Girls Weekend Getaways
From lively cities to quiet retreats, these escapes bring the best mix of fun, relaxation, and bonding, often in unique spots that feel wonderfully underrated.
Girls weekend getaways are some of the best trips you can take, and they’ve quickly become some of my favorite ways to recharge and reconnect with friends.
Whether you’re enjoying the best nightlife in a vibrant city, relaxing at a spa retreat, or exploring the unique charm of a small-town destination, these trips are tailor-made for friendship. That’s why they consistently rank among the best weekend ideas, and why they’ve become some of my favorite traditions with the girls.
The best part is the variety: big adventures, cozy escapes, and plenty of laughs along the way. Think rooftop cocktails in the best downtowns, unique boutique shopping, and spa days that feel like pure indulgence. These details are what make girls weekend getaways both unique and some of the best memories you’ll ever make. I’ve been covering girlfriend getaways for 30 years, which makes me a true local expert.
With destinations just a short flight or drive away, it’s easy to plan the best kind of stress-free trip. Whether you’re into wine country tours, beach lounging, or exploring an underrated new city, these weekends deliver the best balance of fun and relaxation.
Which girls getaway will you choose? If you’re looking for the best mix of fun, connection, and unforgettable moments, these weekend trips deliver. They’re not just vacations, they’re the best, sometimes underrated, always unique, and forever some of my favorite adventures with friends.
Best Girls Weekend Getaways:
Unwinding with Ocean Views in Myrtle Beach
We drove about 3.5 hours southeast from Charlotte to Myrtle Beach=, the heart of South Carolina’s 60-mile “Grand Strand.” Once a quiet stretch of dunes, the city grew into one of America’s top beach resorts.
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.
When we arrived in Myrtle Beach for our girls’ trip, I felt like we had landed in the perfect spot for fun, relaxation, and making memories together.
The beach itself was absolutely spectacular—miles of golden sand and rolling waves that gave us a joyful sense of freedom as we kicked off our shoes and ran straight into the water.
We spent the mornings lounging under umbrellas, sipping cold drinks, and laughing about everything and nothing—it felt like a hidden gem moment of pure friendship.
One of my favorite parts was strolling the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, where the shops, live music, and ocean views made the atmosphere so exciting and full of life.
At night, we rode the SkyWheel, and seeing the coastline lit up from above was the coolest experience, especially with all of us together snapping photos and laughing nonstop.
I loved how the evenings turned into adventures—whether it was dancing at a beach bar, singing along at a karaoke spot, or just enjoying seafood dinners by the water.
We also set aside time for a little shopping at Broadway at the Beach, and I thought it was awesome how the mix of boutiques, attractions, and restaurants kept us entertained for hours.
Even the quieter moments, like sitting on the balcony of our hotel sharing stories while the waves crashed below, felt unforgettable.
For me, Myrtle Beach with my girlfriends was the absolute best getaway—sun, laughter, and memories we’ll be talking about for years to come.
Signing Up for an Adventure in Boulder, CO
We drove about 40 minutes northwest from Denver to Boulder, a city that grew from a mining supply town into a modern hub of outdoor culture and academia. Anchored by the University of Colorado, Boulder’s heart is Pearl Street Mall, a pedestrian stretch filled with shops, buskers, and cafés. I browsed bookstores, watched street performers, and capped the day with dinner on a patio framed by mountain views.
When we arrived in Boulder, Colorado for our girlfriends’ trip, I felt like we had landed in a place that blended spectacular mountain scenery with a cool, laid-back vibe.
We started on Pearl Street, wandering past quirky shops, cafés, and street performers, and I loved how it felt like a hidden gem of creativity and energy right in the heart of town.
Later, we hiked the Flatirons, and standing at the top with my girlfriends gave us a joyful sense of accomplishment, with views that were absolutely unforgettable.
One of my favorite parts was grabbing brunch at a local farm-to-table spot, where the food was fresh, colorful, and perfect for lingering over long conversations.
Afternoons were exciting—we explored breweries and sampled local craft beers, and I thought it was awesome how Boulder’s beer scene had so many unique flavors to try.
We also wandered through the farmer’s market, picking up snacks and soaking in the atmosphere, which felt like the coolest way to spend time together outdoors.
Evenings were relaxed and fun, with dinner downtown followed by cocktails on a patio, the mountains glowing in the distance as the sun set.
I loved how every moment felt both adventurous and laid-back, giving us time to laugh, connect, and simply enjoy being together.
For me, Boulder was the absolute best girlfriends’ getaway—unique, vibrant, and filled with memories that balanced nature, food, and friendship perfectly.
Reading, PA: Vintage Finds, Mountain Views & Cozy Catch-Ups
We drove about 1 hour 15 minutes northwest from Philadelphia to Reading. Founded in 1748, the city rose to prominence as a railroad and iron hub, once home to the famous Reading Railroad of Monopoly fame. We toured the 1908 Pagoda perched on Mount Penn, wandered the historic Centre Park district with its 19th-century mansions, and capped the evening with dinner in a restored downtown warehouse.
We felt like we had found a city that blends history, creativity, and fun in the most unique way.
We started our trip at the Pagoda on Mount Penn, and I loved how standing at the top with them gave us spectacular views of the city—it felt like such a hidden gem moment to share together.
Later, we explored the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, and wandering through the galleries gave us a joyful sense of inspiration while we admired the local creativity.
One of my favorite parts was strolling through the Reading Public Museum, where we found art, science, and cultural exhibits that made for an awesome afternoon of exploring and laughing together.
We also set aside time to shop at the Vanity Fair Outlets, and it was the coolest mix of deals, fashion finds, and plenty of time to just enjoy each other’s company.
In the evening, we went downtown for dinner and drinks, and I thought it was exciting how Reading’s restaurants and live music spots gave us the perfect girls’ night out vibe.
I loved how the balance of activities—art, shopping, history, and nightlife—kept our weekend feeling both relaxed and full of fun.
Sitting together at the end of the night, chatting over cocktails, I realized how spectacular it was to have a city that offered so much variety in one place.
For me, Reading with my girlfriends is the absolute best getaway—fun, memorable, and filled with laughter at every turn.
Soaking Up the Sunshine in Destin, FL
We drove about 1 hour 20 minutes east from Pensacola to Destin, nicknamed the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Once a quiet fishing town, Destin boomed into one of Florida’s top beach destinations, thanks to its sugar-white sand and emerald Gulf waters.
When my girlfriends and I arrived in Destin, Florida, I felt like we had stepped into a spectacular beach paradise with emerald-green waters and sugar-white sand.
We set up on the beach right away, and I loved how the sparkling coastline felt like a hidden gem where we could soak up the sun, laugh, and just enjoy being together.
One of my favorite moments was renting a pontoon boat and heading out to Crab Island—it was the coolest party-on-the-water experience, with music, floating rafts, and so much joyful energy all around us.
Later, we explored HarborWalk Village, where shops, restaurants, and live entertainment gave us an awesome mix of fun and relaxation.
Evenings were spectacular—we dressed up and went out for fresh seafood dinners overlooking the water, then watched the sunset melt into the horizon while the sky lit up in pink and gold.
I loved how the nightlife in Destin kept us energized, from rooftop cocktails to live music that had us dancing together late into the night.
We also made time for a dolphin cruise, and seeing the dolphins play alongside our boat was absolutely unforgettable.
I thought it was exciting how every day gave us a new mix of adventure and downtime—whether we were on the water, exploring, or simply lounging by the beach with frozen drinks in hand.
For me, Destin with my girlfriends is the absolute best getaway—fun, beautiful, and filled with memories we’ll be talking about for years to come.
Enjoying Urban Vibes in Downtown San Jose, Silicon Valley, California
San Jose, CA
We drove about 1 hour south from San Francisco to San Jose, the largest city in Silicon Valley.
When we arrived in San Jose, California, I felt like we had stepped into a city that blends Silicon Valley innovation with a spectacular mix of culture and history.
We started downtown at the San Pedro Square Market, and I loved how the lively food stalls and music gave us a joyful sense of community right in the heart of the city.
One of my favorite stops was the Tech Interactive, where hands-on exhibits made it the coolest way to experience the spirit of Silicon Valley in a fun and creative way.
Later, we wandered through the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the peaceful ponds and cherry blossoms felt like a hidden gem escape from the urban energy.
I thought it was awesome how San Jose balances high-tech energy with natural beauty—just a short drive brought us to Alum Rock Park, where spectacular trails and views stretched out before us.
In the evening, we explored Santana Row, where shopping, dining, and outdoor patios created the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed but exciting night out.
I loved how the city’s diversity showed through in its food—one meal could be authentic Vietnamese, the next a farm-to-table Californian dish, and both felt unforgettable.
We ended the day with a sunset view from a rooftop bar, watching the city glow as the mountains framed the horizon.
For me, San Jose is an underrated California getaway—vibrant, innovative, and filled with experiences that make every visit memorable.
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?"
My personal highlights:
What I love most is how every girls weekend brings the best surprises, whether it’s late-night laughter in a cozy Airbnb, the unique excitement of discovering a new city, or the underrated charm of a quiet retreat where time slows down. Each one feels special and has quickly become one of my favorite ways to travel.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
