Culture Rich Destinations in the US for Your Next Girls Trip
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Time has rolled around for your annual girls weekend trip (or bi-quarterly, some of y’all be moving!). Buuut, you have to admit, they are all starting to blend into each other. They always cover at least one the four necessities of any basic girls trip: Good dancing, good food, good massages, and good deals. So why does it feel like something is missing? Well, it’s probably the hidden fifth pillar: good learnings. Y’all are missing out on the CULTURE aspect of travel! But that doesn’t mean that you need to fly across the world to visit an ancient Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia or trek to a secluded desert camp in the Middle East. Nah! There’s tons of amazing culture rich destinations in the US right here for you!
Well. Assuming you are living in the United States of America.
If you aren’t…well then WELCOME TO THIS POST ON CULTURE RICH DESTINATIONS IN THE US. No, America is not “culture-less.” The USA is filled to the brim with culture, from is scorned history to its thriving traditions carried on by communities across the country. We don’t call it a melting pot for no reason. Besides, your friend Rebecca probably needs a mini break from Whiskey sours anyway.
So, alert your group chat. This year, the gang is getting edumacated on some local histories of the United States of America and its territories. And don’t worry, there’s still dope food and shopping opportunities too! That said, for this list, I’m giving the scoop on some of the best UNDERRATED destinations for culture. Don’t get me wrong, I love NYC, SF, and Miami as much as the next person, but I’m here to provide some new ideas! So without further ado, let’s jump into it!
P.S. I know I be spelling things wrong all the time, but I meant what I said by edumacated.
San Antonio, Texas – by Erin from Sol Salute
While next-door neighbor Austin is a world-famous destination, stunning San Antonio continues to remain under the radar. San Antonio is a lively city heavily influenced by Mexican culture. I mean, ALL of Texas used to be Mexico. Heck, it even used to be it’s own REPUBLIC! Any group of girlfriends looking for a unique culture rich destination in the US will find it here.
San Antonio’s major highlight is the river winding through its downtown. The Riverwalk is actually one of the best things to do in the Texas Hill Country. Tex-Mex restaurants line the river, covered in a romantic canopy of trees. Nights should be spent here, ordering margaritas by the glass or even by the pitcher! For a more unique experience, it’s possible to have dinner on one of the many boats that float up and down the river, being serenaded by mariachi music.
*~* San Antonio’s Cultural Events*~*
During the day, visit the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. Pick up handmade crafts and artisan goods that normally you’d only find in Mexico. For history, visit the Alamo and its sister missions in town that make up the Mission Trail. These five missions are the only UNESCO heritage site in Texas and a must-see.
If you visit during April, you can catch the city’s biggest celebration, Fiesta San Antonio. For 11 days straight, the entire city is washed in color, music, and food to mark the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. For Americans, this is where that saying “Remember the Alamo” comes from. It was the game-changing sequence of events that decided Texas’ war for independence from Mexico.
A few smaller festivals include Selena Day on April 16th to remember the late and great musician, and the Tejano Music Festival in March, a free-four day extravaganza!
Downtown’s historic hotels, like the Menger Hotel or Hotel Saint Anthony, are filled with history, stunning antiques, and maybe even a ghost or two. There haven’t been any serious incidences…yet.
Mobile, Alabama – by Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan
Mobile, Alabama is often skipped over in favor of New Orleans, which lies about 150 miles west along the Gulf Coast. But Mobile offers many of the same attractions that you’d find in New Orleans, all within a city that’s much smaller and easier to manage. Both were founded by the French in the early 1700s, and Mobile is actually the older of the two.
Every Mobilian you meet will be eager to tell you that theirs is the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States! Parades of lavishly decorated floats take place every night for about two weeks in the lead-up to Lent, usually in late February or early March.
In addition to Mardi Gras season, another great time to visit Mobile is during the Azalea Trail Festival, which happens a bit later in the spring. The pink and white azalea flowers add a big burst of color to the city streets when they bloom at this time of year. Local high school girls dress up in frilled pastel dresses with petticoats and look like they walked straight off the set of Gone with the Wind. Several antebellum mansions are now open to the public as museums, and some of these hold special events during the festival.
Mobile also has a vibrant restaurant scene, including some famous restaurants that have been around for decades. The oldest is the cleverly named Dew Drop Inn (do drop in, get it??), which has been serving up Cajun dishes like po’ boys and gumbo since 1924. More recently, some of Mobile’s restaurants adapted their menus to meet the needs of younger generations, including vegetarian and vegan visitors to the city.
San Diego, California – by Millette from The Next Somewhere
If you’re looking for a stress-free and easygoing girls trip bubbling with culture, look no further than San Diego. The sunny Southern Californian city has fantastic food, a great range of accommodations, and adventures abounding. And all of those a brimming with culture!
Did you know? San Diego’s best weather is right after peak season, in September and October, when the heat isn’t as oppressive and the sun is always out. With an airport smackdab in the city, you don’t have to travel far to get around. It’s also a low-key foodie’s paradise spanning multiple regions, so expect the best fish tacos this side of the border, revitalizing açaí bowls, and Italian food galore in Little Italy. If you want to party, you can hit up Tiki speakeasies before bar hopping in the uber-popular Gaslamp District.
Plus, San Diego is one of the craft brewery capitals of America, so you won’t be left thirsty. Uber is everywhere and also very reasonable, making traveling around safely a breeze. But to cover the most ground, rent a car so you can visit farther attractions in the area like the La Jolla sea lions or the Torrey Pines Gliderport, where you can paraglide over surfer hotspots.
*~* What about outside of the city? *~*
With a car, you can even enjoy the wineries in nearby Temecula, just a 45-minute drive from San Diego proper or learn more about the indigenous communities of the area of Coachella Valley. You can brush up on the post-colonial history of San Diego in Old Town San Diego, and learn how the Spanish used missions to “convert” (aka ethnically cleanse the indigenous population under the guise of religion) and create the city we now know as San Diego. You can also visit Tijuana, San Diego’s “support city,” just a quick walk across the border. The entire area is one of the most culture rich destinations in the US!
Birmingham, Alabama – by Allie from WOC Travel Blog
Birmingham played a major role in the civil rights movement and major contribution to manufacturing boom in the United States post World War II. Thus, it is one of the most culturally rich destinations in the US. Plus, with tons of great food and exciting activities, your girls’ trip will be fun AND educational!
With a large international airport, Birmingham is easily accessible from almost anywhere. The city also has the vibe of an eclectic up-and-coming destinations with great neighborhoods for partying, like Five Points South and Lakeview, as well as a slew of craft breweries like Avondale and Cahaba.
If your group likes outdoor activities, the Cahaba River has a lot of launch points for tubing and kayaking. Likewise, there are a lot of natural swimming holes like Turkey Creek and Moss Rock. There are also a handful of hiking trails like Vulcan Trail, and Ruffner Mountain.
For girls interested in history the Birmingham, visit the Civil Rights Institute and the Southern Negro League Museum. You can also join a civil rights self-guided walking tour, which includes stops at iconic destinations during the Civil Rights Movement like Kelly Ingram Park, 16th Street Church, and the location where Martin Luther King Jr. wrote Letters from a Birmingham Jail.
Last but certainly not least, Birmingham has an amazing food scene. With several Michelin starred restaurants like Purnell’s and Opheem you and your girls can treat yourself to a world-class meal. Or enjoy some local spots like barbecue at Saw’s or Dreamland, pizza at Slice, late-night food at Al’s, or Latin American fusion at Rojo. Before you leave, don’t forget to grab a picture in front of one of the many “It’s Great to Have You in Birmingham” murals sprinkled throughout the city to commemorate your girls’ trip!
Dededo, Guam – by Mar from Once in a Lifetime Journey
If you’re looking for a tropical yet culture rich destinations, yet don’t want to visit Hawai’i (though it is also a great choice!), then it’s time to think outside the box. Head over to Guam!
Located in the North Pacific between The Philippines and Hawai’i, Guam actually a US unincorporated territory. And, as it’s closer to Southeast Asia than the US, Guam is also the furthest a US citizen can travel while still being on “home” soil. While its more frequented by Japanese and Korean tourists, it’s gaining popularity with a US audience who crave unique culture, gorgeous beaches, an array of marine life, and oh so much glorious duty-free shopping.
With a blend of the Chamorro culture and Western influences, Guam is a fascinating cultural melting pot. You can witness the beautiful Chamorro culture with the wonderful dance show at the Sheraton. You can also visit the night market at Chamorro Village every Wednesday and Friday. The market hosts a number of shops and vendors to complement the plethora of local cuisine choices at the village, a town favorite for both tourists and locals! And depending on which month you visit, you might find yourself in the middle of one of the many fun food festivals happening around the island, such as the Donne/Pepper Festival (Sept), Mango Festival (May), or the Crab Festival (March, aka Mes Chamoru/Chamorro Month)
*~* And for more low-key experiences *~*
For more great cultural activities, visit the Gef Pa’go Chamorro Cultural Village to learn how to make traditional Chamorro crafts! Then relax at Tumon beach where you can tan, go snorkeling, kayaking or SUPing with the girls. It’s pretty common to see dolphins from the shore too! Then, explore nature at Namo Falls Tropical Garden. If you want some guided tours for your group, book with Adventure River Cruise, Guam’s only specialty inland boat tour that focuses on Guam’s culture and wetland preserves!
Yes, Guam is a tropical paradise, but there’s also great shopping! Splurge at one of the many premium malls like Micronesia Mall, The Plaza or Guam Premier Outlets. Head to Proa or Jeff’s Pirate cove for some of the best authentic spots for Chamorro BBQ. Then wash it down at the Sheraton Guam for sundowner cocktails.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
GOooood ol’ Santa Fe. For one reason or another, New Mexico is surprisingly not very high on the US destination list. Let alone Santa Fe. But truly, Santa Fe is one of the best culture rich destinations in the US. A crown in the American Southwest, the second most widely spoken languages are Navajo and Spanish. The city is teeming with flair, set on the backdrop of five beautiful mountain ranges and desert red sunsets.
You can get a taste of Santa Fe’s unique cultural melange at any of the fantastic restaurants. For authentic Native American cuisine, get your grub on at Tiwa Kitchen or Pueblo Harvest. Then, for the best street tacos in the city, choose Rizo’s! Santa Fe is also an incredible city for boutique shopping! However, be sure to double check for Native authenticity to ensure you are supporting the local community!
Santa Fe’s most iconic celebrations are the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Fiesta de Santa Fe, happening in August and September respectively. Throughout the year, you can find numerous jewelry and textile shops around town, but during the Santa Fe Indian Market, the largest and most prestigious juried Native arts show in the world, the town really comes alive with authentic Native crafts, clothing, and performances. The Fiesta de Santa Fe also incorporates Native and Hispanic culture in a remembrance of the city’s founding, as well as a celebration in how far the community has come.
*~* Exploring outside of the city*~*
When your group wants a break from the vibrant city, explore the Peyu Cliff Dwellings, once inhabited by the Pueblo people. Plus, dozens of National Monuments, a new National Park (White Sands!), and hiking trails within driving distance! But with incredible spas like WO’ P’IN SPA, you can easily slip into relaxation with your girls right there within one of the greatest culture rich destinations in the US. Santa Fe.
Culture Rich Destinations in the US: Conclusions
The United States of America is literally overflowing with culture. Though somehow, the country gets a reputation for being plain and downright flavorless. Both from citizens and foreigners alike. However, that doesn’t mean it’s true. At all. Hopefully, maybe one -or more!- of these destinations have caught your eye. I encourage you to explore the United States of America and look beyond the images Hollywood tries to represent. This country was built on the graves of black and brown people. AND THEY ARE STILL HERE.
And so is their culture.
With all of these cities checking the box for all FIVE necessities, it shouldn’t be too hard to convince your squad for your next girls’ getaway. And, once you’ve visited these culture rich destinations in the US, check out my other posts with recommendations for other weekend trips with the gals!
Oh, and side note: Before your trip, make sure you sit down with your girls and have THE TALK. Yeah, you NEED to discuss budgets, sleep schedules, sight-seeing priorities, and all that fun stuff. It will make OR BREAK your trip. If you need a guideline, check out my post: 8 Topics to Discuss BEFORE Your Group Trip.
*SIDE SIDE Note. While white European communities DO indeed have their own unique culture, those were not specifically highlighted in this particular post. I will eventually get a round-up of those going. Uh. Eventually.
Ready to Get Cultured?? Share with your girls!
I’m surprised you don’t have Miami on here!! It’s like visiting a different country in each unique neighborhood.
Oh yess Miami is amazing!! I chose to leave it out onlyyy because it’s one of the more well-known cities