Last Updated on June 9, 2025
You don’t need fancy spas or bottomless mimosas to have a perfect girls’ trip—though, hey, no shame in that game. But if you and your crew like your weekends with a side of sweat, scenery, and maybe just a touch of sore calves the next morning, you’re probably on the lookout for places that keep you moving while still feeling like a vacation. The kind of trip where you come back refreshed, not just from the hotel sheets, but because your body actually did something.
We’re talking trails, coastlines, lakes, summits, and maybe a yoga mat thrown in the trunk, just in case. So if your version of a good time includes lacing up sneakers instead of strappy sandals, read on. These states are calling your name.
Colorado: Because Oxygen Is Optional and the Views Are Not
If you’ve got a group of friends who share a borderline obsession with fresh air and elevation gains, Colorado is your playground. Breckenridge is one of those places that manages to be cozy and adventurous at the same time. It’s got that “storybook mountain town” vibe, but don’t be fooled—you’ll be working for those views.
Hiking trails are everywhere, from short treks with wildflowers to longer routes that get you up above the tree line. When you’re not hiking, consider switching gears and hopping on a Breckenridge bike rental. They make it easy to cruise around town or hit some of the paved paths that wind past rivers and into the woods. You don’t have to be Tour de France-level to enjoy it, and it’s a great way to stay active without totally wrecking your legs for the next day.
At night, your options are equally inviting. You can keep it casual with a laid-back dinner or stretch things out with some rooftop yoga while the sun drops behind the peaks. Either way, your lungs and legs will feel like they’ve actually been somewhere.
Vermont: The East Coast’s Forest-Filled Wellness Escape
Don’t underestimate Vermont just because it doesn’t have the towering peaks of the Rockies. What it does have is a nonstop lineup of wooded trails, sparkling lakes, and that perfect mix of challenging and calming that makes for the best kind of active getaway. You and your friends can start your day with a brisk hike in the Green Mountains, take a cold plunge in a mountain stream (yes, it’s freezing and yes, it’s amazing), and still be back in town in time for a healthy meal and a little local maple something.
If your crew likes to mix movement with mindfulness, you’ll find no shortage of small yoga studios, hidden nature sanctuaries, and cozy spots to do some group stretching before dinner. Paddleboarding is big here, too. On calm water surrounded by trees, it’s kind of like moving meditation, except your arms get a workout and you might fall in. You’ll laugh a lot either way.
And the air? It’s cleaner than your new year’s resolutions. Seriously.
Utah: Where Red Rocks Make You Feel Like You’re on Mars
Utah doesn’t do “basic.” The landscapes are otherworldly. You’ve got slot canyons, desert hikes, natural arches, and all kinds of terrain that keeps things interesting. It’s the kind of place where your camera can’t keep up and your legs are always slightly sore—but in a good way.
A girls’ trip here could include a sunrise hike in Zion, a canyoneering lesson in Moab, or a sweaty but satisfying trek through Bryce Canyon’s hoodoos. You’ll want to plan ahead, because some of these parks fill up, but the payoff is worth every minute. For recovery, you can soak in a mineral spring or lay on a big red rock warmed by the sun like a human lizard—your call.
It’s dry and it’s hot, so hydration becomes your fifth best friend, but that’s half the fun. You’ll finish the trip with new freckles, stronger thighs, and stories that start with “so we thought we were going the right way, but…” 
California: Surf, Slope, Sweat, Repeat
California gets a lot of attention for its beaches and its cities, but if you’re building an itinerary around moving your body and bonding with your girls, you can do better than just snapping selfies on the Santa Monica Pier. Head inland or up the coast, and suddenly you’re climbing mountains, biking through wine country (yes, it counts), or taking a Pilates class overlooking the ocean.
There’s something for every fitness level here, and that’s what makes it such a go-to. Your more daring friend can try paragliding while someone else sticks to a trail run along the cliffs. You can do stand-up paddleboard yoga in the morning, then hike to a waterfall that afternoon, all before dinner somewhere with a dress code that still allows for sneakers.
The nice part about California is you can maintain fitness traveling without ever feeling like you’re trying that hard. The climate does half the work for you. So does the scenery.
Tennessee: Woods, Waterfalls, and One Perfect Burn
Tennessee might not be top of mind for a fit-focused girls’ trip, but it should be. Especially if you love the idea of dense forests, winding trails, and cooling off in a creek when your calves are screaming. The Smoky Mountains are a dream backdrop for hiking, and you can find plenty of routes that work for every pace in your group.
A cabin rental near Gatlinburg or in one of the quieter areas is perfect for early morning walks, afternoon bike paths, and evening stretching on the deck with a glass of something cold. Waterfall hikes are practically everywhere, and there’s no shortage of spots where you can wade in, splash around, or just sit and listen to the water while your legs recover.
Tennessee feels earthy and grounded in a way that makes you want to ditch your phone and just be present. Plus, your body gets to work and rest in one of the most underrated outdoor spots in the South.
Not Just a Vacation, But a Vibe Shift
At the end of the day, the best kind of girls’ trip isn’t about packing your schedule with events or Instagram-worthy stops. It’s about movement, laughter, catching your breath—literally—and feeling more connected, both to your friends and to yourself. These states don’t just give you a break from daily life. They give your body something to remember. And sore quads make the best souvenirs anyway.
Not Just a Vacation, But a Vibe Shift
At the end of the day, the best kind of girls' trip isn’t about packing your schedule with events or Instagram-worthy stops. It’s about movement, laughter, catching your breath—literally—and feeling more connected, both to your friends and to yourself. These states don’t just give you a break from daily life. They give your body something to remember. And sore quads make the best souvenirs anyway.
