There is just something about a girls’ trip that is so rejuvenating. Spending time connecting with friends or family while exploring new destinations is so good for your soul. I try to make time each year for a girls’ trip and I’m here to share the best girls’ trip destinations in the US that are perfect for creating lasting memories with your besties. From charming southern cities to breathtaking natural landscapes, there’s something for everyone!
Best Girls’ Trip Destinations in the U.S.
Table of Contents
- Savannah, Georgia
- Oregon Coast
- New Orleans, Louisianna
- Montana Dude Ranch
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Palm Springs, California
- California Coast Road Trip
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Dallas, Texas
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- New York City, New York
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah’s rich history, charming cobblestone streets, and down-home southern cooking make it an ideal destination for a girls’ getaway.
Stroll under the ancient oak trees covered with Spanish moss at Forsyth Park.
Take a tour of a historic home. Our favorite is the Mercer-Williams Home from the book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Admire the manicured squares dotting the city. The famous Chippewa Square was the filming location for the “box of chocolates scene” in the Forrest Gump movie.
Walk along the Savannah Riverfront where you can pick up souvenirs from a local shop, enjoy waterfront dining, or take a sunset riverboat cruise. You can even find a speakeasy hidden in the alley behind River Street!
Be sure to step inside the Cathedral Basilica of St John to admire the stunning French Gothic architecture.
Take a walk along Jones Street, one of the most picturesque residential streets in Savannah. It has even been voted one of the most beautiful streets in North America by Southern Living Magazine.
You’ll find Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room on Jones Street, one of the most popular restaurants in Savannah where you can indulge in made-from-scratch southern cooking.
I would also recommend eating at the Olde Pink House, the Pirate’s House, Mirabelle Savannah, and The Grey. See our guide 8 of the Best Places to Eat in Savannah for more recommendations.
For a fun experience, book a segway tour of Bonaventure Cemetery to learn some interesting history and haunting tales of this famous historic cemetery.
I would also recommend taking a day trip to Tybee Island if you want to relax on the beach.
Wormsloe Historic Site is also worth the drive where you will find the most beautiful oak tree tunnel hanging with Spanish moss.
For more information and recommendations, see our guide for The Best Things to Do in Savannah on a Girls’ Weekend.
Oregon Coast
For a relaxing girls’ trip that is packed with natural beauty, head to Oregon’s sprawling coast.
Book a beachfront cottage with ocean views. We recommend staying in Oceanside, it’s a small community with affordable vacation rentals and fewer crowds.
Oceanside Beach also allows beach fires so you can enjoy s’mores at sunset.
Head to Pacific City where you can rent e-bikes and ride them right on the beach. Explore Cake Kiwanda while you are there, and stop for a bite to eat at the Grateful Bread Bakery.
Be sure to visit the nearby Tillamook Creamery to watch how they make their world-famous cheese. Stop by the cafe to enjoy the best deep-fried cheese curds and housemade ice cream.
Take a day trip to visit Cannon Beach with its iconic Haystack Rock. See our guide 7 Things to Do in Oceanside for all the details.
I would also recommend heading inland for a few days. Be sure to stop and explore the dynamic city of Portland while you’re passing through.
Plan to spend a few days near Mount Hood where you can book a cozy cabin as the perfect home base to explore the area.
Drive the “Waterfall Highway” in the Columbia River Gorge where you can stop along the way to hike to gorgeous waterfalls.
You’ll also want to drive the Hood River Fruit Loop which is dotted with fruit stands and farm-to-table eateries.
See our guide 10 Things to Do in Mount Hood for more information and recommendations.
For a full girls’ trip itinerary, see our guide for The Perfect 5-Day Oregon Itinerary.
New Orleans, Louisianna
New Orleans is a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant energy, making it the perfect destination for a girls’ trip.
Explore the French Quarter’s lively streets filled with jazz music and unique architecture.
Ride the historic St. Charles Street Car, check out the restaurants and bars on Bourbon Street, join a second-line parade, take a walking ghost tour, and soak in the ambiance while enjoying dinner on an outdoor balcony.
For a quintessential New Orleans experience, enjoy a jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters where you can sample delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine. It’s also a must to stop at Café du Monde for their heavenly beignets
For more restaurant recommendations, see our guide 8 of the Best Places to Eat in New Orleans.
Take a tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, a hauntingly beautiful above-ground cemetery where you can see the grave of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
Visit Jackson Square to admire the beauty of St. Louis Cathedral and watch the street performers and artists. Then head over to shop for souvenirs and sample local goods at the French Market, the oldest market in the US.
Take a walking tour of the Garden District to swoon at the gorgeous mansions, learn about its colorful history, and eat brunch at the Commander’s Palace.
For a full itinerary, see our guide The Best Things to Do on a Girls’ Weekend in New Orleans.
If you have extra time, I would recommend driving 2 hours to Mobile, Alabama and spending a few days there. It’s an unassuming and charming spot for a girls’ trip!
Montana Dude Ranch
If you’ve never considered a dude ranch for a girls’ trip, it is such a unique and adventurous experience!
The fun begins even before the trip when you get together and go thrifting for cowgirl duds. You can’t show up at a dude ranch without cowgirl boots, a hat, and a fringed leather jacket!
A dude ranch is an all-inclusive stay where you’ll immerse yourselves in the cowboy lifestyle with horseback riding excursions, hearty cowboy grub, and ranch activities.
The days are spent riding horses along scenic trails, and the evenings are spent around a campfire under the starry sky.
We stayed at O.T.O Dude Ranch, which was a pop-up ranch experience hosted by the True Ranch Collection.
It provided the perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology and enjoy the serenity of the Montana wilderness together.
We have also stayed at several other dude ranches in Arizona and would recommend checking out White Stallion Ranch, Rancho de la Osa, and Tombstone Monument Ranch.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston exudes southern hospitality and charm with its antebellum architecture, waterfront views, and renowned food scene. It’s one of our favorite spots for a girls’ trip in the US!
Spend the night in a charming bed & breakfast, take photos on Rainbow Road, stroll along Waterfront Park, and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city.
Go shopping on King Street in the historic district, or pick up handmade goods at the Charleston City Market.
Take time to learn about the solemn history of slavery in the city by touring the Old Slave Mart Museum and visiting Boone Hall Plantation.
Indulge in Lowcountry cuisine at Husk or Poogan’s Porch, or eat inside of an old church at Church and Union Charleston.
If you’re feeling brave, paddle through the alligator-infested swamp at Cypress Gardens. This was the filming location for the romantic boat scene in The Notebook.
I would also recommend taking the short drive to Mount Pleasant where the popular Netflix series, Outer Banks was filmed.
For more recommendations and information, see our guide for the Best Things to Do in Charleston on a Girls’ Trip.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a desert oasis known for its mid-century modern architecture, desert beauty, and vibrant arts scene.
Spend your girls’ trip lounging by the pool at a chic hotel and going shopping at the boutiques on Palm Canyon Drive.
It’s also fun to take a celebrity home tour to admire the mid-century modern architecture and learn about Palm Springs’ glamorous history.
Enjoy brunch at an outdoor cafe such as Cheeky’s, Wilma & Frieda, or Grand Central.
Hike the Palm Canyon Trail in Indian Canyons to discover the world’s largest California Fan Palm oasis.
The scenic Aerial Tramway is also a great way to get out in nature as it takes you to the top of Mt. San Jacinto.
Take a day trip to explore Pioneertown, a replica 1870s frontier town where hundreds of movies have been filmed.
Pioneertown is located near Joshua Tree National Park where you can hike through the Cholla Garden, take in the vista at Keys View, make the trek to Skull Rock, and watch as the Joshua Trees become silhouetted against the setting sun.
For more details, see our guide How to Spend a Girls’ Weekend in Palm Springs.
California Coast Road Trip
This is your sign to grab your besties and head to the California Coast for an epic road trip!
Start in San Francisco where you can bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy lunch in Sausalito, and take photos of the Painted Ladies from Full House.
Driving down the famous Lombard Street is also a must, as well as trying dim sum in Chinatown, taking the ferry to Alcatraz, and eating sourdough bread from Boudin Bakery.
See our guide How to Spend One Day in San Francisco for more recommendations.
Head down the coast and stop along the way at Devil’s Slide, Half Moon Bay, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, and Shark Fin Cove before reaching Santa Cruz.
Spend a day or two in Santa Cruz where you can ride the 100-year-old Giant Dipper roller coaster at the Boardwalk.
Visit the nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park where you can take a ride through towering redwoods on a steam locomotive train.
Stop for lunch at Capitola, a vibrant waterfront community known for its beach cottages before making your way to Monterey.
In Monterey, be sure to visit the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, ride bikes along the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, and drive along the scenic 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach.
Spend the night in the storybook town of Carmel-by-the-Sea where you can take a walking tour of the Fairytale cottages, sample homemade fudge at the Cottage of Sweets, and eat dinner at The Forge which was once an old blacksmith shop.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is the gateway to Big Sur which boasts one of the most stunning coastlines in the US.
Hike to China Cove at Point Lobos, stop for a photo at the Bixby Creek Bridge, and see the Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach.
Enjoy lunch with an epic view at Nepenthe, and take the short hike to McWay Falls where you’ll discover an 80-foot waterfall spilling into the ocean.
For more information and recommendations, see our Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip guide.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, also known as Music City, is a vibrant destination with a rich music scene, delicious southern cuisine, and a lively atmosphere perfect for a girls’ trip.
Watch a live taping of the longest-running radio program in the world at the Grand Ole Opry. I would also recommend taking a tour of the Ryman Auditorium where the Grand Ole Opry got its early start.
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, and tour the legendary RCA Studio B where you can play Elvis’ favorite piano.
Take photos at Printer’s Alley and visit the trendy nightclubs once the sun goes down.
Go bar hopping on the famed Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway where live music is spilling out of open doors and windows.
Explore trendy neighborhoods like The Gulch and 12 South for boutique shopping, dining, and street art.
Indulge in Nashville’s famous hot chicken sandwich at Hattie B’s, and make reservations for brunch at White Limozeen, a Dolly Parton-inspired pink restaurant.
For more restaurant recommendations, see our guide 8 of the Best Places to Eat in Nashville.
Take a day trip to tour the Belle Meade Historic Site or Belmont Mansion. The charming town of Franklin is also worth the extra drive.
If you’re lucky, you can score a reservation at the intimate Bluebird Cafe where Taylor Swift and other big stars were discovered.
For a full itinerary, see our guide for The Perfect Nashville Girls’ Weekend.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas offers a mix of urban city life, cultural experiences, and southern hospitality.
Explore trendy neighborhoods like Deep Ellum with an eclectic mix of local dives and upscale hot spots, and a history that dates back to the 19th century.
Take a morning jog along the Katy Trail, or participate in a free yoga class at Klyde Warren Park, a beautiful city park located above the freeway.
Take photos of the Dallas city skyline from the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and grab a bite to eat at the nearby Trinity Groves neighborhood.
Dallas is a foodies destination. Discover some of the Best Places to Eat in Dallas, including a BBQ joint with a Ferris wheel!
Visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza where John F. Kennedy was assassinated. It is a somber experience to learn about this dark moment in America’s history, but the museum is very well done.
I would also recommend taking a day trip to Waco to visit Chip and Joanna Gaines’ beloved Magnolia Market.
For more information and recommendations, see our guide for The Best Things to Do in Dallas on a Girls’ Weekend.
Scottsdale, Arizona
If you’re looking to escape the winter blues with your best girlfriends, head to Scottsdale, Arizona where the sun is always shining.
Relax by the pool at The Scott Resort or Hotel Valley Ho where you can enjoy poolside drinks while working on your tans.
Venture out to Old Town to check out the restaurant scene with trendy hot spots like Diego Pops, The Montauk, Breakfast Club, and The Herb Box.
See our Foodies Guide to the Best Places to Eat in Scottsdale for more recommendations.
Spend the afternoon shopping at the 5th and 1st Avenue Shops, Fashion Square Mall, Kierland Commons, or Scottsdale Marketplace.
If you have time, stop by the Cosanti Soleri Bells Gallery which has been featured on The Travel Channel and The History Channel.
If you want to get outdoors and enjoy the nice weather, hit the trails and hike Camelback Mountain or Pinnacle Peak.
For more details and recommendations, see our posts A Girlfriend’s Guide to Scottsdale and How to Spend One Fabulous Day in Scottsdale.
New York City, New York
New York is an epic girls’ trip destination any time of year, but I would highly recommend visiting at Christmas for an extra magical girls’ trip.
For the ultimate way to get into the holiday spirit, watch the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular and prepare to be blown away!
Go ice skating at the Rockefeller Center in the shadow of the most famous Christmas tree in the world.
Admire the spectacular window and light displays on 5th Avenue, and stop by the FAO Schwarz toy store to feel like a kid again.
Walk through Central Park where you’ll be serenaded with Christmas music by street performers. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a dusting of snow while walking under the tree tunnel at The Mall.
Wollman Ice Rink at Central Park is also a great alternative to ice skating at Rockefeller Center, it is cheaper and less crowded.
Visit the Winter Village at Bryant Park for the best hot chocolate from the Max Brenner stall and the best cheese raclette from the Baked Cheese Haus Raclette food stand.
A visit to Macy’s on 34th is a must. This is the largest department store in America and every inch of the store is decked out for the holidays.
Make reservations at a holiday-themed restaurant such as Rolf’s Bar, Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, Papillon, or Oscar Wilde. For an especially memorable experience, splurge for afternoon tea at The Plaza.
For more recommendations, see our guide 12 Bucket List Things to Do in New York at Christmas.
[convertkit form=3250084]
While there are so many amazing girls’ trip destinations in the US, I hope this guide will help inspire you to get out and make memories with your best girlfriends, sisters, daughters, moms, or any special girls in your life!
Pin it for later:
Leave a Reply