7 Summer Girlfriend Getaways You Should Start Planning Now
Summer may have once seemed far away—a distant concept blurred by the cold temperatures and gray weather of winter—but it’s officially around the corner. Beach trips and barbecues are already filling the calendar, and everyone’s beginning to plot out their free weekends. With that in mind, now’s the time to revive your girls’ group chat and check in about planning that summer getaway you keep meaning to schedule.
Whether it’s a repeat visit to Charleston to try new restaurants or a week-long retreat down in Amelia Island, there are endless options for a summer girlfriend getaway down South. But to help you narrow down your choices—and actually get this trip booked ASAP—we selected the best ones below.
Fort Worth, Texas
If your girlfriends still aren’t over all things cowboy core, it won’t be hard to convince them to book a flight to Texas—specifically, Fort Worth. To get the full Western experience, book rooms at either Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection or Hotel Drover, the latter of which will put you right in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards. Here, you design a pair of Lucchese boots at Lucchese Custom Collection within Hotel Drover, book a trail ride along the Trinity River, or experience the world’s largest honkey tonk, Billy Bob’s. Just make sure you leave some time to see the cattle drive on Exchange Street and shop around Wranger, Ariat, or Maverick Fine Western Wear for some matching getup.
Charleston, South Carolina
The Holy City may be blanketed in humidity in the height of summer, but Charlestonians have figured out all the best ways to deal with the oppressive air. A beach day is, unsurprisingly, one of the best foolproof methods for thriving in the summer heat, and your crew can set up chairs and umbrellas on Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms. As the sun begins to go down, make the trek back downtown, where you can shower off and get ready before heading up to The Rooftop, The Vendue’s rooftop bar. Alternatively, if you’re seeking more R&R on the trip, everyone can schedule spa appointments at The Spa at Charleston Place, which offers a range of treatments—from Hydrafacials to pedicures and salt stone massages.
Amelia Island, Florida
Deremer Studios
The group is aligned on a beach trip, one with pristine beaches and a generally relaxed atmosphere—and Amelia Island, one of Florida’s barrier islands, should fit the bill. While there are a few different accommodation options in the area, you can’t go wrong with The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. Once you’ve booked, you really don’t have to make any other plans or preparations (unless everyone wants to get massages at the resort’s recently reimaged 25,000-square-foot wellness center). Your only job is to lather on sunscreen and enjoy each other’s company until it’s time to travel back home.
Asheville, North Carolina
It’s been more than six months since Hurricane Helene came through Asheville, but the North Carolina city is ready and eager to welcome back visitors this summer. So grab a small group of friends and start planning the ultimate girls’ getaway itinerary—inclusive of a flower design workshop at Carolina Flowers, rooftop cocktails at Wildwood Still, drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and art-filled afternoons at Resurrection Studios Collective.
Lake Rabun, Georgia
If your group consists of some of your oldest friends, you may want to pick a place to oozes nostalgia—somewhere like Lake Rabun. When you’re jumping into the refreshing water and filling up on classic boat day fare (pimento cheese and tomato sandwiches), there’s a good chance you’ll feel 16 and carefree. It is important to note, however, that the Georgia lake doesn’t have any boat rental facilities, so you’ll need to bring your own or arrange a shuttle through nearby Bear Gap Outfitters. Once that’s squared away, you’ll be all set for a picture-perfect lake getaway with some of your favorite people.
Miami, Florida
It’s official: All of your girlfriends want a trip that includes endless hours by the pool with some sort of frozen drink in hand. And with everyone flying in from all over the country—and only a few days to spend today—you’ll want to pick a destination with a large airport that doesn’t require an additional leg of travel. Miami, Florida, is going to be your best bet.
Home to a variety of girlfriend getaway-friendly hotels, like The Setai, Miami Beach and Four Seasons Hotel Miami, Magic City is the perfect mix of relaxation, nightlife, and even nature. Lounge by the pool during the day (The Setai has three, all different temperatures), then dance the night away in Little Havana. Wake up the next morning and enjoy the famous Sunday brunch at the Four Seasons property before popping over to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park to bike, hike, and see the historic Cape Florida Lighthouse.
