Eclectic & Electric: Girls’ Weekend Ideas for Every Type of Traveler

For Wine Lovers: Savor Santa Barbara or Solvang, California

California has no shortage of amazing wine-tasting destinations. While travelers to the San Francisco area have long flocked to Napa and Sonoma, those visiting Southern California are often drawn to the trendy allure and laid-back beach vibes of Santa Barbara. Here you’ll find hip downtown tasting rooms alongside upscale eateries and a booming nightlife scene, making it an unforgettable girls’ weekend hotspot. But those looking for something a bit more quiet and quirky can head 45 miles out of town to the Danish dreamland of Solvang. Home to traditional Danish buildings, gabled roofs and numerous windmills, Solvang boasts a seemingly endless array of old-world bakeries interspersed with the town’s many wine tasting rooms. It’s a kitschy and quaint destination that’s perfect for those looking for a locale with European flair.

Where to Stay: Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is ideally situated just steps away from the beach as well as the city’s popular Funk Zone district. For a stay in the heart of wine country with plenty of room for the whole crew, book Hampton Inn & Suites Buellton/Santa Ynez Valley, located just four miles from charming Solvang.

For History Buffs: Head to Washington, D.C. or Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

Few cities deliver the unique mix of history, culture, art and dining that Washington, D.C. brings to the table. The nation’s capital serves up sightseeing at some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks and countless hours of exploration at a wealth of museums, making it an easy getaway choice for ladies looking to broaden their horizons while bonding with friends. However, if a small-town vibe is more your scene, nearby Harpers Ferry, West Virginia offers an array of historical sites in an easier-to-navigate package. Known for its location at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, where the states of Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia meet, Harpers Ferry was a strategic point during the Civil War. Today it’s also the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail, making it the ideal spot to visit for a mix of history and outdoor adventure.

Where to Stay: The elegant Conrad Washington, DC offers the perfect city-center locale for exploring the National Mall, Smithsonian, National Portrait Gallery and all the sights of the capital. For easy access to Harpers Ferry, stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Charles Town, which also provides a free shuttle to all the excitement at nearby Hollywood Casino.

For Non-Stop Action: Try Toronto or Niagara Falls, Canada

Those looking for an action-packed getaway might not initially consider Canada’s most populous city, but this thriving metropolis is teeming with glamourous bars, clubs and eateries that are sure to offer the perfect setting for a girl’s night out. Brunch is a big deal in Toronto, which is oft-cited as the most ethnically diverse city in the world, meaning that no matter what type of cuisine you’re into, you’ll find it here. If you’re looking for daytime adventures, why not opt for an unexpected locale like eclectic Niagara. This action-packed destination is known for its famous waterfalls, which are a “can’t miss” part of your visit that you can explore in a variety of exciting ways, but travelers to Niagara can also delight in riding an incline railway, exploring a colorful botanical garden and testing their nerves on a barrage of amusement park attractions.

Where to Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown offers spacious rooms and suites that allow you to spread out and relax between adventures, all while staying in the heart of the city. In Niagara, you won’t find any more impressive views than those at the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites, which overlooks the American and Canadian Falls!