12 of the Best Girls Weekend Getaways in the South
These girls trips in the South include beach towns, historic cities with beautiful views, and lively destinations with activities for everyone in the group!
Planning a girls weekend in the South? You're in for a treat! The Southern U.S. is packed with charming cities, gorgeous beaches and vibrant cultures that make for unforgettable weekends with your crew. From historic coastal towns to mountain escapes and music-filled nights, these destinations offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and photo-worthy moments.
I've visited most of these cities with friends (and a couple solo), and they never disappoint. Whether your group is into boutique shopping and brunch, outdoor adventures or soaking up live music and local history, the Southern U.S. has something for everyone. Plus, most of these spots are pretty budget-friendly and easy to reach, making them perfect for that spontaneous getaway you've been dreaming about.
So grab your friends, pick a weekend and get ready to explore some of the best Southern girls trip destinations in Florida, Texas, South Carolina and beyond!
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the Southern belle of girls trip destinations. This coastal city oozes charm with its rainbow row of pastel houses, cobblestone streets and historic architecture around every corner. Your crew will love strolling through the French Quarter, browsing the art galleries and boutiques on King Street, and shopping for souvenirs at Charleston City Market (I picked up the prettiest postcards that looked like water color paintings).
The food scene here is next level. Make reservations at hotspots like Husk or Magnolias, or keep it casual with a picnic at Waterfront Park. You can also book a historic homes tour, take a sunset harbor cruise, or rent bikes to explore the Battery. If your group is into beaches, Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach are perfect for an afternoon excursion. I’m a national parks girly, so I added on a day trip to Congaree, which is a couple of hours away.
What makes Charleston perfect for a girls weekend is the walkability and variety. You can dress up for fancy dinners one night and keep it casual with beach vibes the next. The city has a laid-back Southern hospitality, and there are endless photo ops with those gorgeous mansions and hanging Spanish moss.
You'll want to book accommodations early if you plan to stay downtown because this place is popular, especially during spring and fall when the weather is absolutely perfect.
Savannah, Georgia
Just a couple of hours south of Charleston, Savannah has a more mysterious vibe, with oak-lined squares, ghost tours and that perfect Southern Gothic atmosphere that makes every corner feel like a movie set. Your group will love the historic district, where you can wander through 22 different squares, each with its own personality and charm.
River Street is another hub of activity, with a cobblestone waterfront lined with shops, pubs and restaurants housed in old cotton warehouses. Grab drinks on a rooftop bar, take a riverboat cruise or just people-watch while munching on pralines from one of the candy shops.
Don't miss Forsyth Park with its iconic fountain — it's the perfect spot for a group photo. For shopping, Broughton Street has everything from national brands to local boutiques, and City Market is great for finding unique gifts and catching live music in an open-air setting.
Book a ghost walk for a spooky evening adventure, or keep it classy with afternoon tea at the Gryphon Tea Room (I loved this one for all the bookshelves and scones with clotted cream). The best time to visit is spring or fall when the weather cooperates, but honestly, Savannah has a charm that works year-round. Just be ready to walk a lot!
Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee
Nashville is the obvious choice for a girls trip that's all about music, food, and good times. Broadway is the heart of the action with honky-tonks lining every block, live music pouring out of every door, and bachelorette parties everywhere you turn. But there's so much more to Nashville than just the bars.
Check out the murals in the Gulch and 12 South neighborhoods, brunch at Biscuit Love or The Mockingbird, and explore the trendy boutiques and vintage shops scattered throughout the city.
The food scene is incredible, from hot chicken at Prince's or Hattie B's to upscale dining at The Catbird Seat (I haven’t tried it yet, but a girl can dream). Make time for the Country Music Hall of Fame if anyone in your group is a music buff, or visit the Parthenon in Centennial Park for something totally unexpected. And don't sleep on the rooftop bars like L.A. Jackson and Acme Feed & Seed for amazing views of the city. Use this guide to plan a Nashville girls trip!
Now, if you want to escape the Broadway crowds but keep the Southern charm and live music, head 30 minutes south to Franklin. This adorable town is perfect for a more relaxed girls getaway or a day trip from Nashville.
Downtown Franklin is filled with boutiques and charming cafes. You can hop on a trolley tour of historic sites, browse the Factory at Franklin, or do something a little adventurous like biking the Natchez Trace Parkway. Hop over to nearby Leipers Fork for open mic nights at Fox & Locke or to Arrington Vineyards for tastings. Plan your Franklin girls weekend with this guide!
The combination of Nashville's energy and Franklin's small-town charm makes this duo perfect for a girls weekend that has a little bit of everything. Stay in Franklin for a quieter home base, or crash in Nashville if you want to be in the thick of it.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is one of the most underrated outdoorsy girls trip destinations in the South. This city sits along the Tennessee River with mountains as a backdrop, giving you the perfect combo of nature adventures and urban fun. If your crew loves being active, there are tons of hiking options nearby. Lookout Mountain has incredible views, and Ruby Falls offers a cool underground waterfall experience (skip it if you don’t like crowds or tight spaces).
Downtown Chattanooga has really come into its own in recent years. The Bluff View Art District is adorable with galleries, coffee shops, and river views, while the Southside has trendy restaurants and breweries. Walk across the Walnut Street Bridge for amazing photo ops and on the north side and grab books and coffee from the historic plazas along Frazier Avenue.
For accommodations, there are some really cute boutique hotels downtown, and you can’t go wrong with the elegant, 1920s vibes at the Read House (bonus points if you like spooky ghost stories). The food scene leans casual but delicious — think craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and Southern comfort food with a modern twist. Edley’s Bar-B-Que is my favorite place to eat in Chattanooga so far and my mouth still waters when I think about the grits casserole.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is where your artsy, outdoorsy girlfriends will feel right at home. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this North Carolina city has a quirky, bohemian vibe that's unlike anywhere else in the South. Downtown Asheville is packed with local breweries, art galleries, vintage shops and farm-to-table restaurants.
Start your day with coffee and pastries at one of the many cute cafes, then pop into Woolworth Walk for local art and Grove Arcade to browse a few shops (it’s worth it just to see the inside of this building) before grabbing lunch at the S&W Market food hall.
The Biltmore Estate is a must-visit if you're into history and architecture — it's known as America's largest home and the gardens are absolutely stunning. If you have craft beer lovers in your group, you can easily spend an afternoon hopping between breweries like Wicked Weed and Highland Brewing.
But the real magic of Asheville is in the nature surrounding it. Take a day trip to hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, chase waterfalls in surrounding forests, or just drive the scenic routes with the windows down. In fall, the leaf colors are absolutely insane.
The town has a laid-back, welcoming energy that makes it perfect for a low-key girls trip where you can disconnect and recharge. Plus, there are tons of cute bed-and-breakfasts in historic neighborhoods near downtown that will charm the whole crew (I stayed in the Black Walnut last time and highly recommend it).
Gulf Shores, Alabama
If your girls trip calls for beach time without the Florida price tag, Gulf Shores is your answer. This Alabama beach town on the Gulf Coast has shockingly white sand beaches, warm turquoise water, and a much more relaxed vibe than some of the more touristy beach destinations. It's perfect for a group that just wants to lay out, sip frozen drinks, and catch up without any pressure to do a million activities.
The beaches here are the main attraction, obviously. Spend your days swimming, paddleboarding or just napping under an umbrella with a good book. For something different, take a dolphin cruise, rent jet skis for an afternoon of adventure or grab bikes to explore boardwalks in Gulf State Park.
The food scene is all about fresh seafood – try The Gulf for casual waterfront dining with converted shipping containers on a lawn and Zeke’s for a slightly more elevated, woman-owned seafood restaurant at a marina. The Hangout is a popular beachfront restaurant and bar where you can grab lunch and drinks with live music, and Flora-Bama is a legendary dive bar right on the Alabama-Florida border that's a must-visit for the full Gulf Shores experience. Make sure to order a bushwacker while you’re in town!
We stayed at The Lodge at Gulf State Park on a super chill stretch of beach. Some of the rooms have bunk beds, which could be fun if you’re trying to split a room with three or four friends!
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville might not be the first place that comes to mind for a girls trip, but this North Alabama city is seriously cool and totally underrated. I also live there, so I know the best spots. Known as "Rocket City" because of its space and defense industry history, Huntsville has undergone major growth in recent years with a thriving downtown, excellent restaurants and surprisingly great outdoor activities.
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the main character here, and even if you're not space nerds, it's actually pretty fun. You can see real life rockets, touch a moon rock and learn about the history of space exploration. Downtown Huntsville has cute coffee shops, local boutiques and antiques, beautiful walking paths at Big Spring Park, and the Von Braun Center for shows and events. Check out the Campus No. 805 or Stovehouse for food, live music, and a chill hangout vibe and the Orion Amphitheatre for concerts.
For outdoor lovers, Monte Sano State Park has trails with incredible views of the city and the Land Trust of North Alabama has nine nature preserves in Madison County where you can hike to waterfalls, up ridges and through forests.
What makes Huntsville great for a girls trip is that it's different from the typical Southern city experience, especially if you’ve already visited some of the big hitters. You get culture, history and nature all in one affordable package. Plus, it’s just a couple of hours from Nashville and Chattanooga, so if you’re road tripping the South with your gals, it’s a must-stop.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is for the history-loving group of girlfriends who want something different from the typical beach trip. This is the oldest city in the United States, and you can feel the legacy in every cobblestone street. The downtown area is incredibly walkable with cute shops, restaurants and historical sites packed into a compact area that's easy to explore over a weekend.
Start with the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a 17th-century fort right on the water, then wander through the narrow streets of the historic district checking out the Spanish colonial architecture. St. George Street is the main pedestrian zone with shops and restaurants. If you're into spooky stuff, St. Augustine is known as one of the most haunted cities in America and has tons of ghost tours at night. It’s also beautiful during the Christmas season when Nights of Lights fills downtown with millions of twinkles.
Several barrier island beaches are just a short drive from downtown. For a unique experience, visit Anastasia State Park and beach, where you can kayak through salt marshes and see wildlife. The nearby St. Augustine Lighthouse is also a must-see and you can climb to the top for views.
The food scene leans toward seafood and Spanish-influenced dishes, with tons of cute cafes and wine bars for evening hangouts.
Austin and Georgetown, Texas
The Texas capital has live music around every corner, incredible food trucks and restaurants, quirky shops, and a laid-back energy. Start your mornings with breakfast tacos (it's basically a requirement), then spend your days exploring South Congress with its vintage stores and Instagram-worthy murals, or hitting up Barton Springs Pool for a refreshing swim in the natural spring-fed water.
The food scene in Austin is insanely good. From barbeque at Terry Black's to pizza at Home Slice (trust me), you'll eat well here. The nightlife is centered around 6th Street and Rainey Street, where you can bar hop between live music venues, rooftop hangouts and converted bungalow bars. During the day, rent paddle boards on Lady Bird Lake and stick around for sunset to check out the bats flying from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.
If you want a break from the city, head 30 minutes north to Georgetown, home of the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas.” This picturesque town has a historic square filled with boutiques, antique shops, and local restaurants. On a Georgetown girls weekend, you can float the San Gabriel River, visit the Blue Hole swimming spot, or bike along the river.
The combination of Austin's energy and Georgetown's small-town charm gives you the best of both worlds. Fair warning — this part of Texas gets very hot in summer, so winter, early spring and late fall are the sweet spots for weather.
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Pete is where art meets beach, and it's honestly one of the coolest, underhyped cities in Florida. Your crew will love the vibrant downtown filled with colorful murals, the Dali Museum (even if you're not art people, it's impressive), and the white sand beaches just minutes away.
Start your day with brunch at one of the many cute cafes downtown, then spend the afternoon at St. Pete Beach or Pass-a-Grille Beach soaking up the sun. For a less-crowded patch of sand, Fort DeSoto State Park is less than 30 minutes south.
The Sunken Gardens is a tropical paradise right in the city, and the Saturday Morning Market has local vendors, food and live music. The St. Pete Pier downtown is also a beautiful spot for a walk or to watch the sunrise over Tampa Bay (it faces East). You can also take a day trip to nearby Tampa for more options, or head up and down the coast beach hopping to spots like Clearwater.
St. Pete is one of the easiest beach destinations in Florida to reach from out of state, since you have both St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport nearby. The weather is pretty much ideal for beaching year-round, though summers are super hot and you need to watch out for hurricane season. If you have a big girls trip budget, definitely look into staying at the iconic pink The Don CeSar (it’s a splurge but sharing a room helps bring down the cost).
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs is probably the most underrated girls trip destination on this list. This Arkansas town is built around natural hot springs that people have been soaking in for centuries, and it has this quirky, retro charm that makes it feel like you've stepped back in time.
The main attraction is Bathhouse Row on Central Avenue, where you can book spa treatments using the actual thermal spring water that comes straight from the mountain. At the Quapaw Baths & Spa, you can soak in the hot pools or private baths, get massages and relax with your crew. The Fordyce Bathhouse is now a museum where you can learn about the history of the area as a health resort destination.
After your spa day, explore downtown Hot Springs with its antique shops, art galleries and local restaurants and walk the Grand Promenade that runs parallel to Central Avenue. The town sits at the edge of Hot Springs National Park (Bathhouse Row is actually part of it), so there are nearby hiking trails with views. Take a ride to the top of Hot Springs Mountain Tower for a sweeping overlook of the town and park.
For adventure girlies like me, I recommend heading to nearby Lake Catherine State Park for a hike to Falls Creek Falls. Garvan Woodland Gardens and the stunning Anthony Chapel are also a must-see outside of town.
The food scene is casual Southern comfort food, and there are some fun bars along Central Avenue like the historic Ohio Club and Superior Bathhouse Brewery (where the beers are brewed with thermal water). It's the perfect destination for a girls trip focused on wellness and relaxation without being too fancy or expensive.
New Orleans, Louisiana
No other girls trip destination in the South combines food, music, history, and pure fun quite like NOLA. This city knows how to party, but it's also incredibly rich in culture and has a unique vibe you won't find anywhere else.
Start your mornings with beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter, then explore the French Market for shopping and people-watching. The Garden District is absolutely gorgeous with its historic mansions and oak-lined streets — take a walking tour or just wander around with your camera. The food scene is legendary, from po'boys and gumbo to fancy Creole restaurants, you'll want to eat your way through the city.
New Orleans is also perfect for groups because there's something for everyone. Want to party? Hit Bourbon Street. Want culture? Visit the National WWII Museum or take a cemetery tour. Want to shop? Magazine Street has six miles of boutiques and vintage stores.
The city has a "let the good times roll" mentality that's infectious, and the architecture and history around every corner make it endlessly photogenic. Just be prepared for crowds, especially during Mardi Gras season and major events.
More girls trips, please
I go on an absurd amount of girls trips, so here are a few more guides to help you plan your next one!
Girls getaway in Jacksonville, Florida
Girls trip to San Diego, California
