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The Best USA Trips for a Girls Getaway Weekend

If you’re looking for the best trips for a girls getaway, I’ve got you covered. I’ve traveled the USA pretty extensively and have been to so many fun and unique destinations that are perfect for a weekend with your girlfriends.

If you’re going away for just a few days it helps when the location is easily accessible, and it’s even more convenient if you don’t have to leave the country — That’s why these USA vacation ideas are great for you and your ladies!

Where should you go on your Girls Trip?

Live it up in Las Vegas, NV.

Best For: Partying the weekend away and endless entertainment!

Things do do on this girls vacation:

Have an epic club night.

Going clubbing in Vegas with your girlfriends is sort of like a right of passage! Check out the famous ones like Omnia, Hakkasan and Marquee.

Lounge by the pool or go to a day party.

With plenty of pools to choose from, you could go to a different one every day!

See one of the many shows.

At any given time there are a number or shows to choose from such as the Blue Man Group, Wicked or Cirque De Soleil. It’s another classic Las Vegas activity.

Check out the Downtown Las Vegas.

Freemont Street and The Arts District are great off the strip spots you should explore . It’s sort of the hipster part of Las Vegas. There’s some vintage shops, cool foods spots and you can even visit the Neon Sign Museum. You also must stop in for a drink at Atomic Liquor – named for when people would watch atomic bomb testing in the distance from the roof!

Enjoy a little bit of nature to off set the partying.

When you need a little break from busy pools or casinos, go on a day trip to either the Grand Canyon, Red Rock State Park or the Valley of Fire.

Where to Stay

Embrace island life in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Best For: Ultimate island life in the USA.

Things to do on this getaway:

Explore a Fort – Castillo San Felipe del Morro & Castillo de San Cristobal.

You can visit Forts El Morro and San Cristóbal. They are Incredible structures that have protected the city of San Juan for centuries. A $7 entry fee gets you into both forts within a 24 hour period. 

Take a Tour of Old San Juan.

Tour Old San Juan yourself or join a guided one. There are food tours by Flavours of San Juan or the Spoon Experience and a walking tour where you pick the price. Old San Juan has one of the most adorable old towns filled with colorful houses, bars, restaurants and even some cool Instagram spots!

Have a beach or pool day in San Juan.

Visit one of the beaches in San Juan or head to a hotel pool. Condado Beach and Ocean Park beach are easily accessible. Serafina Hotel has an infinity pool and outdoor bar that I made excellent use out of on one of my days there and is ideal for renting a cabana for the day.

Party with the locals.

I highly recommend experiencing La Placita with your girlfriends.  It’s a plaza of bars and restaurants where the locals hang out and is raging on Friday nights.

 Visit El Yunque Rainforest.

El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the US Forest System. There are so many cool things to see here, including multiple waterfalls — you’ll be in awe!

Where to Stay:

Experience southern charm in Charleston,  SC.

Best For: Shopping, history and trendy food scene.

Charleston is one of the most desired cities in the U.S. right now. It frequently gets attention for its historic downtown with cobblestone streets, vibrant food scene and gorgeous nearby beaches.

Top girls trip activities:

Explore Downtown Charleston.

Cool off and snap photos at the Pineapple Fountain then walk down Rainbow Row. The building are so cute you and the ladies won’t be able to get enough!

Shop til’ you Drop.

King Street and City Market  are two of the main places to shop. You’ll find unique boutiques and antique stores as well as all the major brand shops. Make sure you leave some space in your luggage!

Enjoy Charleston from the water.

Take a sunset boat cruise for a different perspective of Charleston. You can also head over to one of the nearby beaches at either Folly’s Beach or Sullivan’s Island.

Dine and drink.

There are so many good places to eat in Charleston it’s overwhelming. Husk, Leon’s Oyster Shop, Lewis BBQ and Darling Oyster bar to name a few.  Hall’s chophouse does their famous Gospel brunch on Sundays!

Where to Stay:

Have an easy going weekend in Savannah, GA.

Best For: Laid back city weekend.

Things to do with your girlfriends on this weekend away:

Wander the Riverfront.

The Riverfront is buzzing with bars, restaurants and live music. I love the fact that they allow open containers in this area, so you can actually take your drinks from bar to bar or just site outside and enjoy the sunset!

Explore the city on foot,  trolley or the Savannah slow ride.

Make sure you visit the stunning Forsyth Park and Savannah Historic District. 

Have a beach day.

Visit Tybee Island for the day and hang out on the white sand beaches.

Dine and drink.

Go for brunch at the Collins Quarter and dinner at Cha Bella . Both locations are stunning, with great food, service and ambiance.  The Grey is set in an Art Deco Greyhound Bus Terminal, you’ll have a unique and delicious dining experience here.

Where to Stay:

Take the ultimate Florida Keys road trip.

Best For: Sun soaking and boat days.

Top things to do on this ladies trip:

See the Seven Mile Bridge.

The Florida Keys  are absolutely stunning. The laid back vibe is so much fun and the drive down from Miami across the Overseas Highway and over the Seven Mile Bridge is one of the most incredible I’ve been on.

Explore the different Keys.

The five main regions of the Keys are Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine and the Lower Keys, and Key West. Key West is the furthest south and most populated city in the Keys.

Get on a boat!

Snorkel at a coral reef or take a sunset wine cruise! I did both, because they are totally different experiences and I wanted to be on a boat for as long as possible.

Experience downtown Key West.

There is so much going on in downtown Key West. For instance you can visit the Ernest Hemmingway Home and Museum, go bar hopping on Duval Street, or simply admire the beautiful southern homes.

A great place to go in Key West for brunch is Blue Heaven where they tend to have live music playing as you dine.

Spend some time in nature.

John Pennekamp Coral State Park, Bahia Honda State Park and the Dry Tortugas National Park are some of the notable natural spots throughout the Florida Keys.

Dine and drink.

Make sure to grab brunch at Blue Heaven. It has an amazing outdoor setting with love Music.  Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen and Marker 88 are two great dinner spots.

Where to Stay:

Have the most memorable city break in New York City.

Best For: Incredible sightseeing and an even better food scene.

Top things to do on this getaway:

There is so many things to do in NYC and I’ve only listed a handful below, but you can also read my full guide to 4 days in New York to get the full picture.

Catch a show.

See something on Broadway and have a quick peek at Times Square – it will certainly get you in the New York mood!

Shop til’ you drop.

NYC has it all. From ultra luxury stores to vintage shops and artisan boutique. Some great spots to shop include Chelsea Market, 5th Avenue, Soho and Williamsburg.

See some of the sights.

Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, spend a morning in Central Park or take a tour of the Empire State Building.

Bar hop through Williamsburg.

Williamsburg is a hipster neighborhood, filled with vintage shopping, trendy restaurants and bars. It’s super easy to get around by foot so it’s perfect for a little bar crawl with the ladies.

Check out some of the rooftop bars.

My favorite rooftops include Westlight at the William Vale, Refinery Rooftop and the Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel.

Dine and drink.

While you’re in NYC you’ll want to to try Pizza (Artichoke, Prince St., Joe’s), Bagels (Ess-a-bagel, Russ+Daughters),  Burgers (Emmy Squared, Raoul’s, Shake Shack), and Pastrami (Katz Deli.).

Some awesome restaurants for a girls dinner:

  • Boucherie
  • While We Were Young
  • RH Rooftop and Restaurant
  • Grand Banks (seasonal)

Where to Stay:

Have an out of this world vacation in Hawaii.

Best For:  Feeling exotic without leaving the country!

Hawaii is definitely a more doable location if you live on the West Coast, but it’s still a little crazy for a long weekend.  See if your girlfriends would be up for the challenge!

Things to do on this girls trip:

Be adventurous.

I’m sure you already know that Hawaii is big on surfing, hiking, and the Aloha state of mind. Hawaii consists of eight main islands, Hawaii, Kahoolawe, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.

Visit the popular North Shore,  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waianapanapa State Park, Pearl Harbor or do something crazy like a helicopter tour or swimming with sharks!

Where to Stay:

Go on an Upstate New York road trip.

Best For: Outdoorsy girls who like hidden gems and unexpected finds.

Things to do on this girls getaway:

See the amazing waterfalls.

Upstate New York and specifically the Finger Lakes Region is of course known for it’s lakes but also for it’s waterfalls. New York is  home to the famous Niagara Falls as well as Kaaterskill Falls in the Catskills.

Visit some of the cute small towns.

Go on incredible hikes.

Every region in upstate New York has at least a few good hikes. Some of the best locations for them include Minnewaska State Park and the Adirondack Park.

Drink plenty of beer.

There are countless breweries in upstate New York for you to try out, Drowned Lands being one of my favorites.

Where to Stay:

Getaway with the girls to Santa Barbara, CA.

Best For: Beaches and incredible wine.

Top things to do:

See some of the history.

Tour the beautiful Mission grounds on your own or with a docent. You’ll find gardens, a museum and historical cemetery across 16 acres.

The El Presidio de Santa Barba Historic Park preserves the site of the last Spanish fortress in upper California. Two of the original adobe buildings are still open to the public.  Admission is $5 per adult.

Ride a trolley around town.

You can use the trolley as a way to get around town and make as many stops as you’d like. The full loop non stop is 90 minutes. Make a stop at the Chromatic Gate,  a popular photo spot designed by Herbert Bayer.

Make your way around the many (wine and beer) tasting rooms.

No need for me to tell you which ones, you’ll see plenty! The Funk Zone is a great starting point.

Have a Beach Day.

Spend the day lounging at Butterfly Beach, East Beach or West Beach.

Dine and drink at some of the best restaurants in town.

I felt like the food and drink scene was very high quality. The Lark is great for locally sourced food, Zaytoon for Lebanese food and Toma for Italian.

Where to Stay:

Take a beach vacation in Laguna Beach, CA

Best For: Picturesque coastline and surfer lifestyle.

Things to do with the your girlfriends:

Visit the amazing state parks and beaches.

Heisler Park,  Crystal Cove State Park, 1000 Steps Beach and Treasure Island are just a few to get you started.

Discover the local art scene.

Visit the Sawdust Arts and Crafts Festival to find things like ceramics, clothing, leather and jewellry. Go on a self guided public art tour or visit the Laguna Art Museum.

Dine and drink.

If you and the girls want to treat yourselves, go for dinner at Mosaic at the Montage Hotel.  The Deck is a casual spot for dinner and drinks overlooking the sand so you can hear the sound of the waves crashing as you eat and sip.

Where to Stay:

Sonoma, CA

Best For: Wine tasting and coastline.

Best things to do:

Wine tasting galore.

Everyone knows that wine tasting in is one of the most popular things to do in Sonoma County. Some wine tastings require reservations, some don’t, some cost $15, some cost $50, and you can even find a few complimentary tastings! I recommend using the search tool on Sonoma.com  to help decide which wineries will suit you best.

Visit Breweries, Distilleries and Cideries.

  • Spirit Works
  • Lagunitas Brewery
  • Golden State Cider
  • Crooked Goat Brewing

Enjoy Farm-to-table cuisine.

I tried the Spinster Sisters in Santa Rosa and it was so delicious! If you and the girls love this type of cuisine you can also check out the Bird + the Bottle (Santa Rosa), Barndiva (Healdsburg), Rosso Pizzeria + Wine Bar ( Santa Rosa), Dry Creek Kitchen (Healdsburg) and Spoonbar (Healdsburg).

Get outdoors.

Though Sonoma is most famous for it’s wine, don’t overlook it’s nature and coastline! They have the stunning Armstrong Redwoods and beaches like Bodega Bay, Jenner and Sea Ranch.

You can go whale watching, horse back riding, camping,  and hiking.

Where to Stay:

Feel the zen in Sedona, AZ.

Best For: Nature and hiking for that hippy side in you.

Things to do with the girls:

Hiking, hiking, more hiking.

Cathedral Rock, Broken Arrow and Devil’s Bridge are a few of the most popular hikes and for good reason!

Achieve your zen.

This includes going on a vortex tour, shopping at Crystal Magic and of course, having a spa day.

There are quite a few resorts with have their own spas and there are also some day spas.

  • Sedona New Day Spa
  • The Spa at Sedona Rouge
  • Mii Amo at Enchantment Resort
  • A Spa For You

Where to Stay:

Escape to the desert in Palm Springs, CA.

Best For: Poolside cocktails and desert vibes.

Things to do with the girls:

See an incredible view.

Ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for an expansive view of the valley.

Shop at the boutiques.

There are fun shops Downtown and in Old Town to check out such as The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five, The Frippery and Elizabeth & Prince.

Snap some photos at one of the many Palm Springs instagram spots.

  • Moorten Botanical Gardens
  • Palm Springs Windmills
  • The Parker
  • Palm Springs Welcome Sign

Relax by the pool.

Chill out by the hotel pool and sip on cocktails from noon to night.

Dine and Drink.

Mr. Lyons, Workshop Kitchen & Bar, Azúcar Restaurant and Bar and Bootlegger Tiki are some notable and tasty options.

Where to Stay:

Break away from city life for a weekend in Montauk, NY.

Best For: City vibes by the beach.

Montauk is an old surfing and fishing town turned trendy by New Yorkers flocking there in the summer months. It’s a good place to chill out after a crazy few days in NYC, while still getting that fun vibe.

Things to do with the girls:

Sunbathe or Surf.

Head to Kirk Park Beach and byob or rent a cabana at Gurney’s Beach Club for rose’ service.

Go for a walk or hike.

Don’t miss seeing the Montauk Lighthouse, which marks “the end.” From the lighthouse parking lot you can walk to the beach below for a different perspective. If you want to exert yourself more, go for a hike at Camp Hero State Park.

See live music at the Surf Lodge.

The Surf Lodge is a hotel, restaurant and summertime venue. They’ve hosted big acts such as John Legend, Lupe Fiasco and Aluna George.

Dine and drink.

Montauk has as interesting mix of trendy and divey spots to try. Duyea’s Lobster Deck, Navy Beach, Memory Motel and Montauket are a few of the main establishments but check out my Montauk Guide or Montauk Bars Guide for further details.

Where to Stay:

 

Nashville, TN

Best For: Honky Tonk and Tennesse BBQ.

Things to do with the girls:

Learn about country music.

Visit the Grand Ole Opry, an iconic stage in country music’s past, present and future. They offer backstage tours so you can get  the full learning experience.

Listen to country and other styles of music.

The Nashville Palace, The 5 Spot, Bluebird Cafe, The Basement East are some of the venues to choose from.

Eat some of the best BBQ in the USA.

Peg Leg Porker has been called the best is the state by multiple sources. Try and see for yourself!

Dine and drink.

Little Octopus, Pinewood Social, Loveless Cafe, Barcelona wine bar, Hatty B’s Hot Chicken and Moto.

Where to Stay:

 

Miami, FL

Best For: Oceanfront glitz and glam.

Everyone needs to go to Miami at least once, right?! I feel like Miami is one of those places people either love or hate… and I’m one of the lovers! The beaches are gorgeous, the nightlife is buzzing and you’ve never seen anywhere so glamorous as South Beach!

Top things to do:

Explore Wynwood.

Take pictures a the Wynwood Walls, shop at trendy boutiques and eat street food.

Imagine you’re in Italy.

Stroll through the gorgeous Vizcaya Museums and Gardens. This Italian mansion is absolutely stunning so you’ll get some awesome girls photos!

Start feeling glamorous.

Start the day off with by pampering yourselves at Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau. Lounge by the pool until it’s ready to glitz up.

Dine and drink.

Sugar is classic ladies night out spot. There’s also Havana 1957, Ricky’s, Better Days and Ball & Chain.

Where to Stay:

Take a relaxing trip to Santa Fe, NM.

Best For: Discovering Native American culture and enjoying unique pampering.

Top things to do:

Check out the Arts and Culture of Santa Fe.

 Poeh Cultural Center was established by the Pojaoaque Pueblo’s Tribal Council to preserve and revitalise Pueblo communities. It’s a great insight into life in a Pueblo over seasons and time. The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture is a premier repository of Native art and material culture and the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Art is a  museum dedicated to understanding contemporary Native arts. Beowolf  is a must do immersive experience.

Shop in Old Town.

There are mazing boutique shops and markets in Old Town like Ship Rock Santa Fe, Magic Art Santa Fe and Santa Fe Indian Market.

Have the ultimate spa day.

Book a session at Ten Thousand Waves– Ten minutes from downtown Santa Fe is a Japanese inspired spa with hot tubs and various treatments. Ojo Caliente is a spa created around natural hot springs. It takes about an hour to get to from Santa Fe but is definitely worth it to be fully relaxed amongst nature.

Dine and drink.

Vivac Winery is a cool spot to have a few glasses of wine and  La Plazuela at La Fonda is the perfect place to get an authentic New Mexican brunch. For dinner you must eat at Sazon, one of the best restaurants in town and a incredible dining experience.

Where to Stay:

Austin, TX

Best For:  Live music, BBQ, and outdoor living.

Top Things To Do:

Take advantage of the outdoors.

Jacob’s Well, Barton Springs and Hamilton Pool are all swimming holes located nearby. Lake Travis is about 20 miles from Austin and has fun things to do like boating, hiking or having margaritas at the Oasis.

Go to Austin during a music festival.

Austin is know as the Live Music Capital of the World – Austin City Limits and SXSW are both held here. Plan ahead to make sure your girls getaway coincides with one of these epic weekends.

Camp out for BBQ.

Franklin’s BBQ might just be the best in country. In order to get your hands on some of this incredible food, you must wait on line for hours – but it’s worth it! Bring a few mimosas and make it an event.

Where to Stay:

 

Escape to Catalina Island, CA with your besties.

Best For: Best car free location and pretending your in the Mediterranean.

Catalina Island is owned by the Wrigley family and has a Mediterranean feel to . The $80 ferry ride over is worth the $600 you’ll save from not flying to Italy!

Best things to do:

Rent a Golf Cart to see the island.

This is a must do activity! You’ll have a blast drive around Avalon and getting pictures of the views like the one at Buena Vista Point. It’s a unique experience to Catalina!

Sip cocktails at a beach club.

There are two beach clubs on Catalina Island, The Descanso Beach Club and Harbor Sands. The first is in Avalon and the second is in Two Harbors which is accessible by boat.

This is the moment you will literally second guess if you’ve left the USA!

Get Active.

There are outdoor activities like the Zip Line Eco Tour, or hike one of the island’s trails.

Dine and Drink.

Catalina Coffee and Cookie Company, Sand Trap, The Naughty Fox.

This is definitely one of my top picks for a USA trip for girls! You’ll have such a unique experience!

Where to Stay:

 

Take on the Big Easy with your ladies a.k.a. New Orleans, LA!

Best For: Charming city, French cuisine and partying.

Best things to do:

Get a little crazy on Bourbon Street.

Order to-go drinks as you can walk down Bourbon Street, catch some bead and have a little boogie!

Spend some time exploring the French Quarter.

In this popular part of the city you and the girls can visit Jackson Square, the French Market or see some live Jazz at the Preservation Hall.

Have a fun night out on Frenchman Street.

Bourbon Street is certainly known as the party spot, but it can be a little on the trashy side. Frenchman Street on the hand is where the locals tend to hang out, so you know it’s where you want to be – locals always know best!

There’s a ton of live music, art and places to dine.

Day Trip To Oak Alley Plantation.

Tour the Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Dine and Drink.

Cafe Du Monde is one of the most classic spots in NOLA, you come here for the beignets! Hot Tin is a rooftop bar with awesome views of the city you won’t want to miss.

Go to Antoine’s for fine French-Creole dining and have drinks at the famous Carousel Bar or in the garden at Jewel of the South.

Where to Stay:

 

 

Newport, Rhode Island

Best For: New England charm with a European feel.

Best things to do:

Marvel at the Mansions.

Walk through the opulent Newport Mansions and imagine how families like the Vanderbilts really lived in the 1800s! You’ll notice a plethora of European influences throughout the various mansions and might even recognize them from movies like The Great Gatsby.

Sail around the Harbor.

Spend the Day at Newport Vineyards.

Meander at the Marina.

Dine and Drink.

You’ll having plenty of options for drinking and dining on your girls trip to Newport.  Eat at Nomi Park for playful takes on New England classics and dine at Clarke Cooke House for the actual classics!

The Lawn at Castle Inn is a beautiful spot to relax in the sun and enjoy the view.  You shouldn’t miss getting cocktails and watching the sunset at Gurney’s Resort on Goat Island.

If you want a nightlife spot where you can dance, check out One Pelham East.

Where to Stay:

 

 

Girls Trip Travel Essentials

Check out my post on  travel outfits and carry on essentials to make sure you’re set for the trip!

Did I miss an awesome girls trip location? Let me know in the comments!

 

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