If you're anything like me, you need a little girl time now and then. After 26 years of travel writing, I found that the best girls’ getaways blended fun, relaxation, and just the right touch of indulgence (think massages or a shopping splurge). I laughed, reconnected, and made the kind of memories with friends that we still talk about years later.
I did the legwork so you don’t have to. Whether I was planning a weekend escape or a longer bonding trip, these ideas always made me the getaway hero of the group.
Highlights:
- Beach escapes in Myrtle Beach, SC were pure Southern charm with a splash of sun-soaked bliss...we never wanted to leave.
- I melted stress away with shopping and spa days in Destin, Florida.
- I hiked, roasted marshmallows, and cozied up in cabins around Boulder, CO. My lungs were full of fresh mountain air.
Best Girls Weekend Getaways:
Unwinding with Ocean Views in Myrtle Beach
For a beach reunion with one of my closest friends, I was craving sun, space to unwind, and just enough fun to keep things interesting—and Myrtle Beach totally delivered. From the moment we kicked off our shoes and stepped onto that soft white sand, "I thought like we could finally breathe." We spent lazy mornings sipping coffee with our toes in the surf, wandered the lively boardwalk in the afternoons, and laughed our way through sunset rides on the SkyWheel. With 60 miles of beach and something new around every corner, it was the kind of easy, sun-soaked escape that made us both feel lighter. In my book, this Grand Strand gem got everything right—relaxation, connection, and the kind of memories I’ll hold onto for a long time.
Our evening at The Hangout in Myrtle Beach was an unforgettable blend of fun, flavor, and friendship. We kicked things off with their famous Fried Pickles and Peel and Eat Shrimp, savoring each bite as we caught up and shared laughs. The live music had us dancing in our seats, and the friendly staff made us feel right at home. As the sun set, we moved to the SkyBar, where the ocean breeze and panoramic views provided the perfect backdrop for our cocktails. It wasn't just a meal..."it was a celebration of our time together, filled with joy and connection" I thought on my flight home.
- Drive Time from Charleston, SC: Approximately 2 hours northeast
- Vibe: Lively, family-friendly, beach-centric
- Highlights: 60 miles of sandy coastline, Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, SkyWheel, world-class golf courses, diverse dining options
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for warm beach weather and vibrant festivals
- Don’t Miss: Riding the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, exploring Broadway at the Beach, attending the Carolina Country Music Fest, and enjoying fresh seafood at local eateries
Find more Things to Do in Myrtle Beach on your trip.
Signing Up for an Adventure in Boulder, CO
For a summer getaway with my girlfriend, I was looking for a place that offered a little bit of everything—fresh air, great food, and just the right dose of adventure. Boulder ended up being exactly what we needed. From the moment we arrived, the energy felt different—in a good way.
There was this laid-back rhythm to the town that made it easy to relax, but enough happening around us to keep things exciting. We hiked in the mornings, wandered galleries and bookstores in the afternoons, and ended our days with open-air dinners under the stars. The Rocky Mountain views were always there in the background, grounding and stunning all at once. Between the trails, the local flavor, and the artsy buzz, Boulder gave us the perfect mix of connection and exploration. My friends said that "it felt like exactly the kind of trip we needed to reconnect and just be in the moment."
Stopping by The Sink in Boulder was pure fun—a must-do for our girls’ weekend. This place is packed with personality, from the funky ceiling art to the college-town energy that makes it feel lively and a little legendary. We grabbed a booth, ordered some of their famous burgers and pizzas, and just let the laid-back vibe take over. The food was exactly what we were craving after a day of hiking, and the atmosphere made it feel like more than just a meal—it was an experience. We laughed a lot, ate well, and left full in every sense of the word.
- Drive Time from Denver: Approximately 45 minutes northwest
- Vibe: Outdoorsy, innovative, laid-back
- Highlights: Iconic Flatirons, Pearl Street Mall, Chautauqua Park, craft breweries, vibrant arts scene
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for hiking, festivals, and patio dining
- Don’t Miss: Hiking the Flatirons, exploring Pearl Street Mall, dining at Frasca Food and Wine, and visiting the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
Soaking Up the Sunshine in Destin, FL
When my friend told me she literally dreamed of emerald waters, sugar-white sand, and endless beach days, I knew Destin was the place to bring that dream to life. And honestly? It was even better than we imagined. The moment we stepped onto the beach, the water sparkled like glass, and the soft sand felt like powdered sugar under our feet.
We spent mornings out on the water—one day reeling in fish on a deep-sea charter, the next laughing our way through lazy rides on paddleboards. Afternoons were filled with splashy fun at waterparks and seafood feasts with Gulf views. Everywhere we went, we were met with sunshine and that signature Southern hospitality that made it all feel easy and joyful. Destin gave us the beachy, carefree escape we’d been craving—and then some.
Our evening at The Edge Seafood Restaurant & SkyBar was the perfect blend of coastal charm and culinary delight. Perched directly over the water on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, the restaurant offered panoramic views that took our breath away. As we settled into our seats, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden hues across the Gulf, a picture-perfect backdrop for our girls' night out.
The SkyBar upstairs provided an adults-only retreat with cozy couches, a fire pit, and live music that added to the vibrant atmosphere. Sipping on signature cocktails like the Spicy Pineapple Margarita, we found ourselves immersed in the lively yet relaxed vibe that The Edge is known for.
- Drive Time from Pensacola: Approximately 1.5 hours east
- Vibe: Coastal, vibrant, family-friendly
- Highlights: Sugar-white beaches, emerald waters, deep-sea fishing, water sports, seafood dining
- Best Time to Visit: April through May for warm weather, fewer crowds, and outdoor activities
- Don’t Miss: Exploring Henderson Beach State Park, visiting the Destin History & Fishing Museum, and enjoying a boat trip to Crab Island
Enjoying Urban Vibes in Downtown San Jose, Silicon Valley, California
San Jose, CA
For a weekend escape with my girlfriends, San Jose surprised us in the best way. We were looking for a place with good food, cool culture, and a little nature mixed in—and this city checked all the boxes. One minute we were sipping craft coffee in a hip café, the next we were wandering through historic neighborhoods or hiking under redwoods just outside the city.
The vibe was this perfect blend of innovation and authenticity—techy but never cold, vibrant but still laid-back. We browsed art galleries, laughed our way through rooftop cocktails, and found quiet moments in parks that felt miles from the buzz. San Jose gave us space to connect, explore, and soak up that feeling of being fully present—with each other and in a place that had way more to offer than we expected.
One of the highlights of our San Jose weekend was dinner at The Table. Tucked into the Willow Glen neighborhood, it had that perfect neighborhood bistro feel—stylish but unpretentious, buzzing but cozy. We ordered a little bit of everything to share: seasonal small plates, fresh pasta, and a cocktail or two that hit just right after a day of exploring. The food was thoughtful and full of flavor, but honestly, it was the vibe that made it. We laughed, lingered, and felt completely in our element. It was the kind of meal that turns into a core memory.
- Drive Time from San Francisco: Approximately 1 hour south
- Vibe: Innovative, multicultural, sun-drenched
- Highlights: Tech museums, historic neighborhoods, diverse cuisine, vibrant arts scene, nearby nature trails
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) for mild weather and fewer crowds
- Don’t Miss: Exploring The Tech Interactive museum, strolling through Japantown and Little Saigon, visiting the Winchester Mystery House, and enjoying outdoor activities at Alum Rock Park
Conclusion & Why this worked for my friends and me:
Each of these places gave me something I didn’t realize I’d been craving—sun on my skin, fresh air in my lungs, and space to just be. From barefoot mornings on the beach in Myrtle Beach to spa days and salt air in Destin, to mountain trails and firelight in Boulder, every stop was its own kind of escape. Slipping into slower rhythms, sharing quiet laughs, and feeling truly present...it all added up to something deeper than just a vacation. We all felt it. I came back lighter, clearer, and already dreaming of where to go next. The only question remaining is "Where do we go next?"
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Unwinding with Ocean Views in Myrtle Beach
- • Beautiful summer sunrise in the Myrtle Beach in South Carolina
- • Myrtle Beach Pier closeup at sunrise
- • Signing Up for an Adventure in Boulder, CO
- • University of Colorado Boulder Campus, Boulder Colorado, Flatirons
- • Boulder, Colorado's downtown area and it's vibrant Pearl Street Mall located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains
- • Soaking Up the Sunshine in Destin, FL
- • Pelican and Pier Piling Sunset Seascape Silhouettes in Destin
- • Enjoying Urban Vibes in Downtown San Jose, Silicon Valley, California
- • San Jose, CA