Every woman needs some time away from family and work to spend with her girlfriends. If you're anything like me, I plan a girl's trip with my besties every year. Whether it's a stay-cation or an elaborate getaway, the toughest question we have answering is, " where should we go this year?" If you and your friends face the same issue, take a look at our list of the best 10 places for a girl's trip this summer.
These destinations were chosen based off of cost of living in the area, things to do, weather, and general online reviews.
Denver, CO
Denver is great for women that can appreciate the great outdoors and that enjoy a good beer. Take a hike along the Denver Beer Trail to get acquainted with the 100+ breweries, pubs, and tap rooms in the metro are. Alternatively, you could book the girls onto a Booze and Brews Walking Tour, which includes behind-the-scenes access to a local distillery. Denver is also great for art enthusiasts. Art districts and galleries are thriving, and if you love new media and modern works, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a must-see. Consider booking Mile High Culture Passes, which give good value on access to many of Denver’s arty institutions.
Savannah, GA
This Georgia city filled with historic squares and parks gets high marks for being like the ideal party girl—fun-loving, but polite enough that she never spills her drink. If your dream ladies-night-out is spent on a massage table, The Westin in the Savannah River Street District offers monthly spa evenings, where it stays open late and offers discounts on treatments (like the oh-so-southern mint julep body soufflé). If you can’t decide between cocktails and dessert afterward, you can have both at Jen’s and Friends, a bar that offers more than 300 different martinis, including the Snickers, served in a glass with chocolate, caramel, and peanuts around the rim.
New Orleans, LA
It’s the ultimate party destination, with distinctive shopping and no shortage of beignets; the Crescent City won the girlfriend getaway contest for hitting every necessary indulgence. By day, you can browse boutiques on Magazine Street or antiques on Royal Street. Or sign up your gang for a crash course in chicken gumbo and other down-home cooking at Langlois Culinary Crossroads. After dark, there are plenty of only-in-New-Orleans spots to whoop it up. Catch a live music show at D.B.A. or the midnight burlesque show at Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse. To understand why the city ranked No. 1 for desserts, do a little taste-test comparison with visits to classic Café du Monde, Morning Call, and Gracious Bakery.
Las Vegas, NV
On the Strip these days, the classic packs of wild-weekend bachelor parties are increasingly outnumbered by the veil-topped, bride-to-be groups. If you are travelling to this super fun city for your bachelorette party, don't forget to get your bridal party a few cute gifts to wear during your stay! While the Bellagio has lovely gardens, fountains, and art, it’s hard to out-bling the experience of sitting inside the three-story Chandelier bar at The Cosmopolitan (where you’ll also find Molly Brown’s Swimwear and Rent the Runway).
West Palm Beach, FL
Planning a girls-only weekend in West Palm Beach? You’re in for a treat! With nearly perfect year-round weather, trips to the beach are a must during your girls weekend here. Lather on the sunscreen and bask in the Florida warmth. When you need a break from the sun, saunter down the palm-lined streets of downtown West Palm Beach where you’ll find a treasure trove of designer stores and unique boutiques. Make sure you save some energy for a night out on the town, thought—the nightlife in West Palm Beach is unrivalled!
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco ranked so well with girlfriends for three reasons: great restaurants, world-class wine, and pedestrian-friendly streets. Hayes Street is known for its chic shops and cafés, while the fast-gentrifying Mission is lined with bars. You can take guided walking expeditions, such as Gourmet Walks’ tours out of the Embarcadero, or the Victorian Home Walk in Cow Hollow. For a wine lovers’ happy hour, check out Claudine French Eatery & Wine Bar, where special vintages are showcased daily, on tap, for just $1 an ounce. And for a meal to remember, call ahead to reserve a table at Wilson & Wilson, a detective-agency-themed bar with a three-drink tasting menu.
Tampa, FL
The best girls trips involve good drinks—and lots of them. Enter Tampa, a destination bursting at the seams with intriguing museums and contemporary architecture. Did we mention the bars? From speak-easy rooftop decks to cocktails served up in an old federal courthouse, the selection is top-notch (or should we say top-shelf?). Revel in the collection at the Tampa Museum of Art or the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, then hit up the happy-hour scene downtown. Freshen up the next day with an invigorating catamaran cruise to spot dolphins and all sorts of other local marine life. Alternatively, take the aerial view on a thrilling helicopter ride.
Miami, FL
Two of the hottest nightclubs in town these days are Bâoli, modeled after the version in Cannes, and LIV at the Fontainebleau, which features skyboxes overlooking the dance floor. Work on your tan by day, and bring your A game when dressing for a night out: Miami locals rank as some of the most stylish and attractive in the nation.
Sources:
Travel + Leisure
Trip Advisor