30 Awesome and Unique Bachelorette Party Destinations
If your idea of an awesome bachelorette entails phallic-shaped straws, matching outfits (and the requisite group pics that go along with them) and getting a table at some trendy nightclub, this probably isn’t the right list for you. While there’s certainly no shame in doing all the standard pre-wedding girls’ trip stuff (it’s a blast and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise), some brides are looking for unique ideas that don’t fall into the been-there-done-that bachelorette destination box. Maybe that’s hiking through red rocks, exploring dramatic coastal cliffs in Big Sur or navigating Iceland’s ice fields? Or, perhaps, it’s a sun-drenched escape to a less-traveled Caribbean Island. Any getaway can be an epic bachelorette as long as the bride is happy and she has her pals along for the adventure. Here, 30 of the most unique bachelorette party destinations.
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1. SANTA TERESA, COSTA RICA
Getting There: 50 minutes from Tambor Domestic Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Hotel Nantipa
Rentals: Casa Mango (sleeps 8), Sunrise Villa (sleeps 8), Casa Milya (sleeps 10)
Santa Teresa is a low-key beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula that’s the perfect blend of unspoiled scenery, laid-back atmosphere and fun. Ride around on ATVs (the roads aren’t paved, and it’s all part of the adventure, sign up for surf lessons, practice vinyasa flow in an oceanfront yoga shala, hit up one of the beach bars and snap selfies at sunset.
2. SAINT MARY’S, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Getting There: 30 minutes from V. C. Bird International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Curtain Bluff Resort
Rentals: Jolly Harbour Luxury Beach House (sleeps 13)
The Bahamas and Jamaica are awesome—but literally everyone knows that. Antigua is a laid-back and luxurious Caribbean Island that’s usually more in the consideration set for honeymooners. But it really does have all the makings of an adult (and not too bachelorette-y) bachelorette trip. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the sandy beaches, care-free vibe and upscale boutique resorts.
3. BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA
Getting There: 40 minutes from Monterey Regional Airport
Where to Stay:
Glamping: Ventana Campground
Rentals: Big Sur Luxury Home (sleeps 6), The Ocean & Us (sleeps 6), Ocean Castle (sleeps 12)
With its dramatic coastline and towering redwoods, Big Sur is endlessly beautiful. Why not celebrate your upcoming betrothal with a glamping getaway? Getting out into nature is a great way to bond with your besties. And it’s not like you’ll be roughing it. S’mores, campfire stories about the bride in her single days and comfy beds? Um, yes please!
4. REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Getting There: 45 minutes from Keflavík Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: The Reykjavik EDITION
Rentals: Kleif Farm (sleeps 10), Mid-Century Villa (sleep 7), 2-Floor House (sleeps 10)
The beauty of Reykjavik is the ability to bop between outdoor activities—from dog sledding and whale watching to hiking through lava fields and crater climbs—cultural institutions like the National Museum of Iceland and pampering pursuits. Ever heard of the Blue Lagoon Iceland? It’s a drop-dead-gorgeous geothermal spa. One more spot you're sure to swoon over? The rooftop at The Reykjavik EDITION.
5. FLORENCE, ITALY
Getting There: 30 minutes from Florence Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: 25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino
Rentals: Il Fienile (sleeps 2), La Tre Stanze (sleeps 4), 15th-Century Apartment (sleeps 8)
Is it possible for everyone to jet off to Florence for a long weekend? Absolutely not. But, if you can swing it with work and finances, there’s a whole lot of upside to spending your bachelorette in the Cradle of the Renaissance. Art museums, pasta, gelato, river views, handcrafted leather and a short drive to some of the best wineries in the world—now that’s amore!
6. JAMESTOWN, RHODE ISLAND
Getting There: 30 minutes from Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: East Bay Bed & Breakfast
Rentals: Charming Central Jamestown Cottage (sleeps 6)
Lots of brides plan their bash in Newport. But few even know about the nearby small town of Jamestown. So, we’re going to let you in on a little secret: The seafood restaurants, cute shops and frame-worthy views of Narragansett Bay make it a great choice if you’re down for charm but keen to avoid the crowds.
7. SAYULITA, MEXICO
Getting There: 1 hour from Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Playa Escondida
Rentals: Casa Brooks (sleeps 6), Casa Kiara (sleeps 6), Villa Colina (sleeps 10), Casa Paloma (sleeps 16)
We’re not saying Cabo, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are passé, but they’ve def been done…a lot. Craving a more chill seaside town that’s still vibrant and far less touristy? Consider staying at a small boutique hotel in Sayulita, a Pueblo Mágico on Mexico's Pacific coast that has beautiful beaches, enchanting architecture, tradition and authentic food without the crowds or sprawling all-inclusive resorts.
8. OJAI, CALIFORNIA
Getting There: 2 hours from Los Angeles International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Ojai Valley Inn
Rentals: Rolling Thunder Ranch (sleeps 15), Designer Cottage (sleeps 2), Casa Grande (sleeps 14)
You’ve done coastal California more times than you can count, so why not drive inland? Ojai is a charming small town where you can eat great food (The Nest and Ojai Tortilla House are two of our fave eateries), do a little shopping and go hiking. It certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s home to one of the best hotels in the Golden State—the Ojai Valley Inn, which is a destination in its own right.
9. DAUFUSKIE ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA
Getting There: 1 hour 20 minutes from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport
Where to Stay:
Rentals: The Captain's Choice (sleeps 8), Charming Beach Cottage (sleeps 6), Ocean Front House (sleeps 10), Sweetgum Cottage (sleeps 12)
Located between the popular vacation destinations of Hilton Head Island and Savannah, under-the-radar Daufuskie Island is a hidden gem with a population of just 500 that’s only accessible by boat. If the lady of the hour is sure to lose her mind over bottlenose dolphins leaping out of the waves and loggerhead turtles nesting on the pristine shoreline, this tiny Southern island is your spot.
10. PARIS, FRANCE
Getting There: 1 hour from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain
Rentals: The Jungle Book (sleeps 4), Liberator (sleeps 4), Postcard from Le Marais (sleeps 10), Stillness & Silence (sleeps 8)
Paris is always a good idea, whether it’s for a romantic weekend with your sweetie or a girl’s trip. In the City of Light, you can trade the traditional bachelorette trappings for fashionable shops, chic French bistros and traipsing around trendy Saint-Germain-des-Prés. If the bride is into art, say “oui oui” to booking a private nighttime tour of the Louvre.
11. CARTAGENA, COLUMBIA
Getting There: 30 minutes from Rafael Núñez International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Rentals: San Pedro Claver (sleeps 4), Floating Penthouse Loft (sleeps 8), Luxury Condo (sleeps 6), Old City Lux Villa (sleeps 8)
Cartagena is a colorful colonial city with art, culture, incredible local cuisine and a vibrant nightlife scene. It also has beautiful beaches and private islands off the coast for a little day-trip boat action. All this sounds like a pretty perfect bachelorette destination to us. The second your eyes meet the bougainvillea-draped pastel facades of its most charming buildings, we know you’ll agree.
12. SEDONA, ARIZONA
Getting There: 2 hours from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Casa Sedona Inn
Rentals: Spectacular Sedona Home (sleeps 6), Rusted Root (sleeps 6), Boulder's Beauty (sleeps 4)
Everyone and their sisters have done Scottsdale. Head to Sedona for the same sunny skies taken up a bunch of notches by otherworldly red rocks, hikes for all skill levels, Pink Jeep tours and stargazing. Why not treat the bride to a massage at a ritzy spa resort? On the spiritual side of things, venture to one of the many vortexes or do a sound bath.
13. MOSS, TENNESSEE
Getting There: 1 hour 40 minutes from Nashville Airport
Where to Stay:
Tiny Cabin: Getaway Dale Hollow
Rentals: Custom Cabin (sleeps 36), Lakehouse (sleeps 16), Bright Celina Apt (Sleeps 5)
It sort of feels like you can’t go a block or two without stumbling upon a bachelorette party in Nashville. Less than two hours outside of the Music City sits a very different type of girls’ getaway, one that's geared towards fresh air, leafy trees and snoozing in glamping cabins or lake homes. Since Moss is close to the historic city of Celina, you can still plan a mellow night out.
14. ST KITTS
Getting There: 20 minutes from Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport
Where to Stay:
Rentals: Villa Alamandra (sleeps 8), Gorgeous Villa Beach Home (sleeps 8), KOI Villa (sleeps 14)
It’s not the easiest Caribbean island to get to, and that’s probably why St Kitts isn’t overrun with tourists. Pass the time by playing some fun bachelorette games on the plane. Once you land, it's all golden sand beaches, fresh seafood, rainforest excursions and just a handful of resorts that never feel crowded. Seems well worth connecting flights to us.
15. OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA
Getting There: 50 minutes from San Diego International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Mission Pacific Hotel, Springhill Suites San Diego Oceanside
Rentals: Pebble Paradise (sleeps 16), The Secret Garden (sleeps 6), Surfside Suite (sleeps 6)
San Diego gets a lot of love, bachelorette and otherwise. Just 45 minutes up the coast sits Oceanside. Beautiful sandy beaches, an iconic wooden pier and a photogenic harbor, plus two new buzzy boutique hotels (The Seabird Resort and Mission Pacific Hotel) and a slew of exciting restaurants, make this small seaside city one to watch—and visit.
16. HONOLULU, HAWAII
Getting There: 20 minutes from Honolulu Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: The Laylow, Autograph Collection
Rentals: Waikiki Beach Tower (sleeps 6), Royal Kuhio (sleeps 6)
Who wouldn’t want to have their bachelorette in the Aloha State? Honolulu is paradise and has a bit more going on than some of the other more low-key, albeit incredibly lovely, islands. That’s great news for ladies who like loads of activities (surfing, snorkeling and crater hikes to name a few) as well as dining and nightlife to complement stunning, palm-fringed sandy beaches.
17. TELLURIDE, COLORADO
Getting There: 1 hour 20 minutes from Montrose Regional Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Madeline Hotel & Residences
Rentals: Clubhouse (sleeps 6), Great Wide Open (sleeps 8), Annie's Song (sleeps 6)
For a bride who loves to ski, you can’t beat Telluride. Even during the off-season when it's not possible to swish down the slopes (or imbibe in the après ski scene) , there’s still plenty to appeal about this former mining town turned outdoor recreation hotspot in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Go hiking, try fly fishing, dine at some of the well-known local restaurants or just wander around the historic downtown.
18. VICTORIA, CANADA
Getting There: 28 minutes from Victoria International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: The Magnolia Hotel & Spa
Rentals: Charming Victoria Loft (sleeps 4), Modern Harbourview Getaway (sleeps 4), The Falls (sleeps 5)
Victoria is an unexpectedly awesome destination for a weekend of wellness. First up, Ritual Nordic Spa, a Scandinavian-style sanctuary with various types of saunas, a eucalyptus steam room, plunge pools and a salt lounge. You’ll find a robust menu of treatments at the Willow Stream Spa. The capital of British Columbia also boasts plenty of buzzy bars and restaurants if you’re keen to take your post-facial glow out on the town.
19. HUDSON, NEW YORK
Getting There: 2 hours 20 minutes from John F. Kennedy International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: The Amelia Hotel
Rentals: Gallic Americana (sleeps 6), Venus In Furs (sleeps 6)
A two-hour train ride away from the “City That Never Sleeps,” is a totally different type of bachelorette destination. One that’s far more restful and relaxing. In Hudson, days are filled with shopping along the quaint main drag, savoring farm-to-table fare at local eateries, bopping around to art galleries and going hiking at the many gorgeous nature areas.
20. PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA
Getting There: 40 minutes from Liberia International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Rentals: Oceanview Condo (sleeps 8), Beach House Hermosa (sleeps 18), Villa Baula (sleeps 6)
If you’re more about the finer things than free shots and dancing til dawn, Peninsula Papagayo presents the perfect opportunity for a sun-splashed bachelorette escape that’s all about luxury and pura vida. The splurge-worthy Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo does relaxation so well (think: body scrubs, yoga, poolside loungers and exceptional service). There are also tons of activities, from zip lining to mixology classes.
22. WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON
Getting There: 1 hour 15 minutes from Portland International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Atticus Hotel
Rentals: Cozy Farm House (sleeps 10), Carlton Gates (sleeps 10), River Haven (sleeps 4)
You’ve been to Napa and Sonoma, which means it’s time to set your sights on a new wine destination. Fans of Pinot noir—and really anyone who fancies terroir-driven sips— won’t find a better place than Willamette Valley. It’s an idyllic area with quiet charm, world-class wineries and tasting rooms, farm-to-fork restaurants, small inns and beautifully verdant, vine-covered scenery.
22. BERMUDA
Getting There: 15 minutes from L.F. Wade International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Royal Palms Hotel
Rentals: Airy Cottage (sleeps 4), Tranquil Garden Home (sleeps 6), Sunset Studio (sleeps 4)
The sunny British island territory of Bermuda is a perfect place to bliss out for a few days. Home to pink sand beaches, turquoise tides, golf courses (the most leisurely and social of sports, we’re told), relaxing resorts and maritime history, it’s truly a stress-free escape that will put all the hoopla of place cards, floral arrangements and late RSVPs very far away.
23. LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Getting There: 10 minutes from Louisville International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: The Galt House Hotel
Rentals: Highlands House (sleeps 8), Historic Old Brownstone (sleeps 4), Downtown Condo (sleeps 6)
Not every bride goes on a silly wedding diet. For ladies who still want to take a bite of life, Louisville is a delicious destination that’s not to be missed. In between memorable meals, carve out some time to ride the Belle of Louisville, the oldest operating Mississippi River-style steamboat in the world, and visit Copper & Kings American Brandy Company.
24. ZION NATIONAL PARK
Getting There: 1 hour from St. George Regional Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Under Canvas Zion
Rentals: Luxury Home (sleeps 8), Red Rock Oasis (sleeps 56), Southwest Style Home (sleeps 10)
A full-throttle, action-packed wilderness adventure to a southwest Utah nature preserve isn’t necessarily the first thing that screams bachelorette party to everyone. But, for an outdoorsy bride who likes trekking, stargazing, camping or glamping and breathtaking desert scenery, exploring the massive red sandstone cliffs, slot canyons and waterways (Google the “Zion Narrows wading hike”) in Zion National Park might just be the ultimate pre-wedding trip.
25. STOWE, VERMONT
Getting There: 40 minutes from Burlington International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Green Mountain Inn
Rentals: Cozy Nook (Sleeps 8), Mountain Retreat (Sleeps 12), Mountain Home (Sleeps 8)
One of the best small towns in the Green Mountain State, Stowe is a cozy, scenic and deliberately slower place to plan a New England-charm-steeped bachelorette that will leave your heart full of fond memories—skiing in the winter, jaunts to Smugglers’ Notch State Park and Moss Glen Falls during the warmer months, historic walking tours, peeping art at The Current—and your camera roll full of spectacular photos.
26. TUCSON, ARIZONA
Getting There: 15 minutes from Tucson International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Rentals: Private Retreat (Sleeps 6), Mountain Home (Sleeps 10), Desert Vista (Sleeps 8)
A weekend of wellness in a cacti-dotted desert setting is a wonderful alternative to a few days of debauchery. On the docket in Tucson? Pampering spa sessions at one of the many wellness resorts (FYI you can purchase a day pass for Canyon Ranch Tucson), hiking and unwinding by the pool. Needless to say, you’re guaranteed to have a great time and leave feeling totally rejuvenated, closer to your besties and ready to walk down the aisle.
27. TORONTO, CANADA
Getting There: 25 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: 1 Hotel Toronto
Rentals: Charming Home (Sleeps 12), Modern Home (Sleeps 8), Cottage Smart Home (Sleeps 5)
A lot of groups go to Montreal. Toronto, however, has yet to take off as a big bachelorette destination. That’s surprising given that this vibrant city along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore offers a mix of waterfront recreation, excellent public parks, towering skyscrapers and tons of attractions—among them the famous 553-meter CN Tower and the High Park Zoo. Needless to say, neither the bride (nor her maids) will be bored for even a moment, eh?
28. BOULDER, COLORADO
Getting There: 55 minutes from Denver International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: St Julien Hotel & Spa, Boulder Marriott
Rentals: Modern Home (sleeps 6), Garden Home (sleeps 8), Farm House (sleeps 8)
Not every bride wants to party. For gals who would rather spend their free time focusing on more personally fulfilling pursuits, the bohemian college town of Boulder is a top pick. It’s got gorgeous scenery, excellent hiking, tons of healthy food (and is super vegan-friendly if that factors in at all), and a walkable downtown area with lots of stores, cafes and outdoor eateries.
29. VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO
Getting There: 10 minutes from Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: Malecon House
Rentals: Oceanfront Home (sleeps 8), Private Villa (sleeps 10), Luxury Villa (sleeps 8)
There’s no shortage of bars and casinos in San Juan, but Vieques offers a decidedly more low-key bachelorette with plenty of sunshine, sand, azure tides, swaying palms, seafood and Pitorro cocktails. It’s the type of getaway that feels like an actual break from real life—which, for frenzied brides, is sure to be a welcome change of pace from dress alterations and band setlists.
30. CALISTOGA, CALIFORNIA
Getting There: 2 hours from San Francisco International Airport
Where to Stay:
Hotels: The Bergson
Rentals: Ranch Estate (sleeps 6), Luxury Villa (Sleeps 14), Vineyard Estate (Sleeps 12)
No shade to Sonoma (it’s truly one of the most magical grape-focused destinations in the world), but a Cali wine country bachelorette bash isn’t a really novel idea—with one major exception. Calistoga is a quaint country town that’s just as much about hot springs and mud wraps as sipping vino at the many splendid wineries and tasting rooms. Since it’s a bit further away from the regular tourist routes, it also gives off those oh-so-glorious off-the-beaten-path vibes.
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