Many of life’s best moments are spent with those we cherish most. Combining the people we love with the destinations we long to visit makes for special getaways, incredible experiences, and lasting memories. But how do you know where to go? In a previous post, we explored five destinations both near and far to match your group’s vibe. Here, we’ll cover four more trips to take with friends, this time around the United States, and showcase why they might be perfect for your next getaway.

Austin for Food, Craft Beer, and Live Music 

The capital of Texas boasts endless sunny days, friendly locals, and a thriving community of creatives, with a small-town feel nestled within a large metropolis. A wide variety of accommodations to choose from, beer and food options galore, and a bustling nightlife make a long getaway with friends to this fun city a natural fit. Spend time walking the Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake before renting a paddleboard or kayak to glide over its water. Gobble up some Tex-Mex or barbecue around town and wash down your meal with a famous Austin craft beer. If you’re not too tired from an awesome day, make plans to spend the evening checking out the live music scene at one of the many venues around town. 

New Orleans for Heritage and Tradition 

A melting pot of cultures, The Big Easy entices travelers to visit and learn about its history through music, architecture, and cuisine. By day, organized walking tours are an informative way to explore the past; by night, ghost tours will spook even the bravest of tourists with their tales of haunted New Orleans. After working up an appetite, some traditional Creole cuisine and a Sazerac is in order. And of course, no visit to New Orleans is complete without a visit to Café du Monde for a café au lait and an order of fluffy beignets. 

Portland for Coffee and Cozy Culture 

Visitors to Portland should embrace the city’s cozy aesthetic of drizzly days, fairy-tale forests, and quaint cafes and coffee shops. A robust food scene with a particular fondness for donuts (Voodoo Donut, Blue Star Donuts, Annie’s Donut Shop), a strong coffee culture that celebrates independent roasters (Jim & Patty’s Coffee, Stumptown Roasters, Water Ave. Coffee), the largest independent bookstore in the world (Powell’s City of Books), and outdoor activities galore combine to make for a spectacular Instagram-worthy getaway with friends.  

Nantucket for Summer Vibes 

For a summer vacation straight out of the pages of a Nancy Thayer or Elin Hilderbrand beach read, a visit to Nantucket during high season is an indulgent treat friends will remember forever. Imagine lazy mornings lounging at Jetties Beach followed by a stroll through town with an ice cream cone from The Juice Bar. Enjoy peaceful afternoons wandering in and out of shops like Murray’s Toggery Shop to check out the Nantucket Reds or Lemon & Line to choose the perfect new bracelet as a vacation memento. Sherbet-colored sunsets viewed while dining al fresco at Breeze at The Hotel Nantucket or Galley Beach are the perfect ending to the perfect island day.  

Friends don’t need to go far to have incredible vacation moments near to their hearts. The United States is home to some of the world’s most iconic cities and small islands, perfect for friends who want to get away together and make new memories. From coffee to beaches to ghost tours to craft beer, as their travel agent, you can help your clients find their perfect vacation vibe.