For any soon-to-be bride, one final getaway with your favorite ladies is essential, pre-wedding. Once upon a time, going nightclubbing in Vegas or Atlantic City was the only game in town. But now there’s a lot of fun, exciting and unique destinations to consider here and abroad!
Chile
For many brides, deciding where to let loose with your squad can be stressful. Chile caters to all sorts of interests, whether that’s skiing the slopes, sipping wine, dancing the night away or exploring off-the-radar places (or all the above!). Two ski resorts — South America’s largest, Valle Nevado, and South America’s oldest, Portillo — are within day-trip distance of Santiago, the capital city. These ski resorts are ideal for those looking for out-of-the-box bachelorette party activities.
After a busy day of ski adventures, there are plenty of great spots to unwind and some après ski fun with your ladies. Hotel Valle Nevado and Hotel Portillo are fantastic options. Just a short drive away from Santiago, you can reach some of Chile’s premiere wine regions, including Maipo Valley. This is the most commonly visited and most well-known wine region closest to Santiago. The valley offers exciting wine tours that include bike rides, wine-tasting and exquisite cuisine. For those short on time, this is the best region to tour. Casablanca Valley is one of the youngest Santiago wine regions. It is known for producing Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay wines due to a cooler climate. Aconcagua Valley is set in the valleys of Chile’s central area and is 30 minutes north of Santiago. Wines from the Aconcagua Valley in Chile are a must have if you enjoy good wine!
Santiago is a vital and versatile city that is home to many events showcasing the very best of Chilean culture. The city’s diversity shines through its many contrasting neighborhoods, ranging from the lively Latino nightlife in hip Bellavista, to the adorable cafés and cute local shops at the charming Barrio Italia. Fans of the great outdoors can head for the hills or one of the city’s many parks to grab a picnic or just enjoy the marvel panoramic views of the city with the magnificent Andes as a backdrop. Whether it’s first-rate shopping opportunities at the stylish Alonso de Córdoba neighborhood, first-class dining options at Las Condes (also known as “Sanhattan” — Santiago + Manhattan), or endless legendary landmarks and museums to explore (like Bellas Artes and la Chascona), Santiago truly has it all!
Austin, Texas
Whether you’re on the hunt for wine slushies and unique insta-worthy graffiti backdrops, beer flights and BBQ, or the city’s best fried chicken, Austin is a top spot for a fling before the ring. Drink your way through The Yard, starting at St Elmo Brewing, where the popular local spot hosts a picturesque beer garden and quality, approachable brews in a laidback neighborhood setting. Plus, for those looking for something on the lighter side, St Elmo also now offers the first and only Hard Seltzer made in Austin (sure to fuel all your White Claw cravings).
Also located at The Yard adjacent to St Elmo Brewing is one of Austin’s hottest food trailers, Soursop. Chef and Owner Teddy Bricker was named one of People Magazine’s “Sexiest Chefs in America in 2017” and has worked at Michelin-starred restaurants in NYC and was named to Zagat’s first national list of “30 Under 30” rising stars in the industry in 2017.
Cross barbecue off your group’s Texas bucket list. One of Austin Monthly’s Best New Restaurants and one of Texas Monthly’s Top 25 Best New Barbecue Joints, LeRoy and Lewis is a new school barbecue truck offering a rotating selection of alternative cuts and creative sides made with locally sourced product — only serving brisket on Saturdays, and that’s OK.
Wine in an urban setting in the heart of Austin’s east side, the Infinite Monkey Theorem offers a massive space adorned with graffiti from over 20 local artists, wine slushies, tours/tastings, plus canned wine to go so you can imbibe on the go all weekend long. Fun fact: a true trendsetter, the winery was the very first to can wine in the United States.
When you’re done making your way through the city’s restaurants, check out Austin’s best music venues, after all, Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas has long been a popular destination for celebrities to flock to, and its lively and upscale ambiance translates perfectly to being the next up-and-coming bachelorette hot spot. “New five-star all-inclusive resorts keep popping up, where affordable packages — including everything from private group check-in to exclusive pool and beach butler service — provide the Hollywood-glam amenities every bride tribe deserves,” says Jen Avey, vice president of marketing for Destination Weddings Travel Group.
Fun daytime activities, such as foam pool parties, wine or tequila tastings, spa treatments or fun shopping trips to local villages provide the perfect opportunity for girlfriends to celebrate together. A boat trip to the famed arches (Los Arcos) is the picture-perfect spot for bachelorette parties to get have a quintessential Instagram-worthy photo opp.
At night, downtown Cabo San Lucas comes alive with color and excitement, where famed bars and restaurants provide an authentic experience for girls to get wild and let loose off property. A beautiful spot to stay is Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos for all-inclusive luxury.
Palm Springs, CA
Whether you are looking for some much-needed quality girl time at the pool, surrounded by whimsical floaties and drinks, or plan to spend your days celebrating around town and dancing the night away, Palm Springs is as classic as it is trendy.
Set in California’s Coachella Valley, Palm Springs has officially become the “it” hot spot for celebrating bachelorette parties. With fabulous boutique hotels, luxury resorts and vacation rental properties, you’ll have no trouble finding a hotel or home that suits your personality. The Saguaro Palm Springs is a go-to for bachelorettes looking for a vibrant, sexy and exciting time in the desert. A stylish getaway with boho flair is the Ace Hotel & Swim Club located at the southern end of Palm Springs. Want to unwind, let loose and enjoy some pre-wedding pampering? The Mediterranean-inspired Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage offers luxury amenities, spa packages, and deals that can’t be beaten.
Palm Springs also offers amazing restaurants and fabulous shopping with street fairs, boutiques — rent bikes and spin around the city for fabulous finds. When the sun goes down the night picks up with everything from live music to Vegas-esque night clubs and everything in between.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco and wine country offer a lot for you and your girls to just explore, have fun and bond. From getting your fill of chocolate [and cheese at The Cheese School] at Ghirardelli Square, exploring Fisherman’s Wharf or chilling at Golden Gate Park for the afternoon, there is so much to do, see and eat in San Francisco.
Be sure to explore the winding streets, hop on a cable car — they are located downtown and run on three lines — and check out the city’s eclectic art scene. Wanting some relaxing girl time? Check out Nob Hill Spa. The spa’s extensive services reflect the four founding cultures of San Francisco — Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Victorian — and include a variety of holistic and Ayurvedic treatments, as well as beauty and relaxation treatments influenced by diverse healing traditions. The city’s famous cable cars stop just outside the hotel entrance. In addition, complimentary chauffeur service is available for guests whose itinerary includes the Financial District or the Union Square shopping district. The hotel is also near some of the city’s well-known landmarks, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and the Embarcadero.
A great way to see the city is from the water. Hop aboard the Golden Gate Ferry and head toward Sausalito to check out boutique shops, art studios and galleries and a wide selection of restaurants, outdoor cafes and bistros, all while looking at stunning views back across the bay to the city.
And don’t forget wine country. Napa is about an hour drive from San Francisco and Sonoma County is about 45 minutes. With so many people visiting, why not arrange a private tasting room so you can enjoy your girl time. Not sure you want to drive? Check out the Napa Valley Wine Train. For $90/person, you can enjoy a train ride to wine country with lunch included. There is even an overnight package available.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville offers amazing Southern food, a rich music scene — after all, it’s not named Music City for nothing — and just an overall great time. If cities had a soundtrack, Nashville’s would be like no other. It would be a mix of music’s past, present and future with cuts of country, bluegrass, rock, pop, Americana, gospel, classical, jazz and blues, all blending and overlapping in perfect harmony.
You’ll definitely want to check out the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Music Row, where they say some of the world’s best music was written and recorded. Immerse yourself in the arts scene, including murals, iconic street art, public art, art galleries and museums — all Instagram-worthy photo opps. For shopping and dining, check out 12South, East Nashville and Hillsboro Village neighborhoods, where you will find everything from vintage shops, boutique shops, bars and cafes. Trendy Wedgewood-Houston (or “WeHo”) offers a more local flare with restaurants, distilleries, breweries, galleries, studios and workshops.
Music Valley is where world-class country music entertainment and bargain shopping can be found. Fans of the legendary Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show, can watch it live at the Grand Ole Opry House.
One of the must-stop bar/restaurants is Nashville Underground, which features four levels and has the highest, largest and only multi-level rooftop on Broadway with 360 views of downtown Nashville. And no trip to Nashville is complete until you take a walk down Honky Tonk Highway and into one of the bars. Order a drink and dance to live music all day, any day. Honky Tonk Highway is located on Lower Broadway and is a row of honky tonks pumping live music into the streets from 10 am to 3 am. And it doesn’t cost a thing — meaning no cover charge.