15 Bachelorette Party Ideas And Where To Do Them
Sure, the wedding is the big event. But the reality is you’ll have so much on your mind that the day won’t be all about you.
The bachelorette party, on the other hand, is meant to revolve around and celebrate the bride-to-be. You also won’t have to worry about planning since the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of your bridesmaids instead.
Take advantage of this, and ask your squad to plan a perfect celebration from this roundup of awesome bachelorette party ideas and the best cities in which to do them.
Relax at the Spa
After months and months of wedding planning, sometimes what you want to do the most is simply relax. That’s where the spa bachelorette comes in.
Treat yourself to a relaxing day — or better yet, weekend — that’ll leave you glowing before the big day.
Where to Do It: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Spas abound throughout the country, but if you want a full experience where you’ll be relaxed head-to-toe and completely disconnected, plan to go to Santa Fe.
This artsy town is renowned for its natural hot springs, which have given rise to myriad spas and wellness resorts. Ojo Santa Fe and Ten Thousand Waves are two of the best ones in the city. Relax and soak your worries away.
Rent a Boat
If you want to feel like a true boss, head out on a party boat with your bridal party. You can enjoy sun, breeze and sea while dancing, boozing and working on your tan.
If you time it correctly, you can even see the sunset as you make your way back to land.
Want to be a bit basic (but super cute)? Tell your bridesmaids to wear matching color swimsuits or T-shirts, and pick a different color for yourself.
Where to Do It: Miami, Florida
Is there any place in the U.S. that epitomizes beach party life more than Miami? We don’t think so.
You’ll be able to go on a boat and enjoy the sun any time of year. Plus, the whole city has a laid-back vibe and a culture of partying until sunrise that perfectly matches a boating bachelorette trip.
Have a Wild Party Weekend
The quintessential bachelorette party looks a lot like the movie, “The Hangover.”
It involves nightclubs, gambling, night shows and a large portion of random adventures that’ll make for fun stories for years to come.
Where to Do It: Las Vegas, Nevada
There’s a reason why Las Vegas is the stereotypical place for a bachelorette party. Is it cliche? Maybe, but that doesn’t negate the simple fact that the city is the absolute best place for this type of party.
There are a million-and-one night shows that cater to a range of interests, casinos are open until the wee hours of the morning, and everyone everywhere will be shouting an iteration of “what happens in Vegas…”
You can’t predict what will happen in the city, but you just know it’ll be epic.
Go Glamping
Some people are torn between wanting luxury and wanting nature. The solution is to go on a glamping trip, where you can feel pampered even as you sleep outside.
This bachelorette party idea is perfect for those who want something decidedly more laidback and unconventional. You’ll be gazing up at the stars, roasting marshmallows by the fire and exchanging stories.
Where to Do It: Big Sky, Montana
There are few places in the country that have as much unspoiled natural beauty as Montana. Given this, it makes sense that the state would have many glamping spots that take advantage of the mountains, lakes and national parks.
Stay at Big Sky, where Collective Yellowstone offers peaceful glamping retreats at Moonlight Basin. The retreat is close to Yellowstone National Park and offers absolutely gorgeous interiors that’ll make you feel like you’re in a five-star hotel.
Head to the Beach
The beach rejuvenates like few other places, which is why bachelorette party beach trips are so popular.
Rent a house near the beach, and spend the weekend sunbathing and swimming in the sea.
Where to Do It: St. Pete, Florida
Rated as the absolute best beach in the country by Tripadvisor, St. Pete Beach has impossibly soft white sand and calm, warm water. It has also managed to avoid the overdevelopment of other beach destinations, so you don’t have to worry about a jungle of high rises blocking the sun.
Located along the Gulf of Mexico, St. Pete has plenty of beautiful places where you can catch the sunset. Seeing wild dolphins playing in the water is a relatively common occurrence, so definitely be on the lookout!
Go Wine Tasting
If you want a weekend that’s much less party and more about enjoying the fine things in life, you can’t go wrong with wine tasting.
You’ll get to sample delicious wines and cheese pairings while taking in the beautiful views that every winery features.
Where to Do It: Napa Valley, California
Although there are many wine regions in the U.S., none come close to Napa, which is synonymous with wine.
Napa Valley offers numerous tours, luxury winery accommodations and an overall amazing experience.
Go Thrill-Seeking
Some people thrive off of the adrenaline rush and want an active bachelorette where danger sort of lurks around the corner.
This bachelorette party idea is not for the faint of heart, but it’s definitely not boring either.
Where to Do It: Sedona, Arizona
Sedona draws in adventure travelers for a variety of reasons. You can go off-roading to ancient ruins or to Broken Arrow Trail and Mogollon Trim. Or go rafting on the Sedona River, take an ATV tour or go for a hot-air balloon ride.
Of course, this destination is also just a few hours away from exploring the famous Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon if you want to work these natural wonders into your adventurous getaway.
Have a Lake House Break
If you want a trip on the water without the crowds and the sand, a lake house break can be the solution.
There’s something magically relaxing about the quietness of a lake, especially when all you have to do is walk out the door and jump into it. At night, stargazing and making hot cocoa is highly encouraged.
Where to Do It: Austin, Texas
OK, Austin has tons of fun bachelorette activities, but arguably one of the most fun come summertime is heading to nearby Lake Travis.
You can spend the day doing fun water sports and then hit up that Austin nightlife.
Indulge the Foodie Within
Some people live for food, and there’s no better time to indulge that than at your bachelorette.
You can plan a whole trip around tasting different kinds of food or finding the best places to brunch. Another great way to enjoy a foodie bachelorette trip is to sign up for a cooking class where you can learn how to make a local dish and then enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Where to Do It: New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans adds its own flavor to everything: music, parties, architecture and, of course, food. This makes it one of the best bachelorette party destinations.
There are too many amazing dishes to even name here, but we can promise that a trip spent tasting gumbo, crawfish etouffee, po-boys, jambalaya and New Orleans muffaletta will not disappoint. When you're not obsessing over the food, you can enjoy the city's wild nightlife, tour the French Quarter or take an art tour.
Do a Hiking Trip
Sometimes, pampering yourself doesn’t mean massages but working hard for the reward of breathtaking views.
If you don’t mind getting sweaty with your squad, a hiking trip is a unique bachelorette idea that skips the cliches.
Where to Do It: Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is the gateway to many hiking trails that are safe and scenic throughout the year. Plus, this town has great food, music and craft beer scenes whenever you're not taking on peaks.
And if you want to rough it out completely, there are many campgrounds around the city as well as cabins in the woods for those who want a mix of nature and comfort.
Seek the Music
Follow the music for a guaranteed amazing time during your bachelorette.
If you live for music and love live shows or festivals, you can have a music-themed party. Costumes are definitely encouraged.
Where to Do It: Nashville, Tennessee
The music capital of the country bustles with infectious energy, which makes it one of the best places for a bachelorette party.
Rent a party bus, which will take you around the city as you belt out classic tunes or new hits. Go to a karaoke bar, see a live music show or even record a song at a recording studio. Whatever's possible in Nashville.
Hit the Slopes
For winter weddings, there’s nothing better than a bachelorette party ski trip.
Your group can stay at a ski resort or rent out a chalet. Spend the day on the slopes, and relax at night by getting cozy next to the fireplace.
The white backdrop of the snow will set the scene for great group pictures that are different from the typical bachelorette ones.
Where to Do It: Vail, Colorado
Vail is without a doubt a perfect ski trip destination. Set in the Rocky Mountains, there are several ski slopes around town that cater to different levels of experience.
If this is your first time skiing, enroll your group in a class. This will be a fun exercise that basically guarantees great laughs.
Go on a Yoga Retreat
Are you into wellness and connecting with your body? Take your whole bachelorette party on a physical and spiritual quest by going on a yoga retreat.
This will help you release stress and feel more prepared for your wedding day. It will also bring the group together with activities that don’t require alcohol.
Where to Do It: Palm Springs, California
The gateway to the otherworldly Joshua Tree National Park, many people say there’s a special energy in this town. In fact, Hollywood's elite has been known to escape here to get some serious R&R. Perhaps this is why there are so many yoga retreats at any given time of the year.
This is good news because it means you’ll get to pick the one that best fits your group. When you’re not working on your flexibility, you can take a tour of the national park, located just an hour away.
Stay at a Luxury Resort
The bachelorette party is a day just for you, so one of the best things to do is to splurge on a luxury retreat that’ll leave you feeling like royalty.
Several resorts around the country offer ultra luxurious getaways that’ll make sure your every need is catered to.
Where to Do It: Maui, Hawaii
Get away from it all with a luxury stay in beautiful Maui, known as the Valley Isle. There are several luxury resorts on the island, including the Grand Wailea Maui.
Enjoy the beach and the pool, book an appointment at the spa, eat at fine dining restaurants and book fun experiences like helicopter tours.
Of course, take the opportunity to learn about native Hawaiian culture and enrich your mind as well.
Have a City Escapade
Sometimes, you want a little bit of everything. If this is you, there’s nothing better than to plan an escapade to a big city.
Cities will give you museums, an excellent food scene, nightlife, parks, spas and more. This is the bachelorette party idea for the person who can’t make up their mind on one thing.
Where to Do It: New York, New York
The City that Never Sleeps is also the city where you can find everything and anything your heart desires.
Go to New York for a bachelorette party that never stops. With a variety of daytime and nighttime activities, you may be exhausted afterward, but it’ll definitely be worth it.