25 Greatest Girls Weekend Getaways in the USA

Have you had enough of work deadlines, making sure the kids are where they’re supposed to be when they’re supposed to be, cooking dinner, cleaning house and everything else you do? Is it time to get away, just you and your peeps?

There’s nothing like grabbing a group of girlfriends and heading out of town for a two or three day weekend. You get to not only catch up on the latest happenings in each other’s lives, but you also have the chance to let your hair down and take a much needed break from life’s obligations.

Where do you go? Here are twenty-five USA destinations that will leave you and your girls relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world:

West Coast Experiences

Napa Valley, CA – If you and your friends like to enjoy a glass (or bottle) of the finest vino, what better place to go than where they pick the grapes from the trees and make it themselves? Take wine tasting tours and sample the area’s finest alcoholic beverages to see which ones you like best. Just make sure that you either hire a cab or designate someone to drive. No point in turning a fun getaway into a senseless tragedy when it’s too easy to avoid.

Grand Canyon, AZ – This is the perfect destination for girls who like nature. Experience the beauty either by walking the trails or taking a horseback ride into the canyon. See the magnificent colors and enjoy the view of the Colorado River from 3,000 feet above in the Grand Canyon National Park.

Las Vegas, NV – If your idea of a getaway involves gambling and drinking, then grab your peeps and head to the Vegas strip. Spend some time in the casinos, like MGM Grand and the Palazzo or take in some legendary shows such as Penn & Teller for some fun entertainment. When you spend the weekend in the town that never sleeps and doesn’t tell secrets, you’re sure to have the time of your life.

San Francisco, CA – If you want culture while you’re forgetting about life, this city offers it. You can walk the streets and see vendors from all over peddling their unique merchandise. Take in some night life and pick a club that suits your fancy; whether it’s techno or hard rock. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take a tour of Alcatraz.

oakland bay bridge

Seattle, WA – If a little bit of sight-seeing will help you relax and put things in perspective, head to Seattle. Go up in the Space Needle and get a 360 degree view of the city. Take in the Seattle Art Museum or Seattle Aquarium. Don’t forget to stop at the Waterfall Garden to relish in its beauty while you’re gossiping about those you left back home.

East Coast Escapades

New York City, NY – Are you Broadway girls? If you’re in the Big Apple, you can’t miss the opportunity to take in a show or two. Visit Times Square, Central Park or the 911 Memorial in honor of the World Trade Centers. Take a tour around Ellis Island and see the Statue of Liberty as she watches over you.

central park and new york city skyline at mist

Charleston, WV – If you’re budget savvy ladies, Charleston has lots of free attractions, such as the Governor’s Mansion and the West Virginia State Museum. They also sponsor different festivals, like the Live on the Levee concert series at Haddad Riverfront Park where you can go listen to free music all summer long. Getting away doesn’t have to cost you a bundle, if you know where to go.

Augusta, ME – This northeastern city offers some of the best scenery in the nation. See the beauty of the Kennebec River Rail Trail or experience nature at Pine Tree State Arboretum. Pack a picnic and catch up on the latest gossip, go for a hike and test your survival skills or take a bike ride and just enjoy your time together.

Boston, MA – If you’re a group of history buffs, you’ll love Boston. Take a walk down Freedom Trail and learn about Boston’s past while experiencing it in its present. See the site of the Boston Massacre or the Granary Burying Ground. When you’re done, head to the Main Street Districts and take in some shopping and fine cuisine.

Myrtle Beach, SC – For true rest and relaxation, nothing is better than sun and sand. Just relax on the beach or try your hand at windsurfing and parasailing. Take a casino cruise and see if you can come back with more cash than you took. Don’t forget to enjoy some night life by visiting Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville or going to the House of Blues.

Southern Destinations

Miami, FL – Go to South Beach and you have your choice of relaxing, partying or shopping – three of the things most girls like to do when they’re away. Or, head to the Everglades and see some nature. If you really like furry creatures (your hairy man doesn’t count), then make a stop at Monkey Jungle and feed the animals.

aerial view of miami south beach

Houston, TX – Have a weekend that’s out of this world by visiting the Space Center while in Houston. Or, if you want to keep your cultural exploration on solid ground, take in the exhibits at The Museum of Fine Arts. End your days of exploration with a nice meal in one of Houston’s finest restaurants so you gals can chat about all you’ve seen and done before you have to head back to reality.

New Orleans, LA – If your idea of time away involves showing the world “your girls”, then by all means, head to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Experience French Quarter shopping and attractions and get your fill of beer and music. After all, you’ve not experienced life if you’ve not been on Bourbon Street!

Gulf Coast, MS – Grab your clubs and enjoy some of the country’s finest golf courses. After you’ve spent the day in the sun hitting your hole in ones, spend your nights at one of their twelve casinos. Whether you experience success on the course or with the dice, how nice would it be to go home from your weekend bragging about how “lucky” you got?

Birmingham, AL – See Birmingham up close and personal by taking one of their many walking tours around this beautiful city. Spend the day at the Birmingham Zoo and watch interesting shows such as the Rhino Encounter and the Predator Zone and enjoy a wide array of night life, ranging from dance or comedy clubs to establishments that offer live music.

Northern Ventures

Yellowstone National Park, MT – If you like to see water in all of its natural beauty, you have to experience Yellowstone National Park. You and your gal pals can view geysers, waterfalls and lakes so beautiful they’ll make your eyes water. Old Faithful erupts almost hourly and Mammoth Hot Springs is a sight to see, so pack up and head to Yellowstone!

Red River Valley, ND – Have some fun on the river and see if you can stay dry when you take a canoe trip down some, or all, of the Red River’s 304 miles. See the wildlife and the land of this great state, all while gliding by silently and serenely. As a bonus, you’ll give your arms one heck of a workout.

Wisconsin Dells, WI – If you like water parks, you will love Wisconsin Dells. Make sure you and your posse bring your swimsuits, because you have over thirty parks to choose from. Splash around in the pool or take on the slides. Either way, this is a getaway for girls that like to get wet and wild!

a river view of the tourist attraction of wisconsin dells

Minneapolis, MN – Broadway isn’t the only place that has great theaters. If your group wants to go out and see a chic flick, Riverview Theater has great reviews on tripadvisor. Or, if it’s live theater you want, then get dressed up and head to Guthrie Theater to catch a play. Give your life a break by taking in someone else’s.

Cheyenne, WY – If you’re a group of ladies that are interested in equestrian related activities, Cheyenne has your name written all over it. Visit the Cheyenne Big Boots and see the eight foot tall pairs of cowboy boots that local artists painted so creatively. Saddle up and take a trail ride at Bit-O-Wyo Ranch or enjoy one of their Horse Barn Dinner Shows.

Mid US Adventures

Aspen, CO – Grab your snowsuits and skis and head to Aspen Mountain to challenge the snowy slopes. Whether you’ve spent enough time on the hills to qualify as a Snow Bunny or you’ve never had a pair of skis on in your life, you’re sure to have lots of laughs as you and your peeps try to conquer the mountains.

the sun is going down behind the aspen highlands ski area

Lincoln, NE – If your normal idea of a good night is staying at home quilting, then you have to visit the International Quilt Study Center & Museum. Learn all about this favorite female pastime and see some of the most beautiful quilts ever made (other than yours, of course). Then, you and the girls can head back to your hotel and create some masterpieces of your own.

Branson, MO – Put on your cowgirl boots and enjoy the many country-style shows in Branson, from the Grand Jubilee to the Rankin Brothers. Spend the day in Silver Dollar City going through the 60+ specialty shops or visit the Titanic Museum. Whatever you country girls want to do, Branson is sure to offer something that will satisfy your vacation needs.

Louisville, KY – Earning the #1 slot on Lonely Planet’s list of Top 10 US Travel Destinations for 2013, Louisville is the perfect spot for a girl’s weekend away if you’re into antiques. Take a tour of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum or spend the day at the Derby City Antique Mall. You can also visit the Crazy Daisy Antique Mall to find treasures of yesterday today.

Gatlinburg, TN – If you’re looking for something rustic and quiet, renting a cabin in the Smokey Mountains away from the hustle and bustle is just what the doctor ordered. Spend the day leisurely going through the eight mile loop of arts and crafts stores that have everything from ceramics to candles to woven goods and more. Then head back to the tranquility of the woods and just enjoy each other’s company before heading home.

No matter what kind of weekend you and your buds want, there’s a U.S. destination that will satisfy your needs. Just pick one and go. You deserve some time away.

About the author

Christina DeBusk

Changing careers mid-life from law enforcement to writing, Christina spends her days helping others enrich their businesses and personal lives one word at a time.

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