It doesn’t matter if it’s June or January. No matter the season, cities like Scottsdale, New Orleans, Miami, and, of course, Las Vegas are packed full of soon-to-be brides donning skimpy white dresses and veils. For bachelorette parties looking for less crowds, cheaper bills, and more safety, that makes these cities less than ideal.
Luckily, across the United States, tons of other destinations make for memorable bachelorette parties, although they don’t seem to have made the bridal guides quite yet. So, we studied bridal websites, bachelorette blogs, city guides, Google reviews, and more to find underrated spots for bachelorette parties that will give the bride a weekend to remember. These American cities are full of activities perfect for girls’ getaways, such as hikes with scenic views, beautiful beaches perfect for grabbing a pre-wedding tan, happening bars with DJs and live music, and wineries and breweries making handcrafted beverages. Ladies, get ready to party.
Manchester, Vermont
If the bride dreams of a winter wonderland, Manchester, Vermont, is a lesser-known spot for a bachelorette party with all the skiing and snowboarding she could ask for and none of the crowds seen at cities like Aspen or Lake Tahoe. One of the top local winter sports spots is Stratton, which was named one of the best ski resorts by Ski Magazine in 2022. With 99 trails, it has slopes ideal for ski masters as well as newbies. For winter sports with less legwork, bachelorette parties can also book tour guide-led trips on snowmobiles with Vermont Mountain Adventures. Or, to see the trails in all their glory, go for a winter hike at the 914-acre Equinox Preserve.
But don’t worry — bridal parties have room for lots of chill time in Manchester, too. This charming town has many fabulous restaurants like Raven’s Den Steakhouse & Taproom, perfect for unwinding with the girls thanks to its wine and beer lists. It has one of the longest wine lists in the state, and most of its beers are made by Vermont breweries. To take a break from drinking and do some pre-wedding retail therapy, take a stroll down Main Street and shop at its one-of-a-kind stores, like Hazel & Bee Organics, which makes natural and organic skincare products and candles from honey, and Spring & Harbor Boutique, a women’s clothing and accessories store.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
With beach weather most of the year, affordable prices compared to cities like Miami, and a walkable downtown packed with bars, Clearwater is the perfect beach destination alternative for brides looking for some sun before their big day. One ideal way to get some sun, sand, and a few drinks is to book a tour with Cruisin Tiki’s, a boozy cruise that provides everything bachelorette parties need to get the party started on the Gulf of Mexico. Or, for a more laid-back afternoon, groups can simply lay out on the sand at South Beach or Pier 60. No matter where you pull out your bikini in Clearwater Beach, it will be gorgeous anyway — this destination was named the best beach in the South by USA Today.
After a day spent catching some rays, bachelorette parties can enjoy their own bar crawl at Clearwater Beach’s many beach bars with live music, dancing, tropical cocktails, and more — all within a short walk from one another. Some favorites include vibrant spots like Shephard’s, known for its live music and dancing, and Jimmy’s on the Edge, a rooftop bar. To nurse your hangover the next day, book a spa session at Tranquil Spa at Sandpearl Resort, a massive 12,000-square-foot spa offering facials, body scrubs, massages, and more. Or, for a more affordable, laid-back afternoon, book afternoon tea, complete with tea sandwiches, scones, and desserts, at Joseph’s Tea Room.
Big Sur, California
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With amazing California cliffs, seaside views, and a relaxed atmosphere, Big Sur is the place to go if the bride is the outdoorsy type. However, it doesn’t matter if her bridal party isn’t quite the same way — there are lots of glamping options in Big Sur, such as at Alila Ventana Big Sur, which offers glamping on custom mattresses inside safari-style tents surrounded by redwood trees and canyon views. All the tents also have wood-burning fire pits, instant potable water, electric lamps, power outlets, and more.
When not gossiping around the glamping site, take a trip to McWay Waterfall, an 80-foot-tall waterfall off Highway 1 that’s incredibly photogenic as it falls right on the sand in front of the ocean. Or, start off the weekend with a boozy brunch at outdoor Cafe Kevah, which has a front-seat view of the Pacific Ocean while offering dishes like breakfast burritos, brioche French toast, and eggs Benedict. Alternatively, grab dinner at its sister restaurant, Nepenthe, which has an award-winning wine list with over 400 varieties available. To enjoy an even better view of the beautiful Big Sur waters, lay out the towel at Pfeiffer Beach, a gem known for its purple sand and rock arches that, like McWay Waterfall, will definitely make your Instagram feed. This beach isn’t easy to find, but it’s worth the effort.
Sedona, Arizona
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Scottsdale is one of the most popular bachelorette party destinations in the United States. But if the bride wants those rustic Arizona vibes without the crowds, Sedona is the place. Here, bachelorette parties can enjoy the heat and hikes without seeing a bride every five minutes. One great way to kick off a bachelorette party in Sedona is with a Cathedral Rock hike. This popular hike may only be about a mile-and-a-half, but it’s packed with red rock views throughout its 740 feet of elevation. The views from the top are astonishing, and it’s also known as a vortex hike, which means energy here is spiraling from the ground and into the world, creating a spiritual, enlightening experience.
After the hike, kick back at Elote Cafe, an acclaimed farm-to-table Mexican restaurant with a killer list of tequilas and margaritas made with in-house mixers and pure agave tequila. Make sure you book this meal ahead of time — you can only eat here with a reservation, and reservations get snatched up months in advance. Another Sedona must-do is a Pink Adventure Tour. On these tours, you can explore pretty much anywhere you want in Sedona in an off-road escapade — all inside a pink Jeep. Or, for a more laid-back afternoon, check out the nearly dozen wineries on the Verde Valley Wine Trail, just a short drive from Sedona.
Watkins Glen, New York
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If the bride loves a glass of rosé, pinot noir, or chardonnay, Watkins Glen is an affordable and diverse wine destination surrounded by 60 wineries in the Seneca Lake area, one of the best wine-tasting destinations on the East Coast. Here, many of the wineries are also within a half-mile or less of the next, making a drive around Seneca Lake one that’s worth the distance. For a day out at the wineries without worrying about who’s behind the wheel, hire driving tour guides like FLX Best Wine Tours or Finger Lakes Wine Rack Tours, and you’ll get plenty of expertise with your drinks.
To walk off all that wine the next day, head on an easy yet scenic hike through Watkins Glen State Park, which is just 2 miles each way on a stone path passing 19 waterfalls. Bachelorette parties can also pack lunch to bring here and stop at one of the picnic areas that veer off the main trail. Or, for a longer, more challenging hike, head to Taughannock Falls State Park, which, if you do all three trails, amounts to about 5 miles of strolling above the park’s 215-foot waterfalls — about 40 feet higher than Niagara Falls. For dinner, walk down Watkins Glen’s main street and choose from eateries like the high-end Blue Pointe Grille, Thai restaurant Thai Elephants, or Nickel’s Pit BBQ with BBQ favorites and craft beer.
Oceanside, California
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Bachelorette parties searching for surf and sea often head to San Diego, but they can find laid-back beach vibes, public art, a thriving beer and artisan coffee scene, and plenty of outdoor activities around the corner in Oceanside. A great way to see the beach is to rent a double Surrey cart or tandem bike from Wheel Fun Rentals and cruise down Oceanside Pier, a hub of activity with concerts and vendors. Come back after dinnertime to see the Pacific Ocean lit up here with luminous blue, which occurs due to the plankton that calls this area home. Or, get as close to the water as you can with a sail with Sailing Blue Water Charters, which offers private tours that often pass dolphins, whales, and more.
However, there’s also lots to do in Oceanside away from the sea. In the downtown area, Bliss Tea & Treats offers afternoon tea, perfect for getting all dressed up with the girls and enjoying sweets, sandwiches, and tea. Bachelorette parties also love Seaside Flowers, where girls can design their own bouquets — including rare blue orchids and seashells. For an upscale dinner, book a table at MOPA Lounge, which offers a variety of upscale Italian cuisine alongside wine and cocktails. Or, opt for modern yet casual Craft Coast Beer & Tacos, a lively spot with authentic Baja-style tacos and nachos and homemade craft beer.
Jamestown, Rhode Island
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With its many mansions once owned by families like the Vanderbilts and the Astors, Newport is a pricy bachelorette destination often crowded with girl groups. However, Jamestown, just 10 minutes from Newport by car, is a more affordable and laid-back Rhode Island getaway that’s just as beautiful. Here, even a stay can be one-of-a-kind. The Lionel Champlin Guest House was once the home of a sea captain, and its multilevel Captain’s Room overlooks Narragansett Bay, and the views through the in-room binoculars are spectacular. Or, rent the Keeper’s Quarters or soldier barracks at the Rose Island Lighthouse, which can only be reached by boat.
To see the natural beauty of Jamestown, take the girls on a hike at Beavertail State Park or Fort Wetherill State Park, cliffside trails with great views of the bay and fascinating sites like buildings used by soldiers during World War II. Visitors are also bound to spot some interesting birds, such as herons or ospreys. To relax after a long hike, don’t miss out on a meal of fresh seafood from cozy seafood restaurants like General’s Crossing, a brewhouse with an everchanging and varied list of beers, or Narragansett Cafe, which also offers live music. The fried New England cod sandwich and fish and chips are must-tries on the pub-style menu.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
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Napa Valley gets plenty of bachelorette attention, but Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a wine destination that is likely new to most travelers. Even if it isn’t, it has 700 wineries, so there’s always a new winery to check out. Here, bachelorette parties can enlist an expert like A Great Oregon Wine Tour to be the designated driver and plan an itinerary with lunch and wines, starting at $210 per person. Some of the wineries that groups can explore on this tour include Archery Summit, a lack-back winery with views; White Rose Estate Winery & Vineyard, which has the look and feel of a traditional wine cave; and Beaux Frères, which features picnic tables near the vineyards for a front-row seat of the action.
For a high-end meal after a day spent perusing the valley’s wineries, ōkta is a restaurant no foodie will forget. It’s run by Chef Matthew Lightner, who hails from Michelin-starred New York City eatery Atera, and it offers a creative farm-to-table tasting menu inspired by all that grows in Willamette Valley. To top it off with something sweet, pick up dessert from Sprinkles of Joy Bakery, which bakes cupcakes, gourmet cookies, cinnamon rolls, macarons, doughnuts, and more. You can ride it off the next day on the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, which runs parallel to the Willamette River and has incredible views and many scenic stops in quaint towns.
Boulder, Colorado
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With a mix of hiking through the surrounding mountains and trails, shopping on pedestrian-only Pearl Street, countless breweries, or self-care with a yoga session or facial, Boulder, Colorado, has a little something to satisfy everyone in the bachelorette party. To get a lay of the land, groups can hop on an e-bike tour of the city, stopping at breweries like Boulder Beer Company, which has free tours and food, or Sanitas Brewing Company, which has an onsite taco stand. These breweries also offer live music, so bachelorette parties can dance the night away.
The next day, the group can get in touch with its spiritual side without getting too serious, thanks to outdoor goat yoga sessions available throughout the area, such as Rocky Mountain Goat Yoga. Or, opt for a hike at the Chautauqua Trailhead, which has an array of walks suitable for parties of any fitness level. But don’t leave Boulder without a stroll down Pearl Street, an outdoor mall with lots of boutique shops and restaurants. One of the favorites for a meal here is SALT, a farm-to-table American spot with plenty of steaks, and The Kitchen American Bistro, known for its eclectic cocktail menu and small plates perfect for sharing.
San Antonio, Texas
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San Antonio is a big city (the seventh biggest in the country, according to the San Antonio Express-News) and that means views, color, shopping, history, culture, food, and beer. The San Antonio Riverwalk is the hub of it all, a 15-mile pathway that runs along the San Antonio River with endless shops, restaurants, and bars — as well as riverboats cruising past it all, making it one of the best riverfront towns in the country. For even more shopping, head to the Historic Market Square, the biggest Mexican market outside of Mexico with over 100 vendors.
At nighttime, the list of possibilities in San Antonio grows even longer. One popular spot for bachelorette parties is Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar that offers dancing and drink buckets. It has party packages just for bachelorette gatherings, like its Brides Gone Wild package, which includes a round of drinks, table seating, and a call down to the stage for the guest of honor. For more laid-back brides, San Antonio is also home to breweries like Blue Star Brewing Company, which has an outdoor space and live music, and Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling, which gives tours of its facilities as well as tasters of beer and whiskey. No matter the hour that the girls get peckish, Mi Tierra Cafe is open all day, every day, with filling Mexican eats.
Ocean City, Maryland
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Ocean City is the Mid-Atlantic’s resort town, featuring nearly 10 miles of clean beachfront with a mix of quiet, relaxed vibes and happening bars, so a bachelorette party here can have everything. However, what often brings groups here is Seacrets, a resort with a restaurant, bars, nightclubs, and hotel — all inspired by the many resorts and beaches in Jamaica. With the range of venues, including the Main Bar, Nite Club, Tiki Stage, and Beach Stage, the party never stops, even heading into the Atlantic Ocean itself, where partygoers hang out in the surf. It’s so popular that it makes more money than most other bars in the country, going head-to-head with those in Las Vegas.
There are plenty of activities to fill the weekend in Ocean City once brides get bored of Seacrets — or hit their limit of mojitos. Ocean City’s 3-mile wooden boardwalk is a happening mix of restaurants, shops, and, yes, bars, all in front of one of the best beaches in the Northeast. There are also rides here and a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Plus, in the morning, it’s a relaxing spot for a bike ride or beachside stroll, as biking is permitted here until noon, and there are plenty of local places to rent a beach cruiser, such as Bike World, which has six locations throughout the city for easy bike pickup and drop-off.
Key West, Florida
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For a weekend of partying in the south, Key West should be your destination. In this bustling city, bachelorette parties will find plenty of opportunities for a sip, such as at Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant, where DJs spin tunes as revelers hang out by the water with tropical drinks in hand. Plus, if you let the DJ know that you have a bride in tow, they’re likely to give her a special shoutout.
For a whole night of bridal shenanigans, head to Duval Street, the center of Key West nightlife and home to plenty of bars like The Rum Bar, which, fittingly, has a colossal rum menu, and the Hog’s Breath Saloon, which has an outdoor bar and live music. It all adds up to the perfect Key West bar crawl. To relax (and recover) from it all, book a boat to a Key West sandbar to catch some sun and swim in the warm waters of Florida.
Methodology
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To create this list, we examined travel guides, personal blogs detailing bachelorette party itineraries, bridal websites, and online reviews to determine which cities featured traditional girls’ weekend activities like dancing, winery hopping, spa services, drinking, beach hanging, hiking, and biking. We then compiled a list of the cities that weren’t already known as typical bachelorette destinations and thus wouldn’t be crowded with loads of other bachelorette parties fighting their way down the aisle.
