Unwind and reconnect with your friends through unforgettable weekend escapes.
In today’s fast-paced world, the need for connection and relaxation with friends has never been greater. As Amanda Bauner discusses in Episode 161, dedicating time to be with friends is more than just a leisurely pastime; it is a pathway to creating lasting memories and fostering community.
Weekend Getaway Destinations with Friends
Here are destinations in North America that make great weekend getaways with friends. Each offers something special for those who love to travel, connect, and create memorable adventures together. These destinations are diverse, from big cities to off the beaten path, from indulgent to roughing it outdoors. See which destinations are a great fit for you and your friends!
Savannah, Georgia – Southern Charm & Ghost Tours
With cobblestone streets, historic mansions, and moss-draped oaks, Savannah oozes charm. Go on a haunted pub crawl, savor gourmet Southern cuisine, and enjoy riverfront shopping. You can also book a historic home for your stay and enjoy sunset cocktails on a rooftop bar.
Charleston, South Carolina – Pastel Streets & Coastal Eats
Charleston is effortlessly charming, with its colorful architecture, historic sites, and Lowcountry cuisine. Take a cooking class together, explore boutique shops, or book a sunset cruise. Don’t forget a group brunch at a trendy café!
Asheville, North Carolina – Mountains, Art & Craft Beer
This artsy mountain town has it all: hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, quirky galleries, a thriving farm-to-table food scene, and dozens of local breweries. Stay in a cozy cabin or trendy downtown loft, and don’t miss the Biltmore Estate.
St. Michaels, Maryland – Chesapeake Bay Escape
St. Michaels is a serene waterfront town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Enjoy sailing cruises, fresh seafood, and spa treatments at a luxury inn. It’s great for a peaceful retreat by the water with small-town charm.
Finger Lakes, New York – Wine Trails & Waterfalls
This region is a hidden gem for wine lovers. Explore wineries along scenic lakefronts, hike to waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park, and unwind in a lakeside rental. It’s peaceful yet full of activities.
Newport, Rhode Island – Coastal Glamour & Gilded Mansions
Explore the opulent mansions of the Gilded Age, stroll the Cliff Walk with ocean views, and unwind with spa treatments at a historic inn. This seaside town is perfect for friends who appreciate coastal elegance and great seafood.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts – Countryside Calm & Culture
A perfect mix of nature and arts, the Berkshires offer rolling hills, farm-to-table dining, and boutique inns. Visit small museums, go antiquing, or relax in nature preserves. It’s peaceful and picturesque year-round. I have fond memories of a friends’ weekend in The Berkshires.
Camden, Maine – Harbor Views & Coastal Calm
Nestled on the Maine coast, Camden offers harbor charm, scenic hikes (try Mount Battie!), and fresh seafood. It’s peaceful and picturesque, with options for sailing tours or simply enjoying the view from a cozy inn or seaside cottage.
Hocking Hills, Ohio – Forest Getaway with Waterfalls
Nature lovers will adore this hidden gem filled with scenic trails, caves, and waterfalls, located about 52 miles south-southeast of Columbus. Rent a cabin in the woods with a hot tub, explore Hocking Hills State Park, and spend evenings by the fire with your besties.
Chicago, Illinois – City Lights & Lakeside Fun
With amazing food, world-class museums, lakefront beaches, and rooftop bars, Chicago is a great urban escape. Take a river cruise, see a Broadway-caliber show, and enjoy deep-dish pizza or high-end dining.
Door County, Wisconsin – Lakeside Retreat & Small Town Vibes
Located on a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, Door County is a hidden gem with quaint villages, lighthouses, cherry orchards, and shoreline parks. It’s perfect for a relaxing getaway with cozy cabins, scenic drives, and lakeside sunsets.
Lanesboro, Minnesota – Midwest Small-Town Charm
This tiny town (and I do mean tiny, it has a population of less than 1,000 people) along the Root River, about 40 miles southeast of Rochester, offers bike trails, river kayaking, and bed-and-breakfast stays. It’s artsy, quiet, and relaxing, perfect for friends who want to disconnect and recharge.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Music, Food & Festivities
Celebrate friendship in the lively streets of the French Quarter. Enjoy jazz, creole cuisine, river cruises, and unique shopping. A guided ghost tour or beignet stop at Café du Monde is a must.
Austin, Texas – Live Music & Foodie Heaven
From food trucks to live music, Austin has energy and flavor. Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake, enjoy rooftop bars, and catch a show at a local venue. Bonus: quirky street art and plenty of photo ops for your group.
Fredericksburg, Texas – Wine Country in the Hill Country
Located about 80 miles west of Austin, this charming town offers Texas hospitality with a side of wine country. Enjoy relaxing vineyard tours, quaint German-influenced architecture, and boutique shopping. Book a cottage or B&B and spend your evenings under wide-open skies. I talked in Episode 130 about the best places to visit in the spring in the U.S., including Texas Hill Country, known for its fields of blooming bluebonnets.
Santa Fe, New Mexico – Art, Adobe & Desert Skies
Santa Fe offers a unique Southwestern vibe with adobe architecture, colorful markets, and art galleries. Visit Meow Wolf for immersive art, relax in hot springs, and enjoy Southwestern cuisine under starry skies.
Sedona, Arizona – Red Rocks & Spa Vibes
Sedona is perfect for a girls’ trip that blends nature and luxury. Spend your days hiking through the stunning red rock formations and your evenings indulging in spa treatments or relaxing under the stars. Add in some crystal shopping and a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross for a soulful and scenic retreat.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California – Seaside Serenity & Art Strolls
This fairytale-like coastal town is perfect for peaceful walks on the beach, exploring art galleries, and sipping wine at cozy tasting rooms. The village-style architecture adds to the charm, and nearby scenic drives along Big Sur add a bit of adventure.
Leavenworth, Washington – Bavarian Village in the Mountains
This adorable alpine-style village offers mountain views, German-inspired food, and outdoor relaxation. Stay in a rustic lodge or rental cabin, visit the spa, and stroll the flower-filled streets. In winter, it becomes a snowy wonderland.
San Juan Islands, Washington – Island Time in the Pacific Northwest
The San Juan Islands are north of Seattle and directly east of Victoria, British Columbia. Accessible by ferry, the San Juan Islands offer stunning water views, kayaking, and whale watching. Rent a house with a view, relax with local wine, and explore the islands’ charming villages.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Island Escape with Culture
No passport is needed for U.S. travelers to this U.S. territory! Enjoy colorful Old San Juan, dance to salsa music, and relax on beautiful Caribbean beaches. Visit the rainforest of El Yunque for a group hike followed by beachside cocktails.
Tulum, Mexico – Beachfront Bliss with Boho Style
Tulum is ideal for friends who want sun, sand, and serenity. Think beachside yoga, eco-chic boutiques, fresh seafood, and turquoise cenotes. Rent a private villa or stay at a beachside resort with a poolside bar and hammocks for ultimate relaxation.
Prince Edward Island, Canada – Coastal Beauty & Storybook Vibes
For a truly peaceful escape, PEI offers red cliffs, 61 lighthouses, and stunning coastal drives. Stay in a historic inn, visit Anne of Green Gables sites, and savor fresh lobster and oysters. It’s quiet, beautiful, and totally rejuvenating. I went into greater detail on Prince Edward Island in Episode 140, talking about the best summer road trips. Go back and listen to Episode 140 to learn about the island’s 3 coastal drives, and why this is a great destination for a 4-day long weekend with friends.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia – Coastal Roads & Music Traditions
Drive the scenic Cabot Trail, listen to live Celtic music in cozy pubs, and enjoy fresh seafood by the sea. Cape Breton is peaceful, wild, and full of natural beauty, perfect for an off-grid-style girls’ weekend.
Toronto, Canada – Cosmopolitan City Break
Toronto has a vibrant arts scene, fantastic food from every culture, and plenty of shopping and nightlife. Take a day trip to Niagara Falls or stay in the city for rooftop drinks and entertainment.
Quebec City, Canada – French Flair Close to Home
Feel transported to Europe without leaving North America. Wander cobblestone streets, explore fairytale-like Château Frontenac, and indulge in French pastries and poutine. Visit in winter for cozy charm or summer for lively festivals.
Banff, Alberta – Glacier Lakes & Adventure
Banff is a stunning destination for adventurous friends. Kayak on Lake Louise, hike scenic trails, and soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. In winter, enjoy snow sports, and in summer, explore wildflower meadows. It’s Instagram-perfect at every turn.
Vancouver, British Columbia – Urban Adventure Meets Nature
For an active city break, Vancouver offers hiking, biking, and kayaking alongside fantastic dining and shopping. Take a day trip to nearby Whistler or enjoy a food tour through Granville Island’s public market.
Weekend Getaway Activities with Friends
Sometimes, you just need to get away with your friends for some R&R, and it doesn’t matter so much where you go… it’s about what you do together.
I saw some ideas online for a weekend friends’ getaway that I absolutely loved. These 6 friends rented a vacation villa. The villa was similar to many vacation villas offered near Walt Disney World, and in fact they were in the Orlando area – each person had their own bedroom and bathroom. There was a full-size kitchen and also a great back patio with a large hot tub. One night, they went out for a nice dinner at a local restaurant – no major planning there, just enjoying a night out together. The next day, they enjoyed a Disney day together. The next day, they stayed at the vacation villa and enjoyed a group workout that morning. Then they had massage therapists come set up massage tables in the great room so they all could enjoy massages together. And then they hired a personal chef to come make them a delicious dinner. Such great ideas! And aside from the Disney day, their destination didn’t really factor into their plans.
Here are some other ideas for weekend getaway activities that you can choose based on you and your friends’ interests.
Spa Weekend
Plan a wellness retreat at a resort and spa, kind of like The White Lotus but without the drama and violence. Or save money and plan for a DIY spa weekend. I’ve done this for myself but not yet with friends. Create your own spa experience with face masks, mani-pedis, aromatherapy, and maybe even DIY bath bombs or scrubs. It’s very easy to make a good bath scrub. Add in cozy robes, spa music, and a mimosa bar for ultimate relaxation.
Creative Retreat
Are you and your friends creative? Set up a craft station—think scrapbooking, jewelry making, painting, writing songs, or creating travel vision boards. You could also try a candle-making or DIY pottery kit. It’s a great way to unwind, chat, and create something meaningful to remember the trip.
Volunteer Together
Pick a destination to volunteer together. I saw that several college students are spending their spring break helping to rebuild houses and businesses damaged last fall by Hurricane Helene flooding in western North Carolina. Volunteering with friends is a great way to give back while spending time with each other. Plus, when you stay in the community, you give back more by giving business to local accommodations, restaurants, and shops.
Themed TV or Movie Marathon Night
Rent a vacation villa with a movie theater room, and plan for a movie night with your favorite movie genre or TV shows. If you enjoy movie musicals, sing along to your heart’s content. Go all out with this theme and create games about movie trivia, and theme the food to a certain movie franchise or genre. Of course, you must have popcorn! You can really get creative and have so much fun with this activity.
Progressive Meal or Cookoff Challenge
Whether you’re staying in a rental or at someone’s house, divide meals between friends or do a friendly competition—everyone makes a dish (or drink) and you rate them for fun prizes. You can even make it themed—Italian night, taco night, or brunch battle! Or come up with your own version of the popular cooking show Chopped, where people must create dishes using the same few ingredients.
Game Night or Retro Slumber Party
Break out the board games, card games, or even video games for a little friendly competition.
Or have a retro slumber party with snacks, gossip magazines, karaoke, and classic games like Truth or Dare or charades. Calling all my Gen X ladies… who remembers our epic slumber parties as kids? Do kids even have sleeping bags anymore for slumber parties? That was such a major thing when I was a kid. Maybe skip the Light as a feather, stiff as a board game.
Reconnect and Relish Your Time Together
Of course, what matters most is spending time together, enjoying each other, and supporting each other to get through this thing we call life (to quote a Prince lyric). I love to plan trips, but sometimes I just need to contact some friends, find a weekend, and then figure out the plan so it happens, and then be present with each other during that weekend getaway. Because that, for me, is such a gift… giving someone your time and attention, listening and being present for them. So I wish that for you, an amazing weekend getaway with friends that leaves you all feeling closer and more connected.