Between work, relationships, and all our other responsibilities, making time for our girlfriends only gets harder as we get older, but it’s no less important. What better way to finally get in some quality time than with a girls’ weekend? No special occasion necessary—just grab your best gals and get away for a few days for some fun, relaxation, and much-needed catching up.
Whether your crew prefers the beach or mountains, desert or tropics, East Coast or West Coast, there are so many incredible cities to explore with your girls—and you don’t even have to leave the country. Here are just a few of our favorite cities in the U.S. for the ultimate girls’ weekend.
1. Napa, California
If your go-to friend date idea is a wine night, why not turn that into a whole weekend? Boasting 30 miles of some of the country’s premier wineries, Napa Valley is a no-brainer for any wine-loving group. Book a flight to one of the Bay Area’s major airports and rent a car for the 90-minute journey to Napa. The area has all sorts of accommodations, so you can tailor your stay to your friend group’s ideal trip. Want to kick back at a luxurious resort? Silverado Resort has plenty of amenities to guarantee a 5-star stay. If you’d rather bask in the charm of a bed and breakfast, Candlelight Inn is a picture-perfect option.
After settling into your hotel, fuel up for a weekend of wine-tasting with some food and coffee. Downtown Napa has plenty of bakeries and cafés for a quick bite, while Oxford Public Market houses tons of food vendors if your group can’t decide on just one spot. Afterward, walk along the riverfront promenade and admire the 1800s architecture, or head to First Street Napa for some shopping. When you’re ready to hit a winery, Napa Valley has over 400 options to choose from. Domaine Carneros is a must-try if you love sparkling wine, and Mayacamas Vineyard (which was founded in 1889!) offers rich history and gorgeous grounds. Film buffs will want to check out Inglenook, which is owned by the director of The Godfather and offers guided tours of the property. After indulging in some wine tastings, head back to downtown Napa for dinner at Angèle for delicious French-country cuisine.
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Located along the northern tip of Michigan, Mackinac Island may not be the easiest place to get to, but once you’re there, it’s an experience like no other. The island doesn’t allow motorized vehicles, so people get around by riding bikes or hopping on a horse-drawn carriage. Yes, you read that right. How many other towns can say their version of Uber is a horse and buggy? After a 20-minute ferry ride from Mackinac City to the island, grab something to eat at Pink Pony and pop into the souvenir shops along Main Street. Be sure to sample some of the island’s famous sweet treat: fudge.
For a more outdoorsy activity, go hiking in Mackinac Island State Park or see the lake from a kayak or stand-up paddleboard tour. If your group is a little water-shy, don’t worry—it’s totally beginner-friendly. And for gorgeous lakeside views and tons of group-friendly amenities, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Mission Point Resort.
3. Los Angeles, California
Nothing says girls’ trip like some sunshine, shopping, and the possibility of a meet-cute with your celeb crush—LA has all this and more. To see everything you want to see in a sprawling city like Los Angeles, stay somewhere centrally located, like Palihouse West Hollywood, and rent a car to get around. For amazing views of the city and the Hollywood sign, drive to Griffith Park and hike up to the top. Afterward, embrace your inner tourist and snap some pics at the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the nearby TCL Chinese Theater.
Other must-do activities include window shopping on Rodeo Drive and admiring the art and architecture of The Getty Center. From the museum, it’s a short drive to Venice, where you can walk along the canals and shop along Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Los Angeles has no shortage of things to see, and you’re bound to make unforgettable memories with your besties while exploring.
4. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Thanks to Beyoncé’s new album, we’re all channeling our inner cowgirl this year. If you want to tap into your country side, plan a girls’ trip to Jackson Hole. When the weather is warm, spend your days horseback riding and hiking, or visit during the winter months to hit the slopes and indulge in some après ski activities. For an unbeatable downtown location, make The Wort Hotel your home base for the weekend. From there, you can easily walk to Persephone Bakery, a widely loved breakfast place, and wander around downtown afterward. Be sure to stop into Kemo Sabe, a hat store of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fame. If you’re in town from June to September, book a table at Local, a steakhouse only accessible by gondola during the warmer months. Or head to the famed Million Dollar Cowboy Bar to try two-stepping to some live music.
5. Chicago, Illinois
We may be a bit biased (The Everygirl is based in Chicago, after all), but we think the Windy City makes a perfect girls’ trip destination. This centrally located city is easily driveable from anywhere in the Midwest and a short flight from either coast, making it an ideal meeting spot for far-flung friend groups. Once you get there, hit up Millennium Park for a group photo in front of the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (AKA the Bean), then spend the afternoon shopping along Michigan Avenue. If your crew isn’t afraid of heights, you could even head up to the Skydeck for dizzying views of the city from 103 floors up. In the evening, find a rooftop bar and enjoy views of the city from a different angle as you kick back with dinner and cocktails. For accommodations, we love The Publishing House for its cozy bed-and-breakfast vibes.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
Laissez les bons temps rouler! That’s Cajun French for “let the good times roll”—and New Orleans sure knows how to have a good time. The city is home to incredible food, music, history, culture, and, of course, partying. Whether you prefer to stay in the heart of the French Quarter or somewhere in the hip warehouse district, there’s definitely something for everyone in New Orleans. For a historic hotel with charm and class, check out the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. It has a courtyard pool (NOLA can get hot hot hot!) and live entertainment at the bar, too.
7. The Hamptons, New York
Summer House fans, this one is for you! Located on the eastern tip of Long Island, the Hamptons is a hotspot in the summer and equally as gorgeous (and much more peaceful) in the off-season. Known for boutiques, restaurants, golf, and storybook charm, the area is home to The Roundtree Amagansett, a luxe, picturesque property with rooms, suites, and cottages that are perfect for a girls’ weekend away. With shuttles to the beaches in the summer, nightly s’mores around the firepit, and a gorgeous green yard with cozy spots to unwind, it’s an ideal getaway spot for your girl squad.
8. Washington, D.C.
Where better to gather with your girls than the nation’s capital? Rich in history and all things Americana, Washington, D.C. is easily accessible by car, train, or plane and has endless options for activities. For some intellectual stimulation, check out a tour of the Capitol or take a double-decker bus tour through the city before you go bar-hopping downtown. In the springtime, you can also bask in the gorgeousness of the famous cherry blossom trees. While visiting, stay at Conrad Washington DC. With luxe, modern amenities and an unbeatable location, it’s a prime spot to indulge in some R&R, cocktails, and fine dining—all without even having to leave the property.
9. Miami, Florida
Miami has everything you could want for a girls’ trip: beaches, clubs, pool parties, and incredible weather. It’s pretty much the hottest hot spot for party people in the U.S. Year-round, it’s an escape from the cold weather and the 9-5 lifestyle (it’s also a super popular bachelorette spot, too!). While visiting the coastal metropolis with your girls, stay at The Setai Miami Beach, where you can indulge at the Valmont Spa, drink and dine at the open-air Ocean Grill, and rest up after a long day of girl time in the luxe Asian-inspired guest suites.
10. Dallas, Texas
Grab your cowboy boots and head on down to Dallas for a southern weekend filled with incredible food, drinks, live music, and more. Stop by the Dallas Farmer’s Market in the morning, then spend the day shopping the designer boutiques of Highland Park Village or treating yourselves at one of the area’s many luxurious spas. Afterward, refuel with a dinner of world-class barbecue or Tex-Mex, then locate a rooftop bar to cap off the night (you can’t beat the views from the rooftop bar of The Statler Hotel).
11. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If cobblestone streets, quaint pubs, incredible American history, and even a world-class zoo sound like your group’s idea of fun, then Philly is the best destination for your girls’ weekend! For a real treat, stay at the one-of-a-kind Four Seasons Philadelphia located downtown, which offers incredible sky-high views of the city and a stunning indoor pool. Hot tip: Don’t miss a visit to the spa, where healing crystals are encased in the structure of the walls! Indulge, rest, relax, have fun, and repeat!
12. New York, New York
For nonstop fun, head to the city that never sleeps. Grab your besties and take in a Broadway show, enjoy some incredible shopping (even if you just window shop!) on Fifth Avenue, dine at some of the best restaurants in the country, and explore to your heart’s content in New York City. Stay in the heart of the city with a hotel in Midtown or, for a more unique experience, head to the West Village and Soho for more of a “vibe.” The boutique hotel The Broome is a true hidden gem. With an open-air courtyard and a variety of cozy, chic rooms to choose from, it’s a great place to stay in one of NYC’s best neighborhoods.
13. Las Vegas, Nevada
Viva, Las Vegas, baby! What else is there to say, really? World-class dining and entertainment, gaming and gambling, shopping and music—your options are endless in Vegas! There are so many places to stay, but one of our favorites has to be the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas if you’re looking for a truly luxurious escape with your girls. A nice reprieve from the large hotel-casino-type resorts, the Waldorf Astoria boasts an incredible spa, pool, Skybar, tea lounge, and more, all with the luxurious touches you’d expect from the brand. Oh, and their luxury house car is available for drop-off service within a 2-mile range on the Strip!
14. Park City, Utah
Just east of Salt Lake City is the outdoor lover’s paradise, Park City. The resort town is home to Olympic Park (which once hosted the Olympic Winter Games), incredible ski slopes, and a gorgeous Main Street. It’s the perfect destination for fans of winter sports or those who just like to enjoy the winter weather in style. Park City is also home to the famous Sundance Film Festival which draws celebrities from across the world. For accommodations, check in to Pendry Park City, a boutique, contemporary ski-in/ski-out mountain hotel nestled in the center of Canyons Village.
