This blog post was updated on May 31, 2023.

As American author Mark Twain simply put it, “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” Luckily, most of us have already set out on adventures with our best friends, discovering that travel often strengthens friendships. If you and your friends need a getaway in the US, we’ve rounded up a few destinations that prove ideal for getaways with your BFF.

Sonoma County

There’s perhaps nothing more enticing than grabbing a bunch of your besties and heading out to a wine tasting. Northern California is king when it comes to best friend getaways with an emphasis on wine. Sonoma County, in particular, takes the cake as its just a short drive from San Francisco. Sonoma features more than 425 wineries to try out with your buddies. Plus, it’s usually more affordable and laidback than Napa.

In addition to wine tasting, you can all explore miles of rugged Pacific coastline and redwood forests. When you’re ready to relax, there are loads of resorts and spas in the area. Feeling hungry? Treat yourself to local eats at the delicious farm-to-table restaurants that are available in the area. No matter what you choose to do, they’ll be something for everyone in your friend group.

Chicago

Deep-dish pizzas are meant for sharing. Grab your BFF and head to Chicago, the quintessential American city right smack in the middle of the country. The Windy City is an idyllic spot to convene with friends as it’s easy to reach from most major airports. Once you get there, you’ll have plenty of attractions to fill up the itinerary with friends. Shop ’til you drop along Magnificent Mile, hit up the beaches on Lake Michigan, and take a selfie next to the Cloud Gate (Chicago’s reflective bean shaped work of art).

Other friend-worthy activities in town include catching a baseball game at Wrigley Field and experiencing the Ledge on top of the iconic Willis Tower. The glass box extends 4.3 feet from the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Obviously, you wouldn’t take such a step without your best friend beside you, pushing you to be a daredevil too. Get ready for a wild ride!

Austin, Texas

If everything is bigger in Texas, then friendships are too. BFFs who convene in the capital city of Austin won’t be hard pressed to find a wealth of activities. Beginning with music, Austin calls itself the live music capital of the world. You can tap your toes together at more than 250 music venues in town.

If all that dancing has worked up an appetite, Austin has loads of barbecue joints and food trucks to satisfy those cravings. By day, friends can peruse South Congress, filled with art galleries, clothing boutiques, antique shops, and yes…more food trucks. At twilight, you can all make your way to the Congress Avenue Bridge to see a million bats emerge from underneath its arches. Spooky, but it makes for a great story!

If the Texas heat proves too much to bear, you and your posse have options for cooling off at either Barton Springs Pool or Lady Bird Lake. Either of these will be refreshing and relaxing. Close out your Austin trip by bar hopping throughout old bungalow watering holes on Rainey Street. You and your pals will be sure to enjoy all that Texas has to offer.

You may also like: Your Fool-Proof Guide to Traveling With Your Friends

Philadelphia

It seems only fitting that in the City of Brotherly Love, you can find a wealth of activities to satisfy a BFF trip. If your friendships go way back to the point where they feel more like family than friends, you might as well take your history to the historic city of Philadelphia. History-loving pals can appreciate visits to spots like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Lending both a cosmopolitan vibe and a small town feel, Philly also has tons of museums to explore like the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Barnes Foundation.

Then again, if you have foodie friends, Philly is a great option for you and the pals. From cheesesteaks to fine dining, your group will have plenty to choose from. Don’t forget to hit up the bustling street food scene. The Reading Terminal Market is a large multiethnic food market with lots of great options for you and your friend to explore.

What’s the best place you’ve visited with good friends? Tell us about your trip in the comments below.