For many brides today, the perfect bachelorette party means going away for the weekend. Picking the right destination for a group of women can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you want to do something a little out of the ordinary. When most people think of bachelorette party getaways, they picture the flashing lights of Las Vegas or the nonstop clubbing scene in Miami Beach. Both are great, of course, but what if you want your weekend to be about more just drinking and partying?
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in.Planning a bachelorette party around something more relaxed might require a bit more effort, ironically, but in the end, it will be worth it. Below are a few bachelorette party destinations that are ideal for the bride who doesn’t want to spend the entire weekend drinking.
Do a spa weekend in Sedona, Arizona.
This desert town in Arizona is quickly becoming more of a popular bachelorette destination thanks to the gorgeous views and the beautiful spas that are all over. Brides who love to be outdoors will especially love this location, as there’s plenty of exploring to be done. You can plan a weekend where you can spend one-day hiking and another day hanging out at a spa (Mii Amo has a great reputation with plenty of options). If you want to make things really unique, go on a hot air balloon ride to really see some gorgeous views.
Go glamping at Ithaca Firelight Camps in New York.
If you want a more rustic, chill weekend that isn’t totally void of luxury, head to Ithaca Firelight Camps in New York for a truly awesome glamping experience. The platform tents have king or queen sized beds, hardwood floors, furniture, and private balconies, so it definitely isn’t your typical camping experience.
The campgrounds offer locally-sourced food at fantastic restaurants, and they’re close to beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls. At night, sit by the campfire and make s’mores.
Get a little history throughout the weekend in Savannah, Georgia.
bachelorette parties thanks to its beauty, history, and downtown scene. If you’re a bride who wants to be able to hang out at some chill bars without doing anything too crazy, Savannah could be perfect for you. You can stay in a beautiful old home, admire the trees (which really are that beautiful in person), shop, take a drive out to one of the beaches, and do something like a ghost tour, which offers historical fun.
At night, the downtown area comes alive with a bar scene that is a lot of fun without being too over-the-top.
Have an adventurous weekend in Portland, Oregon.
There’s so much to do in Portland that it’s hard to believe it’s not more popular as a bachelorette destination. You can hang out in the city, shopping and check out what they have going on, or you can hike, mountain bike, take day trips into the mountains for whitewater rafting, or just explore on your own if you’re into that. If you want to drink a little, you can do that too, it’s just a more relaxed vibe. There’s an awesome beer culture with bars and breweries, as well as lots of vineyards and wineries nearby.
Hang out by the water in Newport, Rhode Island.
Want to be by the beach all weekend? It’s hard to find a better spot than Newport in Rhode Island. This popular beachside town is known for its gorgeous mansions overlooking the ocean, as well as its adorable town where you can shop, eat, and just walk around. Newport also offers wineries, if that’s your thing.
One of the most fun things to do in Newport for a bachelorette party is to get on a boat and sail through the bay — the view is beautiful, and a sunset cruise is a perfect spot to bond with your friends. Oh, and if you want to go out just a little, Newport is pretty ideal, as all of the bars close by 1 a.m., meaning there’s no choice but to go home a little early.
Enjoy the desert vibes in Palm Springs, California.
Palm Springs is a pretty trendy spot at the moment, and it’s not hard to see why. The weather is awesome, the views are Instagram-worthy, and there’s plenty to do. You can go out to nearby Joshua Tree National Park to get in some time with nature, or you can pick a resort that offers a pool to just completely relax. There’s tons of shopping, you can go horseback riding, you can do a paint and wine class … the options are pretty endless.
Get a dose of southern charm in Charleston, South Carolina.
Charleston, which is the sister city to Savannah, is another place in the South that has been a bachelorette party favorite in the last few years. The city offers amazing food, gorgeous beaches, gardens, breweries, golf courses, museums, and so much more — there is no shortage of things to do. You can have a mix of activities, like a spa day, a beach day, or just an exploring day so that you get the best of all worlds. Plus, there’s still a really fun bar scene if you want to mix relaxing days with exciting nights.
Indulge your inner cowgirl in Glacier National Park, Montana.
If you’re all about being outside for your bachelorette party, you’ll want to check out areas of Montana. Near Glacier National Park, there’s Bar W Guest Ranch, which offers three women-only weeks a year — sounds pretty perfect for a bachelorette party. You can indulge your inner cowgirl here with activities like learning how to lasso, taking wagon rides, and even shooting clay pigeons.
Enjoy a winter wonderland in Vail, Colorado.
Wedding season might unofficially be in the spring and summer, but not every bride wants to go somewhere that is warm. If you love the snow and want to get out on the mountain, there’s no better spot than Vail, Colorado. Stay in an authentic ski lodge for luxury and charm, go skiing and snowboarding (or simply snow tubing, if you’re not feeling up for winter sports), take a hike, go to any of the great restaurants there, or head to a spa. You can enjoy the snow while curled up in front of a fire with all of your friends.
Of course, you can also head out of Vail to check out other areas of Colorado — there is a ton of nature to explore if you’re into that.
Zen out at a wellness retreat in Utah.
If you really want your bachelorette party to be all about relaxing and channeling your best self, make plans to go to a wellness retreat. It’s a great way to recharge and get the most positive energy before your big day — and why not do it with your friends by your side? Head to a wellness spa in a beautiful place, like somewhere in Utah. Red Mountain Resort is just one option that offers healthy and delicious food, calming activities, and soothing sites with gorgeous accommodations.
Have a tropical weekend in The Florida Keys.
When you think of a bachelorette party in Florida, you probably immediately think of Miami. Miami is, of course, really fun for a bachelorette weekend, but it’s a heavy club scene.
If you’re not into that type of thing, go even further south to the Keys for something tropical and fun that’s a little more laid back. The Keys are artistic and funky, with unbelievable beaches, really fun water and outdoor activities to get your blood pumping, and an exciting bar scene that doesn’t require you to get completely dressed up. It’s an ideal spot for a low-key beachy weekend.
Stay in a magical New England spot in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
Looking for a more quiet spot that doesn’t typically cater to bachelorette parties? You might want to try somewhere in Maine, like Boothbay Harbor. This town right on the water is beyond charming. You can stay at the Spruce Point Inn for luxurious accommodations, or rent a little cabin in the woods for something that feels more authentic.
The town offers a little shopping, some truly delicious restaurants (lobster and blueberries), plus some fun bars. Go on a boat ride around the harbor, or out to Cabbage Island for a real clambake. It’s definitely a more low-key spot where you’re not going to be doing any hard partying.
Surround yourself with nature in Asheville, North Carolina.
Asheville offers some of the best hiking in the South, as well as a really cool town that has great restaurants and shopping. You can go to a salt cave to really relax and zen out, hit up a spa for treatments, go hiking, go paddleboarding, and check out some museums. It’s a very chill, cool spot if you just want a fun weekend with your friends.
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