These beach destinations in the US and around the world are perfect for your next girls’ getaway.
Are you starting to brainstorm ideas for your next girls’ holiday? A beach trip is a no-brainer for fun in the sun, but then comes the question of which coastal community to visit. It’s hard to beat the tropical charisma of Maui or Ko Phi Lei. Then again, the Comporta oozes off-the-beaten-track charm that’s too flattering for those done-it-yourselfers. Just want to steal away for the weekend? Consider a coastal place that’s a direct flight from several major US airports (ahem, the Bahamas). Or maybe it’s time to try something new and go to an unexpected place like Bocas del Toro.
Here are our top picks for a sunny holiday with your friends.
1 – Bermuda
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The Bermuda archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 640 miles off the coast of North Carolina, has pink sand beaches, turquoise waters, and golf courses. Its culture blends British and American influences, and its proximity to the United States makes it an easy girls’ weekend getaway, especially for the East Coast. Book a room at the luxurious Rosewood Bermuda Hotel to sip rum and watch the sailboats glide past.
2. Maui, Hawaii
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Active groups of friends will love the countless adventures that await on Maui. The warm, crystal waters are ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. For hiking, there is no better place than Haleakala National Park with its lush forests, streams, cascading pools, waterfalls, and a 10,023-foot dormant volcano. Of course, you could spend the entire trip sipping mai tais in the pool at Montage Kapalua Bay and be very happy with that decision.
3. Comporta, Portugal
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Drive an hour south of Lisbon and you’ll reach Comporta, an idyllic seaside village with pristine beaches, sand dunes, and vast rice fields. Unpretentious in a hypnotic way, its relaxed atmosphere seems to induce a sense of calm in all who visit – including groups of friends. Set on the sands of Praia Comporta, Ilha do Arroz is a relaxing place to share octopus rice and a bottle of vinho verde with your besties.
4. Manhattan Beach, California
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Located just 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach is the perfect destination for relaxing with your squad. Whether you like sunbathing, surfing, taking selfies, or shopping, this simple Southern California community has you covered. Stroll along the Strand, hang ten (or just watch from the sand), snap a few photos with the ladies on the Manhattan Beach pier, and buy matching bracelets at one of the souvenir shops.
5. Ko Phi Phi Lee, Thailand
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A girls’ trip to one of the most beautiful locations in Thailand? definitely! Uninhabited – save hikers and overnight resort guests – Ko Phi Phi Lee is a cinematic island in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi Marine National Park that you might recognize as the setting from a Leonardo DiCaprio movie. Of course, the natural beauty of limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and world-famous beaches speaks for itself.
6. Grand Cayman
As far as beach destinations go, few hold a candle to Grand Cayman, the Caribbean island whose crescent-shaped Seven Mile Beach is among its draws. You will have a lot of quality time while lounging on the sun loungers in Palm Heights. The oh-so-chic is also the perfect excuse to spoil your chic new holiday outfit (who better bring fashion than your friends, right?) to sunset cocktails and fresh seafood.
7. Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
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Located on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Peninsula Papagayo is an ecotourism hub that is also home to stunning beaches and the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica on the Papagayo Peninsula. All this allows friends to customize their itineraries to include a little bit of everything — bird watching, horseback riding, spa sessions, blending lessons, hitting links, kayaking in the bay, and catching the sun by the pool.
8. Bocas del Toro Town, Panama
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Located at the southern tip of Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro Town offers just the right mix of adventure and relaxation for a girls’ vacation that won’t be boring (but will have plenty of free time). Dedicate the morning hours to surfing lessons or spotting rare red-billed tropical birds and the afternoons to relaxing on the sand with a fruity cocktail. I wonder what to do in the evening? Go dancing or hit up one of the cool beach bars.
9. St. Augustine, Florida
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If your crew digs beautiful Atlantic beaches, delicious food, and history, St. Augustine, on Florida’s northeast coast, is the perfect place to hang out for a few days. As frame-worthy photos make for the most memorable souvenirs, the oldest city in the continental United States also has centuries-old foundations, grand homes, and a 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos for Instagrammable backgrounds.
10. Paradise Island, Bahamas
Linked by two bridges to the bustling capital of the Bahamas, the aptly named Paradise Island is the stress-free getaway for friends who love relaxing at a resort where blue skies, sunshine, and average temperatures in the high 70s are guaranteed. Geared more toward adult vacationers, The Cove at Atlantis features 600 luxury suites with ocean views and an adults-only pool with private cabanas. Guests also have access to the water park, casino, and several different restaurants.
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