Are you looking for a memorable and fun way to celebrate your 50th birthday? A girls’ trip is the perfect way to ring in this significant milestone. Whether you’re a homebody or a seasoned jet setter, your birthday is the perfect opportunity to see new places, escape with your close friends, and enjoy a fantastic getaway. We’re rounding up our favorite 50th birthday trip ideas that are worthy of this momentous occasion. So come along and discover the best places to celebrate and unwind!
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15 Birthday Trip Ideas That Are Perfect for Celebrating with Friends
1. Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is the perfect place for a relaxed, coastal getaway. Enjoy classic New England charm while soaking up the salt air and beautiful scenery.
Start your holiday with a stroll on the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile coastal trail that highlights the best of Newport’s beauty. Then head to its quaint downtown area, where you can peruse art galleries, dine in local restaurants, and stroll the scenic streets.
But the best way to see Newport is from the water. Consider booking a sightseeing cruise on a vintage lobster boat or classic sailboat. A summertime visit offers the chance to enjoy a sun-soaked beach day. Head over to Easton’s Beach, or rent bikes to visit Gooseberry Beach.
One of our favorite Newport activities (especially for a girl’s trip!) is a mansion tour. The Breakers is the most popular and stately mansion to tour, but we also love The Elms for its gorgeous gardens.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville has a little bit of everything: serene mountains, fun local culture, unique shopping and dining, and unforgettable attractions. That’s why it’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion – especially a 50th birthday!
We recommend booking a stay in one of its historic downtown hotels, but for a true escape, you could instead reserve a mountain cabin. Either way, you’ll want to make sure you enjoy both the city and its scenic surroundings.
Of course, you can’t miss touring the Biltmore Mansion (the town’s most popular attraction), complete with time at their wine bar. The estate also offers guided hikes, bike rentals, croquet games, and falconry experiences.
Back in town, be sure to save up for a full day of shopping and dining. When the weather is good, you could easily spend multiple days simply strolling through its charming streets.
Nature lovers will want to head into the Blue Ridge Mountains, where there are many hiking trails with breathtaking views. And anyone will appreciate Asheville’s great spas, like Shoji Spa and Lodge, which offers professional treatments in a serene setting.
3. Savannah, Georgia
Enjoy southern charm, coastal beauty, and unique culture in Savannah. If you’ve never visited this gorgeous Georgia city, your 50th birthday is the perfect excuse.
Mild winters mean you can enjoy downtown strolls throughout the year, but we still prefer fall and spring for their picture-perfect conditions. Immerse yourself in the historic architecture, delicious food, quaint courtyards, and lively culture of Savannah.
You need to book a ghost tour of downtown Savannah – the city’s unique history and peculiar hauntings are fascinating. Another option is to stay up late in one of its fun jazz bars or at the Savannah Smiles Dueling Pianos bar.
If you want to dip your toes in the ocean, take the short drive to Tybee Island. You can dine on local seafood and maybe even see dolphins and sea turtles in their natural habitat.
4. Charleston, South Carolina
The colorful, cobbled streets are enough to lure most girl groups to Charleston. But there’s more to this vibrant city than what meets the eye.
Your 50th birthday getaway to Charleston will be full of beautiful sights, amazing food, great music, and plenty of relaxation.
See the city from a horse-drawn carriage, or rent bikes to explore at your own pace. Consider taking a historical tour of one of its unique homes or neighborhoods, or simply unwind at one of Charleston’s excellent spas. To soak in the sun, take the 20-minute drive to Folly Beach, where you could easily spend an entire day enjoying its unique beach-town vibe.
For brunch, eat at Park & Grove, which has an unbeatable farm-to-table menu. Seafood dinner is best at Chubby Fish – just get there early to minimize your wait time.
5. Quebec City and Montreal, Canada
Quebec City and Montreal are great places to celebrate the big 5-0. These Canadian towns are perfect for sightseers who love unique architecture and walkable streets.
Begin in Quebec City, where you can see Montmorency Falls, a natural wonder that’s larger than Niagara Falls. Also check out Place Royale, a historic square with old-world European architecture and quaint shops.
Take the 3.5-hour train ride from Quebec City to Montreal. It’s a scenic route, and the business-class service is excellent.
Once in Montreal, marvel at the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, walk through the Parc Du Mont-Royal, and explore the Montreal Botanical Garden.
There’s a lot of walking to do in both Quebec City and Montreal, so consider speeding things up by renting a moped – it’s a fun way to see the sights. Montreal is also a great place to take a cooking class. Or, leave the cooking to the pros and enjoy fine dining at L’Express, an incredible French bistro that you must visit while in town.
6. Sedona, Arizona
If you’re looking for a balance between relaxation and adventure, Sedona could be the perfect destination for your 50th birthday vacation.
Sedona is hailed as a place of healing and sacred energy, so your trip here should definitely include one-of-a-kind spa treatments. Book a treatment (or an entire stay) at The Wilde Resort and Spa to enjoy the hotel’s peaceful atmosphere and luxurious service.
Join a wine tour to sip and see even more of the area’s natural beauty (without the hassle of driving!).
And when you’re ready for outdoor adventures, Sedona won’t disappoint. Go horseback riding through the desert or fly high in a hot air balloon. There is also great hiking throughout the area. Sugar Loaf Loop is an easy trail that’s located near town, or consider booking a guided hike to see some of Sedona’s hidden gems.
7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is quintessentially New England, and you’ll be immersed in its movie-worthy aesthetic and coastal charm.
Plan your trip here around the best restaurants. Seafood reigns supreme, but you can also find excellent delis and bakeries throughout town. Also, keep your itinerary light – you’ll want plenty of time to relax on its many beautiful beaches.
Don’t forget to head to one of the area’s downtown districts, where colorful streets, unique shops, and local art galleries can keep you busy for multiple days.
For a unique stay, book rooms in a local bed and breakfast. Or, book a luxurious stay at Chatham Bars Inn, which features an onsite spa, tennis courts, and an oceanfront heated pool.
8. Park City, Utah
Park City is best known for its winter sports – and it’s our go-to recommendation for a girls’ ski trip. But even in warm months, you can have a fun-filled 50th birthday getaway in this scenic city.
Of course, the best things to do in Park City are skiing and snowboarding, but its winter après-ski options can keep everyone in your group entertained. Enjoy great restaurants, live music, and the many adventures at Olympic Park.
In the warmer months, you can fly fish, horseback ride, hike, or take a scenic yoga class. Plus, there are great spas throughout Park City that will help you unwind, whether you’re taking a break from non-stop skiing or lounging by a fire.
9. Palm Springs
For a stylish SoCal getaway, head to Palm Springs. This sun-drenched city offers incredible shopping, spas, and adventure, all set in the unique landscape of the California desert.
Our favorite 50th birthday trip ideas in Palm Springs include visiting Joshua Tree National Park and a day shopping and dining along Palm Canyon Drive.
For a world-class spa day, you must go to The Spa at Séc-he. It’s a glistening property located in the heart of Downtown Palm Springs, and it’s home to the city’s only natural hot spring. Services include mineral baths, quartz beds, salt caves, and cryotherapy. It’s certainly a rejuvenating way to ring in a new decade of life!
10. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is a popular choice for any big occasion, and your 50th birthday celebration here will be unforgettable. Book a luxurious stay at a world-class hotel and be within walking distance of some of the most lively activities.
You’ll want to check out some live entertainment while in Sin City. Cirque du Soleil, U2 at The Sphere, Shania Twain, David Copperfield, and Absinthe are popular choices for girls trips.
Hit the slot machines or go big at a table game. If gambling is not for you, there’s still plenty to do, like shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
Outside of the city, you can take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, take an ATV tour of the nearby desert, or hike through Red Rock Canyon.
11. Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale is famous for its luxurious spa resorts and golf clubs, which is reason enough to make it your 50th birthday destination. A girls’ trip here can include wine tasting, massages, and sightseeing.
There’s a Four Seasons and a Fairmont here, so you can treat yourself to a luxurious stay.
You can also thoroughly enjoy the great outdoors while in Scottsdale. Take a hot air balloon ride, or white water raft, go hiking, or join a guided mountain bike tour. For a more relaxed way to take in Scottsdale’s unique scenery, you can book a chauffeured driving tour or take a leisurely hike near town.
12. Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth is a great place for a weekend girls’ getaway. There are endless amounts of great shopping, dining, and nightlife – perfect for groups that want an easy and fun escape. Plus, getting here is a breeze with so many flights coming into DFW airport.
Fill your days with distillery tours, downtown restaurants, and unique museums. Kimbell Art Museum is incredible, and the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame is perfect for a girl’s trip.
The Fort Worth Stockyards has twice-daily cattle drives that you have to check out. There are also regular rodeos and old-fashioned salons in this historic neighborhood. Book a stay at Hotel Drover to be close to all the action.
13. St. Augustine, Florida
Looking for 50th birthday trip ideas that include plenty of sand and sea? St. Augustine offers the classic beach trip your entire group will love, plus a lot of history that will make the vacation even more memorable.
Your first stop will be the coastline, where crystal clear waters and unique lighthouses await. Crescent Beach is perfect for a beach day, and you can even go horseback riding on this scenic stretch of sand.
When you’re ready to explore the historic city, consider getting a day pass for the hop-on, hop-off old town trolley, allowing you to see more of town (and its many distilleries and shops) with less walking.
And when the sunsets, you’re ready to enjoy live music at one of the historic district’s great bars. Or, book a ghost tour for a unique insight into America’s oldest town.
14. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe is a great destination for any group, especially for celebratory girls’ trips. Adventurous travelers will love exploring on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Meanwhile, a relaxed getaway could include a scenic gondola ride or a wine cruise on the lake.
In the winter, Lake Tahoe is a fun skiing destination with unforgettable scenery. It’s a great location for beginners, so you and your friends can take a group class and hit the easy slopes for a fun day on the mountain.
Desolation Hotel is a top choice for a girls’ getaway, and you’ll have the best time eating and drinking throughout town. It’s a top place for bonding, adventure, and relaxation.
15. Banff, Canada
Have you ever been to Banff, Canada? This resort town is located within a national park pleasing luxe travelers and adventure seekers alike.
In the winter, you can hit the slopes at one of Banff’s three world-class ski resorts. But we prefer summer trips when the weather is great and endless exploration awaits.
You’ll love relaxing in Banff Upper Hot Springs and dining in one of the town’s scenic restaurants. But be sure to get out and about, either on a driving tour or a hike. Banff is a great place for spotting wildlife, and each corner of the park is filled with stunning views.
So hit the trails, unwind, and dine in style in Banff – one of our top 50th birthday trip ideas.
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