Girls' Trips with a Twist: Beyond the Typical Weekend Getaway

Giant boulders, Iconic Joshua Trees, and Miles of Breathtaking Desert Scenery in Joshua Tree National Park

As I pack for an upcoming girls' trip to California wine country, I can't help but think about some of my favorite getaways over the years. While this one will certainly include plenty of wine (no complaints here!), many of my most memorable trips have revolved around shared passions, from books, hiking, cooking, and wellness to unforgettable experiences that created lasting memories together.

Don't get me wrong. I love a girls trip filled with great restaurants, rooftop cocktails, and wandering charming downtown streets with friends.

But some of my favorite girls' getaways have centered around learning something new, challenging ourselves, or sharing a one-of-a-kind experience. Years later, it's often those unique adventures, not the boutiques or restaurant reservations, that we still talk about.

The Sky Puts on Quite a Show at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

If you're planning your next escape with friends, here are a few ideas that go beyond the typical weekend. And don't worry. You can absolutely still enjoy glasses of wine or a great cocktails along the way. I certainly have, and I don't plan on changing that anytime soon!

1. A Book(ish) Lover's Retreat

Books, Friendship, and a Newport Sunset Makes for the Perfect Trip

If you and your friends are constantly swapping book recommendations, why not build a getaway around your shared love of reading?

My friends Lauren, Jana, and I have an ongoing group text where we rave about the books we love (and occasionally debate the ones we don't). Eventually, we decided to take our conversations out of the group chat and planned a book-themed girls' retreat to the stunning coastal town of Newport, Rhode Island.

The Most Perfect Day in Newport

We set aside time to read, gathered over coffee and meals to discuss our latest books, the good, the bad, and the DNFs ("Did Not Finish" for those new to book club lingo), and soaked up everything Newport has to offer, from walking the breathtaking Cliff Walk to indulging in lobster rolls and other New England favorites. It was the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, friendship, and one of our favorite shared sources of joy: getting lost in a great book.

Coastline Walks and Chapter Breaks

To make the weekend even more fun, Lauren came prepared with a list of book-club-style questions and superlatives. We compared how many books we've read this year, discussed our favorite (and least favorite) reads, confessed our most overrated books, shared the stories that made us cry or kept us up far too late reading, and even admitted to a few embarrassing reads. It sparked some of our biggest laughs and some of our best conversations.

The Sun Gods Were Shining Their Light Brightly Upon Us Along the Cliff Walk

Newport Pro Tip: Don't try to do it all. Newport is the kind of place that invites you to slow down. Visit in May for beautiful weather and blooming gardens before the summer rush, then leave room in your schedule to read, linger over meals, and enjoy the harbor views. We couldn't get enough of Midtown Oyster Bar, The Mooring, and The Black Pearl.

2. An Active Adventure

One of My Favorite Ways to Catch Up with a Friend: on the Trail. Here with my friend Ritu

If your group would rather hit the trail than spend the day shopping, consider planning a girls' trip where the great outdoors takes center stage.

Some of my favorite trips with friends have been built around hiking and exploring beautiful landscapes. Whether it's tackling the scenic trails around Boulder, Colorado or wandering among the otherworldly rock formations and iconic Joshua trees in Joshua Tree National Park, these adventures create memories that last long after the sore muscles fade.

A few suggestions for Boulder: Stay at the historic Hotel Boulderado for its timeless charm and walkable downtown location. Start your day with an early morning hike, then spend the afternoon exploring Pearl Street. For a memorable evening, enjoy dinner or a drink at the Flagstaff House, where panoramic views of the city and mountains steal the show, or head to Corrida for rooftop cocktails overlooking the Flatirons.

Exploring the Otherworldly Beauty of Joshua Tree National Park

One of my favorite combinations is pairing Joshua Tree National Park with nearby Palm Springs. Spend your days hiking through the desert, then unwind with great restaurants, pool time, people watching, and a little relaxation in Palm Springs. One of the highlights? A magical outdoor sound bath beneath the desert stars. Joshua Tree is known for its full moon and new moon sound baths, where participants relax under the night sky while immersed in the soothing sounds of crystal bowls and gongs. It was a peaceful, unforgettable evening, and one I'd highly recommend if you're planning a trip to the area.

Full Moon Sound Bath Pro Tip: Book your sound bath well in advance, as many sessions fill up quickly. Bring plenty of layers and dress warmly. The desert gets freezing after the sun goes down! And before heading to your remote meeting spot, be sure to fill up your gas tank. Gas stations can be few and far between.

Yoga Under the Stars

Big Hats. Bigger Laughs.

There's something incredibly rewarding about an active girls' trip. You encourage each other on the trail, celebrate reaching the summit or scenic overlook, and end the day swapping stories over a well-earned meal and even better-deserved cocktail. It's the perfect blend of adventure, connection, and fun.

3. A Festival Getaway

Watching Hundreds of Hot air balloons Rise over Albuquerque at Sunrise is One of Those Experiences That Stays With You

Up, up, and away! That's exactly how our girls' trip to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta began. My friends Liz, Lyndsey, and I traveled to New Mexico for this incredible annual event, where hundreds of colorful hot air balloons fill the sky at sunrise. It's one of those bucket-list experiences that's even more magical in person.

One of the Most Colorful Mornings I've Ever Experienced

The fiesta provides the perfect centerpiece for a long weekend, with plenty of time to explore Albuquerque's restaurants and historic Old Town. If your schedule allows, add a day trip to nearby Santa Fe. Its charming adobe architecture, art galleries, boutique shops, and outstanding Southwestern cuisine make it the perfect complement to an unforgettable girls' trip.

Balloon Fiesta Pro Tip: Splurge on the Balloon Fiesta VIP tickets - they're well worth it. Plan to arrive at an ungodly early hour (trust me!), because the Mass Ascension, when hundreds of hot air balloons launch at sunrise, is the highlight of the festival. It's an extraordinary sight and absolutely worth the early wake-up call.

If You’re Not Tequila Tasting in the Southwest, What Are You Even Doing?!

4. A Culinary Escape

Cooking Up a Storm at the Culinary Institute of America.

For friends who love food, consider planning your next excursion around a cooking class instead of just restaurant reservations.

Years ago, my college bestie Amy and I visited the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where we took a hands-on cooking class that was every bit as fun as it was delicious. Between learning new techniques, sharing plenty of laughs in the kitchen, and dining at the institute's outstanding restaurants, the trip became about much more than the food. It was a chance to bond over one of our greatest shared loves- cooking and eating (really, is there anything better than that ?!).

We returned home with new recipes, full bellies, and even fuller hearts.

Culinary Institute of America Pro Tip: Reserve your cooking class well in advance, especially if you're visiting on a weekend. And don't just take a class! Plan to enjoy a meal at one (or more!) of the Culinary Institute of America's student-run restaurants. It's a delicious way to experience the incredible talent of the next generation of chefs.

5. A Wellness Retreat

Need a chance to truly recharge? A wellness retreat is the perfect excuse to slow down, move your body, and reconnect with a friend.

One of my favorite girls' getaways was to Miraval Austin with my friend Tara. It's definitely a splurge, but if you're looking for a truly magical experience, it's worth every penny. Each day, we packed our schedule with four or five activities, from yoga, Pilates, and BOSU classes to nature walks and even a ropes challenge. Tara absolutely crushed the ropes course. Me? I was busy falling in love with cardio drumming. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, there's something for everyone.

Finding My Rhythm at Miraval Austin

Beyond the activities, Miraval shines with its incredible farm-to-table cuisine, thoughtfully curated wine program, luxurious spa, and peaceful setting. We left feeling refreshed, recharged, and making our husbands just a little bit jealous of our incredible weekend together.

Miraval Pro Tip: Book your favorite activities and spa treatments as soon as reservations open. The most popular classes and appointments fill up quickly.

Yoga with a View

As excited as I am for my upcoming wine country adventure (I absolutely love California wine country. It's one of my favorite regions in the U.S., and I'm certain it will inspire a future blog post or two!), I know the destination is only part of what will make the trip memorable. Whether we're sipping wine in Sonoma, hiking in Colorado, getting lost in a good book in Newport, or learning a new recipe together, it's the laughter, conversations, and friendships that turn a getaway into something truly unforgettable.

Bubbly in Boulder: Ritu and I Earned Every Last Drop of This Champagne.