There’s something magical about grabbing your best girlfriends and hitting the road for a weekend away. Last month, I squeezed in a quick trip to Charleston with my college roommates, and it reminded me just how much these getaways matter – no kids, no work calls, just pure fun and lots of laughs.
Whether you’re craving the bright lights of a big city, the calm of a beach town, or the charm of a mountain retreat, the US serves up endless options for the perfect girls’ weekend. From wine tasting in Napa to shopping in Nashville, each destination offers its own flavor of escape and adventure.
After years of crisscrossing the country and comparing notes with fellow travelers, I’ve put together a list of spots that guarantee good times with your favorite ladies. These 15 destinations have proven themselves worthy of your precious vacation days and group chat planning sessions.
- Best shopping spree: Miami, Florida
- Perfect beach vibes: San Diego, California
- Food & wine paradise: Napa Valley, California
- Best spa getaway: Sedona, Arizona
- Top nightlife scene: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Charming small town: Charleston, South Carolina
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville isn’t called Music City for nothing. From the neon-lit honky tonks of Lower Broadway to the historic Ryman Auditorium and Grand Ole Opry, this Tennessee capital serves up live music and southern charm at every turn. The city pairs its musical heritage with an ever-growing food scene – think hot chicken joints, craft breweries, and rooftop bars where you can sip cocktails while taking in views of the downtown skyline.
Napa Valley, California
Located just an hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley has been California’s premier wine destination since the 1960s. This sun-drenched region stretches across 30 miles of rolling hills, with more than 400 wineries dotting the landscape between the towns of Napa and Calistoga. Beyond the endless rows of grape vines, you’ll find charming bed-and-breakfasts tucked into Victorian mansions, world-class restaurants serving farm-to-table cuisine, and boutique shops lining the historic downtown districts. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a unique way to experience the valley, winding through the countryside while passengers enjoy local wines and gourmet meals in restored vintage railcars. For the ultimate girls’ getaway, start your mornings with a hot air balloon ride over the misty vineyards, spend your afternoons wine tasting, and end your days at one of the area’s luxury spas.
Miami Beach, Florida
Head to Miami Beach for the perfect mix of sun, sand, and endless fun with your girlfriends. Along Ocean Drive, you’ll find rows of art deco buildings in soft pastels, making it a great spot for Instagram-worthy photos with your crew. Spend your mornings lounging on South Beach’s white sand, then wander through the Design District for high-end shopping and cool art galleries. When night falls, get dressed up for dinner at one of the trendy restaurants in South Beach, where you can people-watch and enjoy fresh seafood. Follow it up with dancing at one of the many clubs on Collins Avenue, where the party keeps going until sunrise.
Charleston, South Carolina
Of all the places I’ve been in the American South, Charleston keeps calling me back time and time again. This charming coastal city serves up the perfect mix of history, food, and Southern hospitality that makes it ideal for a girls’ getaway. Walking down the cobblestone streets lined with colorful historic homes, you’ll find yourself stopping every few minutes to snap photos of the famous Rainbow Row or peek into hidden gardens. It’s a place where mornings start with shrimp and grits at local cafes, afternoons are spent shopping on King Street, and evenings wind down with rooftop cocktails overlooking the harbor. The pace here is deliberately slow – this is the South after all – making it perfect for those looking to escape the rush of everyday life and sink into that easy-going Charleston state of mind.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas sits in the heart of the Nevada desert, where neon lights pierce the darkness and entertainment never sleeps. Unlike many American cities that wind down after dark, Vegas comes alive when the sun sets, with its countless casinos, shows, and restaurants operating around the clock. But it’s not just about gambling anymore – you’ll find world-class spas, poolside cabanas, and shopping centers that make it perfect for a girls’ getaway. The city has evolved from its Sin City reputation into a place where you can catch a Cirque du Soleil show, dine at celebrity chef restaurants, or dance the night away at rooftop clubs. Because of its focus on hospitality and entertainment, Vegas has drawn talented performers and chefs from around the world, and you’ll find their influence in everything from the elaborate hotel themes to the diverse food scene.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans draws visitors with its French Quarter and jazz-filled streets, but this Louisiana gem offers so much more than just Bourbon Street revelry. The city’s mix of Creole culture, food scenes, and historic architecture creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in America. Friends can spend their days exploring the Garden District’s mansions, taking streetcar rides through oak-lined neighborhoods, or joining cooking classes to master jambalaya. At night, the city comes alive with music pouring from clubs on Frenchmen Street, while during the day, you can browse the boutiques of Magazine Street or take ghost tours through above-ground cemeteries. No matter when you visit, count on finding a festival, parade, or celebration that showcases New Orleans’ famous joie de vivre.
Savannah, Georgia
Ever watched Spanish moss sway in the warm Georgia breeze? It’s a typical scene in Savannah, where historic mansions line cobblestone streets and local ladies chat on wraparound porches. This charming Southern city feels like stepping into a novel, with its 22 town squares filled with oak trees and park benches perfect for people-watching. Grab your girlfriends and hop between rooftop bars, take ghost tours through haunted buildings, or feast on fresh seafood at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, where you’ll share family-style Southern cooking with strangers who become friends by dessert. Head to Forsyth Park to snap photos by the famous fountain, or spend an afternoon browsing boutiques along Broughton Street with a sweet tea in hand.
Austin, Texas
Austin’s blend of live music, food trucks, and outdoor activities makes it a perfect spot for a girls’ weekend getaway. Head to South Congress Avenue where you can shop at quirky boutiques, snap photos at the “I Love You So Much” mural, and grab tacos from one of the many local spots. During the day, take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, a natural swimming hole that stays 68 degrees year-round, or paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake. When the sun sets, make your way to Rainey Street, where historic houses have been converted into bars and restaurants, offering the perfect backdrop for memorable nights out with your girlfriends.
Palm Springs, California
Looking for a desert escape where cocktails and pool time reign supreme? Palm Springs has been California’s go-to girls’ getaway since the days when Hollywood stars made it their weekend hideout. Just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, this oasis in the Sonoran Desert mixes mid-century modern architecture with poolside cabanas and endless brunching spots. You can start your day with yoga at the iconic Ace Hotel, shop vintage treasures along Palm Canyon Drive, and end with martinis at retro spots that would make Frank Sinatra feel right at home. The city also offers easy access to Joshua Tree National Park, where you and your girlfriends can explore otherworldly desert landscapes and stargaze under clear night skies.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that Palm Springs was once Hollywood’s favorite playground, where stars like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe would escape to party and relax in their desert hideaways? This sunny California oasis still maintains its mid-century modern charm with the world’s largest collection of preserved architecture from that era, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a time capsule from the 1950s and 60s.
Sedona, Arizona
If you’re looking for a spot where nature and spirituality come together, Sedona should be at the top of your list. This red-rock paradise in Arizona draws groups of friends who want to balance outdoor adventure with some serious relaxation. The famous vortexes – areas said to radiate special energy – dot the landscape, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both hiking trails and healing vibes. It’s not your typical girls’ weekend spot – you won’t find bustling nightclubs or shopping malls here – but that’s exactly what makes it special. Between the early morning yoga sessions, afternoon jeep tours through the rust-colored canyons, and evening spa treatments, you’ll find plenty of ways to reconnect with both nature and each other.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that Sedona’s iconic red rocks get their color from iron oxide, the same compound that causes rust, which has been building up in the sandstone for millions of years? The area is also considered a spiritual vortex site by many, with believers claiming there are spots throughout Sedona where the Earth’s energy spirals outward, leading thousands of visitors each year to seek meditation and healing among the red cliffs.
Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has become my go-to recommendation for friends seeking a laid-back girls’ getaway. This small mountain city strikes the perfect balance between outdoor adventure and urban comfort, with winding hiking trails leading right back to cozy downtown streets lined with craft breweries and art galleries. The River Arts District lets you hop between working artists’ studios, while the massive Biltmore Estate offers a glimpse into America’s Gilded Age – and happens to have an excellent winery on site. It’s not just the attractions that make Asheville special though – the city’s relaxed vibe and friendly locals create an atmosphere where you and your girlfriends can truly unwind, whether you’re sampling local beers, browsing vintage shops, or taking in mountain views from a rooftop bar.
Key West, Florida
Looking for the perfect escape with your girlfriends? Key West might just be what you need. This laid-back island at the southernmost tip of Florida is where beach vibes meet quirky charm, creating an atmosphere that feels worlds away from everyday life. From bar-hopping down Duval Street to lounging on the white sand beaches, the island operates on its own relaxed schedule. It’s the kind of place where you and your friends can spend mornings sipping Cuban coffee in open-air cafes, afternoons sailing through crystal-clear waters, and evenings watching street performers at Mallory Square’s sunset celebration. The island’s small size means you can easily explore it all by bike or on foot, making it perfect for groups who want to mix adventure with plenty of poolside cocktail time.
Portland, Oregon
Known for keeping things weird, Portland is a dream destination for girlfriends who love doing things a bit differently. Unlike other major West Coast cities, Portland feels more like a collection of quirky neighborhoods than a bustling metropolis. Just walk down Alberta Street, where food carts serve everything from Georgian dumplings to Viking soul food, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of its position between the Pacific Northwest’s coffee culture and wine country, Portland has become a haven for foodies and drink enthusiasts. You’ll find local roasters and wine bars tucked into converted Victorian houses, cozy bookstores that stretch for entire city blocks, and gardens hidden behind ancient stone walls. The city’s embrace of both outdoor adventure and creative culture means you can spend your morning hiking Forest Park’s moss-covered trails and your afternoon browsing handmade goods at the Saturday Market.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe charmed me from the moment I first visited in 2018. Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this adobe-filled city feels like stepping into another world. The Plaza, Santa Fe’s historic heart, buzzes with activity as local artists sell their turquoise jewelry and hand-woven textiles under the shade of old cottonwood trees. Small art galleries line Canyon Road, while the smell of roasted green chiles and piñon wood fills the air. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum offers a peaceful retreat, showcasing the artist’s love affair with New Mexico’s landscapes. And after a day of gallery-hopping, nothing beats gathering with friends at a rooftop bar to watch the desert sun paint the sky in shades of pink and orange.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island, feels like stepping into a time capsule of American coastal elegance. This small New England city is where 19th-century mansions line the famous Cliff Walk, offering glimpses into the lives of America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age. It’s a place where you can spend mornings strolling along cobblestone streets, popping into local boutiques and seafood spots, then spend afternoons touring grand summer “cottages” (which are actually massive estates) like The Breakers and Marble House. The city’s strong sailing culture adds to its charm – you’ll often see boats dotting the harbor while crews prep for races or sunset cruises. While it’s beautiful year-round, visiting in summer lets you experience the full spectrum of Newport’s seaside appeal, from beach picnics to rooftop drinks overlooking the water.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that Newport was once known as America’s First Resort, where Gilded Age tycoons like the Vanderbilts built massive summer “cottages” that were actually 70-room mansions? Today, many of these historic mansions are open for tours, letting visitors peek into the lavish lifestyle of America’s wealthiest families during the late 1800s.
