Top Travel Destinations for a Women’s Wellness Weekend
I’ve outlined eight incredible US cities perfect for a weekend away with your best buds. If you’re looking for a bach party, say goodbye to the run-of-the-mill New Orleans, Las Vegas or Nashville trips everyone’s already done. I’m sharing some hidden gems that will leave you connected, energized and full of fun memories.
While immersing yourself in the local culture and exploring new or familiar places is definitely a bonus, don't forget the real reason you're all here – spending quality time together! Take the opportunity to bond, relax, and share lots of laughter and conversation with your pals. Whether hanging out at the house, playing games, or just goofing off, cherish those precious moments.
Pack your bags, rally your squad, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
For the Outdoor Enthusiast:
MAMMOTH & JUNE LAKES
If you're looking for an idyllic mountain getaway, Mammoth and June Lakes (only 20 mins apart) in the Eastern Sierra mountains is the perfect destination. This serene town offers many outdoor activities and breathtaking views that will leave you in awe. In the winter, you can hit the slopes or indulge in snow activities, while in the summer, hiking and biking are popular options. Mammoth is also known for its natural hot springs and rock climbing, while nearby June Lake boasts a ski resort, picturesque bike loop, and scenic hiking trails. To reach Mammoth, I recommend taking the scenic drive from Southern California, although there is a small airport in town. For out-of-state guests, the Bishop airport provides shuttle services or car rentals. There’s no wrong season to visit Mammoth… it’s an adventurer’s dream destination.
Stay: The Kestrel, a Mammoth Mountain property, is a great 5-bedroom house to call home for the weekend. After a full day of activities, enjoy a private hot tub or do karaoke in the home theater. Airbnb also offers luxury estates for weekend rentals, providing a comfortable and convenient stay for your trip.
Must-do: Soak in the natural hot springs! The area has many hot springs, but Wild Willy’s is the best one. And while you’re at it, cold plunge into nearby lakes or rivers. Three minutes is a great start.
Post-hike drinks: After hiking, biking or exploring, head to Mammoth Brewing for great beer, delicious food, and outdoor picnic tables. June Lake Brewing is another option for beers on picnic tables and lawn games, or head over to the divey Tiger Bar for strong drinks, home-made chili and matching apparel for your squad.
Perfect day: Start off with a coffee from Black Velvet. They also sell beer and wine, if you want to get some beverages to-go. Grab breakfast burritos or lunch wraps from Stellar Brew across the street. Then hit the Gem Lake trail, which is 6.5 miles of scenic beauty and alpine lakes. If you’re up for it, take a dip in the chilly lake before heading down the mountain to enjoy a beer at June Lake Brewing. The food trucks there serve delicious food for a post-hike snack. To relax after a day of activities, you can soak in the hot springs or book a mobile massage in advance for some pampering back at your accommodation.
Go further: If you're up for more adventure, Mono Lake has a short nature walk and interesting rock formations, making this destination one worth visiting. It’s just outside of June.
Best activities: Other activities in the area include Duck Pass Trail (10mi) or Crystal Lake trail (3mi), mountain biking the Horseshoe or Mammoth Rock trail, or riding the 20-mile loop from June Lake junction with bikes rented from Get Outdoors 365. Fishing and stand up paddle boarding on the lakes also make for a great afternoon.
SEDONA
Offering a range of outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding through red rock canyons, Sedona is also known to be artsy, eclectic, relaxing and a healing destination (#woowoo!). Take advantage of the famous vortexes - powerful energy centers that are said to promote healing and spiritual growth. After a day of outdoor adventure, relax and rejuvenate at one of the town's many spas, or indulge in some delicious cuisine at the local restaurants.
Must-try: Known for multiple vortexes and spiritual energy, Sedona is a great place to participate in an aura reading, sound healing or energy healing session. Sedona Psychic Readings offerings spiritual guidance including tarot readings, aura readings and past life regressions. Sedona Soul Adventures offers vortex tours that take visitors to Sedona's most powerful energy centers for meditation.
Best activity: Hike or mountain bike the rugged red terrain. There are many stunning rock formations and scenic hikes including Cathedral Rock (1.5mi), Boynton Canyon Trail (6mi) and Secret Canyon Trail (6.5mi). If you choose to rent bikes, Bell Rock Pathway is an easy trail 3.5 miles long with mostly flat terrain and through stunning rock formations.
Post-adventure: There are a few swimming holes along Oak Creek in Sedona, including Grasshopper Point and Slide Rock State Park. Follow it up with a sunset picnic. Sedona’s sunsets are famous for their stunning colors and dramatic lighting. Grab a cheese plate and bottle of wine, or some sandwiches and 6-pack and head to a scenic viewpoint to watch the sunset over the red rocks.
Wind it down: Although not in Sedona itself, the Verde Hot Springs are about an hour away and offer natural hot springs for soaking. To stay in town, Mii amo Spa has steam rooms and hot tubs for guests along with other treatments and services.
Unique Idea: Visit one of the many art galleries or rock stores in the Tlaquepaque village. This outdoor shopping area is designed to resemble a traditional Mexican village with cobblestone streets, fountains and courtyards. It has over 40 shops and galleries selling jewelry, pottery, art and other handcrafted items. Pick out a gift for your group. This could be a matching bracelet, a healing rock or something memorable from your trip.
Stay: L'Auberge de Sedona is situated along the banks of Oak Creek and features luxurious cottages and suites with private decks and outdoor showers. Enchantment Resort has a two bedroom suite to call home for the weekend, plus luxurious rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the surrounding red rocks.
Laid back & luxurious…
LAGUNA BEACH
Nestled right along the southern California coast, Laguna Beach is a stunning coastal town with scenic coves and beach parks. With crystal-clear waters and miles of beautiful beaches, it’s a prime location for surfing, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the sun. The town is also known for its vibrant art scene, so rent bikes and cruise through town, stopping at boutiques and shops.
Stay: Hotel Joaquin is blocks from the ocean and designed to evoke the laid-back, bohemian spirit of the California coast. This quaint 22-room hotel has several common areas for guests to relax and unwind, including a pool and hot tub area with cabanas and lounge chairs, a sun deck with ocean views, and a cozy living room with a fireplace and books. Stylish, sophisticated, laid-back, beachy and luxurious… a perfect place to unwind. A more traditional resort option is Montage Laguna Beach. The resort is located on a bluff overlooking the ocean and features elegant guest rooms, suites, and bungalows with private balconies or patios. The resort also has a full-service spa, several dining options, and access to outdoor activities such as surfing and paddleboarding.
Leisure: Laguna Beach is known as an artist's haven with numerous art galleries and studios showcasing local talent. Stroll through the downtown area and explore the various art galleries. Or book a day of leisure and pampering at the Montage spa.
Obvious: Laguna Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, and there are several to choose from, including Main Beach, Crescent Bay Beach, and Victoria Beach. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, surf, or explore the tide pools. Try kayaking, stand up paddleboarding or go on a whale watching tour and keep an eye out for humpbacks and tons of dolphins!
Eat: Harvest offers a farm-to-table menu featuring locally sourced produce and meats, as well as craft beers and cocktails made with local ingredients. The restaurant also has a rooftop lounge with ocean views. Another amazing dining experience is a pop up chef driven dinner at The Ecology Center, just a short drive from Laguna but definitely worth it! Looking for a thoughtful grocery store with plenty of treats to take home? Check out The Salt Horse!
Must-do: Lean into the California culture and book a sunset yoga session on the beach for your crew using Airbnb Experiences. Enjoy a yoga class, followed by yoga nidra meditation and sound healing.
OJAI
A charming and tranquil destination that offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Known for its scenic vistas, Ojai is a nature lover's paradise with breathtaking views of the Topa Topa Mountains. Visitors can explore the Los Padres National Forest or the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy's preserves, which boast stunning trails that wind through groves of oak trees, wildflowers, and canyons. Ojai is also home to a vibrant arts community, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing the works of local artists. Ojai also has an array of spas, wellness centers, and yoga studios, making it a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Yoga flow: Ojai is known for their yoga culture and vibrant healing community. Arrow Heart Yoga is a boutique yoga studio with passionate teachers and a great vibe!
Eat: Pinyon has the best wood-fired pizza, small plates, a sourdough bakery and natural wines. The Farmer & The Cook has a small grocery store with some delicious quick and healthy bites, making it a great spot to grab a quick bite or smoothie before you head out on an adventure. Olivella is an upscale Mediterranean-inspired restaurant at Ojai Valley Inn that’s well-loved in this cozy town. If you can secure a spot at The Farmhouse at Ojai, they have a guest chef series featuring Michelin-star chefs, culinary storytellers and well-known international chefs.
Stay: Ojai has several resorts and hotels offering luxury amenities and exceptional dining experiences. Be sure to check out Ojai Valley Inn for your traditional luxe accommodations. Or if you’re up for an adventure and staying in a super stylish Airstream, check out Caravan Outpost.
Move: Take the group on a scenic horseback riding tour through the countryside and pack a picnic lunch! Or hit the Ojai Valley Inn golf course. There are plenty of trails in the Ventura River Preserve, a 1600-acre nature reserve with varying trail making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
A unique idea: Ojai is known for their art community, so why not book an art class? Create your own stained glass pendant or ornament, or make splatter art and take your canvas home. Mayware Ceramics also offers group glasses.
If you’re lucky: Try to catch one of Real Fun Wow pop-ups at The Wow House! Their art hangs in our offices and homes.
A Creative Vibe…
SANTA FE
Located in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe, New Mexico offers a unique blend of art, culture, and outdoor activities. The city is home to many art galleries and museums that showcase the history and culture of the Southwest. Visitors can also explore the nearby mountains and wilderness areas through hiking and mountain biking trails, or take a hot air balloon ride for a bird's eye view of the scenic landscapes. The city's rich history and architecture make for a picturesque backdrop, while its world-renowned cuisine and local festivals add to the vibrant culture of Santa Fe. Fly into Albuquerque, rent a car and drive an hour north to Santa Fe.
Stay: Bishop’s Lodge offers multi-room casitas or a 12-bedroom Bunkhouse, making it perfect for a group. The hotel has thoughtful amenities and activities including art classes, horseback riding, a fishing outpost, chocolate tasting, spa, pool and restaurant.
Relax: Soak in the mineral springs at Ojo Caliente. The Bishop’s Lodge also offers a wellness sanctuary and spa where you can get a massage, facial and other treatments. Situation on a spiritual vortex The Spa at Four Seasons is a sanctuary, allowing guests to indulge in wellness through various relaxing and healing treatments.
Must-visit: Book an art tour and admire the city’s unique architecture and many art studios. Canyon Road is home to many galleries showcasing Native American roots. A must-visit is the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and New Mexico Museum of Art. You can’t miss the Meow Wolf interactive art installation.
Shop: Native American artwork is prevalent and there are many opportunities to purchase textiles, handwoven baskets, rugs, leather (or cactus “leather”) goods. Visit one of the many boot stores and grab some vintage boots for keepsakes.
Dine: Radish & Rye has a farm-to-table approach and sources from local farmers and ranchers to highlight flavors from the region. If you’re looking for New Mexican cuisine, The Shed is an iconic spot serving tamales, chile rellenos and the best red chile burrito. SkyFire has a wood-fired grill that is infused into their authentic southwestern flavors of each dish.
Unique Ideas: Go horseback riding at Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu or take a cooking glass at Santa Fe School of Cooking, which showcases Native American cuisine and indigenous foods. Ghost Ranch also offers various workshops including creative writing, hat making, nature excursions and pastel painting.
Try something new: For smaller groups, book a hot air balloon ride, which can include champagne. Glass blowing at Prairie Dog Glass is such a fun experience, as is a ceramics class at Paseo Pottery. Or attend a traditional Native American dance performance!
SANTA MONICA
Known for its beautiful beaches, charming downtown area, and iconic pier Santa Monica offers a range of activities such as surfing, beach volleyball, bike riding along the oceanfront path, and sunset walks on the beach. Santa Monica's downtown area is full of trendy shops, art galleries, and restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the world. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can ride the Ferris wheel, play carnival games, and enjoy the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day at the beach or an exciting night out, Santa Monica has something for everyone.
Leisure: Rent bikes and cruise along the 22 mile coast line or take a yoga class on the beach. Shop on Montana Ave, a relaxed atmosphere for a fun day of shopping and dining. Or lounge beside in a cabana at Shutters on the Beach.
Must-do: Visit the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market, an iconic market known for bringing in produce that is often harvested just hours before the market opens. Purchase a few snacks and head to Rustic Canyon State Park in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood for a picnic.
A night out: Book a private space at Elephante, a rooftop restaurant and lounge with stunning views and a delicious menu. The DJ comes on at 9pm. If you’re looking to go out dancing, try 1212 Santa Monica.
Stay: There’s no better place than the Santa Monica Proper. They offer access to a Tesla rental, guided trips to the Farmer’s Market, yoga session, complimentary workouts via The Class, a rooftop pool and world-class spa.
Happy Hour: There’s no deal here, but eating oysters & fresh crudo at Crudo e Nudo like rock fish with mandarin oil, urfa bieber, chive, house bottarga on a late sunny afternoon with a glass of wine in hand is the closest thing to heaven we can get.
Places to dine: The San Francisco based Tartine Bakery serves toast, salads and sandwiches, a great spot to grab lunch or brunch. Rustic Canyon showcases the bounty of southern California farms with dishes like hand-rolled couscous with pea tendrils, feta, beldi olives and brown butter or roasted chicken with carrot, walnut, yogurt and molasses.
Experience Art: Bergamot Station in Santa Monica is home to several galleries and creative spaces—check for pop-ups and exhibitions. Of course, in LA, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in the western United States and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a contemporary art museum located in downtown LA. It features a collection of over 7,000 works of contemporary art, as well as rotating exhibitions. There are many small pop-ups and rotating exhibitions, so do some research before your trip!
For the food-lover…
CHARLESTON
A charming city steeped in history and southern hospitality, Charleston is known for beautiful architecture, beaches, excellent food and a rich cultural scene with art galleries and music venues. Visitors can explore the historic district's cobblestone streets, pastel-colored antebellum houses, and lush gardens. The city is known for its outstanding cuisine, including fresh seafood and Lowcountry classics like shrimp and grits. Charleston is a place where you start every meal with oysters… let’s dive in.
Cocktails: Looking to day drink? Head to Ritual Rooftop for that Tulum-day-party vibe. Voo-doo Tiki Bar is a funky joint with tiki goth, drag queen bingo, live music and sometimes a DJ—a damn good time. The Belmont has a solid cocktail list with a focus on craft drinks, live music and a party vibe after 9pm. If you’re looking for a glass of natural wine and local hospitality, Stems & Skins is exactly what you want it to be.
Brunch: A few delicious options including the vegetarian-friendly Basic Kitchen, for a gluten-free banana bread or farmer’s market veggie hash. Millers All Day serves the simple Charleston classics like country fried steak & eggs, a hot honey chicken breakfast sandwich on a biscuit (or donut) or a braised okra and tomato stew over grits. Chez Nous is an iconic and elevated brunch option and Vern’s is the new kid on the block, both worth a visit.
Happy Hour: In the heart of downtown, head to The Darling for some east coast $1 oysters, baked crab dip, or their blood orange scallop ceviche. They’re also known for their stacked bloody marys, so if you’re craving a crab claw and a hush puppy (!) in your drink and a fry basket, their brunch might be calling your name. The packed seafood spot 167 Raw Oyster Bar is always a great call for frose and oysters!
Must-try: The ingredient-driven modern southern restaurant Husk only uses seasonal ingredients from local purveyors with ever-changing menus. Known for heirloom husbandry, in-house pickling and seasonal produce, this restaurant is chic and casual and allows you to slow down, explore the flavors of a modern south and enjoy the Charleston lifestyle. The other institutional southern restaurant worth trying is Fig. If you’re craving BBQ, Lewis Barbecue is the spot for brisket, green chili pudding and slaw.
Walk-it-off: Stroll through the city and admire gothic revival, greek revival and georgian style homes, churches and public buildings.
PORTLAND
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Portland is a vibrant and eclectic city. From its lively food and drink scene to its thriving arts and culture community, Portland offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and laid-back charm. Whether you're exploring the city's many parks and gardens, taking in a show at one of its many theaters or music venues, or simply wandering its streets to soak up the local vibe, Portland will surely leave you inspired and energized.
Start your day off right: Head to yoga in the morning and then head to Blue Star or Pip’s Original for a donut and Stumptown coffee.Visit the Saturday Market in downtown for a large farmers market with local artisans, craftspeople, farms, purveyors and food vendors. Put your name in for brunch at Maurice, Tusk or Sweedeedee.
Pack a picnic: Portland is known for its beauty and proximity to the mountains, beach and river. Choose to hike in the city at Forest Park—the largest urban forest with over 80 miles of trails, snowshoe around Trillium Lake, go waterfall hoppin’ in the Gorge, or stand up paddleboard on the Willamette River. If you’re looking for something more low-key, take your picnic to Mount Tabor, crack open a bottle of natural wine and take in the views.
Drink up! Portland has a thriving craft beer scene, local wines from the surrounding valleys, and talented bartenders who are pushing the limits with craft cocktails. My favorite breweries include Cascade—which is also known as the house of sours, Breakside Brewery, and Great Notion Brewing. If you’re staying in the city, Dame has some great natural wines. If you want to make a day of it, visit Willamette Valley Vineyards for wine tasting and a beautiful setting. And my top choices in cocktail bars include the intimate Rum Club, tiki cocktails at Hale Pele, bright and airy Wonderly and the cult classic Expatriate.
A Few Favs: If you weren’t into tinned fish before, Street Disco will change your mind and also offers delicious natural wine and a rotating menu based on farm and purveyor seasonality. Janken has a drool-worthy caviar service that is tasty as it is photogenic. Ava Gene's is one of my absolute favorite restaurants where I had homemade pasta for the first time. And it’s not a Portland food list without mentioning the many festivals and events around food, from #BurgerWeek to Feast.
Casual lunch: The iconic food cart Nong's Khao Man Gai now has a restaurant serving their Hainanese chicken, soul-satisfying broth, and perfect rice. Hat Yai is the sister to beloved Langbaan and Paadee serving casual southern Thai restaurant with a focus on fried chicken, curry and roti. There’s really no bad food choice in PDX.
Visit a farm: Sauvie Island Farms is a short drive outside of downtown Portland, but it’s a fun destination to pick fresh fruits and vegetables. You can pick berries, peaches, and more depending on the season. You can also visit a lavender farm, clip your own bouquet and take it home to dry as a keepsake.
This list of eight incredible United States destinations provides a wide range of options for those seeking the perfect girls weekend destination. Whether you're an adventure lover or seeking laid-back luxury, looking for artsy experiences or foodie destinations, these cities have something for everyone. From the picturesque Mammoth & June Lakes in California to the artistic and cultural hubs of Santa Monica and Santa Fe, and from the charming Charleston to the foodie haven of Portland, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences that will make your trip truly memorable. So, gather your friends, pack your bags, and prepare for an adventure that will create lasting memories you will cherish forever.
