The day of nuptials looms near, but first, there’s one last big hurrah: a goodbye to singledom that hopefully only occurs once in a lifetime. Movies depict them as debaucherous bacchanalias but in reality, bachelor and bachelorette parties are precarious undertakings: How must one plan an outing for an eclectic group that includes besties, drinking buddies from college and a second cousin once removed?
Thankfully these United States are large and generous, with plenty of spaces for celebration. Here are seven under-the-radar bachelorette and bachelor party destinations to spark the imagination.
Gamble in the Wild West in Deadwood, South Dakota
Perhaps your bachelor or bachelorette is a fan of Westerns or just the show-turned-movie Deadwood on HBO. Take a trip to the Wild West in this Gold Rush town, nestled in the mystic Black Hills of South Dakota, a favorite of Kevin Costner, who opened a casino in Deadwood after falling in love during his filming in the area of Dances with Wolves. (The casino has since closed.)
Get up close and personal with a ‘Dead Man’s Hand’ with a drink in your hand at a historical reenactment at the charming Saloon #10. Tour the graves of Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Seth Bullock in Mount Moriah Cemetery, relax with a spa treatment, or spend your silver dollars in casinos, with game halls running 24/7.
If you’re curious, the Bodega Casino boasts the ‘Colossus,’ which they assert is the world’s largest slot machine. See and judge for yourself.
Aspire to the Olympics in Park City, Utah
Movie buffs at the Sundance Film Festival made Park City famous, but outdoor enthusiasts keep it a year-round destination. Winter activities range from white-water rafting and snowshoeing to the unique opportunity to do yoga on a paddleboard in the warm mineral water of the 10,000-year-old Homestead Crater.
Ski slopes at Utah Olympic Park are hallowed ground, hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics (and bidding again for the 2030 event). In the summer, you can barrel down the same track which hosted the bobsled, luge, and skeleton events.
For an ideal summertime fete, spend the day thrill-seeking with mountain biking or a turn on the mountain roller coaster, featuring over a mile of loops and stunning scenery. Later, wind down with the Deer Valley Concert Series at the famed and expansive Deer Valley Resort, which in 2019 hosted acts including the Indigo Girls and Ben Harper.
Hike a Glacier in Girdwood, Alaska
There aren’t many places in the United States to hike a glacier, and even fewer are in close proximity to a luxury resort. Girdwood, originally named Glacier City, reveals its identity the moment you take a tram ride up to Mount Alyeska, from where you’ll be able to spot several stunning glaciers.
But those glaciers offer more than just stunning views; hiking and ice climbing excursions can be booked while the party stays at the Hotel Alyeska resort, which offers spa treatments, steak and sushi restaurants, or fine dining at Seven Glaciers, named for the breathtaking number you’ll see from their panoramic windows.
In town, the Girdwood Brewing Company serves up local brews with names like No Woman No Cryo, all while you enjoy mountain views and catch a glimpse of the occasional moose. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Anchorage, with a little extra time if you decide to make a pit stop for white whales at Beluga Point.
Sample Suds in Asheville, NC
Mountain air lifts you up while Southern hospitality grounds you in Asheville, a favorite of F. Scott Fitzgerald and George Washington Vanderbilt II, who built the spectacular Biltmore Estate. A pre-wedding party here is bound to satisfy cravings, and we’re not just talking about indulging in Asheville’s famous ‘Foodtopia’ culinary scene.
Hike trails to thundering waterfalls, fly fish or kayak on the French Broad River, or bike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping for a picnic and group photos along the way.
Gaming fans can get competitive at the Pinball Museum, and after working up a thirst, everyone can discover why Asheville is nicknamed Beer City, USA, boasting 26 breweries, more per capita than any other city in the USA including the east coast outpost of Sierra Nevada Brewery. Another brewery, Ginger’s Revenge, specializes in gluten-free alcoholic ginger beers.
Unwind with Desert Air in Scottsdale, Arizona
There’s a reason Frankie Muniz opened his olive oil shop in downtown Scottsdale: the desert region is rich in history and enjoys endless blue skies. The party should anchor at the luxurious The Phoenician, adjacent to Camelback Mountain for easily accessible hiking, followed by relaxing treatments at their spa or a dip in the rooftop pool.
The Sonoran Desert invites exploration, whether by hot air balloon, on three-wheelers, or horseback. Moreover, for those with golf fever, the area boasts some of the best courses in the country.
If your bachelor or bachelorette has an appreciation for architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece Taliesin West merits a visit. As night falls, downtown Scottsdale is easily walkable, offering culinary delights that reflect Arizona’s Native American, Western, and Spanish roots.
Sip Wine in Santa Ynez Valley, California
Grab some spurs for the throwback wooden facades and horseshoes embedded in the charming sidewalks of the Santa Ynez Valley’s namesake horse town. Before hitting the honky tonks, saddle up for a viticulture tradition, with properties less than 50 years old, ambitious in scope, and definitely less crowded than the more well-known Napa and Sonoma valleys.
Arrange a chauffeur or a pre-set wine tour, such as Stagecoach Co. to hop between towns like Los Olivos, Buellton, and Ballard, then enjoy sipping varietals and each other’s company.
While out in Santa Barbara wine country, don’t miss Solvang, a Danish-themed gem with windmills, bakeries, and its own wineries featuring tasting rooms. Make it immersive and consider procuring clogs for memorable party favors.
Deep-Sea Fish in Destin, Florida
If the goal is to go deep-sea fishing with your friends, Florida is the place to be. However, the Emerald Coast town of Destin, nicknamed the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,’ has allure even when you’re on land.
Cast a line from a pier for easy game or charter a boat—Destin Harbor holds the largest fleet of charter fishing vessels in a single port in North America—to explore deeper waters and try your luck with snapper, grouper, marlin, or whatever your heart desires.
Destin is also famous for Crab Island, a submerged sandbar where boaters drop anchor and relax. Soak up the sun while enjoying a simple daytime party. After a day of sun and sips, head back to shore for go-kart racing, bar hopping at HarborWalk Village, or indulging in seafood with a side of sunset. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some key lime taffy!
