East Coast Girls’ Trip Ideas: 15 Weekend Trips in the Eastern US For the Mom Who Needs a Getaway!
Parenting is a wonderful journey of ups and downs, ins and outs, pure happiness and burnout! We love our children, and those who also love to travel know how great, albeit stressful, traveling with kids can be. There is nothing like watching your child marvel over the grand canyon, take off in that airplane for the first time, jump over the waves of the ocean, and experience something completely new, but even the most dedicated moms (as you all are!) need some break time and the chance to get away, relax, and enjoy a bit of adventure! While the possibilities are endless, let’s explore 15 east coast girls’ trip destinations you will fall in love with!
Page Contents
Saratoga Springs, New York
Saratoga Springs, NY is a small city in NYS known for horse racing and the mineral springs/Spa experiences. And what better way to spend a girl’s weekend than at a spa relaxing and rejuvenating oneself? A stay at the Gideon Putnam Resort and Spa will make your weekend trip to Saratoga Springs perfect! The resort contains the Roosevelt Spa Baths & Spa where you can enjoy mineral baths, massages, facials, and body treatments.
After relaxing at the resort be sure to get out and explore the city some! Visit the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, see a race at the Saratoga Race Course (if you visit during racing season), explore the springs at the Saratoga Spa State Park, go wine-tasting at the Saratoga Winery, and enjoy Saratoga’s night life on Caroline Street. If ghosts don’t make you want to book it the other way check out the Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours for some thrills!
Nashville, Tennessee
Want to go a little wild? Why not visit Music City for its’ vibrant nightlife, do some bar hopping, and of course enjoy some live music? If you are looking to explore Nashville’s history and connection to music be sure to visit the Grand Ole’ Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Visit Centennial Park and explore the full scale replica of the Parthenon, go shopping along 19th avenue, try your hand at an escape room, or go wine tasting. For accommodations, the Westin Nashville will give you the opportunity to enjoy a rooftop pool bar and lounge, the perfect way to end a night of city exploring!
New York City, New York
Although you may be looking for rest and relaxation, if it is more of an adventure you are looking for the city that never sleeps may be the perfect option for you and the group! You will find that there are also opportunities for some relaxation by enjoying an afternoon at Central Park, relaxing on the beach at Coney Island, or exploring one of NYC’s many other great parks! No trip to NYC would be complete without spending some time shopping in Time Square, catching a show on Broadway, and enjoying some night life!
If you are looking for some traditional NYC tourist attractions be sure to take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, ride to the top of the Empire State Building, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, and visit the New York Public Library. For accommodations, stay at the New York Renaissance by Marriot overlooking Time Square or enjoy the sky bar at Four Points by Sheraton Midtown nearby Times Square.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is one of the ultimate destinations for a relaxing beach east coast girls’ trip. Cape Cod is the peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean in southern Massachusetts. A trip to Cape Cod is bound to be centered around the beach, with plenty of great beach options along the Cape Cod National Seashore and in Provincetown. Aside from the beach, a trip to Cape Cod wouldn’t be complete without some shopping along Commercial Street in Provincetown, whale watching at the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, light house hunting, and enjoying some night life at one of Provincetown’s many bars.
For accommodations, there are plenty of spa resorts where you will be able to enjoy massages, facials, and yoga on the beach, including the Red Jacket Beach Resort and the Crowne Point Inn and Spa.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest and one of the most historic cities in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia offers the perfect mix of history, fun, and adventure for those looking for a weekend getaway! For those interested in the rich history Philadelphia has in the development of the US, check out the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsy Ross House, or the Philadelphia Museum of Art (Don’t forget to pose like Rocky!).
What big city doesn’t have tons of opportunities for shopping? Check out the The Shops at Liberty Place, Fashion District Philadelphia, or the Philadelphia Mills. Philadelphia also has no shortage of spas, including Heaven Spa or Toppers Spa Salon. For some night life check out Down Nightclub Philadelphia, Pulse Nightclub & Bar, or Brasil’s Nightclub. For a conveniently located spa resort experience stay at the Logan Philadelphia Hotel.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
White Mountains, NH are a mountain range that cover part of New Hampshire and extend into Maine. A visit to White Mountains provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, but even if that is not your cup of tea there will be plenty to do! For those who are looking to get outdoors and enjoy some hiking, visit Franconia Notch State Park, where you can also rent kayaks or canoes, hike the Carter Dome Loop, or visit the Flume Gorge.
For some outdoor adventure check out Alpine Adventures for some off-roading, zip lining, an aerial challenge course, or if visiting in the winter a snowshoeing tour. If you’re an animal lover a moose tour might be the perfect way to spend a couple hours in the White Mountains. For a relaxing ride through the mountains take a ride on the Mount Washington Cog Railway. The White Mountains are also home to plenty of wineries for some local brews or spa options, including the Spa at Omni Mount Washington, for some relaxation.
Key West, Florida
Key West, Florida is the last of the Florida Keys and the Southern most point in the United States. Getting to Key West via the Overseas Highway is just as much of an adventure as is exploring Key West and is highly recommended as a way to get there (although there is an airport in Key West). Being an island, one of the top things to do is naturally hitting the water. Spend some time on one of Key West’s beaches, enjoy some water sports, or enjoy a Key West water adventure tour!
For indoor fun, visit the Key West Aquarium, the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, or the Key West Shipwreck Museum. For some night life, visit Mallory Square and make sure to plan on catching one of the famous Key West sunsets. Duval Street is also perfect for finding some fun and excitement after the sun goes down and is also lined with plenty of brand name and local shopping options. For accommodations check out Ocean Key Resort & Spa for their spa, poolside lounge, in room whirlpools, and waterfront dining options.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
If you are looking for a resort city to enjoy your east coast girls’ trip, look no further than Atlantic City! Atlantic City is well known for its casinos, boardwalk, and night life! And don’t forget the beaches! For those looking to spend some time testing their luck a visit to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino can’t be missed! Other casino options include Borgata and Caesars Atlantic City.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk and Steel Pier are great for a relaxing walk along the shore, a dip in the ocean, and some old fashioned amusement rides. And a trip to Atlantic City would not be complete without a stop to see Lucy the Elephant!
Ocean City, Maryland
Ocean City is a resort city in Maryland along the Atlantic Ocean that makes for one of the best east coast girls’ trip destinations. Ocean City contains everything one could want for a girls trip, from shopping outlet stores and quaint local shops, spas and relaxation, to plenty of nightclubs! Of course, Ocean City is also home to over ten miles of white sand beaches for a day of relaxation, swimming, or water sports. For those looking to get out on the water, enjoy some parasailing, jet skis, paddle boarding, kayaking, or canoeing. A walk along the boardwalk is also a must!
For accommodations check out the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort. Just as the name suggests it is an oceanfront resort that offers an indoor pool, access to the beach, and a spa!
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are another perfect destination for those looking for a beach getaway! The Outer Banks are barrier islands just off the east coast that are filled with beaches and state parks, perfect for nature lovers! On your visit to the Outer Banks, be sure to visit some lighthouses, including the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and the Bodie Island Lighthouse. The Outer Banks is also home to the wild Corolla Horses and there are off-roading tours available to take you closer to the horses. For a relaxing walk visit the Elizabethan Gardens, the Duck Boardwalk, or the Cape Hatteras National Seashore or for some more relaxation visit one of the many spas located in the Outer Banks.
You will want to check out Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. For some adventure check out the First Flight Adventure Park, Kitty Hawk Kites, or a helicopter tour. For accommodations, check out the Sea Ranch Resort for an ocean front resort experience with condos or the Burrus House Inn Waterfront Suites on the Shallowbag Bay.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine is a outdoor lover’s paradise. A small town on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor boasts scenic costal views and is overlooked by Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain. One of the best things to do in Bar Harbor is to explore Acadia National Park, where you can enjoy a drive along Park Loop Drive, countless hiking options, a day spent relaxing at Sand Beach, or a visit to Jordan Pond. You can also enjoy a harbor cruise, such as the Puffin and Lighthouse Cruise, and enjoy breathtaking views of Acadia National Park from the water.
Aside from the outdoor adventures Bar Harbor has to offer, an east coast girls’ trip to Bar Harbor could include a day trip to a spa, such as the Bar Harbor Inn Spa, and even enjoying some nightlife/drinks at the Thirsty Whale Tavern or Leary’s Landing Irish Pub. For accommodations stay at the Harborside Hotel, Spa, and Marina, where you will find spa services, an outdoor pool, and some stunning harbor views.
Salem, Massachusetts
Salem is a small city along Massachusetts’ coast that is well known for the 1692 witch trials that took place there. While this is a tragic period in the state’s history, a visit to Salem gives visitors that small town charm feeling that will be enjoyed by anyone! While in Salem, explore the town’s history at the Salem Witch museum, the House of the Seven Gables, the Witch House, Proctor’s Ledge, and the Salem Witch Trials memorial.
If you are a Hocus Pocus fan be sure to take a self guided tour through the area to see the Hocus Pocus filming site. Stroll the Salem Harbor for some relaxation and visit the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall for some shopping. For accommodations check out the centrally located Hawthorne Hotel, be beware, you may see some unusual activity!
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic is a village along the Southern shore of Connecticut rich in the New England small town charm. It has a long history as an important sea port village and its history is still evident. When you visit Mystic you can enjoy a trip to the Mystic Aquarium, explore the Mystic Seaport Museum, spend the day soaking in the sun at the Ocean Beach Park or Misquamicut State Beach, go wine tasting at nearby wineries, stroll the streets of Olde Mistick Village, enjoy an Argia Mystic Cruise, and if you are willing to travel a little (30 minute drive) spend some time rejuvenating at the Essex Spa.
For some waterfront accommodations check out the Inn at Mystic or the Steamboat Inn.
Charleston, South Carolina
For history lovers, Charleston, SC is the perfect destination that will combine lots of history with fun! For those looking to explore the history of Charleston, be sure to check out the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, take a day trip to the Fort Sumter National Monument, explore the Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, or visit the Old Slave Mart Museum. For some shopping visit the Historic Charleston City Market.
The history that surrounds the city does not take away from the opportunities for fun and night life! If you are looking for rest during the day check out one of Charleston’s many spas or hit the beach! There are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the city once the sun goes down, including the Rooftop Bar at the Vendue or the Victor Social Club.
Chincoteague, Virginia
For horse and nature lovers, Chincoteague is the perfect destination for an east coast girls’ trip! Chincoteague sits on Virginia’s Eastern shore and acts as a gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, known for its wild ponies.
You can combine a visit to the small island with some outdoor adventure by exploring the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and camping, kayaking, and/or hiking at the Assateague Island National Seashore. Aside for this, you can tour the Assateague Lighthouse, enjoy a Pony Express Nature Cruise, relax at the beach, or enjoy an over-sand-vehicle tour of the island. For accommodations check out the Snug Harbor Marina & Resort for waterfront accommodations with a waterfront deck, bar, cabins, and stunning views!
Pin It For Later:
You May Also Like:
About Me
I’m Melissa, but you can call me Missy. I continuously crave a new adventure and love sharing those adventures with you! My sidekick is my 5 year old daughter. Together we are conquering the world, one city at a time! Find family travel tips and guides that will help you plan your next adventure!
Top Pages
Great! I hope my Mom would make to these amazing destinations in near future.
I like how you focus on MOM and family friendly holidays.
White Mountains, NH sounds like a super fun Girls weekend destination! I wonder why I have never heard of it before? Thanks for enlightening me!