I’m sprawled on my couch in my tiny Chicago apartment, surrounded by takeout containers and the faint hum of Lake Shore Drive traffic, dreaming about the best girl trips for a weekend escape. Seriously, there’s something magical about ditching the daily grind with your ride-or-dies for a quick adventure. Like, you know that feeling when you’re laughing so hard you snort, and your bestie’s got mascara running down her face from crying-laughing? That’s the vibe I’m chasing here. I’ve had my share of epic—and epically disastrous—girls’ weekends, and I’m spilling all my faves, complete with my dumb mistakes and unexpected wins. So, grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment), and let’s dive into my top 10 best girl trips for a weekend escape.
Why Girl Trips Are My Jam
Okay, real talk: girls’ weekends are my lifeline. I’m not saying my life’s a mess, but last week I tripped over my own sneakers trying to catch a bus in the Loop, so… yeah. There’s something about hitting the road with your girls that makes you forget the chaos. It’s all about those unfiltered moments—screaming along to bad pop songs, oversharing embarrassing dating stories, or accidentally locking yourself out of an Airbnb (yep, been there). These trips aren’t just vacations; they’re therapy with better views. Here’s my take on the best girl trips that’ll leave you with stories you’ll laugh about for years.
1. Savannah, Georgia: Southern Charm and Spooky Vibes
Savannah’s got this dreamy, moss-draped vibe that screams girls’ weekend. I went with my college crew last spring, and we stayed in a haunted B&B—big mistake. I swear I heard creaking floorboards all night, and my friend Jess spilled her mimosa freaking out over a “ghost.” We laughed it off over beignets at Huey’s, but, like, I’m still not convinced that place wasn’t haunted. Hit River Street for cobblestone walks and rooftop bars, and book a ghost tour for giggles. Pro tip: pack bug spray for those squares—mosquitoes don’t care about your cute outfit.
Outbound Link:- Huey’s on the River
2. Napa Valley, California: Wine, Whine, and Winning Views
Napa is the spot for wine-loving ladies’ trips. I dragged my girls there two summers ago, thinking I’d be all sophisticated, sipping cabernet. Spoiler: I spilled red wine on my white dress within an hour. We cackled through vineyard tours at Castello di Amorosa, a legit castle, and got tipsy on rosé. The rolling hills and sunset vibes? Unreal. Just don’t try to “taste” every wine on the menu—trust me, your head will regret it.
Outbound Link:- Castello di Amorosa
3. Asheville, North Carolina: Artsy and Outdoorsy
Asheville’s like if a hipster and a mountain had a baby. My girls and I hiked the Blue Ridge Parkway, and I, uh, forgot my water bottle like an idiot. We ended up sharing a single bottle and laughing until we cried. The Biltmore Estate is a must for pretending you’re fancy, and the downtown breweries are perfect for post-hike beers. The vibe’s chill, artsy, and just quirky enough for a memorable girls’ weekend.
Outbound Link:- Biltmore Estate
4. Miami, Florida: Beaches and Bad Decisions
Miami’s where you go for sun, sand, and slightly chaotic energy. Last year, my bestie Sarah and I hit South Beach, and I may have danced so hard I lost a sandal. Like, it’s gone forever. Ocean Drive’s neon lights and mojitos at Clevelander are pure fun. Book a spa day to recover from the nightlife, and don’t skip the Cuban food—my mouth’s watering just thinking about it.
Outbound Link:- Clevelander
5. Austin, Texas: Live Music and BBQ Bliss
Austin’s got this weird, awesome energy that’s perfect for a ladies’ trip. I went with my work friends, and we stayed out way too late on Sixth Street, singing karaoke like we were Beyoncé. I tripped on a curb and ripped my jeans—classic me. Check out Franklin Barbecue for life-changing brisket, and catch live music at The Continental Club. Pack stretchy pants; you’ll need ‘em.
Outbound Link:- Franklin Barbecue
6. Charleston, South Carolina: History and Hella Good Food
Charleston’s like stepping into a rom-com with better food. My girls and I did a food tour, and I accidentally double-booked us for two oyster tastings—worth it. The pastel houses on Rainbow Row are Instagram gold, and The Battery is perfect for a chill walk. I got lost in a historic district and panicked, but my girls just laughed and bought me ice cream. That’s love.
7. Sedona, Arizona: Spiritual Vibes and Stunning Views
Sedona’s red rocks are straight-up magical for a weekend getaway. I tried to “find myself” on a vortex hike with my yoga-obsessed friend, but I mostly found a sunburn. The views from Cathedral Rock are unreal, and the spa at L’Auberge de Sedona is pure bliss. I dropped my phone in a creek, because of course I did, but the starry nights made up for it. Go for the vibes, stay for the healing.
Outbound Link:- L’Auberge de Sedona
8. New Orleans, Louisiana: Jazz and Jambalaya
NOLA’s a party, and I’m still recovering from my last girls’ weekend there. We danced in the French Quarter, and I tripped over a street performer’s guitar case—sorry, dude! Bourbon Street is wild, but the jazz at Preservation Hall is soulful. Don’t skip the beignets at Café du Monde; I got powdered sugar all over my shirt and didn’t care.
Outbound Link:- Bourbon Street
9. Portland, Oregon: Quirky and Cozy
Portland’s weird in the best way for a fun girl vacation. My girls and I hit Powell’s Books, and I bought way too many books I’ll never read. The food trucks are next-level—tried kimchi tacos and died happy. We got caught in a rainstorm without umbrellas, because I’m apparently allergic to planning. Voodoo Doughnut is a must, even if the line’s ridiculous.
Outbound Link:- Powell’s Books
10. Palm Springs, California: Retro Vibes and Poolside Chillin’
Palm Springs is like stepping into a vintage postcard. My girls and I rented a mid-century Airbnb with a pool, and I fell asleep in a floatie—sunscreen fail. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway has killer views, and the nightlife’s surprisingly fun. I lost my sunglasses in a hot tub, because that’s my brand. Perfect for a women’s travel weekend with retro flair.
Outbound Link:- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Wrapping Up This Wild Ride
Look, planning the best girl trips is less about perfection and more about the chaos you laugh about later. I’ve spilled drinks, lost shoes, and made questionable life choices, but these weekends with my girls? They’re everything. My advice? Pick a spot, pack your fave playlist, and don’t sweat the small stuff—like when I locked my keys in the car in Asheville. Oops. Got a dream girls’ weekend spot? Drop it in the comments—I’m always down for more chaos!
