arkansas provides opportunities to enjoy easy hikes in the Ouachita Mountains. You won't be able to get into the springs in the park, but you can still benefit from the mineral water at Bathhouse Row, a street dotted with bathhouses that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Of the eight bathhouses, two are still in operation.
For a spa vacation, few places in the U.S. can hold a candle to Hot Springs.
Boston, Massachussetts
How do you beat a city that has both skyscrapers and cobblestone streets? Resisting the complete modernization that afflicts other large cities in the country, Boston has kept much of its historic charm very much alive. Plus, if you and your girls love sports, there is no city that takes its sports teams as seriously.
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, walk along the Freedom Trail, catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park (if you can) and plan a cute picnic in the Boston Common park.
Kapalua, Hawaii
Honolulu is great, but maybe you want something a little less obvious out of your trip to Hawaii. If this is you and your friends, head to Maui, the Valley Isle.
Much more rugged and less developed than Oahu, you won't find the ocean view ruined by gigantic skyrises, though you will still have access to luxurious resorts and delicious food. Stay in Kapalua on the western part of the island, where most of the resorts are and from which you can easily book tours for experiences like the Road to Hana and the Molokini Crater.
San Antonio, Texas
While it's only two hours away from Austin, San Antonio has managed to carve its own distinctive identity in the vast expanse of Texas.
First inhabited by the Papaya people, the area also houses people from tribes like the Apaches and Comanches. The city was then ruled by the Spanish before becoming part of independent Mexico and then annexed by the U.S. This complex history has given it a particular culture that you will have a difficult time finding anywhere else.
You and your group can visit the sight of the Battle of the Alamo, get great views at HemisFair Park's tower and enjoy a scenic dinner along the beautiful River Walk promenade.
Bend, Oregon
Sure, Portland is nice and all, but Bend is really where you'll find all the best of Oregon. The small city is blessed with the Cascade Mountains, which turns it into a perfect ski town in the winter.
It's still an amazing place to visit at any other point of the year, especially if you want to relax and connect with friends. Visit the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, which will take you through an impressive lava tube, and don't forget to do the Bend Ale Trail, which takes you to the city's best breweries and distilleries.
Also, the city has the last remaining Blockbuster in the United States, so that's an obvious must-see.
Louisville, Kentucky
Best known for the Kentucky Derby and its wild hats, Louisville is also famous for being the bourbon capital of the world. If over-the-top hats and bourbon don't scream "girls' trip," then we don't know what does!
Of course, taking one of the numerous distillery tours along the Bourbon Trail is necessary. But whenever you're not sipping bourbon, there are plenty of other fun things to do. Visit Museum Row, or go shopping at the boutique stores that line the streets of Nulu District.
This is one very underrated group trip destination that actually hits all the marks.