Just in case you’re one of the few who has yet to hear about Galentine’s Day, it was coined by superwoman Leslie Knope on “Parks and Recreation,” and offers the perfect excuse for a girls’ getaway, particularly for those who are single and don’t want to spend the romantic day alone. These Galentine’s escapes are sure to make for an especially unforgettable holiday without the relationship stress.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Sin City seems may be an obvious choice, but there’s a reason it’s so popular for gals’ getaways. While party animals love it, it’s also a great choice for a group with a lot of different interests, as there are plenty of upscale restaurants, world-class shows, and luxury spa treatments to be enjoyed, right next to those strip clubs, slot machines, VIP bottle-service clubs and all-you-can-eat buffets. Take your pick of rooftop or poolside parties that take place across the city and check the calendar of events to find out if there is anything special going on, odds are, there will be lots to choose from.
South Beach, Miami, Florida
A great place to go when you aren’t looking to meet Mr. Right, Miami is where you go when you want to have a good time now. Enjoy mingling on the beach filled with an endless array of beautiful people, and if you want to rub elbows with a celebrity, stay at one of the luxury hotels in South Beach. If you’ve got post-partying fatigue, there is nothing better than a detoxifying day at the spa. With VIP perks like world-class beaches, renowned restaurants, innumerable poolside cabanas, and the cabana boys that staff them, South Beach is one of the best places to forget about your worries and let loose.
Savannah, Georgia
One of Georgia’s top destinations, Savannah is beloved for its southern charm and friendly atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for a girl’s trip, as it’s a very walkable small city that’s scenic, quaint, and has lots to do. Groups of girlfriends can find top-notch restaurants and fun bars here that actually let you take your drink outside in a to-go cup to sip while you stroll! Tour a historic home and take a stroll through some of Savannah’s many parks and public squares.
San Diego, California
With a rare and wonderful number of sunny days and prime access to the beach, San Diego is a top getaway spot for women of all ages, interests, and hobbies. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, sign up for a scuba diving camp and learn something new with your favorite gals. Obviously, surfing is a big deal here too. San Diego has lots more going on than just the beach too. Some of California’s best attractions and theme parks are located here, as well as rejuvenating resorts, fine art, fascinating cultural events, and world-class golf courses.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans offers endless things to do, combining the best of both worlds with a party scene on par with Vegas and a southern culture scene to balance out all those tropical drinks on Bourbon Street. This is an excellent destination for foodies who want to sample the South’s best crawfish, shrimp, beignets, gumbo, and jambalaya. Magazine Street is known for its cute boutique shops, and Frenchman Street is the place to go for live jazz music on a night out with the girls.
West Hollywood, California
If you’re looking for glamour and glitz, West Hollywood offers all of that and much more, with a diverse variety of hotels, shops, and nightlife. Who needs a Valentine when you can check out Kitson on Melrose, enjoy window shopping at Armani Exchange, and mingle with the wealthy to see what they can afford over on Rodeo Drive? After dark, cruise down Sunset Strip while keeping an eye out for celebs, or hang out at one of the upscale hotel bars like the Chateau Marmont, where there’s a good chance you’ll spot a star or two.
Estes Park, Colorado
Located adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, with all sorts of activities and attractions of its own, Estes Park offers an ideal escape for the girls year-round, and it’s just a 90-minute drive from Denver. In or outside the park, you’re likely to catch a glimpse of a myriad of wildlife, including a dizzying array of elk, and you’ll have access to miles and miles of scenic hiking trails too. In town, browse art galleries and purchase unique items and souvenirs at the shops. With the famous Stanley Hotel located here, a historic landmark for which author Stephen King based his novel, “The Shining,” it makes a fun spot to overnight – and, you might end up with a few haunted tales to tell when you get back home.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
If you and your girlfriends are wine enthusiasts, consider heading to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. With over 250 wineries from Portland to Eugene, you can taste award-winning wines, including the area’s world-renowned Pinot Noir, while soaking up the picturesque scenery. Perfect for a girl’s road trip, this increasingly popular wine region offers a down-to-earth wine experience along with some of the state’s most waterfall-laden landscapes. The Allison Inn & Spa is a luxurious spa resort that offers the ideal place to base yourselves right in the heart of it all while adding in the perfect recipe of heavenly treatments.
Sedona, Arizona
There are few places in the world where you’ll find a landscape as dramatically colorful as Sedona. If you’re looking for a mix of scenery, healing, art and adventure, it’s hard to beat this town surrounded by soaring, fiery red rocks and jagged sandstone buttes that are especially striking against the nearly always bright blue skies. Long-been considered a sacred place by Native Americans, Sedona is famous for its vortexes, and you can even sit with a spiritual guide, or on your own, to take part in healing meditations and breathing exercises in these powerful spots. Outdoor adventures include hiking, mountain biking and jeep tours, and in town, streets are lined with art galleries and boutiques.
Taos, New Mexico
Famous for its striking scenery, vibrant mix of Anglo, Hispanic and Native American cultures, and an assortment of artists, artisans and counterculture refugees, Taos makes a fantastic Galentine’s getaway. Creative energy pulses through this little town, while its blend of cultural traditions ensures that its constantly evolving, including everything from the arts to food. Discover an impressive array of eateries, from mom-and-pop cantinas to creative gourmet restaurants. Be sure to take time to visit Taos Pueblo, a multi-story adobe village that has been continuously inhabited since pre-Columbian times.
