The Girlfriend’s Guide to Urban Getaways: Best Cities for Girls Trips!
Thinking about taking a weekend away with your best girlfriends? A girlfriend’s getaway can be the perfect way to make lasting memories, explore new cities, and just take a break from the daily grind. The best cities for girls’ trips are all right here in the U.S.!
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Luckily, you don’t need to go across the world – or even out of the country – to have an amazing city escape. From energetic jazz towns in Louisiana to untouched islands in Massachusetts, here are 9 fantastic cities in the U.S. worth exploring for the ultimate girlfriends’ weekend away! Pick one, grab some tickets and invite your closest friends along for the adventure!
Orlando, Florida (No, not Disney)
First, who said you have to visit the House of Mouse to have a great time in sunny Orlando? Whether you’re looking for some rest and relaxation with your girlfriends or simply want to explore what the city has to offer. There are plenty of ways to make the most out of your weekend escape without ever setting foot on Disney property. Here’s what you can do if you decide to experience Orlando sans, Mickey!
Day 1: Shop ‘til You Drop at The Mall at Millenia
No trip is complete without some retail therapy, and The Mall at Millenia is the perfect place for a little shopping spree with your friends. This upscale mall features all the designer stores you could ask for, from Louis Vuitton and Prada to Apple and Microsoft. Even better, it’s conveniently located just minutes away from downtown Orlando so you won’t have to worry about spending too much time in transit.
Day 2: Experience Nature With an Airboat Tour
If you don’t mind getting a little wet, why not take an airboat tour? Airboats are small boats equipped with powerful fans that allow them to quickly skim across the surface of the water. You can book a private tour with any number of companies and explore local lakes, rivers, wetlands, and marshes while searching for gators or even bald eagles! It’s an unforgettable way to experience Orlando’s natural beauty—and maybe even take home a few selfies with some wild critters.
Day 3: A Night on the Town
Finally, once the sun goes down, it’s time to hit up downtown Orlando for some nighttime fun! No matter what kind of nightlife scene suits your group best, chances are you’ll find something that checks all of your boxes. If dancing is your thing, there are plenty of clubs featuring live music from DJs spinning everything from hip-hop and EDM beats to Top 40 hits.
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Or if lounges are more your style, there are plenty of bars featuring craft cocktails made with locally distilled spirits as well as beer gardens serving an array of local brews. Whatever your preference may be, partying in downtown Orlando is sure to make it an unforgettable evening!
If you want to use Orlando as your cruise port, I highly recommend it! Port Canaveral houses every major cruise line! Check out my review of MSC Cruises here!
Los Angeles, California…the best city for girls trips year round!
Sunny and spectacular, LA and its surrounding areas deliver everything your gal pals need for a great escape. Whether it’s spin class followed by fresh-squeezed juice, hiking Griffith Park, or cruising Century City or The Grove for the latest fashions – there’s plenty to see and do. Play tourist and hop on a Star Homes bus tour. Or take your girls to the coast and spend a weekend in laid-back Santa Monica, with its five-star hotels, rooftop pool bars, and beachy vibe.
Best Cities for Girls Trips With The Most Entertainment…Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, the city of music, is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway with your best girlfriends. It’s not hard to find a reason to visit Music City. When it comes to the best cities for girls’ trips, this one has it all. You might need more than just one weekend! From the historic honky-tonk bars to the iconic landmarks, there’s something to do for everyone. Here’s an itinerary of what you can expect from your weekend trip!
Day 1: Music & More
Start your day off on Broadway in downtown Nashville and take in all that it has to offer—from its lively music scene to its renowned restaurants and trendy boutiques. Listen to some live music at one of the many honky-tonks scattered throughout Broadway or check out some of the other popular sites like The Johnny Cash Museum and Hatch Show Print. No matter what you choose, it’ll be sure to be an enjoyable experience.
Day 2: Shopping & Sightseeing
Day two is all about exploring and shopping! Visit the many unique stores located around town such as Imogene + Willie, which features vintage-inspired clothing and accessories. Visit The Gift Horse Shop where you can pick up souvenirs for friends and family at home. Afterward, head over to 12 South for some sightseeing. Don’t forget to take a stroll along Belmont Boulevard. Or check out one of the area’s famous murals. Don’t forget to stop by Five Daughter’s Bakery before heading back downtown!
Day 3: Relaxation & Cuisine
Your last day in Nashville should be spent relaxing with your girls before heading back home! Spend the morning in Centennial Park soaking up some sun. Maybe go kayaking on Percy Priest Lake for a fun outdoor activity. In the afternoon, visit Hillsboro Village for some café hopping. We recommend Fido for coffee and crepes. Then, grab lunch at Mas Tacos Por Favor for delicious Mexican cuisine. Before you leave town be sure to drop by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for a sweet treat (they even have vegan flavors)!
Best Cities for Girls Trips in the Southwest…Scottsdale, Arizona
Sun-filled Scottsdale has the makings for a bestie-break! With a hot dry climate and plenty of Instagrammable corners to document your debauchery (or simply lounge your days away). Stroll the Old Town, visit the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, or scale Camelback Mountain and take in the awe-inspiring views at the summit. Besides, with over 800 restaurants to choose from, ample spas, and plenty of hotel pools with cabanas to shield you from the harsh rays, your group of gals will want for nothing in this desert oasis.
Special Mention to Sedona, Arizona
Spending a weekend getaway with your girlfriends in Sedona, Arizona is an experience like none other! It’s one of the best cities for girls’ trips, and for good reason. From the incredible energy-filled hikes to the breathtaking sunsets to the yummy margaritas and local cuisine, you and your girlfriends can best bond on this amazing adventure. I highly recommend it for the views alone!
Take your time exploring the red rocks of Boynton Canyon, or sipping wine at a local vineyard overlooking Oak Creek Canyon. Best of all? You can relax in beautiful spa treatments or take part in yoga and wellness classes so that you truly recharge together.
Best Cities for Girls Trips in the West…San Francisco, California
If you had a day in this city make sure you do the essentials. Pose in front of the Painted Ladies. Then hop on electric scooters and cruise the Marina district, and share a chocolate sundae at Ghirardelli’s! San Francisco offers a unique blend of activities, neighborhoods, and culture. Indulge in an afternoon of wine tasting, or add an extra day or two to your visit and explore nearby Napa or Sonoma Valleys.
Don’t forget an after-dark tour of Alcatraz, or catch up over an al-fresco picnic, with a side of Golden Gate Bridge views. For picture-perfect views, a temperate climate, and fascinating history, this city by the bay has got you covered.
New York, New York
Alicia Keys sings that it’s a concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do, and I happen to agree. You and your closest friends could spend years exploring New York! You’d still not have even scratched the surface of its myriad restaurants, museums, parks, and activities. If you’re visiting NYC for a fabulous city for a girls trip, don’t miss the food hall at The Plaza Hotel. Again, grab some provisions and post up in Central Park, where people-watching provides ample entertainment.
In addition, stroll the High Line and take in the public art, or do a brunch crawl in Tribeca. Whatever you do, bring comfortable shoes (and a spare set of stilettos for nighttime!) because you’ll be pounding the pavement from dawn ‘till dusk. It’s true what they say, this city never sleeps.
Best Cities for Girls Trips in the East…The Islands of Massachusetts
This weekend, take a trip to the islands of Massachusetts with your girlfriends and have the time of your life! Explore the winding shores and charming villages, sail a boat around Nantucket Sound, or spend some time relaxing on Martha’s Vineyard. It’s the perfect place for a getaway with your besties – you can wander around and explore all that each island has to offer – from the seaside, and cliff walks to quaint whaling museum visits.
Relax and catch some sun with your friends on one of the gorgeous beaches (or even rent out an entire beach house!) Not only will it be an unforgettable experience, but you’ll create memories that last a lifetime. Here is my recommended itinerary:
Day 1: Martha’s Vineyard
Start your trip off by exploring Martha’s Vineyard, one of Massachusetts’ most famous island destinations. Take some time to wander around Oak Bluffs. It’s a charming town known for its historic carousel and vibrant gingerbread cottages. Once you’ve had your fill of sightseeing, head to one of Martha’s Vineyard’s many beaches for some rest and relaxation. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, head out on a whale-watching excursion. You might even spot a humpback or two! When your day draws to a close, cap off your evening with dinner at one of Edgartown’s many seafood restaurants.
Day 2: Nantucket
On Day 2, hop aboard the ferry and make your way over to Nantucket Island. Here you should explore Nantucket Town. It’s a popular tourist destination full of cobblestone streets and quaint cafes. Then head out on an afternoon hike along Madaket Trail or Coast Guard Beach and take in spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget to stop at Siasconset Beach (AKA ‘Sconset) on your way back into town. It is known as one of Nantucket’s hidden gems! In the evening, be sure to catch a performance by The Dreamland Theater Company. It’ll be worth it!
Day 3: Cape Cod & The Elizabeth Islands
Finally, hop in the car and make your way over to Cape Cod National Seashore Park. Here take some time to stroll along its magnificent beaches and soak up some sun. Then head over to Cuttyhunk Island-the farthest island in this chain-for lunch at Larsen’s Fish Market (you won’t regret it!). Wrap up your weekend with a drive home across Bourne Bridge. This is going to give you stunning views of Buzzards Bay.
Best Cities for a Girls Trip in the South…New Orleans, LA
If I was ranking the list, New Orleans would come in at number 1! This is the best city for a girls trip! From beignet-filled brunch to shopping along Magazine Street, New Orleans offers quintessential girlfriend getaway activities and plenty of options that don’t involve flashing for beads!
Gather in Bacchanal’s courtyard for a small stage performance. Besides, your evening can be punctuated with wine and cheese! Then marvel at the St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. Need a respite from the bustle of The Big Easy? Head to Couturie Forest, offering visitors tranquil woodlands and a perfect way to escape without having to leave town!
The Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Lastly, if you’re looking for a weekend getaway that’s both peaceful and exciting, look no further than the Pocono Mountains. With its beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and endless activities, it’s the perfect place to spend a weekend with your best girlfriends. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa day or an adventure-filled hike through the woods, the Poconos will have something for everyone.
Day 1 – Friday Afternoon: Arrive at Your Rental Cabin
Kick off your weekend by arriving at your rental cabin in the late afternoon. If you have time before dinner, take some time to explore the area and get familiar with your surroundings. The peaceful atmosphere of the Pocono Mountains is sure to set the tone for an amazing weekend ahead!
Day 1 – Friday Evening: Relax at a Spa
After settling into your cabin, make your way to one of the many spas in town. Whether you want to go all out with massages and facial treatments or simply enjoy a hot tub soak while watching TV on your phone, there are plenty of options available. It’s sure to be a great way to relax after a busy week!
Day 2 – Saturday Morning: Enjoy Hiking Trails
On Saturday morning, lace up those hiking boots and hit one of the many trails in the area. There’s nothing like getting out into nature and taking in all of its beauty! Don’t forget to bring snacks and water for energy during your hike. And if you don’t feel like trekking through the woods on foot, try renting an ATV or snowmobile—it’ll be just as fun!
Day 2 – Saturday Evening: Explore Nightlife Options
Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all that hiking (or ATV riding!), make your way back to town for dinner and drinks at one of many restaurants or bars around town. The nightlife here is bustling with live music venues and karaoke bars—plenty of places where you can dance away until midnight!
Day 3- Shopping!
Plus, there are lots of great shops open late so you can pick up souvenirs before heading back home on Sunday morning. I recommend the outlet shops! Then head home with all your goodies!
Are You Ready to Book One of These Best Cities For Girls’ Trips?
Are you dreaming of 72 child-free hours, where you can catch up with your girlfriends in a bustling locale? You deserve more than 5 uninterrupted minutes in the bathroom, or to scroll your phone exhausted at the end of the day! Take a look at a few of the best places for a girl’s getaway, and let’s start planning!