The Ultimate California Girls’ Trip in Your 30s: Where to Go, What to Do & Where to Stay

There’s something special about a girls’ trip in your 30s. We’re no longer interested in squeezing six people into one hotel room, surviving on three hours of sleep or spending our entire vacation recovering from the night before. Give us a beautiful hotel, delicious food, cute outfits, a little shopping and plenty of time to catch up with our besties! If you’re planning a California girls’ trip in your 30s, I’ve rounded up the best destinations, activities and travel tips for an unforgettable getaway with your girlfriends.

Why California Is Perfect for a Girls’ Trip in Your 30s

California is basically a dream destination for a girls’ getaway because there’s something for every personality in your friend group. Want to spend your mornings sipping iced coffee and your afternoons lounging by a gorgeous hotel pool? Palm Springs has you covered. Prefer ocean views, cute coastal towns and sunset dinners? Hello, Laguna Beach! And if your group loves exploring, shopping and discovering new restaurants, Los Angeles and San Diego offer endless possibilities. The best part about planning a girls’ trip in your 30s is that you can create an itinerary that feels equal parts relaxing and exciting. You don’t need to pack every minute with activities to have an amazing vacation. Sometimes the best memories happen while you’re sitting around a table with your closest friends, laughing about absolutely nothing.

1. Palm Springs: For Pool Days, Shopping & Desert Glam

If your idea of the perfect girls’ trip involves sunshine, gorgeous hotels, colorful architecture and endless opportunities to wear cute vacation outfits, Palm Springs needs to be at the top of your list. This desert destination is known for its retro charm, mid-century modern architecture, boutique hotels and beautiful mountain views. Spend your mornings enjoying brunch, browsing the shops along Palm Canyon Drive or sipping iced coffee by the pool. In the afternoon, book a spa treatment, explore the local art scene or simply relax with your girlfriends. Palm Springs is especially fun for a birthday celebration, a long weekend away or a much-needed break from everyday responsibilities. For more California desert inspiration, check out my Palm Springs-inspired style post.

Best for: Poolside relaxation, boutique hotels, shopping, spa days and Instagram-worthy scenery.

2. Joshua Tree: For Desert Adventures & Dreamy Airbnb Stays

If your friend group loves beautiful scenery and a little adventure, consider adding Joshua Tree to your California girls’ trip itinerary. Located in Southern California, Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unusual trees, massive rock formations, scenic hiking trails and incredible sunsets. It’s a fantastic destination for photography lovers, nature enthusiasts and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spend the day exploring easy trails like Hidden Valley, taking photos near Skull Rock or watching the sunset over the desert landscape. Afterward, head back to your accommodations for a cozy evening filled with snacks, music and girl talk. The communities surrounding the park are also known for unique vacation rentals, making Joshua Tree a fun option for a more intimate getaway. You can find more desert inspiration in my original Joshua Tree travel post.

Best for: Unique vacation rentals, desert photography, hiking, stargazing and relaxing evenings with friends.

3. Laguna Beach: For Coastal Views & Beachside Brunch

If your dream girls’ trip involves ocean views, beautiful beaches and cute coastal restaurants, Laguna Beach is calling your name! This charming Orange County destination has such a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, making it perfect for a getaway in your 30s. Spend your mornings grabbing coffee and exploring local boutiques before heading to the beach for an afternoon of sunshine. You can also walk along the scenic paths at Heisler Park, browse art galleries or enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Personally, I think coastal California is one of the prettiest settings for a girls’ trip because you can dress up for dinner one night and spend the next morning in your favorite oversized sweatshirt watching the waves. It’s the perfect combination of effortless and elevated.

Best for: Beach days, oceanfront dining, boutique shopping, art galleries and sunset walks.

4. Los Angeles: For Shopping, Restaurants & a Little Glamour

Los Angeles is a fantastic choice for a girls’ trip if your group loves fashion, beauty, restaurants and a little celebrity-inspired glamour. Between the shopping in Beverly Hills, trendy restaurants in West Hollywood and beautiful coastal neighborhoods like Santa Monica, you’ll have no shortage of things to do. Plan a day browsing boutiques, book a fun brunch reservation or spend an afternoon exploring the city’s museums and neighborhoods. You can also visit the Griffith Observatory for beautiful views of Los Angeles or head toward the coast for a beachside dinner. One thing to remember is that LA is huge, and traffic can seriously eat into your vacation time. I recommend choosing accommodations near the neighborhoods you plan to explore rather than trying to see the entire city in one weekend. A little planning goes a long way when it comes to enjoying Los Angeles without spending half your trip in the car!

Best for: Shopping, beauty experiences, trendy restaurants, rooftop bars and city adventures.

5. San Diego: For Laid-Back Beaches & Delicious Food

San Diego is another incredible California destination for a girls’ getaway, especially if your group wants beautiful weather, great restaurants and a more laid-back atmosphere. Spend the morning exploring La Jolla, where you can enjoy gorgeous coastal scenery and browse local shops. In the afternoon, head to Balboa Park for beautiful architecture, gardens and museums, or enjoy a relaxing beach day. San Diego is also known for its fantastic food scene, with plenty of options for brunch, tacos and casual dinners. Little Italy is a fun neighborhood to explore if your group enjoys restaurants and lively patios. What I love about a San Diego girls’ trip is that you can keep your itinerary flexible and still have an amazing time. Sometimes all you need is sunshine, good food and your favorite people.

Best for: Beach days, coastal walks, great food, sightseeing and a relaxed weekend getaway.

6. Napa Valley: For Wine Country & a More Luxurious Getaway

If you’re planning a milestone birthday or want a slightly more luxurious girls’ trip, Napa Valley is a beautiful option. Known for its vineyards, scenic countryside, upscale accommodations and incredible restaurants, Napa offers a slower-paced getaway that’s perfect for quality time with friends. Spend your days exploring the region, enjoying vineyard views, visiting tasting rooms if your group is interested or booking a spa treatment. You don’t have to be a wine enthusiast to enjoy Napa, either! The area offers beautiful scenery, delicious food and charming towns worth exploring. I love the idea of booking a lovely hotel, dressing up for a special dinner and enjoying a weekend where the only real responsibility is deciding where to eat next. If your group prefers a more relaxed vacation with fewer scheduled activities, Napa Valley is definitely worth considering.

Best for: Milestone birthdays, vineyard scenery, upscale dining, spa weekends and relaxing getaways.

The Perfect 5-Day Southern California Girls’ Trip Itinerary

If you’re hoping to visit multiple destinations during one trip, I recommend focusing on Southern California rather than trying to squeeze the entire state into a few days. California is enormous, and driving between cities can take much longer than you might expect. For a five-day girls’ getaway, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree and Laguna Beach make a fun combination of desert adventures, poolside relaxation and beautiful coastal scenery.

This itinerary works best if you’re comfortable renting a car and don’t mind changing accommodations. If you’d rather unpack once and truly relax, choose Palm Springs or Laguna Beach as your home base and enjoy a slower-paced trip instead.

Where to Stay on a California Girls’ Trip

When it comes to choosing accommodations for a girls’ trip in your 30s, comfort is everything! While sharing a tiny hotel room might have seemed like a great way to save money in our early 20s, I think it’s worth prioritizing a little extra space when possible. Look for boutique hotels, vacation rentals or resorts that offer comfortable sleeping arrangements, a convenient location and amenities your group will actually use. A beautiful pool might be worth the splurge in Palm Springs, while an ocean-view balcony could be the highlight of a Laguna Beach getaway. If you’re booking a vacation rental, pay attention to the number of actual beds, bathrooms, parking arrangements and any additional cleaning or service fees. Nothing puts a damper on a girls’ trip faster than discovering someone has to sleep on an uncomfortable couch for four nights!

How to Plan a Girls’ Trip in Your 30s Without the Stress

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: planning a trip with multiple adults can be surprisingly complicated! Between work schedules, family responsibilities, different budgets and everyone’s personal travel preferences, finding a plan that works for the entire group takes a little coordination. My biggest recommendation is to discuss expectations before booking anything. Decide on a realistic budget, choose the overall vibe of the trip and make sure everyone agrees on the most important activities. Some friends might want to wake up early and explore, while others would happily spend the entire day by the pool. Neither approach is wrong! I also recommend leaving some free time in your itinerary so everyone can relax or do their own thing without feeling guilty. A successful girls’ trip isn’t about doing everything together every second. It’s about creating memories while respecting everyone’s needs.

More California Travel Inspiration From Mash Elle

If you’re dreaming of a California getaway, here are a few more Mash Elle posts to help inspire your next adventure!

• Joshua Tree, California — Beautiful desert scenery and California travel inspiration.
• Wallflower in Palm Springs — Palm Springs style and desert photography.
• 15 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Coachella — Helpful tips for visiting the California desert during festival season.
• How to Plan for Coachella — More tips for organizing a Southern California getaway.
• Festival Outfit Ideas Under $50 — Affordable outfit inspiration for your next warm-weather adventure.