13 Best Girls Trip Destinations in the South + What to Do at Each One

The South is genuinely one of the best regions in the country for a girls trip for many reasons. The food culture runs deep. The cities are walkable. You slow down in a way you don’t in other parts of the country.

And you’re almost never more than a short drive from something beautiful, something historic, or something that makes for a really good story.

I’ve been to every destination on this list. Some I’ve visited a dozen times. Charleston is one I keep coming back to for many reasons, and if you’ve spent any time on this blog, you already know that about me. Others I stumbled onto almost by accident and immediately started telling everyone I know.

What they all have in common: they’re the kind of places that actually work for a girls trip. Not just pretty. Not just Instagrammable. Worth the group chat negotiation, the schedule coordination, and the babysitter logistics it takes to actually get everyone in the same place at the same time.

I didn’t include budget hotels or chains on this list. If the hotel isn’t part of the experience, it’s not here. Adjust to fit your budget, but at least know what the best version of each trip looks like.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our Disclosure Policy for details.

1. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is the epitome of Southern elegance and one of our favorite places to visit. Not only is it beautiful, but there are so many things to do in the Holy City.

Though it’s definitely a romantic city, it’s also the perfect place for girlfriends looking to blend history, luxury, and relaxation in one destination.

Book a room at the boutique Spectator Hotel, where 1920s glamour meets modern luxury. If that’s not your plan, we have several suggestions of getaway worthy hotels in Charleston.

Plan a spa day at The Spa at Charleston Place, then head to King Street to shop the upscale boutiques and cute shops. Or spend a day at one of the local beaches.

Round out your day with cocktails at one of Charleston’s oyster bars. Then try some Southern classics at Husk, a beautifully restored historic home turned restaurant. Take a private carriage ride through the historic district or a sunset sail around the harbor before hitting one of the city’s rooftop bars for late night drinks.

Charleston Hotels for a Girls Trip

Hotel Bennett
This is the Charleston “wow” hotel—with a rooftop bar for sunset cocktails, a spa for pampering, and plenty of pretty corners that are basically made for Instagram.

The Restoration Hotel
Think boutique chic with a fun twist—this spot even offers “Girls Getaway” packages with things like candle-making classes and in-room spa treatments, so you don’t have to plan a thing.

Planters Inn
If you’re after Southern charm, this historic inn nails it—four-poster beds, cozy fireplaces, and a location that puts you right in the middle of the Market.

---

2. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is Charleston’s cousin to the south but it has a very different energy. It skews younger, it’s louder, and honestly it’s more fun in a group. (The only place I’ve seen more bachelorette parties is Nashville.)

The Savannah College of Art and Design keeps the city creative and a little unpredictable, and the Historic District is one of the most walkable places in the South.

One of the reasons for Savannah’s fun reputation is the open container law in the Historic District. Grab a to-go cup from any bar or restaurant and take it with you through the squares, along the Riverwalk, in and out of shops or wherever the afternoon takes you.

Spend your days exploring the antique shops and boutiques scattered through the Historic District, then work your way down to the Riverwalk for riverside dining at The Collins Quarter or happy hour cocktails at Artillery Bar.

And do the ghost tour. My son-in-law is not easily impressed, and he still talks about it. Jason and I did one in Salem and I think it would be a blast to do with my girlfriends.

Savannah Hotels for a Girls Trip

Hotel Bardo
Savannah’s newest showstopper. This reimagined mansion has a chic pool scene, a courtyard with European flair, and even a cooking school if your crew wants a hands-on experience between cocktails.

Perry Lane Hotel
With a rooftop pool, craft cocktails, and a stylish boutique vibe rooted in Savannah’s character, this is the kind of place where you’ll be tempted to spend the whole weekend.

The Alida Hotel
Set on the riverfront, The Alida pairs a lively rooftop bar with easy access to shops and restaurants, giving you the best of both relaxing downtime and nights out.

---

3. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is an artsy mountain town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there is genuinely nowhere else quite like it. It’s creative and quirky and a little unexpected, and that’s exactly what makes it work for a girls trip.

If you haven’t been since Hurricane Helene hit in the fall of 2024, now is a great time to go back. The city took a hard hit right at the peak of fall tourism season, and they have done the work to recover. Showing up is one of the best things you can do for them right now.

The Biltmore Estate is a must. I’ve been twice and it earns it both times. If you can time your trip around Christmas, the Biltmore at the holidays is something else entirely. The night tours are stunning and the decorations are on a scale you have to see to believe.

Then there’s Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar inside the Grove Arcade downtown. It’s a two-story used bookstore with a full champagne bar, live jazz, and charcuterie boards. You will want to stay for hours. It’s exactly the kind of place that only exists in Asheville.

Stay at the Omni Grove Park Inn if your budget allows. We’ve stayed there a couple of times and it is worth every penny. At Christmas they host a massive gingerbread house competition and transform the entire lobby. Even if you don’t stay there, it’s worth a visit.

Asheville Hotels for a Girls Trip

The Flat Iron Hotel
A historic building turned boutique hotel with city and mountain views and a stylish, unexpected feel right in downtown.

The Windsor
Spacious suites with full kitchens and living rooms. Good for groups who want room to spread out and slow mornings with coffee before heading out

The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa
Mountain views, a world-class spa, and a lobby that does things at Christmas you have to see to believe. This is the full resort experience.

Blind Tiger Asheville
A boutique inn with a creative, homey feel. Staying in feels just as tempting as going out.

---

4. Blowing Rock, North Carolina

If your group is less interested in a scene and more interested in slowing all the way down, Blowing Rock is the answer. It’s a small mountain town with one walkable Main Street, good antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants that don’t require a reservation three weeks out.

Spend an afternoon doing wine tastings at Grandfather Vineyard, sitting along the Watauga River with views of Grandfather Mountain.

Westglow Resort and Spa is there when you’re ready for a full spa day. And the antique shops and boutiques on Main Street will fill whatever time is left.

Fall is the obvious time to go, and for good reason. The foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway is the real thing. Go on a weekday if you can. October weekends here are crowded.

For dinner, Speckled Trout on Main Street is worth every bit of its reputation. Their seasonal menu is rooted in Appalachian tradition and features NC mountain trout prepared multiple ways

Blowing Rock’s idyllic mountain setting is a peaceful escape for girls weekends focused on quality time together.

Blowing Rock Hotels for a Girls Trip

The Embers Hotel
Right in the village with a balcony in every room and onsite dining. The location alone makes it worth it: no car needed to get to Main Street.

Chetola Resort
Lakeside resort with a spa, indoor pool, trails, and pickleball. Good for groups who want options without leaving the property.

The Blowing Rock Manor
Boutique hotel on Main Street with spacious suites and a polished, settled-in feel.

---

5. Fairhope, Alabama

Fairhope wasn’t on our radar until a couple of years ago, and after one visit downtown I immediately started telling people about it. Adorable doesn’t cover it. Think cute restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and a waterfront that makes for a really easy afternoon. It’s the kind of town that sneaks up on you.

A word on timing: go in the spring or fall. Fairhope sits on Mobile Bay, and in the summer there is no breeze. None. It is hot in a way that makes even a pool day feel like work. The town itself is worth the trip, but June is not your friend here.

The Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa is the place to stay, and it comes with a story. It has been welcoming guests since 1847, and you can feel that history the minute you walk in. It reminded me of the resort in Dirty Dancing. Families used to come here and spend entire summers on Mobile Bay the way the Housemans headed to Kellerman’s.

The history is genuine, and the guest list backs it up. Zac Brown, Bob Hope, George Bush, Robert De Niro, and Bo Jackson have all stayed here. You would never expect Fairhope, Alabama to pull that kind of crowd. But here we are.

For dinner, do not skip Felix’s Fish Camp. Fresh Gulf seafood in an unpretentious setting, and genuinely one of the best meals on the coast. Then walk down to the Fairhope Pier for the sunset.

Fairhope Hotels for a Girls Trip

Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa
This classic Gulf Coast resort has pools, a spa, a private beach, and plenty of space to enjoy a weekend of pure relaxation with friends.

---

6. Fredericksburg, Texas

Jason and I did a day trip to Fredericksburg when we were staying in San Antonio, and we have been talking about going back ever since. We started planning the return trip the minute we left. I just haven’t told him yet that I really want to go back with my girlfriends.

Fredericksburg sits in the heart of Texas Hill Country, and Main Street alone is worth the trip. Local winery tasting rooms are mixed right in with the boutiques and restaurants, so you can do tastings on foot before you ever leave downtown. It’s walkable, it’s fun, and there is genuinely good food and shopping in between the wine stops.

But if you want to get out into the Hill Country itself, the 290 Wine Trail runs through over 75 wineries in the area. The 290 Wine Shuttle does a hop-on hop-off service hitting up to 17 wineries in a single day. If you want something more private, there are over 30 tour companies that will pick you up, plan the stops, and handle all the driving.

Our favorites from our day trip were Becker Vineyards and Fat Ass Ranch and Winery. Fat Ass Ranch gets its name from the owner’s donkey, a legitimately fat donkey named exactly what you think and I still laugh about it. Both are worth it. There are dozens more we didn’t get to, which is exactly why this one needs a full weekend.

For dinner, Vaudeville on Main Street is worth every bit of its reputation. French bistro with Texas flair, great wine list, and the kind of meal that turns into a long table evening with your people.

Fredericksburg Hotels for a Girls Trip

The Albert Hotel
One of the newest stays in town, The Albert mixes boutique style with plenty of perks like a spa, a bar, and a chef-driven restaurant, so you can treat yourselves without ever leaving the property.

Emigrant’s Inn
Just steps from Main Street, this cozy boutique inn feels historic and homey, with suites that give you space to spread out and enjoy slow mornings together.

Whitetail Court Hotel
With eight private cottages tucked behind a walled garden, this boutique stay feels like your own secret hideaway in town, complete with lovely courtyards and garden peace.

---

7. St. Simons Island, Georgia

If the pace of Charleston or Savannah still feels like too much, St. Simons Island is the answer. It’s one of five barrier islands that make up Georgia’s Golden Isles, sitting off the coast with moss-draped live oaks lining the streets and no high-rise buildings anywhere in sight.

This is the trip where you actually get to decompress with your girls.

Pier Village is your home base with shops, restaurants, and the waterfront all within easy walking distance. Spend your days on East Beach, rent bikes and cruise the island’s trail system, or get out on the water for a dolphin tour through the coastal marshes. The pace here is genuinely different. Nobody here is in a hurry.

For dinner, Georgia Sea Grill in Pier Village is the restaurant on the island. Farm-fresh coastal cuisine, locally sourced seafood, consistently excellent service, and a piano bar that has a way of turning dinner into a long evening. Make reservations because this one fills up.

St. Simons Island Hotels for a Girls Trip

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
Right on the beach, this resort has pools, golf, and the only oceanfront restaurant on the island, so you can spend the whole weekend with your toes in the sand and a drink in hand.

Hotel Simone
This adults-only boutique hotel keeps it stylish and relaxed with all-suite rooms, a rooftop pool, and complimentary bikes for exploring the island.

Sea Palms Resort
Set back from the busy areas, Sea Palms has a laid-back feel with updated rooms, on-site dining, and a peaceful marshside setting that makes mornings linger a little longer.

---

8. Beaufort, South Carolina

Beaufort calls itself the Slowcountry, and that tells you everything you need to know about what kind of trip this is. It sits right between Charleston and Savannah, and it has all the live oaks and antebellum history of both. It’s just quieter, smaller, and without the crowds.

This is the trip for the group that doesn’t need a packed itinerary. You’re going to walk Bay Street, pop in and out of galleries and shops, have a long lunch, and do it again the next day. That’s the whole plan.

For shopping, M Home and Garden on Bay Street is the one everyone talks about — beautifully curated home decor and the kind of store where you lose an hour without noticing. For lunch, Lowcountry Produce is the local favorite. For dinner, Saltus River Grill is the waterfront spot — upscale coastal seafood with views of the Intracoastal Waterway and a wine list worth lingering over.

If your group wants to get out of town for a morning, Hunting Island State Park is 16 miles out. Five miles of beach, a historic lighthouse, and boardwalks through maritime forest. It’s worth the short drive.

Beaufort Hotels for a Girls Trip

The Beaufort Inn
n the heart of downtown, this restored antebellum mansion has inviting courtyards and wide porches that make it easy to slow down with a glass of wine.

Rhett House Inn
Surrounded by live oaks, this historic home feels cozy and welcoming, with modern touches that make your stay comfortable and the shops and waterfront within walking distance.

Anchorage 1770
Set on the waterfront, this boutique inn has a rooftop bar with sweeping views and a restaurant that makes staying in as tempting as going out.

---

9. Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot Springs is the one on this list that surprises people most, and that’s actually why I put it here. It keeps showing up on best girls trip lists for many reasons and really it makes complete sense.

Visitors have been coming to Hot Springs since the 1800s to soak in the mineral rich waters believed to ease sore muscles, improve circulation, and just generally make you feel like a new person. And, isn’t that what a girls trip is for?

Bathhouse Row is where you’ll find a stretch of beautifully preserved historic bathhouses right on Central Avenue where you can still get a traditional mineral bath treatment. Quapaw Baths and Spa is the modern option with a full spa menu.

Buckstaff Bathhouse has been operating continuously since 1912 if you want the full historic experience.

For dinner, Deluca’s Pizzeria is the one locals swear by — scratch-made pizza, no table reservations, only pizza reservations. And if you want something only Hot Springs can offer, Superior Bathhouse Brewery brews its beer using the actual thermal spring water.

Hot Springs Hotels for a Girls Trip

Hotel Hale
With just nine suites, this boutique hotel feels intimate and special, and the mineral soak tubs filled from the natural hot springs make it easy to relax the minute you arrive.

The Waters Hot Springs
Right on Bathhouse Row, The Waters blends historic charm with modern comfort, and its central location makes it easy to shop, dine, and explore without ever moving your car.

Lookout Point Lakeside Inn
Right on the lake, this inn offers beautiful water views, homemade breakfasts, and plenty of places to slow down and spend time together.

---

10. Oxford, Mississippi

If you’ve been around my blog, you know I have a love for the Mississippi Gulf Coast. But, there’s nothing quite like an tailgating in The Grove. Picture full buffet spreads and crystal chandeliers hanging from pop up tents.

While I love the energy of an Ole Miss football game, Oxford, MS is also a great place for a culturally rich and just plain fun girlfriends’ getaway.

Stay at Graduate Oxford, where Southern charm meets modern comfort.

Start your day exploring the famous Square Books and nearby antique shops. Have lunch at City Grocery and don’t miss live music performances at The Lyric Theater.

For a little added culture, tour William Faulkner’s home, Rowan Oak.

Oxford Hotels for a Girls Trip

The Oliver Hotel
Just off the Square, this boutique hotel mixes Southern charm with modern comfort, and the speakeasy-style bar makes it easy to end the night together without leaving the property.

Graduate Oxford
Right on the Square, this playful hotel nods to local history while giving you cozy rooms, a rooftop bar with sunset views, and bikes to explore town at your own pace.

---

11. St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine is the perfect place to enjoy old-world charm with great food and cool history, all right on the beach.

Visit the Castillo de San Marcos, stroll the cobblestone streets of St. George Street, and explore its vibrant boutiques. Dine on fresh seafood at Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia Restaurant. 

Unwind after a day of sunbathing and shopping with a sunset cruise along the bay. The town’s historic ambiance and water sports offer something for every type of girlfriend getaway.

St. Augustine Hotels for a Girls Trip

The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens
An adults-only inn made up of nine historic homes, The Collector has lush gardens, fountains, and a central location that makes exploring the old city simple and fun.

Bayfront Marin House
This colorful waterfront inn looks right out at Matanzas Bay and serves up homemade breakfast, daily happy hour, and free bikes for cruising along the seawall.

Casa Monica Resort & Spa
One of St. Augustine’s most iconic hotels, Casa Monica delivers Spanish-inspired style, a full spa, and plenty of spaces that make it easy to spend the day right on property.

---

12. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a vibrant mix of culture, music, and good food, making it one of the top picks for a gal pals escape.

Splurge for a stay at the iconic Hotel Monteleone, home of the famous Carousel Bar that’s been New Orleans’ only rotating bar since 1949.

Start your day with beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde. Just remember the rule – don’t wear black. The powdered sugar is attracted to anything dark!

Spend the afternoon shopping on Magazine Street or take a cooking class to master Creole classics. Wrap up your evening with live jazz at Preservation Hall and a cocktail at The Sazerac Bar.

New Orleans Hotels for a Girls Trip

Hotel Monteleone
In the middle of the French Quarter, this historic hotel is home to the famous Carousel Bar and offers plenty of charm along with comfortable, elegant rooms.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans
With a rooftop pool, stylish lounges, and chic rooms in a central location, this hotel is fun and modern while still giving you all the comfort you want for a girls’ weekend.

The Garden District Hotel
One of the city’s newest boutique hotels, this spot has modern rooms and a swim-up pool bar, giving you a fun and fresh way to enjoy a weekend in New Orleans.

---

13. Florida Keys

For a laid-back, tropical-inspired getaway perfect for reconnecting with your best gals head to the Florida Keys.

Stay at The Perry Hotel & Marina in Key West and enjoy water activities like snorkeling or paddleboarding.

Explore the shops and restaurants of Duval Street, then toast the sunset at Mallory Square.

For dinner, head to Latitudes, a fine-dining spot on a private island. This fun weekend getaway is perfect for groups who love sunshine and adventure.

Florida Keys Hotels for a Girls Trip

H2O Suites – Adults Only (Key West)
An adults-only all-suite hotel just off Duval Street, H2O has a rooftop pool and plenty of space to relax after a night out in Key West.

Baker’s Cay Resort (Key Largo)
Set on a former pineapple plantation, this resort feels tucked away with quiet beaches, nature trails, and stylish rooms that balance comfort with character.

Amara Cay Resort (Islamorada)
A laid-back boutique resort with ocean views, water activities, and cozy corners that make doing nothing together feel like the best plan.

---

Time to Plan Your Next Girls Trip!

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to let time with friends fall to the wayside. But sometimes we need to step away from the daily grind and reconnect with our best friends. And, a charming Southern city is a great location.

Whether you’re sipping sweet tea on a shaded porch or toasting to new adventures over craft cocktails, these destinations are calling.

So grab your calendar, rally the squad, and get ready to plan the ultimate trip to one of these incredible destinations.

Pin This For Later!