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5 Destinations for the Perfect Fall Girlfriends’ Getaway

Gather your besties for some relaxation and bonding in these picturesque locations

Three friends hiking at Sedona
Grab your girlfriends and head out for a relaxing and fun fall getaway.
AMR Image/Getty Images
By

Bobbi Dempsey,

 
AARP
Published October 12, 2023

Fall is a terrific time to plan an escape with some of your best friends. The weather is generally more comfortable than summer’s sizzling heat and many destinations offer special fall promotions – plus, this is a great opportunity to recharge and prepare for the hectic pace of the upcoming holiday season.

Here are some destinations you may want to consider for your girls’ getaway.

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canoe boats along a body of water in the Poconos
Take in the foliage while traveling to the Poconos in Pennsylvania.
PoconoMountains.com

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania – particularly the Pocono Mountains region in the eastern part of the state – is well-known for its stunning fall foliage. The state website’s interactive map guides you to the best foliage-viewing spots, many of which are also near beautiful waterfalls. Though its reign as a honeymoon hot spot may be history, the Poconos remains a great option for girls’ getaway trips – and it’s within roughly two hours of major cities such as New York City and Philadelphia.

At this time of year, there is plenty to see and do. Take a drive or train ride through the town of Jim Thorpe, which resembles a picturesque Swiss village. Tour art galleries and museums, look for deals at the outlet stores and see if luck is on your side at the Mount Airy Casino.

Where to stay: The Lodge at Woodloch offers all-inclusive girlfriend getaway packages with varying “spa plan” options, while the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort provides plenty of choices with an assortment of properties ranging from a spacious historic inn to glamping along the river. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has suites with up to five bedrooms, a huge indoor water park with a swim-up bar and a spa that offers a wide range of services, including massages, manicures, and salt room therapy.

four women hiking in Sedona
Nature lovers and hikers are drawn to red rock country in Sedona, Arizona.
AMR Image/Getty Images

Sedona, Arizona

Looking for a fall destination with mild weather and a southwestern vibe? Sedona, Arizona, has daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s at this time of year and breathtaking natural landscapes that provide a tranquil escape from the daily hustle. It’s not hard to figure out why this area is known as “red rock country.” The area’s canyons are surrounded by distinctive rust-colored cliffs that hikers and nature lovers won’t be able to resist exploring.

Of course, there’s plenty to do indoors, as well. Book a wine tour or spend a day getting pampered at one of the area’s many spas, salons and retreats.

Where to stay: Amara Resort and Spa has a girlfriends getaway package that includes special touches such as a bottle of prosecco to welcome you, while The Wilde Resort and Spa's fall promotion offers discounted rates, spa credit – and s’mores! The Creekhouse at L'Auberge de Sedona has five bedrooms – each with their own private entrance – making it perfect for friends who want a group getaway but also enjoy having their own space.

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The Marker Key West Harbor Resort at dusk
The “girls getaway” package at The Marker Key West Harbor Resort in Key West, Florida, features bottomless Key lime-flavored mimosas.
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

Key West, Florida

If you prefer shorts and sunshine instead of sweater weather, Key West might be the fall girls’ trip spot for you. Cruise around town on a bike tour, participate in a dolphin and snorkel excursion or visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.

The city’s main drag, Duval Street, has lots of stores and restaurants. After dark, the nightlife scene picks up and can get noisy, so keep that in mind when choosing accommodations if you prefer something in a quieter section. 

Where to stay: Located in Old Town Key West, The Marker Key West Harbor Resort is close enough to the action while still offering an atmosphere of peaceful serenity. The resort’s “girls getaway” package – available upon request, based on availability – includes perks such as bottomless Key lime-flavored mimosas, and the staff can arrange a sunset champagne cruise for your group. The Ocean Key Resort & Spa, perched at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico with its water views, is a terrific relaxing backdrop as you enjoy tropical spa services such as the coconut crush body renewal. The Southernmost Beach Resort has a beach and great views while their sister property – the Guesthouses – will give you more of a traditional Key West experience.

sunset at Tybee Island
Glorious sunsets await at the Tybee Island Pier during a getaway in Savannah, Georgia.
Visit Savannah/Geoff L Johnson Photography

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, is a great girls’ getaway destination for those who like their fall weather cozy but not too chilly. Savannah has a wealth of historical attractions, quaint Southern charm and natural beauty. It also offers great dining, entertainment and nightlife. Stroll through the Savannah City Market or tour the Historic District by day and then enjoy live music of all types after dark. While you’re in the area, you won’t want to miss the legendary sunsets and laid-back vibe of Tybee Island.

Where to stay: There are accommodation options to fit any vibe. The Drayton Hotel has a rooftop bar with City Hall as a backdrop, while the waterfront setting of the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa offers calming views of the Savannah River. Looking for something with charm? You can choose from an assortment of long-standing inns, such as The Marshall House – which prides itself on providing warm Southern hospitality and is one of the oldest hotels in town.

a bus painted with tie dye at Bethel Woods
Catch the Woodstock vibes at The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, located on the site of the original festival, when visiting the Catskills in New York.
Used with permission of the New York State Department of Economic Development, the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development and the State of New York, Copyright 2021

Catskill Mountains, New York

The Catskills region of New York also offers beautiful fall foliage and a plethora of outdoor activities, so this is a great choice if your group includes any nature lovers. Biking, hiking, rock climbing and zip-lining are just some of the options you can include in your itinerary. But you don’t need to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy a great getaway in the Catskills – there are also less strenuous but equally enjoyable options, such as craft breweries and wineries to visit or cultural events to enjoy. The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – site of the original Woodstock festival – is also located in this region and hosts a wide variety of concerts, exhibitions and other events.

Where to stay: The Graham & Co is a 20-room boutique hotel that lets you avoid crowds while enjoying high-end modern amenities. If any in your group has considered tiny house living, A Tiny House Resort offers a great way to give it a trial run. The resort – which has a Girls Adventure Getaway package – includes an assortment of tiny houses, each with a different style and layout, some with views of nearby Catskill Creek. For a truly unique experience, check out the Roxbury Motel, which has rooms and suites each designed with a unique theme such as Genie’s Bottle or George’s Spacepad.

Bobbi Dempsey is a freelance writer who has written about a variety of topics including health and entertainment for AARP.org and AARP The Magazine. Her work has also appeared in Parade, The New York Times, Harper’s and other outlets.

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