There's a colonial woman on the wing! Just kidding… there are only can't-miss bachelorette party destinations ahead.
Whenever I think about a bachelorette party, the airplane scene from the movie Bridesmaids comes to mind. If Annie hadn’t imbibed after taking a sedative, who knows what fun Lillian’s group of gal pals could have experienced in Vegas? To protect you and your bridesmaids from any potential bachelorette party planning chaos, we’ve curated a list of cities across the West that are known for hosting such celebrations.
Of course, every bride has a different vision for her bachelorette. So, whether you want a place known for its relaxing spas, award-winning ski slopes, sprawling vineyards, or somewhere you can party until the sun comes up, these are the 15 spots you should consider:
The best months to head to Alaska’s biggest city? Between September and April. During this time, you and your BFFs can take in the northern lights, or the aurora borealis. Visibility is at its peak in the wintertime, when you can also go skiing, or head downtown for the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race.
Scottsdale’s lively bar and club scene goes hand-in-hand with bachelorette parties, but you can think of Sedona as the more artistic and nature-friendly alternative. While there, you can do everything from hiking and biking along more than 400 trails to spending the afternoon devouring the 3-pound cinnamon roll at the Red Rock Cafe.
So many bridal parties flock to Palm Springs, but there’s fun to be had all across the Coachella Valley. Because temperatures climb into the 100s during the summer, it’s most popular to visit in the fall, winter, and early spring. By day, you can go hiking in Joshua Tree, shop along El Paseo Drive in Palm Desert, or tour historical homes in Palm Springs. And by night, you can’t go wrong with a rowdy night at The Nest in Indian Wells—just prepare yourself for a long line.
The vineyards… need we say more? If you and your pals love wining and dining, there’s no better place than Napa Valley. Beyond the vino, you can also wind down with a mud bath in Calistoga or get your adrenaline up a bit with a hot air balloon ride that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the entire valley.
Aspen is the perfect year-round spot for a bachelorette, and it’s known for its bustling downtown and stunning backdrop courtesy of the Rocky Mountains. One of the more trending locales? Kemo Sabe, a high-end western store where you can customize your own cowboy hat. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills fans will remember Kemo Sabe is where Lisa Rinna and Kathy Hilton faced off over competing tequila brands.
If you and your people are up for a getaway, or if you’re all based in Hawaii, consider heading to the state’s capital. Honolulu has the surf and sand Hawaii is known for in a metropolitan environment. Plus, you’re just a short drive from Kualoa Ranch, the Instagram-worthy place where they filmed Jurassic Park.
Another premier ski resort, Big Sky is known for its year-round beauty. You can spend your bachelorette cruising down the slopes in the winter or take a guided tour around Lone Mountain while wearing snowshoes—and then luxuriate in an après-ski moment. When you’re ready for a little R&R after all of these activities, there are plenty of spas, too.
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe is an epicenter for art and architecture—and it even has a Margarita Trail. With your Margarita Trail passport in tow, you can get $1 off a classic margarita at each stop along the way. And as you acquire stamps, you’ll also stock up on prizes!
We’d be remiss not to mention the quintessential bachelorette destination. Las Vegas has a little bit of everything: You can enjoy the great outdoors, or head to the Strip for all the fine dining and nightlife you could ever dream of. From daytime pool parties to nights out that end in the early morning, a Vegas bachelorette is best for groups with a lot of energy (and dance moves).
Portland is known for epic food, coffee, and beer… that alone makes it a worthwhile destination for any celebration. You can get a flight at Deschutes Brewery & Public House, and don’t miss out on Voodoo Doughnuts (don’t panic about timing; they’re open 24 hours!). Fair warning: Rainy season is during the winter, so it might be best to plan your trip in the spring, summer, or fall.
Want to surround yourself in nature, but also have a big-city atmosphere? Don’t sleep on Park City, a ski resort town known for hosting several events in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Cinephiles will appreciate that it’s also home to the Sundance Film Festival in January, and you’ll likely see celebrities on every block around this time. And just like in Aspen, there’s another Kemo Sabe to visit while you’re there.
Seattle is a destination packed with activities, breathtaking views, and a renowned food and beverage scene. Take an elevator ride up the 605-foot-tall Space Needle, sip on a cup of coffee from the world’s first Starbucks, or head out to Woodville and explore a few of the more than 100 wineries in the area.
Fulfill your wild western bachelorette dreams at this ski resort town in Wyoming. To see it all, hop aboard Jackson Hole Aerial Tram (affectionately known as Big Red) and make a pitstop at Corbet’s Cabin, where you can enjoy the world’s best waffles at a whopping 10,450 feet above ground. You also can’t miss out on the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, a historic spot known as “Wyoming’s landmark watering hole.” While we’re at it, there’s a Kemo Sabe here, too.
Turn your bachelorette party into an international adventure that won’t require an extra-long plane ride. Cabo’s sandy beaches and top-notch nightlife make it a perennial favorite destination among brides. The group can spend the day at the 25-acre Flora Farms before letting loose at the iconic bars and nightclubs, like El Squid Roe.
Just north of Seattle, you can leave the country for hiking, whale watching, and waterfront dining (among many other popular to-dos). On Granville Island, you’ll find old factories that have turned into restaurants, theaters, and more. One more thing: Don’t forget to pack your Lululemons—Vancouver is where the iconic activewear brand started, after all!