The 22 Best Trips To Take With Your Girlfriends This Year

Galveston Pleasure Pier
Photo:

Wynn Meyers

It's time to call up the girls for a quick trip. It's time to call up the girls for a trip. If y'all are itching to pack your bags, jump in the car, and invest in some overdue quality time, we have the perfect places for a girlfriend getaway. Whether your ideal itinerary includes shopping, dining, museum hopping, outdoor adventure, or a little bit of everything, the South has so many scenic destinations that are fantastic for keeping everyone entertained. These Southern cities, towns, and islands are ready to be explored

01 of 22

Birmingham, Alabama

Sunset Over Birmingham, AL
Robbie Caponetto

There's even more to the "Magic City" than meets the eye. Spend most of your time outside at Railroad Park, Regions Field for a ballgame, or Pepper Place Market on Saturday mornings, or crossing off titles on the rockstar lineup of restaurants. Meander between downtown Homewood, Mountain Brook Village, English Village, and Avondale to see the best of the city.

02 of 22

Lexington, Kentucky

Keeneland Warmup Lap in Lexington, KY
Brown W. Cannon III

In Lexington, you're right in the heart of Horse Country, the Bourbon Trail, and everything else downtown Lexington has to offer. Dudley's on Short is a must-hit brunch spot, and the deviled eggs are heavenly.

Spend your days right outside of town touring horse farms and meeting Kentucky Derby winners, as well as famed distilleries such as Woodford or Buffalo Trace before heading back into town to enjoy more urban pursuits. The Distillery District boasts restaurants and bars worth a visit.

03 of 22

Fernandina Beach, Florida

Stores on Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach City, Florida
csfotoimages/Getty Images

For a laidback girls' trip, look no further than this funky beach town. A harbor town at heart, this spot has come a long way since pirates ruled the roost. Think more along the lines of old-fashioned ice cream parlors, a charming French restaurant in a tiny house, called Le Clos, and The Palace Saloon, Florida's oldest bar that stayed open through Prohibition.

Depending on the time of year, you might get lucky enough to hit it during one of the town's various festivals. Round out your trip with a jaunt along the area's gorgeous beaches and lush wildlife.

04 of 22

Round Top, Texas

Royers Round Top Cafe in Texas
Wynn Myers

This tiny Texas town is full of quirky surprises, which makes it perfect for a group that wants to blaze a trail and try something new. For starters, people from all over come into town twice a year for the biannual outdoor antiques fair that is basically an antique diver or flea market finder's dream. If you act quick, reserve one of The Silos at 159's rentals, which have fashioned Anthropologie-worthy tiny abodes from old converted silos.

Beyond the booths, you'll find year-round shops like Junk Gypsy and Humble Donkey Studio that will send you home with plenty of unique finds. But really, you can't leave without gathering the gang and heading to Royers Round Top Café, where pie is the star.

05 of 22

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach Marshwalk
Robbie Caponetto

Myrtle Beach is practically made for running around with your girlfriends like you're 18 again. We'd be remiss not to mention the most iconic pastimes. Head to The Bowery for the house band after getting the local-favorite She Crab Soup at oceanfront spot, Sea Captain's House. Another famous spot to dance the Carolina Shag to "beach music" is Fat Harold's Beach Club.

06 of 22

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville Skyline

ROBBIE CAPONETTO

The Bluebird Café has long been the ultimate stop for singers destined to become country stars, but if you want a place a little less touristy, try out The Listening Room Café in the SoBro district.

If you're looking for a trendy spot with indoor and outdoor group activities, head to Pinewood Social. It's a hip restaurant with an in-house bowling alley for your best-ever group dinner yet.

07 of 22

Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

Blue Ridge, Georgia
Robbie Caponetto

If your crew is into mega views (or Instagramming them), head up to the Blue Ridge Mountains to this large private lake that's so pretty it was once referred to as, "America's Switzerland," since it favored the Alp's characteristic mountainside lakes. It even served as the getaway destination of industry giants like the Rockefellers.

Stay at either the historic Greystone Inn or rent a home that comes with club amenities at the Lake Toxaway Country Club (like tennis, golf, water activities, and dining). We'd vote for an autumn trip date to catch all of the fall color reflecting off the crystal waters, but summer makes an equally fun pick.

08 of 22

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston's Rainbow Row Homes
Peter Frank Edwards

Historic Charleston, South Carolina, is always quite the charmer. Walk the city and shop 'til you drop on King Street, or settle in on a carriage to see the sights sans Google Maps. Grab a park bench in Riley Waterfront Park, and watch the boats come and go. There are plenty of restaurants, tours, and daytime excursions to spend your weekend.

09 of 22

Jackson, Mississippi

The Apothecary at Brent’s Drugs, Jackson, Mississippi

Robbie Caponetto

For a fun weekend getaway, visit Mississippi's state capital, which has plenty of up-and-coming areas to explore. No visit to Jackson is complete without a stop in the Fondren District, where you'll find cool shops and restaurants like Saltine, Fondren Public, and Brent's Drugs diner and soda fountain. In the evenings, the latter turns into The Apothecary at Brent's Drugs (pictured), where you can find a menu of expertly mixed cocktails. Don't miss Lemuria Book Store or the Mississippi Museum of Art, either.

10 of 22

Pawhuska, Oklahoma

Mercantile Storefront
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile

Pawhuska, Oklahoma, is the home base of Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, and she has helped turn this tiny town into a fun weekend destination. When planning a pioneer getaway in Pawhuska, book a room at Drummond's boutique hotel The Boarding House, and be sure to stop into the Mercantile, a restaurant and shopping hub that'll charm you as soon as you set foot in the door. (Just be sure to book early—Pawhuska is becoming more popular by the day!) Still working on your itinerary?

11 of 22

Charlotte, North Carolina

Living Kitchen in Charlotte, NC
Robbie Caponetto

Set your sights on the Queen City for a low-key vacation in a metro hub with plenty to do, eat, and see. Check out Freedom Park for a long walk, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center for a fun show, and SouthPark for plenty of shopping.

12 of 22

Key West, Florida

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
poladamonte/Getty

Point your compass south for a visit to Key West, and you'll be greeted with charming streets, gorgeous architecture, and tropical trees as far as the eye can see. Rent bikes to pedal around the island, or settle in on a public beach after buying a box of Kermit's Frozen Key Lime Pie on a Stick. (It lives up to the hype.) Take a photo at the Southernmost Point, stop into the Hemingway House, and catch the sunset at Mallory Square.

13 of 22

Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas
Jose Velasquez/EyeEm/Getty Images

There are a million things to do in Houston, so choose a neighborhood, book a hotel, and explore a pocket of this ever-growing metropolis. For a manageable slice of the city, book a room at Hotel ZaZa, shop your way through nearby Rice Village, and meander the Museum District, which is just blocks away. Then, set your sights on Montrose or Upper Kirby.

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Savannah, Georgia

Savannah Ga Christ Church
Robbie Caponetto

This port city is a gorgeous coastal gem with leafy parks, plenty of great shopping, and a bustling historic district and riverwalk, where you'll find crowd-favorite restaurants like Huey's and Vic's on the River. Don't even think about skipping a trip to Moon River Brewing Company, River Street Sweets, or Savannah Bee Company, either.

15 of 22

New Orleans, Louisiana

Commander's Palace Exterior
Courtesy of Commander's Palace

New Orleans is an old, beautiful city with its own distinct, incomparable magic. The cool jazz and delicious cuisine of the Big Easy are calling to you and your girlfriends.

16 of 22

Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas
Mark Lee/Getty Images

A town that's proud of being "weird," Austin has plenty of sights, activities, and eats to keep you entertained and satisfied. We recommend a delicious taco-eating spree.

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Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach, Florida
Sean Pavone/Getty Images

It's the perfect place for a laid back vacay. Visit the cute little shops at City Place and Downtown Palm Beach during the day, and spend your evenings relaxing shore-side. And before you leave, make sure to stop at the renowned Spa at the Breakers Palm Beach.

18 of 22

Alexandria, Virginia

Alexandria, Virginia
Photos by Coyle/Getty Images

This place has a small-town feel, but it's close enough to Washington, D.C. for a day trip if you want big-city vibes. Or, if you want to stay out, take in a waterfront view of D.C. across the Potomac River. Alexandria also offers hundreds of independent restaurants and boutiques to explore, including a speakeasy donut shop.

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Atlanta, Georgia

Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgia, America
Getty Images

Atlanta is a great place to go for a group with diverse interests. The city has much to offer in the way of food, activities, and entertainment. The opportunities to explore seem endless.

20 of 22

Galveston, Texas

Galveston
Tim Leviston/EyeEm/Getty Images

This city has something for everyone. With Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Pleasure Pier, the Galveston Naval Museum, East Beach, the Galveston Island State Park, and more, Galveston has plenty to choose from. You can even take a ghost tour and learn about the city's haunts.

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Outer Banks, North Carolina

Outer Banks
Peter Frank Edwards

The Outer Banks are tranquil and quaint. These barrier islands off the North Carolina coast—like Nags Head, Cape Lookout National Seashore, and Ocracoke—are also some of the most sought after beaches in the state. And there's plenty to do!

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Tybee Island, Georgia

Tybee Island

Courtesy of Visit Savannah.

Tybee Island caters to a range of interests. For instance, North Beach is an energetic hangout, but Back River Beach is more quiet. Bonus: it's a short drive from downtown Savannah, with a plethora of wonderful restaurants, museums, boutiques, and bars.

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