I’ve planned or joined eight bachelorettes in the last three years. Wild? A little. Fun? A lot. I paid for my own flights. I booked the houses. I begged DJs for one more song. And I learned what works, what flops, and what saves your feet at 1 a.m. (You can peek at even more of those real wins and oops moments in this deeper trip diary.)
Here’s the thing. No city fits every bride. Some want sparkles and big clubs. Some want slow mornings and fresh air. I’ve got notes on both. And yes, I lost a press-on nail in a hotel pool once. We recovered.
How I Pick a City (Fast and Real)
- Walkability and Uber wait times
- Weather and pool season
- Flight cost from most cities
- Group budget (food, day clubs, split house)
- Day vibes vs. night vibes
- Safety and noise rules
Now, let me explain what actually happened in each place.
Palm Springs, CA — Sun, Style, and Slow Mornings
We needed calm after a busy year, so we picked Palm Springs. We booked a mid-century house with a pool and mountain views. Mimosas, pool floats, face masks, and a sunset trip to Joshua Tree for photos. The bride wore a white denim jacket with pearls. Cute and comfy.
- Loved: Ace Hotel pool day. Bright photos at The Saguaro. Vintage shops for quirky gifts.
- Meh: Some rentals have strict “no amplified music outside” rules. Seriously strict. Read the fine print.
- Quick picks: Birba for pizza under the lights; Cheeky’s for brunch; Tramway for a breezy view.
Tip: March to May is gold. July is hot like, “walk 30 feet and need a nap” hot.
If your group dreams about swapping pool floats for sunny vineyard patios, check out my recap of Paso Robles wineries I loved (and a few little gripes)—it might inspire a different kind of California celebration.
Cabo San Lucas, MX — Sun, Boats, and Long Brunches
For our chill friend, we went to Cabo. We did a boat day to the Arch with a captain who played 00s hits and handed out pineapple. The Cape rooftop at sunset was perfect. We also did dinner at Flora Farms in San José del Cabo—farm lights, live music, everyone relaxed.
- Loved: Mango Deck for silly beach fun. The Office on the Beach for toes-in-sand tacos. Clear water and easy boat bookings.
- Meh: Bring passports, of course. Taxis can add up, so we grouped rides. Sun is sneaky; our bride’s shoulders went pink fast.
- Quick picks: Medano Beach for safe swimming; Acre for a dreamy dinner; churros from a small cart near the marina.
Tip: Pack pesos for tips, though dollars are common.
P.S. If you’re a beach-first crew, you might also love my rundown of the best beaches in Oahu—learn from my sunburn mistakes before your own toes hit the sand.
Who Should Go Where? My Quick Match Guide
- Big clubs, bottle sparkles, late nights: Las Vegas, Miami
- Live music, fun crowds, easy sing-alongs: Nashville, Austin
- Pool time, cute photos, simple planning: Scottsdale, Palm Springs
- Food lovers, slower pace, walkable: Charleston, New Orleans
- Ocean views, boat day, farm-to-table dinner: Cabo
Not sure where to start? For authoritative insights on top bachelorette party destinations, consider skimming Travel + Leisure's comprehensive list to see how industry pros rank the hotspots.
If your heart is set on Tennessee but you want a spicy detour beyond the usual Broadway bars, remember that Murfreesboro is only about forty minutes from Nashville. A quick rideshare can open the door to an entirely different late-night vibe—browse the Erotic Monkey Murfreesboro listings for candid reviews and intel on adult-friendly options before you lock in any after-hours adventures.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
- Bring a mini pharmacy kit: blister pads, electrolytes, allergy tabs. Saved a friend in Miami after a surprise shrimp situation.
- Before we even book flights, I drop our shared packing list into Add This Mark so the group can open it fast and no one forgets sunscreen.
- Book one “anchor” plan each day. Not three. People like space.
- Share a clear budget up front. No one likes money shock on Sunday.
- Skip matching shirts unless the bride cares. Do fun accessories instead—heart sunnies worked every city.
Need a cheeky ice-breaker for night one? Think about staging a quick round of adult party games—something sillier than truth-or-dare but still bride-approved like flirty quizzes or dares that stay within comfort zones. Jeux de sexe offers a curated collection of playful and customizable game ideas that you can download or tweak on the fly, so you never run out of ways to keep the energy high between dinner and dancing.
Also, before your group chat spirals into a hundred tabs, The Knot offers a detailed city guide with expert advice that can streamline the entire planning process.
You know what? Every city can work if it fits the bride’s mood. I’ve had fancy nights with fireworks and quiet mornings with coffee and pool hair. Both felt right. Pick the place that makes her smile when she hears the name. Then keep the plan simple, pack comfy shoes, and let the weekend find its rhythm.