Planning a trip with your best friends? You’re in luck. The United States offers endless places to go with friends—from beach towns and mountain retreats to exciting cities and cozy countryside escapes.
Whether you’re craving adventure, shopping, nightlife, or food, there are so many great destinations for US travel buddies. These spots are perfect for bonding, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
There are more than 10 fun places to vacation with your crew. But today we will stick with only 10 of them. For each one, we’ll talk about what to see, what to eat, where to shop, what to do at night, and where to stay. These are some of the best places to travel with friends in the world, and they’re right here in the USA.
1. Austin, Texas
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Austin is one of the fun places to travel with friends who love music, culture, and tasty food.
What to see & do:
Explore Lady Bird Lake, snap pics at the Greetings from Austin mural, or check out Barton Springs Pool.
Go paddleboarding or hit a live music show on Sixth Street.
Where & what to eat:
Don’t miss Franklin Barbecue. Enjoy tacos at Torchy’s Tacos and brunch at Bouldin Creek Cafe.
Where to shop & what to buy:
South Congress Avenue is full of local boutiques, vintage shops, and cool souvenirs.
Where to go & what to do at night:
Bar-hop on Rainey Street, a quirky stretch of converted bungalows with cocktails, food trucks, and music.
Where to stay:
Stay at a stylish downtown Airbnb or book a room at the LINE Austin for skyline views.
2. Miami, Florida
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Miami is one of the best places to travel to if your group loves beaches, glam vibes, and nightlife.
What to see & do:
Visit South Beach, Wynwood Walls, and Little Havana. Go jet skiing or join a boat party.
Where & what to eat:
Try Cuban food at Versailles, seafood at Joe’s Stone Crab, and gelato on Lincoln Road.
Where to shop & what to buy:
Hit Brickell City Centre and Bayside Marketplace. Look for designer clothes, swimwear, and Latin-inspired gifts.
Where to go & what to do at night:
Dance the night away at LIV or enjoy rooftop cocktails at Sugar.
Where to stay:
Book a beachfront hotel like The Confidante or rent a cool art deco Airbnb.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
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Vegas is one of those fun travel places where every moment feels like a celebration—perfect for best friend trips.
What to see & do:
Walk the Strip, see the Bellagio fountains, and try your luck at a casino.
Where & what to eat:
Splurge on Gordon Ramsay Steak or go buffet-style at Caesars Palace.
Where to shop & what to buy:
Explore the Forum Shops at Caesars or the Fashion Show Mall.
Where to go & what to do at night:
Enjoy shows like Cirque du Soleil or club hop between Omnia and XS.
Where to stay:
Pick a resort like The Cosmopolitan or MGM Grand for easy access to everything.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
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Nashville is one of the top vacations to go in USA if you’re into music, Southern food, and lively nights out.
What to see & do:
Check out the Country Music Hall of Fame, take a pedal tavern tour, and explore Broadway.
Where & what to eat:
Try hot chicken at Hattie B’s and biscuits at Biscuit Love.
Where to shop & what to buy:
12South is great for local boutiques and custom cowboy boots.
Where to go & what to do at night:
Listen to live music at The Bluebird Cafe or party on Lower Broadway.
Where to stay:
Choose a hip hotel like the Graduate or stay in a charming Airbnb near downtown.
5. New York City, New York
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NYC is one of the best locations to travel with friends who want endless excitement and culture.
What to see & do:
Visit Central Park, the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty.
Where & what to eat:
Get bagels at Ess-a-Bagel, pizza at Joe’s, and fine dining at Carbone.
Where to shop & what to buy:
SoHo and Fifth Avenue are shopping heaven. Buy fashion, art, and collectibles.
Where to go & what to do at night:
See a Broadway show or explore rooftop bars in Manhattan.
Where to stay:
Stay in Midtown for convenience or Brooklyn for a cool vibe.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
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New Orleans is one of the fun vacation spots for food lovers, music fans, and anyone who enjoys a unique vibe.
What to see & do:
Walk through the French Quarter, take a ghost tour, or ride a steamboat.
Where & what to eat:
Enjoy beignets at Café du Monde and gumbo at Commander’s Palace.
Where to shop & what to buy:
Royal Street has antiques, art, and local crafts.
Where to go & what to do at night:
Party on Bourbon Street or catch jazz at Preservation Hall.
Where to stay:
Stay in a boutique hotel in the French Quarter or the Garden District.
7. San Diego, California
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San Diego is one of the best trips for best friends who want sun, surf, and chill vibes.
What to see & do:
Visit the San Diego Zoo, go to La Jolla Cove, or relax at Pacific Beach.
Where & what to eat:
Try fish tacos at Oscar’s and brunch at The Cottage.
Where to shop & what to buy:
Browse shops in Old Town for souvenirs or shop upscale in Fashion Valley.
Where to go & what to do at night:
Go bar-hopping in the Gaslamp Quarter or enjoy beach bonfires.
Where to stay:
Choose beachfront resorts or Airbnbs near Mission Beach.
8. Sedona, Arizona
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Sedona is one of the most great places to travel in the USA for nature lovers and spiritual seekers.
What to see & do:
Hike Cathedral Rock, go off-roading, or book a healing energy tour.
Where & what to eat:
Dine at Mariposa for scenic views or try local favorites at Elote Cafe.
Where to shop & what to buy:
Find crystals, handmade jewelry, and art in Tlaquepaque Arts Village.
Where to go & what to do at night:
Stargaze or enjoy a peaceful evening with wine and views.
Where to stay:
Book a spa resort or a cozy cabin rental.
9. Chicago, Illinois
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Chicago is one of the top vacation spots for culture, food, and big-city charm.
What to see & do:
Visit Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and take an architecture river cruise.
Where & what to eat:
Eat deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s and hot dogs at Portillo’s.
Where to shop & what to buy:
The Magnificent Mile has it all—fashion, tech, and gifts.
Where to go & what to do at night:
Laugh at The Second City or sip cocktails at a rooftop bar.
Where to stay:
Choose River North for access to nightlife, or stay in a lakeside hotel.
10. Denver, Colorado
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Denver is a good vacation destination for friends who love the outdoors and creative energy.
What to see & do:
Visit Red Rocks, hike the Flatirons, or explore downtown art galleries.
Where & what to eat:
Eat green chili at Sam’s No. 3 or farm-to-table fare at Root Down.
Where to shop & what to buy:
Check out Larimer Square and Cherry Creek for local goods.
Where to go & what to do at night:
Hit live music venues or breweries in RiNo.
Where to stay:
Stay in a modern downtown hotel or a mountain lodge nearby.
No matter where you go, these are some of the best places to go with your friends. From food and music to nature and nightlife, every city on this list offers something special for a friend’s vacation.
Whether you want to explore fun places to vacation, relax by the beach, or dance all night, the USA has no shortage of great places to travel.
Next time you’re thinking, “What are the best places to go with friends near me?”—start with this list of vacations friends will love.
These are not just trips—they’re unforgettable experiences. So grab your crew, pick a place, and start planning one of the best places to bond, laugh, and make memories.
