Life is built on memories, and some of the best memories are formed through friendships with your closest girlfriends. And although many memories are made in mundane moments, they’re also created somewhere a bit more special: on vacation.
So how do you choose where to go? Just aligning your friends’ schedules to find the right long weekend is hard enough on its own. We rounded up fun, adventurous, relaxing and picturesque locations you should go with the girls, keeping the list within the United States to reduce additional logistical challenges. No passports. No visas. No foreign languages. And while some of these these locations might be a short plane, train or car ride away, others may already be in your backyard.
Scroll through, call the girls and get those selfie sticks ready. You’re going to want to remember these trips.
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Saratoga Springs, New York
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Saratoga Springs is a popular upstate New York destination for a few reasons. The city is known for thoroughbred horse racing at the historic Saratoga Race Course, its mineral springs and cute downtown strip. The town's rich history, top-notch restaurants, lively bar scene and charming shopping district make it perfect for a weekend getaway.
Trust us -- the girls won't get bored. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and stroll through the Beekman Street Arts District to see the up and coming galleries, or check out which artist is performing at Caffe Lena, where Bob Dylan famously played in 1961.
Trust us -- the girls won't get bored. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and stroll through the Beekman Street Arts District to see the up and coming galleries, or check out which artist is performing at Caffe Lena, where Bob Dylan famously played in 1961.
Austin, Texas
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Live music and mouthwatering barbecue is available in Austin all year round. But summer is something special in the capital of Texas: Lake Travis comes to life with party barges, late night restaurants, bars and daytime water activities.
Go for a swim, attend a music festival or sign up for an electric bike food tour, in which the thrill of a motorized bike meets the bliss of four hours of gastropub and food trailer heaven. Or just hang out on a boat all day and chill. It's your girls' call.
Go for a swim, attend a music festival or sign up for an electric bike food tour, in which the thrill of a motorized bike meets the bliss of four hours of gastropub and food trailer heaven. Or just hang out on a boat all day and chill. It's your girls' call.
New Orleans, Lousiana
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Go for a stroll through the quaint French Quarter during the day and don't forget to swing by Cafe du Monde for a beignet. It's hard to escape the beads and beer during Mardi Gras, but head to Bourbon Street at night anytime of year and you'll find the party -- and all the po' boys, oysters and gumbo you could wish for.
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Tenaya Lodge, Yosemite
So you want to go to Yosemite, but you're not quite sure you would like to pitch a tent. Well, we have an answer for you -- rent a cottage at the Tenaya Lodge instead.
You'll get all the rustic charm and campfire you want, without the commitment of really camping in the great outdoors. Wake up early and hit Yosemite for a full day of adventure, then retire back at the resort for a little bit of R&R. The lodge spa will hit the spot for when you're ready to take your hiking boots off.
You'll get all the rustic charm and campfire you want, without the commitment of really camping in the great outdoors. Wake up early and hit Yosemite for a full day of adventure, then retire back at the resort for a little bit of R&R. The lodge spa will hit the spot for when you're ready to take your hiking boots off.
Red Mountain Resort, Utah
The Red Mountain Resort in Ivins, Utah is perfect for a group of girlfriends with mixed ideas of the perfect getaway. Some of the group can do a yoga class and lay by the pool, while others can enjoy a guided day trip around Zion National Park, finished off with a fitness class. Red Mountain lets you have as much or as little of both.
Malibu, California
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Go to Malibu with your besties for a laid-back California getaway. Take a surfing lesson and see dolphins jumping past Point Dume. At sunset, grab fresh sushi or Mexican food from one of the casual restaurants in town. Give your feet a vacation from painful high heels -- Malibu is casual to the core, so pack light and easy, then take it easy, too.
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Asheville, North Carolina
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Plan your getaway in advance to make the most out of Asheville. There's just that much to do. Shop in the vintage stores downtown, try stand-up paddleboarding on the French Broad River and take a tour of the famous Biltmore Estate, America's largest home, built by George Vanderbilt in 1895.
Walk through Asheville's River Arts District to check out the galleries and exhibitions -- and work up an appetite. Then consider Eating Asheville, a walking food tour, so you can try as many as six different restaurants in the area.
Walk through Asheville's River Arts District to check out the galleries and exhibitions -- and work up an appetite. Then consider Eating Asheville, a walking food tour, so you can try as many as six different restaurants in the area.
Palm Springs, California
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Hunker down with the girls in a rented Airbnb in Palm Springs. Dragonfly Desert Retreat, for example, is a 25 minute drive from the extraordinary Joshua Tree National Park. You can hike, roam the desert, horseback ride and stick around for epic stargazing. Then head back to your rental with the girls, and ward off the cool desert night air with a bottle of wine.
Charleston, South Carolina
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Charleston is one of the South's most popular cities for good reason: Its epic food scene, charming landscape and rich history make for a great getaway. Take a carriage tour or check out an old plantation. Then get dressed for a night on the town. The city's nightlife is bustling, featuring live music, posh clubs, comedy shows and craft drinks.
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Portland, Maine
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Portland is one of New England's crown jewels, a stunning coastal town known for its outstanding food, maritime beauty and fun atmosphere.
Spend the day soaking up the sun at the beach and watch the sun go down over clam chowder, lobster rolls and fried oysters. Portland is always lovely, but it's especially fun at the height of summer. Try to get to this destination between May-September.
Spend the day soaking up the sun at the beach and watch the sun go down over clam chowder, lobster rolls and fried oysters. Portland is always lovely, but it's especially fun at the height of summer. Try to get to this destination between May-September.
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