Making travel memories that last a lifetime is truly one of the best gifts a couple of 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 girl's getaway to a handful of the most beautiful destinations across the country. We'll break it down by region to make your planning easier and help you discover some of the best travel destinations in the U.S. for your girls trip.
Northwest + Alaska & Hawaii
1. Paddle Boarding 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 paddle) boarding, 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 paddle boarding 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 region is North Cascades National Park, located in the mountainous wilderness in 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 as you gaze at the mountains around you. 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 coast of Oregon is a personal favorite of mine; in fact, I did this exact road trip last summer 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 getting to finally see 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 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 coast stretches 17 miles along Kauaʻi's North Shore, and offers some of the most beautiful landscape 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 you check out one of the local helicopter tours, a whale watching tour, a scuba diving tour, a cave boat tour, rent 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 its the darkness of the night sky in the park that truly steals my heart. Recently, Kosmos Stargazing Resort & Spa has began the construction of its stargazing villas located about 15 minutes away from the park, and I for one cannot wait for the first villas to open in early 2025 if construction continues on the projected timeline. The resort will offer its own on-site Planetarium and Observatory, and each individual villa (either one or two bedrooms will be offered) come equipped with their own telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. All this while being 15 minutes away from Great Sand Dunes and about 20 minutes from Alamosa, meaning you'll have all you need for your girls' trip at your disposal. Reservations are likely to fill up quickly for this resort before they even open their doors in 2025, so I recommend getting on the waitlist now.
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 the non-spiritual, 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 tourist season, I highly recommend that you plan 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: plan to take the shuttle throughout the park. Not only does this eliminate issues finding parking at the lots (which are usually full), but you can access areas of the park that you won't be able to access otherwise, such as the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The shuttles run regularly from March through November starting off from the Visitor Center nearest the Springdale entrance. It runs every 10 to 15 minutes or so. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water, salty snacks, sunscreen, a sun hat, and a camera for capturing those incredible views. Be sure to check out one of the 9 best hikes in Zion National Park to immerse yourself in the beauty of the park.
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. But 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 amount and diversity of wildlife that is found there. You'll almost certainly encounter tons of 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, I recommend staying in the historic town of Deadwood if you don't mind the hour-and-a-half drive to the park and would prefer a more comfortable night of sleep. 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 that is chock-full of adventure and excitement. It boasts one of the nation's best amusement parks, Silver Dollar City, which features more than 40 different 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 town's famous fudge. Trust me, it is to die for! If you visit in the spring, you'll be greeted by beautiful lilac blooms all across the island. Visit in the summer for perfectly warm and mild weather, or visit in the fall for stunning autumn foliage. Whenever you visit, 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 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 force you to truly disconnect from life's stressors as you connect with the serenity of nature found within this rugged arid landscape. Within the park, you'll find countless hiking trails of varying difficulty levels such as Lost Mine Trail and Window Trail. You can also camp, kayak, do photography, and gaze at the night sky, which shines brightly at the park given its remote nature 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 coastal town along Mississippi's southern border with the Gulf of Mexico that is infamous for its gambling and nightlife scenes. 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 during that event. Biloxi is a beautiful coastal town that 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. You can 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 that is hoping to avoid the noise and chaos of children running around (hey, even moms deserve a chance for 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 that can be found in the northeastern United States. The City of Waterfalls is a series of stunning waterfalls found in and near Ithica, New York, with each one being even 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. Ithica 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 the outdoor recreational activities 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 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 its reaches across Maine's Mount Desert Island. Stay in the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor so you'll have access to all your dining and shopping needs, and 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? We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments section below.
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!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
