6 Stunning Southern Waterfront Destinations for Your Next Girls’ Trip
Looking for the ultimate girls' trip destination? These Southern waterside getaways offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Image: Destination Panama City
Nothing beats a waterfront getaway with your best friends — lazy beach days, sunset cocktails, and a bit of adventure. From jet-skiing and horseback riding to boutique shopping and rooftop bars, these Southern girls’ trip destinations offer the perfect mix of relaxation and fun.
Golden Isles, GA
If your group is looking for a unique waterfront experience and a sun-kissed glow, the Golden Isles beaches have it all. From beach days and sunset cruises to spa treatments and horseback riding, here’s how to make the most of your stay!
Pack a picnic (and a round of mimosas in plastic flutes!) and head to one of the area’s many incredible beaches for a day of relaxing by the ocean. When you’re ready for a break from the beach, visit the shops in St. Simons Pier Village. Then, stroll in and out of Rahab’s Rope and Golden Isles Bracelet Co.
If you’re looking for the best lunch restaurants along Georgia’s coast, you’ve come to the right place. From seafood and barbecue with a Southern flair to pasta and burgers, the Golden Isles offers a vibrant culinary culture.
On St. Simons Island, check out Three Little Birds for a great grab-and-go option, or for a more elegant dining experience, try ECHO at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort. On Jekyll Island, grab lunch at 24 Coastal Grill for delicious food in a casual, relaxing atmosphere.
When you’re ready to unwind after a day of exploring, the local scene is ready to oblige. You’ll find the best drink specials in the Golden Isles by visiting Brogen’s North on St. Simons Island, Beach House Restaurant and Tap Room on Jekyll Island, or Silver Bluff Brewery in Historic Downtown Brunswick.
Nothing says “girls’ trip” quite like escaping to an island retreat and getting pampered at a rejuvenating spa before retiring to your oceanside accommodations. You can find an extensive list of the area’s best massage, facial, and nail service providers HERE.
To cement your trip as one to remember, book a unique adventure. Take a sunset cruise on the String of Pearls, go horseback riding down the gorgeous natural coastline, or escape for a day trip to the virtually untouched 11,000-acre Little St. Simons Island to discover what coastal Georgia nature is all about. Cap it off with yoga on the beach with East Beach Yoga.
Milledgeville, GA
For a weekend full of fun activities, Milledgeville, GA, and Lake Sinclair offer the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and delicious dining.
Wake up to stunning water views by booking a cozy lakeside rental. With plenty of space for your whole group, you can enjoy coffee on the deck, afternoons packed with lake activities, and evenings gathered around a fire pit.
Next, take a guided Historic Trolley Tour through Downtown Milledgeville to admire the antebellum architecture and learn fascinating stories about the area’s past. It’s also a great way to find hidden gems throughout town.
Get pampered at the local spa, Charmed, where you can book a rejuvenating facial, massage, or body scrub. The spa also offers hair services in case you need a fresh blowout before an evening on the town.
Unwind with handcrafted margaritas and flavorful Indian-Mexican fusion tacos at Bollywood Tacos. Try the Peach Country or Fried Avocado Taco and pair it with crispy, house-made chips and queso for a memorable meal. Or try Kai Thai for a blend of Thai and Japanese cuisine. For dessert, visit Avanti’s for delectable cheesecakes, cakes, or cookies.
Rent a boat or kayak and explore the scenic waters of Lake Sinclair. Whether you’re cruising at high speed, sunbathing on the deck, or discovering quiet coves, it’s the ultimate way to enjoy the lake with friends.
Wrap up your day with a breathtaking sunset over Lake Sinclair. Find a cozy spot along the shore or toast to an unforgettable trip from your lakeside deck.
Before heading out of town, grab brunch at Local Yolkal. Indulge in eggs Benedict, pancakes, and waffles while sipping on mimosas. The cafe is known for its welcoming atmosphere and friendly service — the perfect way to end your getaway!
Panama City, FL
If you’re planning a girls’ trip around shopping, dining, and water activities, Panama City checks all the boxes. Not only is there great shopping, but the city is home to many historic neighborhoods that offer a charming backdrop for your excursions.
Kick off the weekend with a visit to Historic St. Andrews. This quaint, bayside area features some of Panama City’s best places to eat, drink, listen to live music, and enjoy breathtaking views. You’ll also find a wide variety of charming boutique shops and local restaurants, as well as The Market at St. Andrews on Saturday mornings.
In St. Andrews, stop by Gypsy Willow for antique finds and vintage clothing, The Trendy Side to find the perfect outfit for an evening out, and Little Village for one-of-a-kind handmade items from around the world. Round out your shopping spree with a glass of wine at St. Andrews Bodega while perusing specialty food items.
While out and about, follow the Panama City Mural Trail to see if you and your girlfriends can spot the 15 murals throughout the city’s historic neighborhoods — they make for memorable photo ops!
When it’s time for a little adventure, head to Papa Joe’s Bayside. For an unforgettable experience, book the Shell Island Dolphin Tour. Papa Joe’s Bayside also offers pickleball, coastal bites, food trucks, and live music. After a full day, unwind with margaritas and serene sunset views.
For lodging, Hotel Indigo is a waterfront hotel overlooking St. Andrews Bay with a pool, sundeck, two on-site restaurants (including Steam on 5), a rooftop bar, and modern rooms.
Before heading home, hit Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar for Sunday brunch with live music and one last chance to enjoy the views of the bay. Here, you’ll find seasonal dishes inspired by traditional Southern flavors and fresh Gulf seafood.
Wilmington Beach, NC
Looking for a girls’ trip that blends beach days, historic charm, and vibrant nightlife? Wilmington, NC, and its surrounding beaches check every box — and then some. From riverfront cocktails to eco-adventures and boutique shopping, it’s the kind of place where every hour feels like golden hour.
Start your stay in Wilmington’s River District, where the award-winning (nearly two-mile) Riverwalk winds along the Cape Fear River against the backdrop of the iconic WWII Battleship NORTH CAROLINA.
Grab coffee and stroll past art galleries, historic buildings, and shops tucked into old cotton warehouses. Don’t miss The Cotton Exchange for unique boutiques or Chandler’s Wharf for stylish finds.
Feeling adventurous? Book a BYOB cruise with BrewBoat Wilmington — a solar-and-pedal-powered boat that takes you on a lively spin along the river.
When it’s time to relax, snag a patio seat at one of the 40+ locally owned restaurants for al fresco dining with a view. Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar is a favorite for sunset sips. After dinner, head to Live Oak Bank Pavilion for an outdoor concert or catch a Broadway show downtown.
The next day, take a short drive to Wrightsville Beach, where you can unwind with a beach yoga class or hop aboard Soundside Adventures‘ private catamaran for an unforgettable charter cruise. Prefer paddleboards and private islands? Wrightsville SUP has you covered with SUP outings and guided kayak and outrigger canoe tours for a closer look at the island’s ecosystems.
No girls’ getaway is complete without a little pampering. Treat yourselves to massages, facials, or halotherapy in one of Wilmington’s wellness spas before grabbing brunch at Savorez.
Wilmington delivers the perfect mix of history, luxury, and fun in the sun!
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
If your perfect getaway includes sunshine, waterfront cocktails, and just the right mix of relaxation and revelry, set your GPS for Lake of the Ozarks. Long known as the Midwest’s premier lake resort, this scenic destination has everything from upscale spas to pool parties, nature trails, boutique shopping, and, of course, that beautiful, sprawling lake.
Base your girls’ weekend at Camden on the Lake Resort, Spa & Yacht Club, perched right on Toad Cove. Lounge by the pool with a drink from the swim-up bar, unwind at the full-service spa, or soak in sunset views from your private balcony. When the sun goes down, the energy turns up — live music and lakefront dining at H. Toad’s deliver an unforgettable night.
During the day, explore the lake any way you like. Rent a boat, try stand-up paddleboarding, or just float with friends and watch the waves roll by. If you do rent a boat, be sure to follow the Aquatic Trail, a nearly 10-mile trek that provides boaters with views of woodlands, glades, streams, and geological structures.
If retail therapy is on the agenda, hit up the nearby outlet malls or antique shops. For a slower pace, enjoy a glass of wine at a nearby winery. Shawnee Bluff Winery offers a relaxed setting with sweeping views of the lake.
With more than 200 restaurants and nightspots dotting the shoreline, you’ll find a variety of dock-and-dine favorites like Dog Days and Franky & Louie’s. Craving fine dining? Try the scallops at Windrose Marker 26, the steak at Jeffrey’s, or the shrimp and grits on the peaceful patio at Old Kinderhook’s Trophy Room. Whether you’re craving tacos by the dam from Neon Taco, oysters at Tucker’s Shuckers on Bagnell Dam Strip, or a sunset cocktail with a view at H. Toad’s, there’s no shortage of delicious ways to eat your way around the lake.
Mobile, AL
Where else can you sip bubbles, soak up centuries of history, and dance the night away in a speakeasy inside an old bank vault? Welcome to Mobile, AL — a coastal charmer with deep roots, vibrant culture, and more than enough personality to power a girls’ weekend to remember.
Start your stay with a dose of pampering at The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa, a historic gem with luxurious spa treatments and a rooftop pool perfect for lounging with a cocktail in hand. From custom facials to full-body massages, it’s the ideal way to recharge before diving into the city’s food, fun, and flair.
Speaking of food — brunch is an everyday affair at Bistro St. Emmanuel, where Southern flavors like Conecuh sausage and lump crabmeat rule the menu. For a chic lunch-and-bubbles moment, pop into Red or White Wine & Gourmet, where fire-roasted pizzas, artisan cheeses, and a standout wine list (courtesy of James Beard-nominated Chef Arwen Rice) await.
Just 45 minutes from downtown, Dauphin Island is Mobile’s coastal playground — and the perfect addition to your waterside getaway. Known as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama,” this laid-back beach town is ideal for soaking up the sun, strolling the sugar-white sands, or hopping on a boat for dolphin cruises.
Rent kayaks or paddleboards for a close-up look at the island’s tranquil waterways, or head to Fort Gaines for sweeping views and fascinating history. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium offers a fun, educational break (hello, baby stingrays!), while beachside restaurants and boutiques round out the island vibe.
Back in Mobile, toast the day with handcrafted cocktails at POST and cap the night off at Las Floriditas, a Cuban-style speakeasy. Whether you’re in it for the spa, the sand, or the speakeasies, Mobile brings the magic.
This article is sponsored by Golden Isles CVB, Visit Milledgeville, Destination Panama City, and Visit Wilmington & Beaches.
Kate Feinberg
Kate Feinberg is a professional writer based in Nashville. She has more than 14 years of freelance writing experience covering travel, wellness, and lifestyle. A certified meditation teacher, RYT-200 yoga instructor, and integrative nutrition health coach, she brings a strong wellness perspective to her work. Kate is also a marathon runner and the creator of a plant-based food blog, Chef Kate F, where she shares nourishing recipes and mindful living tips. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her on the golf course, exploring new destinations, or combining both with golf-focused travel. She enjoys lake life on Percy Priest Lake.