16 Dreamy U.S. Destinations Perfect for Your Next Girls Trip

Making travel memories that last a lifetime is truly one of the best gifts girlfriends can give to each other. And who doesn't love a girls trip? Gather your best girlfriends and let us help you plan the perfect getaway to some of the most beautiful places across the country. We'll break it down by region to make your planning easier and help you discover the best travel destinations in the U.S. for your girls trip.

Northwest + Alaska & Hawaii

1. Paddleboarding on Bear Lake in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Kenai Fjords National Park is a glacial paradise with scenes that will leave you breathless. If you are a fan of SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), grab a wetsuit and hit the crystal-clear waters as you explore the park. You'll find awe-inspiring glacial features, icebergs, and likely a variety of marine wildlife as you glide around on the water with one of the local paddleboarding tours. If venturing out onto the water isn't your preferred adventure, there are countless hiking trails with stunning views of the glaciers, not to mention plenty of food and shopping options in the nearby town of Seward.

2. Backpacking Through North Cascades National Park, Washington

One of the most underrated gems of the Pacific Northwest is North Cascades National Park, located in the mountainous wilderness of northern Washington State. This beautiful slice of paradise offers endless hiking trails ranging from true beginner to lengthy backpacking trails through rugged terrain. Fortunately for hikers of all skill levels, virtually all of these trails offer breathtaking views that you and your girlfriends will love as you explore the great outdoors. Wander through alpine meadows while gazing at the mountains around you, and be sure to check out the tallest waterfall in Washington while you're in the area!

3. Lighthouse Road Trip, Oregon Coast

This lighthouse road trip along the Oregon coast is a personal favorite of mine. In fact, I did this exact road trip with one of my girlfriends, and it was even more magical and memorable than I expected it to be. The Heceta Head Light (shown here) had been on my photography bucket list for years and years, and finally seeing it in person was so dreamy, especially with the coastal fog clinging to the rugged landscape in the distance. There is a reason it is the most photographed lighthouse in the country, but as incredible as it is, there are many other beautiful destinations on this road trip that will make it one you and your girlfriends will never forget.

4. Kayaking Nā Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii

The Nā Pali Coast is a true bucket list destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. This coastline stretches 17 miles along Kauaʻi's North Shore and offers some of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever lay eyes on. My recommendation? Glide along with a guided kayak tour as you learn about the history and ecology of this unique region. You'll feel as though you've stepped into a movie scene—because you have: Jurassic Park, King Kong, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and many more movies have been filmed along this coastline of Kauai. As you explore this rugged and ethereal coastline by kayak or raft, you'll be taking in all the incredible sights and sounds of this remote and seemingly untouched coastal paradise. I also recommend checking out one of the local helicopter tours, a whale-watching tour, a scuba-diving tour, a cave boat tour, or renting a catamaran. The opportunities for adventure are truly endless in Kauai.

Southwest

5. Stargazing Near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Having visited Great Sand Dunes National Park dozens of times since childhood, it has become one of my favorite destinations in Colorado. The dunes are a blast to explore and photograph at all hours of the day, but it’s the darkness of the night sky in the park that truly steals my heart. Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa's incredible stargazing villas are located about 15 minutes from the park and allow you to sleep under the stars. The resort offers an on-site Planetarium and Observatory, and each villa (one- or two-bedroom) comes equipped with its own telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In fact, as of 2026, Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa has earned the DarkSky Approved Lodging designation, which recognizes their commitment to responsible outdoor lighting practices while providing an immersive experience. As a bonus, the resort is only 20 minutes from the city of Alamosa’s local restaurants, breweries, and shops, giving you everything you need for a perfect girls trip.

6. Photography and Hiking in Zion National Park, Utah

A trip to Zion National Park can be likened to a spiritual or religious awakening. Even to a non-spiritual person, it is impossible to set your eyes upon Zion's splendor and not feel moved. That said, due to the park's popularity during the height of the tourist season, I highly recommend planning your visit many months in advance. I've been fortunate when I've visited to navigate the traffic and crowds pretty well, but I'd still like to offer up a few tips. The first is to take the shuttle throughout the park. Not only does this eliminate the issue of finding parking at the lots (which are usually full), but it also gives you access to areas of the park you otherwise wouldn't be able to reach, such as the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The shuttles run regularly every 10 to 15 minutes from March through November, starting from the Visitor Center nearest the Springdale entrance. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a camera for capturing those incredible views. Don’t forget to check out one of the 9 best hikes in Zion National Park to fully immerse yourself in its beauty.

7. Hiking, Wine Tasting, and Jeeping in Sedona, Arizona

Sedona offers far more than a stunning landscape and visual aesthetics. It is said to be a place of divine spiritual energy that draws people from around the world to experience its healing effects. Whatever your beliefs, the beauty of this place is undeniable. There are hiking, biking, and jeeping trails and roads galore, but the town also offers plenty of excitement in its own right. You'll find an array of delicious dining options, wine tastings, boutique shops, art galleries, and exciting seasonal events throughout the year. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is an outdoor shopping center in Sedona that is especially charming with its rustic cobblestone streets, craft shops, galleries, decorative architectural design, and more.

Midwest

8. Camping and Photography in Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park is a truly underrated gem of the Northern High Plains in South Dakota. This otherworldly landscape is vibrant and colorful, making for incredible visuals, especially during the morning and evening hours when the colors are most vibrant. But what surprised me the most about this amazing park is the diversity of its wildlife. You'll almost certainly encounter numerous bison, bighorn sheep, rodents, and a wide variety of birds of prey. For the best experience of this amazing park, I recommend reserving a campsite at Sage Creek Campground (free) or Cedar Pass RV and Campground (paid). Alternatively, you can stay in the historic town of Deadwood if you prefer a more comfortable night of sleep and don't mind the hour-and-a-half drive to the park. This is a great option if you'd like a variety of dining and shopping options at your disposal. If you have time to continue exploring this area, I highly suggest exploring the Black Hills area of western South Dakota. It is one of the most beautiful areas of the country that I have personally seen, and I guarantee you'll fall in love with it.

9. Rediscover Your Inner Child at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri

Branson, Missouri, is a magnificent gem in the Show Me State, chock-full of adventure and excitement. It boasts one of the nation's best amusement parks, Silver Dollar City, which features more than 40 fun rides and attractions that you and your girlfriends will love. You'll find a wide range of delicious restaurants scattered about the town, such as Billy Gail's Restaurant for breakfast or brunch, Rocco’s New York Style Pizza for lunch, and Dolly Parton's Stampede for dinner. If you and the girls are craving a bit more nature, I'd recommend an afternoon at Moonshine Beach or a hike along Homesteader Trail.

10. Visit Historic Mackinac Island, Michigan

If you and your girlfriends are looking for the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure in Michigan, Mackinac Island has it all. This charming destination in the far northern reaches of the state is quite remote—it can only be accessed by ferry, boat, or propeller plane. That's right, you can't drive to this adorable village, but therein lies part of the island's charm. No traffic clogging up the streets or polluting the environment? We love that! Mackinac Island is known as the Jewel of the Great Lakes for a reason. It is framed by Lake Huron and is as idyllic as any storybook scene you've ever imagined. Relax on the beach as you gaze across the crystal blue waters, go for a bicycle or horse-drawn carriage ride about the town, or try the famous Mackinac Island fudge. Trust me, it is to die for! If you visit in the spring, you'll be greeted by beautiful lilac blooms across the island. Visit in the summer for perfectly warm and mild weather, or in the fall for stunning autumn foliage. Whenever you come, you and your girlfriends will surely adore this unique island community.

South

11. Camp, Hike, and Kayak in Big Bend National Park, Texas

If seclusion in nature is what you crave, then Big Bend National Park in Texas is the perfect destination for you and your girlfriends. This park is a delightful wilderness adventure just waiting for your arrival. This massive park spans 800,000 acres and will allow you to truly unplug from life's stressors as you connect with the serenity of nature. Within the park's rugged, arid landscape, you'll find countless hiking trails of varying difficulty, such as Lost Mine Trail and Window Trail. You can also camp, kayak, practice photography, and gaze at the night sky shining brightly, thanks to the park’s remote location away from urban light pollution. Stay for at least a few days in Big Bend National Park to give yourself plenty of time to explore this area with your friends.

12. A Historic Tour, Gambling, and Beach Fun in Biloxi, Mississippi

Biloxi is a beautiful seaside town along Mississippi's southern coast, infamous for its gambling and nightlife. But that's not all: Biloxi offers shrimping boat tours, catamaran rentals, gambling at the casinos, countless delicious locally owned restaurants, and tons of boutique shops to peruse. Be sure to check out the Biloxi Lighthouse in front of the Biloxi Visitor Center. It stands as a testament to Mississippi's resilience in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and the damage it sustained. This beautiful coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico offers all the excitement that a girls trip could ever need and more.

13. Relax on the Beach in Destin, Florida

Destin is arguably one of the most beautiful coastal towns in all of Florida. It is known for its brilliant white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, but there is so much more to it beyond its coastal beauty. You can play in the water at Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park regardless of your age, then dine, shop, and experience Destin's nightlife all in the same day. Plus, there is an adults-only hotel resort that's perfect for a group of girls hoping to avoid the noise and chaos of children running around (hey, even moms deserve a chance at some peace and quiet). Play in the shallow waters on Crab Island for a truly relaxing day in the sun!

Northeast

14. Walk Among the City of Waterfalls, New York

The Finger Lakes Region of New York offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the northeastern United States. The City of Waterfalls is a series of stunning waterfalls found in and near Ithaca, New York, each one more beautiful than the last. Watkins Glen State Park (shown here), Robert H. Treman State Park, and Buttermilk Falls State Park are just a handful of the places where you can find picturesque and dreamy waterfalls everywhere you look. Outside of these state parks, you should also check out Triphammer Falls, Ithaca Falls, Businessman's Lunch Falls, and more. If you fancy a waterfall hike, Cascadilla Gorge Trail leads you past 6 breathtaking waterfalls over its 1.3-mile length. Ithaca itself is a quirky and beautiful town whose esoteric charm draws in visitors from around the country, making it the perfect destination for a girls trip.

15. Indulge in Small-Town History in Stowe, Vermont

The little Vermont town of Stowe is one of the state's best-kept secrets, but one that is well worth taking time to explore with your girlfriends. It is rich in history and offers plenty to do year-round, including in wintertime, when skiing and other snow sports dominate outdoor recreation in the area. If you visit during the fall, you're in for a treat as Stowe has been dubbed "Fall's Color Capital" and is rated among the best destinations for autumn foliage in TripAdvisor, USA Today, and Travel + Leisure, among other travel publications. I highly recommend that you drive the Auto Toll Road to the summit of Mount Mansfield and take in some truly breathtaking 360-degree scenery. Also, check out this waterfall road trip that leads off from Stowe and takes you to some of the prettiest waterfalls in the state.

16. Hike Through Acadia National Park, Maine

The coastal beauty you and your girlfriends will discover at Acadia National Park is unrivaled by almost anywhere else in the country. Lovingly nicknamed the “Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast,” Acadia National Park spans 47,000 acres and offers 158 miles of hiking trails throughout Maine's Mount Desert Island. Stay in the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor to have access to all your dining and shopping needs, then hit the trails. I recommend you check out the idyllic, 166-year-old Bass Harbor Head Light Station (shown here) during twilight hours for the most ethereal light. Be sure to explore the nearby Cadillac Mountain, which happens to be the highest point on the North Atlantic seaboard.

Which of these exciting travel destinations in the U.S. will you be adding to your girls trip itinerary? Have you explored any of these places before?

If you'd like to spend a little more time traveling and seeing all the sights, these 13 best travel destinations in the U.S. beckon you to spend at least a full week exploring - or longer, if you can!