Fall is a fabulous time to gather your favourite friends for a special getaway, and these girls trip ideas cover the best of the U.S. There’s something for every gal with these girls trip ideas: music, art, shopping, hiking, great food and fun in the sun. However you like to enjoy a girls’ getaway, these destinations offer a blend of the ingredients for a fabulous trip.
What are you waiting for?
Check out these girls trip ideas and get to planning your fall trip!
Beach Walks, whale watching, and wine tasting – the Oregon coast is ideal for a low-key gathering in a stunning natural setting. When temps cool off in fall so do the crowds. The charming town of Cannon Beach is only 1.5 hours from Portland and set on a gorgeous stretch of beach. September also features the annual Earth & Ocean Arts Festival.
-Enjoy Oregon’s spectacular coast on oceanfront trails or beach walks.
-Spot grey whales. Relax seaside with a glass of Oregon Pinot and a set of binoculars, or take a whale-watching tour.
-Follow the “North Coast Craft Beer Trail” or the “North Coast Food Trail”. Even better, do both.
Nashville combines the soul of music, the flavours of the south and an interesting history in one fun-filled destination. There’s nothing quite like seeing aspiring singers perform in a honky tonk bar; it’s a quintessential Nashville experience. Some might say that riding a mechanical bull is another, but we won’t go that far.
-Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is the classic spot for live music, but that’s just your first stop on Lower Broadway. Let the bar hopping begin.
-Channel your favourite country-music star on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Grand Ole Opry House.
-Explore one of Nashville’s trendy neighbourhoods. In “12 South” check out Imogene + Willy and the flagship location of Reese Witherspoon’s store, Draper James. Afterward, celebrate your shopping wins with a fancy cocktail.
Fall in Savannah is ideal, not too hot or cold, it’s just right. This charming southern city lends itself to leisurely walks admiring stately homes in the shadows of towering oaks. The food is also fabulous and the fall weather is often ideal for a beach visit.
– Take a walking tour through Savannah’s historic district to admire the well-preserved architecture and gorgeous homes.
– Enjoy a meal at one of Savannah’s culinary standouts such as Husk.
– Visit Tybee Island for some beach time, only 20 minutes from Savannah.
There’s nothing quite like the energy of New York City. There’s truly something for every girl on your trip, and since New York is made for walking, fall is the perfect time to visit.
-Walk the Highline for an elevated view of the city’s architecture and the Hudson River.
-Visit the Museum of Modern Art. It’s not all contemporary – it has a diverse collection of art from 1880 on, including Van Gogh’s Starry Night.
-Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to see the city skyline and get a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.
-Shop, eat, drink. Repeat.
Boulder is a cute city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with a fun outdoorsy vibe and great food. Add to that nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, and this is a girls’ trip for ladies who like to be active as well as indulgent.
-Visit Boulder’s pedestrian-only “Pearl Street Mall” for dining, shopping and art.
-Explore Rocky Mountain National Park for spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing. Fall is elk breeding season so don’t be alarmed if you hear a strange howling sound. The elk are just looking for dates, also known as “bugling”.
-Take a hike to get up close to the Flatirons, Boulder’s iconic sandstone rock formations.
All of the Hawaiian islands are beautiful but Maui has the perfect combo of relaxed luxury and lots to do – ideal for girls who like to mix beach time with being active. Bonus: Maui prices are typically lower in fall than summer and the weather is ideal until around mid November.
-Maui is known to offer the best snorkeling of all the Hawaiian islands, much of it right off the beach. Take a day trip to nearby Molokini, a volcanic crater with exceptional visibility and 250 fish species.
-Explore Paia Town on the windy north shore. The nearby beaches are a great spot to watch pro surfers and windsurfers.
-For serious foodies, have a meal at Mama’s Fish House, considered one of the best restaurants in the U.S. by TripAdvisor. It’s pricey but unforgettable. Book waaaay ahead.
Harvest season is when Napa Valley really comes alive. Green leaves become tinged with gold and the air fills with excitement – and the smell of crushed grapes. Lots of special events are held in fall, so your group of gals will be entertained. (Note: unlike other destinations on this list, fall is busy in Napa so book ahead.)
-A wine tour will allow you to imbibe without having to drive, and learn important things like the difference between cuveé and demi-sec.
-Napa may have as many spas as wineries. Spend the day enjoying thermal pools, getting a massage and lunching, with a glass of wine of course.
-Fabulous dining abounds in Napa. Try Bistro Don Giovanni for delish Italian in a lovely setting. For brunch I loved the Boon Fly Cafe. Santé!
Palm Beach is in fact an island, adding to the serenity and appeal of this gorgeous town in south Florida. With stunning beaches, upscale dining and chic boutiques this is the spot for girls who like a luxe getaway. Pass the champagne.
-Meander on Worth Avenue, a mix of high-end designers, galleries and creative up-and-comers. Stop in at Lilly Pulitzer’s store and enjoy a cocktail while you design your own Lily shift dress.
-Get a glimpse into the gilded age with a visit to the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the railroad tycoon’s stunning estate.
-Cruise the intracoastal waterway on a catamaran adventure or yacht charter. Time to refill the champagne glasses.
Austin in fall, y’all. Fall is a great time to visit this fun-filled Texas town. Enjoy live music, eat delicious street food and float in a swimming hole on a warm afternoon. September and October are still hot, but not the unpleasant “Texas-summer” kind of hot.
-Enjoy live music at one of the small venues in the Red River cultural district.
-Get out on the water with a paddle on Lady Bird Lake, or take a dip in the local “swimming hole”, the Barton Springs pool.
-Find a hidden Austin speakeasy and have a fancy cocktail. You’ll feel like you’re breaking the rules, but in a good way.
Arizona has some amazing natural locations. The stunning geological wonder of Sedona’s red rocks gives it a unique and magical feel. Surrounded by Arizona wilderness, this is a destination for girls who like their relaxation with a side of adventure. And get ready to be inspired in this mecca for spirituality and creativity. Sedona is known for its vortexes, a place where energy moves in and out of the earth.
Booking.com-September will still have hot summer weather. By October, temps begin to cool, an ideal time for a more active girls’ trip. There are over 400 miles of trails nearby. You can also see the stunning rock formations on a Jeep tour.
-Play a round of golf at one of the many nearby courses.
-Take a sunset hot air balloon ride for unforgettable views of the Sedona landscape.
————————–
Susan Heinrich is a Canadian writer living in Denver, Colorado. She balances her dreams of seeing the world with being home to have dinner with her family. She blogs about travel and midlife at midlifeglobetrotter.com
One of the many reasons that globetrotters like me decide to live part time in…
The words "easy" and "affordable" usually don't go in the same sentence as "Fiji islands",…
Espiritu Santo, one of the Vanuatu islands, is the ultimate destination for an adventure luxury…
If you’re looking into planning a trip to the Solomon Islands, you’ve probably heard the…
After four expeditions to the 7th continent, here's what I have for Antarctica photography tips,…
Financial freedom is something I never knew was a thing until people started asking me…