When the going gets rough, the girls get going. Few things do a woman more good than getting away from it all with her besties for a few days (or a few weeks — whatever it takes). But when you’ve done Vegas, Nashville, and Miami, and you’re over your home turf, it can be difficult to conjure up new girls trip ideas for a rejuvenating and fun-filled time away.
In these underrated party cities across the US, you’ll find ideal and affordable destinations for your next girls trip. Whether it’s great eats, a secluded setting, an over-the-top (and under-the-radar) party scene, or a winter girls getaway to the slopes, these spots will provide you with the getaway you need with your favorite girls by your side.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Photo: Ostrows2/Shutterstock
There’s something about an island setting that encourages you to let loose and enjoy yourself, no holds barred. But this island is no beachy tropical paradise; instead, Mackinac is a 3.8-square-mile seasonal destination in northern Michigan. Tucked between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas in Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is only open to visitors between the months of May and October, and there are no cars on the island. The only available modes of transportation are bicycles, horse and carriages, or your own two feet. Mackinac is famous for its old-timey charm by day and raucous nightlife scene once the sun sets. One late night of dancing and live music at the Pink Pony and you’ll see what I mean. As the night winds down, whether you take a carriage ride back to the iconic Grand Hotel or book other Mackinac Island lodging options, stumbling home late at night is perfectly safe. Spend your days strolling the quaint Main Street, and make sure to sample all the Mackinac Island fudge you can.
Airbnb deals in Macinac Island
Cross Trees Cottage at East Bluff
Photo: Airbnb
If traveling with a larger group, this gorgeous house will keep the festivities going even after you return from town. Sleeping eight across five bedrooms, the house is easy to get to and has an epic wraparound porch for wine sips.
Eight guests, five bedrooms
Price: $985 per night
Spacious two cabin yacht
Mackinac Island is all about adventure — and your lodging should make that goal as easy as possible. This yacht comes with a full kitchen for meal prep and life on the water. You’ll have easy access to everything on (and off) the island.
Four guests, two bedroom
Price: $324 per night
2. Key Largo, Florida
Photo: Levranii/Shutterstock
Few places are more laid-back than the Florida Keys, and this northernmost key is no exception to the casual “no shoes, no shirt, no problem” vibe. While Key West is the well-known bachelorette party destinations, carousing in Key Largo will give you a run for your money, too. Conveniently located just an hour or so south of Miami, the two-lane bridge into Key Largo immediately transports you to island time, where you’ve got nowhere to go and all day to get there. There may be more retirees than millennials living in Key Largo, but trust me, you’ll have a hard time keeping up with the party-hardy locals at hotspots like Gilbert’s, the Caribbean Club, and Sharkey’s. Don’t leave without digging into a fresh fish sandwich at the family-owned Fish House, and any visit to Key Largo must involve a scuba or snorkel trip to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where you’ll find colorful reefs teeming with sea life — and an underwater statue of Jesus. Stay at Playa Largo Resort & Spa for an ideal base in Key Largo; the beachy resort offers water activities like sailing lessons, sunset cruises, parasailing, and more.
Airbnbs in Key Largo
Canal-front house with pool
Photo: Airbnb
This house is pretty much a private resort for you and your crew. Just up from Adams Cut, you’ll have a private boat launch and plenty of room to roam at this large Key Largo house. Dining and shopping are nearby also.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $158 per night
New Home at Key Largo Ocean Resort
Enjoy all the amenities of a beach resort without sacrificing the privacy of a large house. With boat ramp and trailer storage, this home is ideal for girls getaways on the water.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $225 per night
3. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Photo: Shutterstock/Sean Pavone
Anyone into desert vibes and self-care from the inside out will fall head over heels for the spiritually charged city of Santa Fe. Set at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, this hotspot in the American Southwest seems to carry with it an air of mystery, a sense that people play by their own rules here. With ingredients like a funky downtown, New Mexican cuisine, and judgment-free locals, Santa Fe makes for a perfect place to get away from it all. Kick off your trip with a cooking class at the Santa Fe School of Cooking to orient yourself with local eats; then, stay at La Posada de Santa Fe if you desire easy walking access to Santa Fe’s downtown, or check into Sunrise Springs: An Ojo Spa Resort for a completely transportive stay filled with locally inspired spa treatments, mineral soaks, wellness classes, and a meditative 70-acre setting fed by natural springs.
Airbnb deals in Santa Fe
Sunny casita with mountain views
Photo: Airbnb
Santa Fe is all about the casitas. Few are as iconic as this one — right along the Northern Hills and featuring an outdoor patio with tons of room to relax. The decor is classically southwestern, which of course puts you in the mood for desert revelry (which happens to be right outside the door).
Six guests, two bedroom
Price: $122 per night
Capital Casita located downtown
If a luxury retreat is in order, look no further than this casita right in the heart of the city. Bright, well-trimmed, and with a gorgeous backyard, your crew will revel in the charm of the southwest’s most impressive city — and be able to walk to its best attractions.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $195 per night
4. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Photo: CrackerClips Stock Media/Shutterstock
Branch out from South Beach and check out the rest of South Florida. Cities like Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are on the rise, offering the heat and flavor of the Miami experience for a fraction of the price — and with a lot less traffic. For drinks with a view, check out the new bar Rooftop, or check into any of the modern-luxe resorts lining Fort Lauderdale Beach if you’d prefer to enjoy amenities like spas, rooftop pools, chef-driven restaurant concepts, and more. Fort Lauderdale’s white-sand beach is significantly less crowded than anywhere you’d find in Miami but just as eye-catching. Head to Las Olas Boulevard for shopping and restaurants, FAT Village for an art-filled industrial district (and murals that make for perfect Instagram backdrops), or Riverwalk for a pleasant waterfront stroll. Best of all, the recent advent of the high-speed Brightline train gives you the ability to hop between Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami in under an hour, so the party never has to stop.
Airbnb deals in Fort Lauderdale
Luxury beachfront house with pool and bar
Photo: Airbnb
Oceana Blue is the type of place beach dreams are made of — a pad where you can literally soak in the pool while sipping a fruity cocktail and looking out at the actual ocean. The house itself is fit for a crew of twelve and major bonus, there are six bathrooms. No more waiting in line.
Twelve guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,200 per night
Modern house in the heart of Fort Lauderdale
Capture the true essence of the Keys at this retro-themed house. The home includes a pool, garage, and tons of lounge room along with a chef’s kitchen.
Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $80 per night
5. Santa Maria Valley, California
Photo: Peter Bowman/Shutterstock
Santa Maria Valley, set along California’s dramatic Central Coast, is a visually stunning, affordable, and largely unknown destination for a girls trip. It’s located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it accessible yet irresistibly off on its own. With 13 beaches, 34 wine tasting rooms, and 24 hikes all within a 30-minute drive, there’s no way your group will grow bored. Whether you and your friends are in it for the wine scene — the area is known for its chardonnays, pinot noirs, and syrahs — or adventurous activities like hiking, cycling, and riding dune buggies, Santa Maria Valley is the kind of spot that’s sure to receive an immediate thumbs-up text from everyone in your group chat.
Airbnb deals in Santa Maria Valley
Oceanfront condo in Pismo Beach
Photo: Airbnb
You’re here for the beach and outdoor getaways. You might as well stay on the beach — and there’s no better place to do so than this oceanfront condo. Watch the sunset over the coast and stroll the sand right from your door.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $399 per night
Spanish villa steps from the ocean
Central California is known for its Spanish-influenced architecture. This home is living proof as to why — a palm-lined, fenced home finished in vibrant Spanish trim and surrounded by agave. This spot is luxurious as well; your crew will enjoy a ping pong table and home theater, BBQ area, and lots of outdoor lounge space.
Twelve guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $839 per night
6. Atlantic City, New Jersey
Photo: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock
Considered the Las Vegas of the East Coast, Atlantic City is dotted with casinos, resorts, hotels, and restaurants along its landmark four-mile boardwalk and six miles of beach. The city is within driving distance of one-third of the country’s population — both New York and Philadelphia are easily accessible from Atlantic City — so chances are, all your girls can find a way to make the trip. Whether you head to Atlantic City for the nonstop party, the daily headlining entertainment, the spas, the shopping, or simply the friendlier price point, this oceanfront spot somehow remains under the radar, giving you the chance to enjoy a memorable time without the stressful bustle of more popular girls-trip destinations. To kick off your night, check out the rock-n-roll tequila bar called Gypsy Bar inside the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, then choose from a range of fine-dining restaurants by celebrity chefs, including Chef Aram Mardigian of American Bar and Grille, and Michael Schulson of Izakaya by Michael Schulson.
Airbnb deals in Atlantic City
Tree-bedroom townhouse
Photo: Airbnb
Live the AC life to the max in this modern townhouse. You’ll be within walking distance or a short Uber to dining, party spots, and beaches. Plus, when you do return to the condo, your spot is trimmed with all the fixings of a luxury hotel.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $322 per night
Eight-bedroom mansion with waterfront decks
Here’s the thing about Atlantic City. Beachside condos are everywhere. What’s NOT everywhere are historic mansions that give your crew the privacy to be yourselves and the access to hit the town when the time is right. That’s where this legendary mansion comes in. Beach access? Yes. Plenty of room to lounge at home? Of course. Dining, shopping, and nightlife? You’re surrounded by it.
Sixteen guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $413 per night
7. Bowling Green, Kentucky
Photo: rukawajung/Shutterstock
If you’ve seen and done it all in Nashville, another of our favorite girls trip ideas is to head an hour north to Bowling Green, Kentucky. This down-home spot is relaxed yet packed with unique activity options, from trekking the longest underground cave system in the world at Mammoth Cave National Park to taking a zip-line tour at Lost River Cave. Penthouse suites at the Kentucky Grand Hotel & Spa start at just $459 per night, so you and your girlfriends can live it up without breaking the bank. Combine your trip with a jaunt to Louisville to enjoy the Urban Bourbon Trail; the state of Kentucky is the birthplace of bourbon, after all.
Airbnb deals in Bowling Green
Large villa with country views
Photo: Airbnb
Relax with plenty of space in this large home. You’ll have 3.5 private acres of land surrounded by forest, with hiking and in-town activities not far away. Downtown Bowling Green is only eight minutes.
Twelve guests, five bedrooms
Price: $269 per night
Downtown industrial modern house
Stay right in the heart of Bowling Green in this high-end but approachable industrial modern home. The interior is trimmed like your in the trendiest part of a hip big city, but outdoors you’re clearly in rural Kentucky. Walk around town, or chill at the homestead — or better yet. alternate between the two.
Twelve guests, five bedrooms
Price: $446 per night
8. Aspen, Colorado
Photo: The World in HDR/Shutterstock
If you and your girls are into classy escapes to world-renowned ski capitals, look no further than ritzy Aspen, Colorado. There’s a reason it’s a preferred winter destination for celebrities and the jet set. Spend the day on the slopes, then defrost your digits with après ski libations and comfort foods — after all, you won’t have to worry about squeezing into a bikini on this snowy trip. Heat things up in one of the town’s nightclubs, like Escobar or Bootsy Bellows (an outpost of the Sunset Strip hotspot), or find a hot tub somewhere to decompress in quintessential ski-bunny fashion. If you’re in town after President’s Day, scout out the Oasis Veuve Clicquot, a secret pop-up bar that moves locations every weekend. Don’t worry if a ski-season trip isn’t in the books this year: in the summertime, Aspen transforms into an outdoor lover’s paradise, highlighted by mild weather and sunny hikes among fields of wildflowers.
Airbnb deals in Aspen
Ski-in, ski-out condo on Shadow Mountain
Photo: Airbnb
Make it easy on everyone by booking a ski-in, ski-out condo that’s also walkable to Aspen’s best restaurants and nightlife (including the legendary Belly Up). No matter whether or not you ski, this condo embodies the Aspen lifestyle — upscale, chic, and with no car required to enjoy the town.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $641 per night
For a more extensive list, check out Matador’s article on the best Airbnbs in Aspen.
9. Memphis, Tennessee
Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Home to live music venues and breweries, Memphis is one of the best girls trip ideas when late nights, great drinks, and high energy are a must. From historic Beale Street to the Levitt Shell, where Elvis Presley held his first public performance, this music capital invites visitors to sing along to the most popular tunes of yesterday and today. To balance out the beers and bar crawls, Memphis also holds space to unwind in nature. At over 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and visitors can rent a canoe or kayak on the lake or go on a horseback tour of the park. Alternatively, get the girls together for a downtown bike ride across the longest bridge on the Mississippi River, Big River Crossing, which stretches from Tennessee to Arkansas. And no, it’s not your imagination: drinks really do taste better in Memphis. The city sits on an aquifer, and all spirits are made from a base of this naturally filtered water.
Airbnb deals in Memphis
Luxurious getaway with heated pool
Photo: Airbnb
Memphis Airbnbs often come in behind Nashville Airbnbs for girls trips. This upscale home proves it shouldn’t. You’ll have a heated pool in a comfy home surrounded by a jungle oasis — all in the heart of the city. Did we mention the pool has a waterfall?
Sixteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $219 per night
Midtown home on legendary Madison Avenue
This home is smack in the middle of the best Memphis has to offer. Stroll to dining and nightlife and Uber to outdoor and cultural attractions. We also suggest dedicating at least one afternoon to simply walking through Midtown and seeing what you come across — likely, you’ll find not only unique characters but fun times popping in and out of shops and pubs, too. 
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $275 per night