There’s nothing quite like a girlfriend trip to rejuvenate the spirit, create unforgettable memories, and strengthen friendships. For adult women seeking adventure, relaxation, or culture, the United States boasts a variety of destinations offering everything from vibrant cityscapes to serene getaways. Here are four top destinations for an unforgettable trip with your best friends.
Scottsdale—Desert Beauty and Luxury: Located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert and easy to get to via Phoenix Sky Harbor airport (on average, 12 flights daily from O’Hare), this desert oasis is home to upscale resorts, world-class spas, and stunning desert landscapes, making it perfect for a serene escape. If you're looking to unwind, spend a day at one of Scottsdale’s many high-end spas where you can indulge in treatments, yoga sessions, and fine dining.
Scottsdale has lots of outdoor activities, from hiking up Piestewa Peak or Camelback Mountain to exploring the picturesque Desert Botanical Garden. Old Town Scottsdale is full of charming shops, art galleries, and southwestern boutiques. If you’re looking for some culture, the Museum of the West and Scottsdale’s ArtWalk are great places to explore regional history and art. Wanting some nightlife? Scottsdale features everything from upscale rooftop bars to trendy dance clubs, ensuring the nights are just as lively as the days.
Santa Barbara—Coastal Charm and Relaxation: For a more laid-back and picturesque getaway, Santa Barbara is darn near perfect. Located along the sunny SoCal coast 100 miles from LAX, this charming city with a Mediterranean feel offers a mix of beachside relaxation and upscale sophistication. With stunning ocean views and the wine country a stone's throw away, Santa Barbara exudes an atmosphere of sophisticated calm and beauty.
Start your trip with a visit to the historic Santa Barbara Mission and enjoy the view: it's as if the whole town is reaching south to the sea. Downtown along State Street you'll find boutique shopping and outdoor cafés. Santa Barbara’s proximity to some of California’s best vineyards means you’ll likely want to spend a day wine tasting in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley. If you don’t want to make the trek out of town you can still sample local wines in the Funk Zone, a neighborhood between downtown and the waterfront.
Speaking of the water, Santa Barbara is a biking town with miles of paved paths from the park atop the Mesa neighborhood and east along the Shoreline path. Stop along the way to spy paddle boarders and surfers getting gnarly, especially if the wind is blowing in from the offshore Channel Islands National Park.
Whether you're lounging on the beach, sipping wine in the sun, or exploring local art galleries, Santa Barbara exemplifies the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
Moab—Squeezed Between National Parks: Moab, UT is a special destination for a girlfriend’s weekend, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation in a purely natural setting. It’s not easy to get here; options are a four-hour drive south from Salt Lake City International Airport or a three-hour drive west from Montrose Regional Airport (western Colorado). But surrounded by dramatic red rock landscapes, Moab is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
For an active group there’s exploring iconic sites like Delicate Arch or taking a thrilling off-road Jeep tour. Afterward, unwind with a visit to local spas or cozy cafes. The town of Moab also has boutique shops and informal dining spots to enjoy together. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Moab provides the perfect panorama to create unforgettable memories and deeper bonds with your best friends.
Lake Tahoe—an Idyllic Destination: With its harmonic convergence of adventure, relaxation and luxury in the Sierra Nevada mountains, this picturesque locale is known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking alpine scenery, providing the backdrop for a memorable escape.
Foodies will enjoy the array of quality restaurants serving everything from gourmet cuisine to casual bites. Savor delectable dishes at lakefront bistros or cozy up in rustic mountain lodges for hearty comfort food. The region's wine bars and craft breweries offer perfect spots to chill with a local Pinot Noir or a refreshing local pint after a day of exploration.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Tahoe is world class. Hiking trails and ski resorts cater to all skill levels. Trek through lush forests, along a serene lakeshore, or ascend to panoramic viewpoints for stunning vistas. The lake itself offers easy opportunities for sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. When you’re ready for a dip in the lake be prepared for an exhilaratingly chill (a/k/a, cold) experience.
Shopping aficionados will find plenty to indulge in, with charming boutiques and eclectic shops scattered from the bustle of South Lake Tahoe to the charm of Tahoe City on the lake’s western shore.
A girlfriend trip can provide a much-needed getaway that deepens the bonds of friendship while making unforgettable new memories.
Seeking adventure? Needing retail therapy? Looking to explore someplace new? A girlfriend getaway delivers—whether you're close to home, perched on a rock or sailing away on a mountain lake.