The 15 Best East Coast Bachelorette Party Destinations

Portland, Maine

The biggest city in Maine is garnering plenty of attention as of late for its buzzy food and drink scene. Add in the postcard-perfect coastline and cooler temps come summer, and you’ve got the ideal situation for a more offbeat bachelorette. Lobster rolls are, of course, a must, and you’ll find some of the best at The Highroller Lobster Co. on Exchange Street. Check out Blyth & Burrows for drinks or the just-opened Après to sample hand-crafted hard seltzers and ciders.

For dinner, consider Scales for fresh seafood, an incredible setting, and perfect service, as well as Terlingua for margaritas, spiffed-up tacos, and BBQ. Then, there’s Bubba’s Sulky Lounge. It’s almost impossible to describe the scene at this wild retro dive, but just know that you’re in for a crazy time.

The Hamptons, New York

If you’re planning on a summer bachelorette, it’s important to know that going "out east" to this collection of coastal hamlets along the eastern end of Long Island, New York won’t exactly be a walk in the park. "Many rentals have long minimum nights stays and/or are extremely expensive," Odhner. "Our best recommendation is to go in the off-season."

If you are lucky enough to snag a house—especially one with a pool—let the fun come to you. "Some of our favorite activities are bonfires on the beach, private chefs, mobile massages and spa days, sailing parties, and beach set-ups," says Odhner. Come night, Odhner sends her groups to Beach Bar, Boardy Barn, The Firepit at Gurney's, and Sel Rrose.

New York City

The city that never sleeps is a no-brainer for groups that want every option for fun at their fingertips. That said, getting your lodging sorted is crucial for a comfortable experience. "NYC is one of the few places where we recommend hotels over house rentals, as they are scarce," says Odhner. "Get enough rooms to sleep one to two to a bed, and include a suite so you have a communal space to hang out and have a cocktail or casual breakfast catered in."

To keep the town from feeling overwhelming and not spend forever waiting in line, make plans—and reservations—in advance. Odhner likes cocktails at Please Don't Tell and The Back Room, high tea at the Russian Tea Room or Parisian Tea Room, and brunch at Hotel Chantelle or the Rainbow Room. Want to work in some self care? Beyond boutique fitness classes in seemingly every niche, you can also blend up custom lipstick shades at the BITE Lip Lab or book a spa day at Aire Ancient Baths. And, since all your favorite people will finally be in one place, why not get a few selfies in at the Museum of Ice Cream? 

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

You say: All I want is a chill weekend in the woods with my besties, and to maybe hang out on a lake or a river. We say: Upstate New York is obviously great, but what about the northeastern mountains of Pennsylvania? In the Poconos, Camp Caitlin offers some of the coolest cabin rentals around—more than one has been featured in an Urban Outfitters catalog—and several put you close to the town of Honesdale, which is undergoing quite a revitalization.

Your one semi-fancy meal out should without question be at Native, a farm-to-table restaurant run by two Philly restaurant scene expats, and day drinking should be done at Second District Brew Farm. You can also hop the state line to New York’s Sullivan County, order a pizza lunch from Narrowsburg’s The Launderette, and killer cocktails to go from Cochecton Fire Station. Then, for just $6 each, float the Delaware River in an inner tube from Lou’s Tubes at Skinners Falls.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

So you want to eat great, party in unpretentious spots, and experience a city with tons of unique flavor? Put Philly right at the top of your bachelorette list. The town’s stylish "invisible service" hotels—including Lokal, The Deacon, and Wm. Mulherin’s Sons—offer extra square footage for big groups, while the hyper-creative restaurant scene is still thriving despite the pandemic. (Favorites right now include Sally, Suraya, and La Chinesca, though you shouldn’t sleep on the surprisingly robust vegan options.)

By day, head to the Neon Museum, pour candles at Wax and Wine, or pamper yourselves at the Four Seasons Philadelphia spa or Freedom Apothecary; at night, cocktails at Hop Sing Laundromat and Citywide Specials—a shot of cheap whiskey plus a PBR—at Bob & Barbara’s are a must. 

The Delaware Shore

If there’s anything Snooki and crew taught us, it’s that the Jersey Shore parties. But the Delaware Shore can get after it, too! In Dewey Beach, you’ll find a raucous good time at Starboard, the Rusty Rudder, and Bottle & Cork, where cover bands play 90s and 00s hits long into the summer. Across state lines in Maryland, there’s also Seacrets, an absolute legend of a party spot in the Mid-Atlantic, where some high-tops are situated directly in the water.

If you don’t want to relive college for the entire experience, book your rental house in the nearby Rehoboth Beach. This town has a long reputation as an LGBTQ+ haven, and the drag shows and shirtless bartenders at Purple Parrot Grill always bring in a fun crowd. When you’re ready to really eat, head to Lewes, a picturesque small town that’s also an up-and-coming foodie destination. Station on Kings is known for delish pastries, while the places to score a table include Nectar, Agave, and James Beard-nominated Heirloom.

Washington, D.C.

Hear us out on this one: The nation’s capital is actually a fantastic spot to spend a weekend—especially if your group skews over 30 and folks will be traveling in from up and down the East Coast (centrally located, Washington is serviced by three airports and a massive Amtrak station).

Daytime activities include renting paddleboards and cruising the Potomac River, perusing the food stalls at Union Market and La Cosecha, and popping (wine) bottles at St. Vincent Wine or Lulu’s Wine Garden. Come dinner, if your crew wants to dress up for an unforgettable meal out, book seats well in advance at Maydan, Albi, or Anju. Then, you’re out for the evening. The Wharf is an entirely new waterfront neighborhood filled with high-design, multi-level bars—your outfits will especially pop at La Vie—as well as one of the best new music venues in the country, while U Street and 14th Street hold all the spots where locals who didn't just turn 21 like to party on Friday and Saturday night. 

Charlottesville, Virginia

D.C. dwellers know and love this Virginia college town for its picturesque pedestrian mall full of shops and restaurants, surprisingly posh lodgings, and wineries, cideries, and breweries around seemingly every corner. Set your bags at the Quirk, or, for a real indulgence, the recently revamped Keswick Hall, and plan to spend at least one day immersed in the local libation scene.

King Family Vineyards is a must for its polo field and lively lawn scene; for something more relaxed, try Pippin Hill or Castle Hill Cider. MariBette is the perfect location for your morning latte and croissant, while the Dairy Market food hall has lots of fun options—plus long picnic tables—for lunch. At night, Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria, Public Fish & Oyster, and the James Beard-nominated Alley Light are all lovely spots for a group dinner. 

Asheville, North Carolina

This North Carolina mountain town is perfect for the bachelorette who’s looking for a weekend of adventure and never turns down a chance to go brewery hopping. While unique lodging options abound on Airbnb and Vrbo—including cool cabins and actual tree houses—the Omni Grove Park Inn and The Windsor Boutique Hotel work great for groups who prefer hotel rooms. Outdoor activities include hiking to Chimney Rock, taking fly-fishing lessons, and booking a pontoon boat charter on Lake Lure, while Tupelo Honey, White Duck Taco Shop, and Buxton Hall BBQ are all solid spots to get your grub on. You can also plan for a picture-perfect outdoor feast with Asheville Picnic Company. Then, there’s the beer scene. The city is absolutely booming with breweries, with Wicked Weed, Burial Beer Co., and Hi-Wire Brewing being some of the most popular.  

Charleston, South Carolina

Move over, Nashville—this coastal South Carolina city is ready to claim the bachelorette party throne. If you’re a small crew, the new Hotel Emeline or all-pink (think of the pics!) Mills House Hotel are stylish spots to book rooms; if you’re a group of 10 or more, Boho Rosa and Guesthouse are fantastic for home rentals. When it comes to memorable food and beverages, your options are pretty much endless. The city is also seeing a surge in services that bring the fun to private events, such as cocktail classes by Charleston Cocktail Co. and jewelry-making workshops courtesy of The Tiny Tassel. 

Savannah, Georgia

While both brimming with beautiful buildings and Southern charm, Georgia’s Savannah differs from its close neighbor Charleston in a few key ways. "Savannah has a more casual and low-key vibe than Charleston," says Odhner. "It’s more reminiscent of New Orleans and more budget-friendly."

Like New Orleans, Savannah also allows open containers on certain streets, so grab those cocktails to go and settle into a boozy picnic at Forsyth Park or one of the city’s many other picturesque green squares. For activities, Mangano says you can’t go wrong with a ghost tour by Blue Orb Tours, a styling and photo shoot experience with Starland Strange, and a Savannah Sip & Cycle bar crawl. Both Mangano and Odhner like Stayloom for group houses, but a relatively recent hotel renaissance—including Perry Lane, the Alida, and the massive JW Marriott —gives you plenty of options when it comes to more traditional accommodations. Live music is also a major draw, and for that you’ll want to head to Jazz’d Tapas Bar or Congress Street Social Club. 

St. Simons Island, Georgia

Situated halfway between Savannah, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida, this Georgia barrier island is beloved by Southerners for its wide, sandy beaches and laid-back way of life. Bachelorettes adore it for The Park, an Insta-perfect vacation compound of five beach cottages centered around a shared pool. The "chic retro motel" interiors vary from cottage to cottage, but each unit comes with its own kitchen and laundry, and the property can sleep up to 26 comfortably. Though The Park doesn’t book special experiences for guests, they do provide a helpful list of suggestions, which include private chefs, boat, bike, and golf cart rentals, charcuterie boards upon arrival, and so much more. While you’re there, check out the stylish garden market The Vine, which is owned and operated by the same team behind The Park, and plan for lunch at The Porch or Fiddler’s. 

30A, Florida

Nestled between Destin and Panama City on the Florida panhandle, the collection of tiny beach towns along Highway 30A is quickly becoming a go-to spot for East Coast bachelorettes thanks to its clear Gulf waters and white sand shoreline. House rentals in Rosemary Beach, Watercolor Beach, and Alys Beach are no-brainers for big groups, but The Pearl in Rosemary Beach is an oft-Instagrammed hotel option. For the best food and drinks in the area, head to The Red Bar in Grayton Beach, the rooftop at Pescado, Old Florida Fish House, and The Great Southern Cafe; Odhner also likes Cafe Thirty-A. In the mood to bar hop? Head to nearby Destin, where there are options aplenty. 

Miami, Florida

If you’re looking to glam up and go out all night, this southeastern Florida coastal metropolis is the place to be. Whether you book an Airbnb or hotel—favorites include Shelborne, The Miami Beach Edition, and the just-opened, adults-only Greystone—South Beach is what you’ll want to call home while you’re there.

By day, the fun happens on the water. "Yacht outings are extremely popular, but there are more affordable options, such as renting a pontoon boat with a captain," says Odhner. At night, it’s time to hit the clubs. "E11even, Liv, and Club Space are three very well known nightclubs, but the day parties"—especially at Nikki Beach and Hyde Beach—"are extremely popular as well," Odhner adds. Baoli and Kiki on the River are fun for dinner, and you can nurse your hangovers with spa treatments at The Standard. 

Key West, Florida

All the way at the end of a string of sunny isles off the southern tip of Florida, this funky beach spot is a great option for same-sex couples and mixed-gender groups. For lodging, consider Parrot Key. After a day lounging about on a private catamaran charter or flipping your fins on a snorkel cruise, cap off a raucous night out on Duval Street with a drag show at 801 Bourbon Bar.