Your guide to the ultimate girls’ weekend in Birmingham, AL
ByBeth Cunningham
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Calling all bachelorette parties, sorority reunions, or just good old fashioned girls’ weekends: Birmingham, AL is the perfect destination for your #GirlSquad. Grab your calendar, pull up the group chat, and check out the ultimate guide to your next girls’ getaway!
Skip the Stress
Girls’ trips might be some of the most fun you can have, but the truth is, planning them is STRESSFUL! The responsibility usually falls on one person, and she’s left to scour through Air Bnb listings and Yelp reviews for hours.
Deep breaths, ladies. You may be a maid of honor, sorority alumna, or just someone with a great group of friends that no longer live in the same town. Lucky for you, I have fallen into every single one of these categories, and I did all the planning for you.
This list is broken down by day for a Thursday-Sunday trip, and each day has a few options for you to choose from—Birmingham certainly has something for everyone.
Thursday
If this is the first night your girls are reuniting in a while, you’ll have a lot to catch up on. We suggest dinner and drinks with a view!
Pick from this list of 7 rooftop bars, most of whom boast fantastic dinner menus as well. Grab a table and settle in—and don’t forget your rooftop squad pic for the ‘gram!
Friday
Morning
Spend a slow morning exploring Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Fun fact: the gardens were ranked by USA Today as one of the top 3 free attractions in the world.
Just a few minutes away, grab some fresh coffee and macaroons at The Continential Bakery, lunch from Chez Lulu’s dreamy menu, or a full brunch spread at Another Broken Egg.
Afternoon
Take a pedal tour through town—these are a huge hit with any group. Bring your own canned beer or wine, and plan your stops from a wide variety of options.
Not your thing? Head to Top Golf instead. I’ve actually done Top Golf on a bachelorette trip, and our whole group had such a great time!
Night
Nightlife in Birmingham is for everyone!
If bar-hopping appeals to your group, check out this guide to Birmingham’s downtown bars. Don’t forget to get your Uber or Lyft app downloaded beforehand!
If that’s not your scene, Birmingham is a hub for awesome live music.
Saturday
Morning
Saturday morning motto? Treat yo’self.
Check out these 5 unique yoga classes—hint, one takes place in the air and one involves baby goats.
Looking for something slightly lower-energy? Treat yourself or your group to a spa day at Escape Day Spa or Poseidon Spa in the Grand Bohemian Hotel.
Afternoon
Visit one of Birmingham’s award-winning local breweries, or tour its newest distillery.
Looking to head home a little more cultured? Visit Birmingham Museum of Art to see a truly outstanding art collection or head to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute for a fascinating look into the history of the Civil Rights Movement.
Night
By this point, you may be a bit worn out and ready to spend some slower time with your girls before you all head your separate ways.
Choose from our 13 favorite restaurant patios in Birmingham and enjoy good food and fresh air on your last night in town.
Don’t forget to catch a sunset—and maybe a group selfie—at the best view in town! Vulcan Park is now home to a snack and beverage kiosk offering Steel City Pops, coffee, cold brew, craft beer, wine, and more.
Sunday
Brunch and shopping. I mean, if you insist.
Here are three of my favorite spots, complete with shopping and brunch suggestions.
- Brunch: The Essential
- Shopping: basic. (trust us, it’s anything but)
- Fun fact: This is one of the most historic streets in downtown Birmingham
- Brunch: Village Tavern or Frutta Bowls
- Shopping: Madewell, LUSH, Urban Outfitters, Altar’d State, Anthropologie, Free People, Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Saks Fifth Avene… Ok, I’ll stop.
- Fun fact: The Summit is one of the biggest and most popular shopping destinations in the South
- Brunch: Ruby Sunshine
- Shopping: My Favorite Things, Four Seasons Antiques and Art, Theadora
- Fun fact: This small downtown district was featured in Southern Living
If your group is in a hurry to brunch-and-dash back to the real world, check out these 7 great Birmingham brunch spots before you say your goodbyes.
Wondering Where To Stay?
At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Ok, I am READY for this trip!” The last hurdle is always finding a place to stay, especially if you’re booking for the whole group.
Never fear! Here are 13 Air Bnbs in Birmingham with a 4-star rating or higher. Whether you have 2 guests or 16, we’re sure you’ll find what you’re looking for on this list.
If you’re wanting to stay within walking distance of downtown amenities and rack up on those rewards point, check out this upscale hotel in the heart of downtown Birmingham.
What’s your favorite girls’ weekend activity in Birmingham? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram!
