29 Best Girls' Weekend Getaways Around The South
Plan an escape with your best friends to one of these delightful destinations.
Need a break from reality with the people who love you the most? The South is home to tons of amazing vacation spots that are perfect for a girls' weekend getaway. From indulging in wine and culinary tours to immersing yourself in vibrant music and arts scenes, there’s something for every interest. Depending on your energy and ambition, you could relax and rejuvenate at a spa or seek outdoor adventure while hiking, biking, or boating. You could dive into history on a cultural tour, get spooked scaring up some spirits, or indulge in a shopping weekend. No matter what you’re up for, we’ve pulled together 29 fabulous experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Related: The 10 Best All-Inclusive Girlfriend Getaways In The South
Wine and Culinary Tours
Explore the Wine Road: Fredericksburg, TX
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Colorful spring wildflowers in front of a Texas vineyardWine Road 290 is an association of wineries along a 45-mile length of U.S. 290. In downtown Fredericksburg, The Trueheart Hotel has two suites in the main house along with 12 cottages. For something more remote, check into the 112-acre Tres Lunas Resort on Meusebach Mountain. Start your winery tour with The Reserve Wine Library at Becker Vineyards for tastings of exclusive vintages. Taste award-winning wines and tour the geothermal barrel cellar at Pedernales Cellars. Winery events are free, but most charge for tastings. (Note: Reservations are recommended and often required for groups.)
Discover America’s First Wine Region: Charlottesville, VA
Monticello Wine Trail
Veritas VineyardVirginia’s vineyards date back to the first European settlers—even Thomas Jefferson dabbled in viticulture—but it wasn’t until recently that people began to take these wines more seriously. Today, there are more than 300 wineries in Virginia, about 40 within 25 miles of Charlottesville. You can base yourself there and enjoy the pedestrian-friendly Historic Downtown Mall with more than 30 restaurants and 120 shops, as well as art galleries and entertainment, or stay at the nearby boutique hotel, The Clifton. The Monticello Wine Trail features gorgeous views, hiking trails, and two of the South's most famous estates, Montpelier and Monticello. Suppose you don’t have a designated driver. In that case, your group of friends might be interested in setting up a guided tour through Monticello Wine Tour & Coach Co. or overnighting at Pippin Hill Farm, Veritas, or Barboursville.
Cook in The Delta: Greenwood, MS
In Greenwood, stay at The Alluvian. This elegant boutique hotel has 45 rooms and 5 suites, a courtyard, a spa, an impressive art collection, and a sleek lobby/lounge. Nearby, the Viking Cooking School and Retail Store offers cooking workshops throughout the year (note that you need to reserve these in advance). Check out specialty shops like Russell's Warehouse Antiques & Jewelry and The Mississippi Gift Company. Don't miss dinner at Giardina's, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, steaks, and Italian fare. Clarksdale, MS, known as the birthplace of the Blues, is about an hour’s drive away. Check out the Blues scene at Ground Zero Blues Club or The Crossroads and visit the Delta Blues Museum.
Enjoy a Taste of Texas: Houston, TX
The Breakfast Klub
The South does not lack for incredible cuisine, but few places have options more exciting and varied than Houston, where you can eat your way around the globe without ever leaving the city confines. Pack stretchy pants and stay at Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, where you'll be within driving distance of great eateries. Don't miss March, Squable, Tris, and Lucille's, for starters. For breakfast, try The Breakfast Klub’s crispy salty-sweet chicken and waffles. At lunch you and your friends can enjoy the modern cocktails and plates at Nancy’s Hustle, and then at dinner try Kata Robata’s fresh, beautifully presented sushi is a must. There’s plenty here for those who aren’t raw fish fans, like lobster mac and cheese and the sous vide pork belly. Just make sure to book early so you don’t miss out on a place you have your heart set on.
Music, Festivals, and the Arts
In addition to the trips suggested in this section, check out Clarksdale, MS (see “Cook in The Delta, above) where you can explore the history of the Blues. Other famous Blues destinations in Mississippi include the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola and the Gateway to the Blues Museum in Tunica.
Hear the Sounds of Music City: Nashville, TN
Nashville has long been a popular destination for group travel, and for good reason. Grab your gals (and your cowboy boots) for a trip to Music City, where you can shop to your heart's content and listen to music in storied venues across the city. Stay at the Graduate Nashville where you'll find fantastic photo ops throughout the design-focused space. There's a rooftop pool, a funky bar, and lots of graphic design elements to inspire you. Then head out to a honky-tonk or concert venue like the Ryman Auditorium or the Bluebird Café to hear some live music. Nashville’s official Music City tourism site lets you search by neighborhood and genre for live events.
Bask in the Arts: Bentonville, AR
Head to Bentonville, one of Arkansas' coolest cities, with your art-loving friends. While there, you can while away a day at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Set in the picturesque Ozarks, you can see your fill of interesting work there, and you can continue the fun at the new offshoot, The Momentary, a contemporary art space located downtown. Stay at the 21c Museum Hotel Bentonville, which has 12,000 square feet of exhibition space and art woven in all around the property. The exhibitions rotate regularly, so no matter when (or how often!) you go there should be something new to enjoy.
Waltz Across Cajun Country: Acadiana, LA
Southwest Louisiana is a hotbed of Cajun culture. In the Hub City of Lafayette, downtown offers food and music around Jefferson Street. Beyond downtown, locals and tourists flock to Prejean's for gumbo and boudin, accompanied by live music several nights a week. Local musicians will take you to Lakeview Park & Beach in Eunice where you can take in live music or participate in Blackpot Camp, an immersive fall experience celebrating Cajun and Creole culture. For a side trip, visit Rip Van Winkle Gardens on Jefferson Island and the McIlhenny family's famous Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory, 170-acre Jungle Gardens, and Bird City egret sanctuary on Avery Island.
Get Festive in the Live Music Capitol of the World: Austin, TX
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Music lovers would do well to choose Austin, TX as their destination. Considered the live music capital of the world, Austin offers visitors the opportunity to visit during festivals like Austin City Limits in October or South by Southwest (SXSW) in March. If you’d rather avoid the crowds and high prices that accompany these popular events, you can visit in the cooler winter months and explore the nightlife on vibrant Sixth Street or Rainey Street. Favorite music venues include The Continental Club, Antone’s Nightclub (known for the blues), and Mohawk Austin. Pair this with stays at unique hotels like Hotel Saint Cecilia, Arrive, or the Hotel Van Zandt. The food is just as fantastic as the music: Challenge yourself to find the city’s best barbecue (Franklin Barbecue is a strong contender) or take some time to hunt down the best margarita. Maudie’s is a solid bet, with several locations.
Spa and Wellness Retreats
Relax at a Mountain Inn: Highlands, NC
Old Edwards Inn and Spa features a historic inn, several guest estates, a boutique motel, and three different styles of cottages ideal for group trips. The Falls Cottages are clustered around a heated mineral pool, whirlpool, and outdoor fireplace. Downtown Highlands has preserved its small-town character with mostly local shops and galleries. Enjoy the spectacular mountain views with a hike to area waterfalls, a scenic drive, or a group fly-fishing lesson on the Nantahala or other rivers in the area.
Escape to The Sanctuary: Kiawah Island, SC
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The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, about 21 miles from Charleston, is the perfect place for relaxing on a luxe escape. Enjoy dining at the resort's Jasmine Porch or Tomasso at Turtle Point, activities such as tennis, swimming, nature programs, and bike riding, and relaxation at the on-site spa.
Recharge Mind and Body: Austin, TX
The Lake Austin Spa Resort provides a special kind of personal attention, well worth your dime and time. The lake setting is ideal for outdoor activities, while the LakeHouse Spa delivers 25,000 square feet of pampering. Many of the spa treatments relate to the Hill Country setting. Pricing includes your lush accommodations as well as three gourmet meals daily, regular fitness activities, and special events.
Experience Luxury: Asheville, NC
Step back in time at the Biltmore Estate, built in the 1900s for George Vanderbilt by architect Richard Morris Hunt. See how the family, guests, and employees experienced life at the 250-room French Renaissance chateau, known as America’s largest home. The gardens, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead (designer of New York’s Central Park), are just as captivating. After seeing the splendid estate and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll want to retreat to your own luxurious accommodations. The four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate is one of three hotels on the sprawling property. A short drive from the estate and 2 miles from downtown Asheville, the Omni Grove Park Inn has all the amenities for a relaxing stay, including spa treatments, therapeutic relaxation pools, and on-site restaurants and bars. Head to nearby Eldr, which uses locally sourced ingredients, for dinner and cocktails. During your getaway, don’t miss the downtown scene’s variety of breweries and brunch spots, like the farm-to-table Early Girl Eatery or Benne on Eagle for Local Mushroom Toast and Maple Bacon Cinnamon Rolls.
Outdoor Trips and Adventures
Saddle Up in Horse Country: Lexington and Georgetown, KY
Start with a visit to Keeneland, Lexington's world-renowned track, for an inside look at thoroughbred racing with a behind-the-scenes tour. At the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, you can tour the facilities by trolley. Book a group lesson and guided trail ride at Whispering Woods Riding Stables, which has 250 acres to explore. Beyond the stables, downtown Georgetown is lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants, while Lexington's downtown is great for antiquing. Georgetown also makes a perfect base to explore Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, with a whopping 46 distilleries including household names like Michter’s, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve.
Hike in a Scenic City: Chattanooga, TN
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Chattanooga is a hiker's dream. More than 150 miles of hiking trails are readily accessible from the (also walkable) downtown. Lace up your sneakers and explore the city's 16-mile Riverwalk; pedestrian Walnut Street Bridge over the Tennessee River; Coolidge Park; and convenient rental services for bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks. Stay close to the Tennessee Aquarium and you'll be within walking distance of the best riverfront attractions. Or make the Bluff View Art District your base, and choose a room in any of three historic homes at the Bluff View Inn bed and breakfast.
Have a Mountain Adventure: Harpers Ferry, WV
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Small towns are filled with the sorts of experiences that make for fun group trips, and if you want a good time with your girls, head to Harpers Ferry in West Virginia. Stay in a charming B&B like the historic Light Horse Inn or Lily Garden and start your visit with a stroll through the historic Lower Town, browsing shops and boutiques for local crafts and souvenirs. When you’re ready to get outdoors, head to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where you’ll want to get a photo of your group at The Point where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. If you’re not yet tired of walking, you can set off on the Maryland Heights Trail a moderate to strenuous three-hour trail with stunning views of Harpers Ferry and the rivers. Alternatively, consider a tubing or white-rafting adventure with a local outfitter like River Riders.
Get Adventurous on the New River Gorge: Fayetteville, WV
Adventures on the Gorge is a "social campground" that gives you access to the New River Gorge, a national park founded in 2020, and provides amenities such as restaurants, a pool, and common areas for guests. There are also several lodging options. Among the adventures offered are white-water rafting trips; guided hiking, biking, and climbing excursions; kayaking and paddle-boarding trips; and zip lines that are noteworthy for their impressive length, height, and speed. The TimberTrek Adventure Park features the kind of challenging obstacles, bridges, and zip lines that encourage group camaraderie. You can buy a preset package or choose from the resort's à la carte menu.
Houseboat in the Ozarks: Royal, AR
On Lake Ouachita, Wake Zone Luxury Houseboat Rentals offers boats—with baths, a fully outfitted kitchen, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, satellite television, and a hot tub—ideal for groups of 10 to 16. Sundecks and pool slides make it easy to take a dip, and rentable add-ons include everything from kayaks to margarita machines. Head over to Hot Springs and book some treatments at Quapaw Baths & Spa, which offers a full menu of services powered by the area's famed water, which comes from natural hot springs.
Discover Lake Oconee: Greensboro, GA
The lodge-style Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee has 30 acres of picturesque shoreline to enjoy. The Ritz offers five championship golf courses, water recreation, Segway tours, and s'mores served nightly by the lake. You can hike, bike, fish, ride horses, get out on the water, or just pack a picnic and gaze at the scenery in Oconee National Forest.
Sail into the Sunset: Key West, FL
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Book the Wind & Wine Sunset Sail with Danger Charters and spend two blissful hours aboard a 65-foot schooner, where you can taste up to eight different wines from across the world. Along with wine, the crew serves hors d'oeuvres and a selection of domestic and imported beers. Stay at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa, or opt for one of the quiet bungalows offered by Key West Historic Inns' Winslow's Bungalows. And while you’re there, make sure to visit the six-toed cats at Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum and check out shops, galleries, and nightlife on Duval Street.
Cultural and Historical Tours
Explore the Civil Rights Movement: Montgomery, AL
Montgomery’s rich cultural heritage makes it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the pivotal events and figures that shaped the Civil Rights Movement and American history. Don’t miss the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice (the latter is also known as the Lynching Memorial), the Civil Rights Memorial Center, or the Rosa Parks Library and Museum. Other important sights include Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, which was founded in 1877 in a slave trader’s pen and where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the pastor from 1954 to 1960. The Alabama State Capitol building is where the Selma to Montgomery March ended and Dr. King delivered his famous "How Long, Not Long" speech. The Trilogy Hotel is close to many of these historic sites.
Discover the Other French Quarter: Fairhope, AL
Fairhope's French Quarter boasts brick and ironwork, courtyards, and inviting passageways. Chef "Panini" Pete Blohme anchors the district, where his eponymous restaurant keeps diners filled with hot beignets, breakfast sandwiches, and of course paninis (don’t skip Pete’s “Muffaletta” Panini, loaded with mortadella, salami, swiss and provolone cheese). Stroll through a cluster of specialty shops, including Page & Palette independent bookstore. Make your base camp at the venerable Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear.
Tour a Haunted City: Savannah, GA
Ghost tours are one of Savannah's most affordable and popular nighttime diversions. The Ghost City Savannah Haunted Pub Crawl and the Creepy Crawl Haunted Pub Tour serve spooky tales with adult beverages at local watering holes. Blue Orb Tours offers a two-hour Uncensored Zombie Tour featuring colonial-era ghost stories as well as voodoo- and hoodoo-based tales and a shuttle tour of Bonaventure Cemetery. The Hearse Ghost Tours can carry up to nine guests in—you guessed it—a hearse modified for sightseeing. You can also board the Trolley of the Doomed with the Ghosts & Gravestones Savannah Frightseeing Tour. Keep the fun going with a stay in an 1873 mansion at the Hamilton-Turner Inn downtown.
Go Back in Time: Charleston, SC
Soak in this vibrant Southern city that’s bursting with museums (The Charleston Museum is one of the oldest in the U.S.), picturesque spots at every turn, and restaurants galore. Start with a walking tour of the historic district to get a feel for the city's architecture and history. The Convention and Visitors Bureau offers options ranging from historic churches to distilleries and breweries. Then catch a ferry to Fort Sumter, the site of the Civil War’s onset. Treat yourself to afternoon tea in Camellias' stunning pink dining room. Browse the Charleston City Market for souvenirs, then stroll past the 13 colorful Georgian row houses known as Rainbow Row for perfect selfie spots. If you have a full weekend here, make the most of the many eateries that celebrate the culture of Charleston, from soul food to seafood. Dine at FIG, where James Beard Award-winning Chef Mike Lata creates seasonal dishes that pay homage to the Lowcountry. At the Ryder Hotel, you and your gang can enjoy breakfast or poolside happy hour at its Little Palm bar. Fresh seafood is a must during your stay and The Darling is a sweet place to enjoy raw oysters, fried seafood baskets, or dessert.
Escape to a City
Rediscover the Commonwealth's Capital: Richmond, VA
For a city break, you can't do much better than Richmond, Virginia, a bustling city with plenty of neighborhoods to explore. You can eat your way through town at spots like Helen's, Stella's, Lillie Pearl, Sub Rosa Bakery, and L'Opossum. Work up an appetite with visits to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where you can spend all afternoon browsing and chatting about what you find there. Stay at the Quirk Hotel for easy access to city sights.
Head Downtown: Tulsa, OK
In The Tulsa Arts District, you'll find the landmark Cain's Ballroom; there's also Guthrie Green, an outdoor recreational and performance space with free fitness classes; events to attend at Tulsa Glassblowing School; an educational and performance center honoring native Oklahoman Woody Guthrie; and the Philbrook Downtown, a satellite of Tulsa's famed Philbrook Museum of Art. In the Deco District, you'll see mind-boggling architecture from the 1920s, along with eateries and shopping. Prime sipping spots include Valkyrie or Hodges Bend. Stay at the Ambassador Hotel Tulsa, the historic Mayo Hotel, or the modern Aloft Tulsa.
Have a Big Time in a College Town: Athens, GA
Athens, GA has a quirky blend of cultural attractions, vibrant nightlife, and charming Southern hospitality, that makes it an ideal destination for a girls' weekend trip. This college town is home to the Georgia Bulldogs as well as storied music venues like Georgia Theater and 40 Watt. At great restaurants such as The Expat, The National, and Seabear Oyster Bar you can enjoy long, leisurely evening meals after shopping your way through the boutiques and vintage stores downtown. Settle in at Creature Comforts Brewing Co. for a drink and a chat before seeing some live music.
Shop Your Way through the Peach State's Capital: Atlanta, GA
If your idea of a fun girls' trip includes shops and boutiques and browsing and bags, head to Atlanta and bring your credit card. Check out the Westside Provisions District, Atlantic Station, and Ponce City Market. And then there's always Buckhead’s high-end shops. Lenox Square Mall and Phipps Plaza have corridors upon corridors of options to keep you busy for a weekend or more. For accommodations, try the Hotel Indigo near the Peachtree Center or The Whitley, near Buckhead.
Go From City to Shore: Tampa, FL
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The Tampa Riverwalk winds from Water Works Park in Tampa Heights to the South Plaza near The Florida Aquarium and Channel District. Pilot your own electric eBoat, or take a stand-up paddleboarding lesson with Urban Kai outfitters. Book a room at the plush Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach or the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay downtown for easy access to all the fun Tampa has to offer.
Get Outdoors: Greenville, SC
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Soak in the charm of Greenville, a city on the rise known for its vibrant downtown, rich arts scene, and culinary delights. Start with a stroll down Main Street, where you’ll find boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. Don’t miss Falls Park on the Reedy, a picturesque oasis featuring the stunning Liberty Bridge and cascading waterfalls. Creative types in your group will enjoy a visit to the Greenville County Museum of Art and downtown galleries too. Catch a performance at the Peace Center, a cultural hub hosting Broadway shows and concerts. Walk or bike the 28-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, a scenic route that connects to the quaint town of Travelers Rest, where Topsoil Restaurant (pictured) features local ingredients put together in extraordinary ways. Stay at The Westin Poinsett, a historic hotel, or opt for the trendy Aloft Greenville Downtown with its more modern vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are things to consider before booking a girls' trip?
To prepare for your girl's trip or weekend getaway, consider the following travel itinerary details: travel dates, flight or transportation costs, hotel or lodging accommodations, activities or tour reservations, and meals.
What are some girlfriends' getaways ideas in Lexington, Kentucky?
Travel 30 minutes from Lexington, Kentucky, to The Kentucky Castle for a medieval-style boutique hotel, restaurant, spa, and working farm. In Versailles, Kentucky, this 100-acre property has a range of events, including goat yoga, afternoon tea, bourbon tastings, and murder mystery dinners.
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