Is there anything better than a girls weekend getaway? It is one of my favorite ways to travel. There’s something about the bonding, laughter and late night chats on a girls’ trip that is restorative and indulgent at the same time.
I have a group of girlfriends that I met when we spent the summer on a program in Israel. Right away, we knew we were all kindred spirits with a wanderlust to see and travel the world.
Fast forward 20+ years later, there’s been marriages, babies, career changes and moves to different cities. But one thing remains constant, our commitment to planning a trip together every year or two.
Biking in Montreal with my girls who I met in Israel
We’ve racked up quite a few frequent flier miles over the years, traveling to Mexico, Turkey, Canada, Florida, Paris and more. The destination always changes, but one thing remains the same – our friendship and love of spending quality time together on these trips.
Of course, the older we get and the more responsibilities we have, the harder it can be to plan an escape. But most of us can usually carve out time for a long weekend getaway with the girls. And let’s face it, sometimes you just need a few days of pampering and quality time with your besties with a beautiful backdrop to top it off.
Are you looking for girls trip ideas? If so, I’ve rounded up 10 destinations that I think are the perfect places for a girls’ weekend getaway. Whether you prefer the beach, mountains, forest, desert, or you’re a city gal, this list has ample choices for you and your girl squad.
So are you ready to get packing?!
The 10 Best Destinations for a Girls Weekend Getaway
1. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is a fun, fun city! And you know what? It’s even more fun when you’re visiting with a group of your girlfriends. If you’re traveling from the NY area, you can get a direct flight with Jet Blue. I won’t say no to a 4-hour direct flight that plunks me down in paradise!
I recommend staying in the old quarter of the city. You will fall in love with the colorful, colonial-style buildings and the cobblestone streets. Unfortunately, the beautiful boutique hotel I stayed at is no longer in business, but I also highly recommend Casa San Augustin.
The food here is amazing. La Cevicheria, a place Anthony Bourdain visited for his show, is my top recommendation. It’s a great lunch spot. make sure you get there right when they open because the small space fills up quickly. Another highlight for us was Café Havana for great mojitos and live music. (It’s worth the headache you’ll have the next day.)
Finally, if you are a coffee addict like me, then you must head to Café del Mural in Getsemani, an area just outside of the old quarter. Ask to do a coffee tasting. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Related: If you’re ready to plan a trip to this tropical oasis, check out my Cartagena Travel Guide.
2. Montreal, Canada
I’ve been to Montreal numerous times and I think it’s a fantastic destination for a weekend getaway with the girls. From culture and food to outdoor activities and spa time, the city has so much to offer. I recommend staying at Le Mount Stephen hotel. (The bar here is my favorite!)
For food, make sure to check out Bird Bar, Chasse-Galerie and Joe Beef. Rent a bike to explore Montreal’s 400 miles of bike paths and top it off with a visit to Bota Bota, a ferry boat turned spa anchored in Montreal’s old port. And remember to save time to explore old Montreal, a charming neighborhood full of historic buildings.
For more of a deep dive on what to do during a long weekend in Montreal, check out my Montreal travel guide.
3. The North Fork, New York
The North Fork on Long Island is one of my happy places. And I love visiting even more when I get to spend quality time out there with my girlfriends. A weekend trip here is great because the area has a bit of everything. There’s the coastal charm, historic harbor towns, vineyards and loads of farm to table food.
I recommend staying at the North Fork Inn or American Beech hotel. Alternatively, rent a home through Airbnb or Vrbo. This is a great option because staying in a house together is more intimate (and ideal for those late night bonding sessions!) than getting separate hotel rooms.
A weekend agenda on the North Fork should include renting bikes, shopping in the quaint towns like Greenport, wine tasting and feasting on fresh seafood. (Two of my favorite restaurants are Caci and American Beech.)
For a complete list of my go-to favorites on the North Fork check out my North Fork Travel Guide.
4. Asheville, North Carolina
I think Asheville, North Carolina is one of the most underrated destinations in the States. I visited recently with a girlfriend and despite mostly rainy weather, (I’ll be honest, it was a deluge!), we still had a fantastic time.
First, the setting, among the Blue Ridge Mountains, is magnificent. Second, in addition to the world-class hiking, there’s a burgeoning food and brewery scene. (Per capita, there are more breweries in Asheville than anywhere else in the country). Third, there’s the Biltmore Estate nearby, where you can get your daily dose of history and culture.
In addition, there’s a plethora of outdoor adventure activities, great antiquing and a popular downtown arts district. So basically, there’s something for everyone here!
Check out my Asheville travel guide for a complete list of all of my recommendations.
5. Santa Fe, New Mexico
I first visited this city with a few of my college girlfriends the year we all turned thirty. To this day, it is a trip I still remember fondly. Maybe it was the convertible we rented, the beauty of the landscape with the big open sky that stretched to the horizon, or the culture we soaked up at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Or perhaps it was all of the above.
One thing’s for sure. Our trip to Santa Fe was one of the best weekend getaways I’ve taken with my girlfriends. We hiked through breathtaking scenery, pampered our sore muscles in the hot springs at Ten Thousand Waves, splurged on an incredible meal at Geronimo and soaked up everything the city has to offer. I highly recommend Santa Fe for a restorative and indulgent girls’ trip!
6. Vancouver, Canada
If you and your girlfriends are in the mood for an urban adventure with some magnificent scenery, head to Vancouver. Everything about this city is just cool. From the architecture to the shopping and the food scene, it’s vibrant and exciting. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, there is the setting. With coastal views in one direction and mountains in the other, it’s a feast for the eyes.
For accommodations, I say splurge and stay at the 5-star Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. This location is perfectly situated and close to everything. (And sometimes when you’re with your girls, you just want to splurge. Am I right?)
Grab a couple of Fairmont’s complimentary bikes for a ride around Stanley Park. Tour the food market on Granville Island. Head to North Vancouver to hike up Grouse Mountain (take the cable car down) and explore Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. And when you’re feeling peckish, Osteria Savio Volpe and Nightingale are two of my favorite restaurants.
If you’re looking for a full weekend itinerary for Vancouver, check out my 48-Hour Travel Guide.
7. The Catskills, New York
The Catskills are an easy drive from the NYC area and the best part is that it’s a destination worth visiting year round. Even better, the region is now booming with chic, boutique hotels, hipster shops and farm to table restaurants.
Pro tip: If you’re planning a weekend in the Catskills with the girls, the best way to do it is to rent a big old house with mountain views. (Bonus points if it’s summer and the house has a pool!) The scenery is part of the draw here so plan on activities that allow you to soak it all up, whether it’s a leisurely hike, a lazy afternoon in a hammock with a good book, or cocktails outside at sunset.
There are also so many great towns to explore in the Catskills but one of my favorites is Woodstock. I love its charm and small-town feel. The region is also becoming well known for its restaurants. Some of my favorites include Peekamoose Restaurant and Tavern for dinner and Yum Yum Noodle Bar for lunch.
Check out my Catskills Weekend Guide for more tips and recommendations.
8. Delray Beach, Florida
For a fun beach weekend getaway with the girls, skip Miami and Palm Beach and head to Delray Beach instead. This sleepy beach town has experienced a bit of a revival over the last few years but it’s still maintained a bit of its kooky, South Florida charm. And here you’ll get that same beautiful and sunny South Florida weather at half the price.
For accommodations, stay at the upscale Seagate Hotel or the Delray Beach Marriott. Both are located on Atlantic Avenue, the main commercial thoroughfare of Delray Beach. You’ll find a ton of restaurants, shops, bars, and the beach, all within walking distance to both hotels. My favorite spots in town include Lemon Grass for dinner and Sunday House for brunch. Wherever you eat, save room for dessert. The ice-cream at Kilwins, an old-fashioned ice-cream parlor is always a crowd pleaser.
But the best part of Delray Beach is, well, the beach! You’ll want to spend the most time here, soaking up the sun and surf. And I don’t blame you. Whenever I’m in a sunny, tropical clime with my girlfriends, we’re on our lounge chairs for most of the weekend, swapping stories, reading page turners and sipping frozen cocktails. Sounds like heaven, right?
9. Austin, Texas
Can you really go wrong with a city that has amazing tacos, tons of live music, and some of the best BBQ in the country? I think not! Austin is a great destination for a girls’ getaway because there is so much to see and do.
Let’s be honest. When I’m in Austin, all I want to do is eat! (If you want to check out Franklin BBQ, be warned that people start lining up at 6 am.) But ok, there is a lot more to do in this city than that. From kayaking or paddle boarding down the Colorado River and watching the bats emerge at sunset from the South Congress Bridge, to hiking some pretty epic trails and checking out the abundant street art, you definitely won’t be bored!
10. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is the perfect place to meet up with your girlfriends if you’re looking for some R&R with a dose of spirituality. Whether you believe in the vortexes here or not, it’s a magical place.
I recommend staying at L’auberge de Sedona, or for a real splurge, the Enchantment Resort. Make sure to fit in some hiking to admire the breathtaking landscape. Follow that up with massage treatments and girl time at the pool, and you have the makings of a perfect weekend getaway.
If you make it to Sedona, there’s one restaurant where you must eat – Elote Café. The Mexican cuisine here is some of the best I’ve ever tasted. They don’t take reservations and the line gets super long so my recommendation is to get there right when they open, put your name in, head back to the hotel to shower and then back to the restaurant to eat. With wait time often an hour or more, the timing should be perfect.
Are You Ready to Plan a Girls’ Weekend Getaway?
It’s so important to make time for your girlfriends. And planning a girls’ getaway is the perfect way to spend quality time with your girl squad and visit a new place at the same time.
So, what are you waiting for? Call up your girlfriends, book those tickets and get packing. Just don’t forget the sunblock.
Happy travels, girls!
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