Cataloochee Ranch
Photograph: Ben Finch | Cataloochee Ranch
Photograph: Ben Finch

The best women-led weekend getaways in the U.S.

Spend some much-needed time with the ladies

Lauren Dana
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You look like you could use some quality time with friends. With that in mind, we’re highlighting some of the best women-led weekend getaways to book now and throughout the year. Across the U.S., these trips span a range of experiences, from outdoor adventures and wellness retreats to food-and-wine. What connects them is simple: each is shaped or led by women, for women. Some are structured around small-group settings, while others offer more flexible, choose-your-own schedules. Whether you’re looking to try something new or just plan a quick trip out of town, these getaways offer a variety of ways to spend a weekend away.

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Best women-led getaways and retreats to book

A desert reset with horses in Tucson

The Equine Experience at Miraval Arizona isn't about riding as much as slowing down. Led by equine specialist Lucinda Vette, offerings range from reflective exercises to creative, art-based sessions. These include "An Unforgettable Canvas," which uses a horse’s side as a living canvas, and "Purple Sage Meditation," a guided reflection centered on the animals’ calm, embodied presence. All in all, it's less about technique and more about awareness—aligned with the resort’s adult-only, all-inclusive focus on holistic wellness, with both group and private sessions available. 

A fishing trip in the Florida Keys

At The Islands of Islamorada on Islamorada—often referred to as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World”—the property’s “coastal concierge,” Natalie Standquist, leads fishing trips designed specifically for women, including complete beginners. The experience combines instruction with real-time on the water, whether that’s nighttime fishing, wintertime Wahoo trolling or full-moon deep drifting. Think of it as an approachable way into a sport that can otherwise feel intimidating, with an emphasis on learning by doing rather than getting everything right the first time.

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Learn to surf in sunny SoCal

At Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach (about 60 miles from Los Angeles), surf lessons are led by pro surfer and Mo Surf Academy founder Mary Osborne, who has built her career around making the sport more accessible. Lessons are intentionally small and hands-on, focusing on technique, timing, and confidence in the water rather than quick wins. The goal isn’t just to stand up once; it's about understanding what you’re doing and feeling comfortable enough to keep going, making it a strong entry point for first-timers.

Cowgirl Camp in North Carolina

In the heart of the Smokies, Cataloochee Ranch’s Cowgirl Camp is built around classic ranch activities—think: horseback riding, hiking and long days outdoors—with everything led by the ranch’s female staff. The weekend balances structured experiences like guided rides and workshops with time to unplug, making it feel more like a reset than a jam-packed itinerary. Some sessions are designed specifically for mother-daughter trips, adding another layer to the experience. Current sessions are sold out, with 2027 dates expected to be announced soon—so it’s worth planning ahead.

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A women-led wine weekend near Boise

Just outside Boise, the Sunny Slope Wine Trail in Idaho’s Snake River Valley is shaped in large part by female winemakers. Names like Melanie Krause (Cinder Winery), Tammy Stowe McClure (Indian Creek Winery) and Meredith Smith (Ste. Chapelle Winery) are helping define the region. Tasting rooms are close together, making it easy to build a weekend route, and the overall vibe is low-key and approachable. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a wine trip that feels less crowded and more discovery-driven than the usual destinations.

A grown-up summer camp for women in Pennsylvania

Led by content creator Liv Schreiber, Camp Social is a women-only, adults-only sleepaway camp designed for making friends—something that’s surprisingly hard to do as an adult. Set on a lake in Pennsylvania and easy to reach from New York City, the three-day, two-night experience leans into classic summer camp nostalgia, but with better food, actual downtime, a flexible schedule and, of course, plenty of cocktails and mocktails. Days are built around optional activities like yoga, hiking, crafts, pickleball and cold plunges, with plenty of space to opt in or sit things out.

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