10 Beach Destinations for Your Next Girls Trip

A beach destination is a no-brainer for a fun girls trip, but then comes the question of which coastal community to visit. It’s hard to beat the tropical charisma of Maui or Thailand's Phi Phi Islands. Then again, Comporta, Portugal, oozes off-the-beaten-path charm that’s enticing for been-there-done-that types. If you just want to steal away for the weekend, consider a seaside idyll that’s a direct flight from many major U.S. airports (ahem, the Bahamas). Or, maybe it’s time to try something new and go somewhere unexpected like Bocas del Toro Town, Panama, famed for its unspoiled beaches and marine life.

Here are our top picks for the best beach destinations for a girls trip.

Bermuda

The mid-Atlantic archipelago of Bermuda, 640 miles off the coast of North Carolina, is endowed with photogenic pink sand beaches, turquoise waters, and golf courses. Its culture blends British and American influences, and its proximity to the United States makes for an easy girls weekend, especially for East Coasters. Book a room at the luxurious Rosewood Bermuda to sip rum swizzles by the pool, pamper yourself at the spa, and watch the sailboats gliding past the island's largest private beach. When you're ready for more action, your group can explore the historic town of St. George's on electric bikes or cruise around the archipelago on the property's 32-foot catamaran.

Maui

Active friend groups will love the myriad adventures that await on Maui. Warm, crystalline waters are perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming. For hiking, there’s no better spot than Haleakala National Park with its lush forests, streams, terraced pools, cascades, and a 10,023-foot dormant volcano. Of course, you could spend the entire trip sipping mai tais at the pool at the Montage Kapalua Bay and be very happy with that decision. The resort boasts residential-style accommodations with up to four bedrooms, full kitchens, and living rooms, so you can your girls can have the ultimate slumber party in paradise.

Comporta, Portugal 

Drive about an hour south of Lisbon and you’ll reach Comporta, an idyllic coastal village with pristine beaches, windswept dunes, and expansive rice fields. Unassuming in a hypnotic way, its relaxed vibe seems to induce a sense of calm in everyone who visits — groups of gal pals included. Perched on the sands of Praia Comporta, Ilha do Arroz is a laid-back spot to share octopus rice and a bottle of vinho verde with your besties. Book a few nights at Quinta da Comporta, which boasts multi-bedroom pool villas and townhouses that are perfect for groups seeking a tranquil retreat.

Manhattan Beach, California 

Located just 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach is the ideal destination to kick back with your squad. Whether you’re into sunning, surfing, selfies, or shopping, this low-key Southern California community delivers. Enjoy a 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. 

Ko Phi Phi, Thailand 

A girls trip to one of the prettiest spots in Thailand? Absolutely! Ko Phi Phi consists of two islands – Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh – and is famous for its emerald green waters, dramatic limestone rock formations, and lively nightlife. Stay at a hotel on Phi Phi Don, where you can let loose at beach parties and bond over fruity cocktails. Then, take a day trip on a longtail boat to the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, home to the iconic Maya Bay, which served as a filming location for "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Be sure to carve out some time for underwater exploration, too — the surrounding clear, warm waters are ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Grand Cayman

As far as beach destinations go, few hold a candle to Grand Cayman, the Caribbean island that counts crescent-shaped Seven Mile Beach among its draws. You’ll have lots of quality time while laying out on the sun loungers at Palm Heights. The oh-so-chic all-suite boutique hotel is also the perfect excuse to bust out a stylish new vacation outfit (who better to bring the fashion for than your friends, right?) for sunset cocktails and fresh-caught seafood. 

Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

Perched on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Peninsula Papagayo is a hub of ecotourism that’s also home to stunning beaches and the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo. Pals can check into one of the property's private residences and customize their itineraries to include a little bit of everything — bird watching, horseback riding, spa sessions, mixology classes, hitting the links, paddle boarding in the bay, and catching rays by the pool.  

Bocas del Toro Town, Panama 

Situated at the southern tip of Isla Colón, Bocas del Toro Town offers just the right mix of adventure and relaxation for a girls getaway that won’t be boring (but will incorporate plenty of leisure time). Allocate the morning hours to surf lessons or peeping rare red-billed tropicbirds and the afternoon to chilling on the sand with a fruity cocktail.  Wondering what to do in the evening? Go dancing or hit one of the breezy beach bars.

St. Augustine, Florida 

If your crew digs beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches, delicious food, and history, a girls getaway to St. Augustine, on the northeast coast of Florida, could be ideal. The oldest city in the continental United States has a range of photogenic backdrops, including centuries-old foundations, grand homes, and the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos. After exploring and snapping photos, treat yourself to delicious seafood, beach time, and spa treatments with your crew.

Paradise Island, Bahamas

Connected by two bridges to the bustling Bahamian capital of Nassau, the aptly named Paradise Island is the ultimate stress-free escape for friends who like to relax at a resort where blue skies, sunshine, and average temps in the high 70s are almost guaranteed. Geared toward grown-up 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 tons of different restaurants.