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Here's Where To Have the Best Girls' Weekend Getaway in the US

Escape to these hot spots around the United States for a girls-inspired getaway.

Four women walk down the street laughing during a girls' weekend
Hi, I'm Hayley!

Hayley Hutson is a freelance food and travel writer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She’s also an avid reader, home cook, and former Disney cast member. Hayley has written for over 200 brands spanning 22 countries and has been featured in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Matador Network, and more.

When wanderlust strikes and you’re ready to paint the town pink with your gals, certain cities stand out as ideal locations for girls’ weekends or mother-daughter trips. From pool parties in Miami to honky tonks in Nashville to Cajun cuisine in New Orleans, these are the best US weekend destinations for all of your Instagram-worthy adventures. Get in, ladies—we’re going on a girls’ trip.

1. Chicago, Illinois

Buildings reflected in Anish Kapoor's Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago.
Snap some selfies in front of Cloud Gate while in Chicago on your girls' getaway.Photo Credit: Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock

Vintage shopping, deep-dish pizza, and skyline views are calling your name.

For epic shopping and delicious eats, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot for your girls’ weekend getaway than the Windy City. Shop ‘til you drop at the vintage shops and indie boutiques of Chicago neighborhoods like Bucktown and Wicker Park, like Penelope’s and Una Mae’s.

Dive headfirst into the deep-dish pizza scene and eat your heart out at beloved pizzerias like Pizano’s Pizza and Pequod's. For happy hour, take a Chicago River sunset cruise (or consider one aboard a floating Tiki Bar) to admire the skyscraper scenery.

2. Palm Springs, California

A turquoise car sits in front of a retro Palm Springs building surrounded by palm trees.
Palm Springs has the perfect blend of retro cool and modern appeal.Photo Credit: Stephanie Braconnier / Shutterstock

The ultimate destination for Instagram shots.

If you’re a sucker for a dreamy aesthetic, look no further than the palm-lined streets and chic mid-century-modern architecture of Palm Springs. Between the year-round sunshine, epic Palm Canyon Drive shopping, and Wes Anderson-esque hotels, it’s no surprise this desert gem is one of the top US travel spots for women.

Start with cocktails at the ultra-stylish Pink Cabana or bottomless mimosas at Pinocchio’s. Explore the famous Palm Springs Walk Of Stars and historic districts, where legends like Marilyn Monroe once lived, enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Sonoran Desert from the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and don’t miss the Saguaro Hotel’s award-winning drag brunch.

3. Charleston, South Carolina

Pastel colored facades in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
Downtown Charleston makes for a cool girls' getaway destination.Photo Credit: Gordon Bell / Shutterstock

Where Southern charm meets historic beauty.

From the pastel-hued buildings of Rainbow Row to the vibrant boutiques and nightlife spots of King Street, Charleston offers the perfect blend of feminine energy and Southern charm. Hit the streets in style with a horse-drawn carriage ride, indulge your dark side with a historical ghost tour, and don’t miss an opportunity to catch the Lowcountry sunset from the water.

Ready for a bite? Dine al fresco at Park & Grove (the avocado toast is a must), chow down on your favorite seafood dishes at The Darling Oyster Bar, or consider a Charleston food tour.

4. Miami, Florida

art deco buildings in miami beach
The Art Deco building in South Beach, Miami, make for a perfect Instagram moment.Photo Credit: Dmitry Tkachenko Photo / Shutterstock

The city that leaves hearts racing and wallets shuddering.

If it’s high vibes and seaside glam you’re after, no one does it better than Miami. For MTV-worthy pool parties, check out Hyde Beach or Arcadia Day Club. Explore the lively Cuban district of Little Havana and manifest your future while sailing past the million-dollar homes of Hibiscus Island. Pose for photos with iconic street art in Wynwood, soak up the sun in South Beach, and peruse the high-end boutiques of Brickell.

Looking for an Instagrammable spot to dine on your girls’ weekend getaway? Limonada is what brunch dreams are made of, Sexy Fish is over-the-top glamorous in the best way, and Strawberry Moon epitomizes Art Deco at its finest.

Related: 8 Alternative Bachelorette Destinations in the US

5. Las Vegas, Nevada

The Welcome to Las Vegas Sign with blue skies and palm trees in the background.
The Welcome to Las Vegas sign is a must-visit on any girls' weekend.Photo Credit: Anthony Cruz / Viator

Boozy pool parties, thrilling nightclubs, and world-class shows await.

Sin City, where the party never stops and you can’t throw a pebble without hitting a casino, is undoubtedly one of the best weekend retreats for a wild girls’ trip. Kick off the shenanigans with a booze-fueled Las Vegas pool party and wander the Las Vegas Strip. When you want a break from the high-octane nightlife scene, embrace your inner adrenaline junkie on a desert ATV tour, strut your stuff in an amateur photoshoot at the Neon Museum, or catch a Cirque du Soleil show at the Bellagio.

6. Nashville, Tennessee

Neon lights and signs dominate the buildings in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.
Nashville comes alive at night with neon signs and cool bars.Photo Credit: f11photo / Shutterstock

Grab your cowgirl boots and get ready for a honky tonk time.

When considering where to go for a girls’ weekend in the US, there’s one crucial question you must answer: How do you feel about country music? If it makes you want to dance, pack a bedazzled cowboy hat and make your way to Nashville.

For brunch, head to White Limozeen or Hampton Social where the vibes radiate girls’ trip energy. Pair your cocktails with show-stopping city views from Thistle & Rye or Proof. Explore music history with a backstage tour of the Grand Ole Opry or visit the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, then enjoy a show at The Electric Jane or the legendary Bluebird Cafe. On Broadway, stop at the electrifying Honky Tonk Highway for incredible live music and nonstop partying.

7. Austin, Texas

aerial view of austin at sunset
When sun goes down, the party starts in Austin.Photo Credit: jdross75 / Shutterstock

From outdoor recreation to killer nightlife, Austin has it all.

If you’re hunting for weekend getaway recommendations that include tasty cuisine, awesome live music, outdoor adventures, and unbeatable nightlife, Austin is the city for you. Discover the heart of Austin’s international dining scene on a gastro tour, snap selfies with famous street art, and hit the town’s most hoppin’ venues on a live music crawl.

Stroll down South Congress Avenue (SoCo) to experience Austin’s signature “weirdness” in the form of funky vintage shops, retro-modern eateries, and speakeasy bars like Midnight Cowboy. For upscale lounges and honky tonks alike, head to Fifth Street. When you’re not busy recovering from all the action, visit Lady Bird Lake for a kayak tour or boat cruise.

8. New Orleans, Louisiana

A vintage tram rolls through New Orleans' French Quarter.
Explore New Orleans' French Quarter on foot or by tram during your weekend getaway.Photo Credit: f11photo / Shutterstock

Say hello to voodoo, beignets, and Bourbon Street debauchery.

From renowned Cajun cuisine and voodoo tours to art museums (don’t miss NOMA!) and live music, there’s far more to the Big Easy than Mardi Gras. Unwind with a picnic in Jackson Square or tackle the city’s dining scene with po’ boys at Domilise's, soul food at Queen Trini Lisa, or beignets at Cafe Du Monde.

Spend an afternoon wandering the French Quarter, NOLA’s most popular neighborhood, to soak up the bohemian charm and French and Spanish architecture. Of course, no trip to New Orleans would be complete without shopping on Magazine Street or bar hopping on Bourbon Street.

9. Savannah, Georgia

cobblestone street in savannah, georgia
History meets nightlife in Savannah.Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Home to riverfront dining, world-famous landmarks, and epic bars.

With its legendary landmarks, vibrant nightlife scene, and manicured parks adorned with Spanish moss, Savannah is often one of the first cities that comes to mind when we think of girls’ trip ideas. Start with a leisurely walk through Forsyth Park, an iconic green space that’s been featured in movies like Forrest Gump and Lady and the Tramp.

For waterfront dining and nightlife, venture to River Street hotspots like Vic’s on the River, Electric Moon, and Rocks on the Roof. With so much to see and so little time on a girls’ weekend getaway, your best shot at doing it all is by embarking on a historic trolley tour or riverboat cruise.

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