27 Jul 11 Amazing Outdoor Bachelorette Party Ideas
Planning a bachelorette party and want something way more exciting than the usual bar hopping or spa day? I don’t blame you! The good news is, these epic outdoor bachelorette party ideas have got you covered with a range of fun, adventurous, and, most importantly, outdoorsy activities.
From surfing in Costa Rica, to kayaking in Puerto Rico, to skiing in the mountains of Colorado, these ideas will all but guarantee you an unforgettable and epic pre-wedding party with your best friends.
Let’s dive into some of the best ways to celebrate your bachelorette party outdoors.
Table of contents:
- Surf retreat in Southern Costa Rica
- South Lake Tahoe
- Rock climbing
- Horseback riding
- Palm Springs, California
- White water rafting
- Skiing
- Snorkeling
- Hot Springs
- Kayaking in Puerto Rico
1. Surf Retreat in Southern Costa Rica
Swap the traditional bachelorette party for a sun-soaked, wave-riding adventure in Southern Costa Rica with Surf Expedition. On this trip, surf, yoga, and fun in the sun are just the beginning.
Surf Expedition is an all inclusive surf resort right on the beach in Costa Rica, catering to all skill levels from total beginners to intermediate surfers. It’s the ideal destination for your bachelorette party since you don’t need to worry about a thing – they’ll take care of it all!
Your package includes two surf sessions a day, surf theory lessons, and surf video reviews, so you’ll be catching waves in no time. Plus, the camp’s private and quiet beachfront location means you’re always just steps away from the waves. If you are a group of 10+, you can even privatize the camp and ask them to customize the experience for you by trading some surfing days for a sport-fishing day, more waterfall hikes, or whatever suits your dream outdoorsy bachelorette trip!
Beyond surfing, this retreat packs in a variety of activities that will make your bachelorette party truly special. Start your mornings with restorative yoga sessions in the oceanfront yoga studio to stretch out your surf-weary muscles, go horseback riding with a local guide along the beach and up the mountains of a native reserve, or join a local artisan to make your own chocolate bar from organic cacao! You’ll also take a boat trip to explore remote and unique surf breaks, go dolphin spotting, and enjoy swimming in the crystal clear tropical blue waters.
All your meals are included with Surf Expedition, and they’re definitely something to write home about. Every morning starts with an incredible buffet of fresh fruits, homemade bread, cakes, fruit juices, muesli, yogurt with passion fruit, egg dishes, and the best Costa Rican coffee you’ll ever taste. Lunches and dinners are just as fantastic, highlighting healthy and unique international dishes. You’ll be well-fed and ready to tackle those waves each and every day.
A surf retreat with Surf Expedition is by far the best way to celebrate your bachelorette party. You’ll sip delicious cocktails at sunset, fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of waves crashing, enjoy campfires with your best friends, go horseback riding on the beach at sunset, and even swing on a Tarzan swing into the river!
The surfing here is amazing, for sure, but the main highlight of a trip with Surf Expedition is the unbeatable quality time you’ll get to spend with your friends learning a new skill, relaxing at the beach, and dining on plate after plate of delicious food. This is our top pick for outdoorsy bachelorette party destinations for a reason!
2. Lakefront Getaway in South Lake Tahoe
Kick off your outdoorsy bachelorette celebration with a lakefront getaway in South Lake Tahoe, where the pure range of fun outdoor activities you can do during your trip is second to none. Oh, and the stunning lakefront views certainly don’t hurt, either. Rent a cozy cabin by the water for you and your friends, and let the fun commence!
If your bachelorette party is in the summer, start your trip by reserving a boat for some wakeboarding or cruising around the lake with drinks and snacks. There’s nothing like the thrill of skimming over the water with the mountains as your backdrop! If you’re in the mood for something more laid-back, anchoring the boat to enjoy a swim is ideal in the summer months.
During winter months, Lake Tahoe is one of the most epic destinations for snow sports, and you’ll have no shortage of mountains to pick from for hitting the slopes.
Off the water, South Lake Tahoe is a hiker’s paradise. Trails like the Emerald Bay State Park hike offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests. But there are hundreds of epic trails nearby to choose from, whether you’re looking for a challenging trek or a leisurely stroll. Don’t miss the chance to hike to Eagle Falls for some epic photo ops!
As the sun sets, gather around a bonfire by the lake, roast marshmallows, and share stories under the stars. South Lake Tahoe’s clear skies make for perfect stargazing, making your outdoor bachelorette getaway even more magical!
3. Rock Climbing
If you’re looking for a challenge, rock climbing may just be the best outdoorsy bachelorette party option for you. Rock climbing will enable your group to conquer your fears together, cheer each other on, and share a joint achievement – just make sure nobody in your party is scared of heights before planning this option!
The go-to destination for rock climbing is Joshua Tree National Park in California, all thanks to its wild rock formations and endless climbing routes. Red River Gorge in Kentucky is another top option, offering stunning sandstone cliffs and over 1,000 climbing routes to explore. Finally, Moab, Utah, with its iconic red rock towers and jaw-dropping desert views, will have your jaw hitting the floor – its beauty is that spectacular!
4. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is an awesome bachelorette party idea that mixes outdoorsy adventure with new skills and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’ve been riding your entire life or have never sat on a horse before, group horseback riding packages will have something to cater to everybody – with beginner-friendly options as well as more challenging riding options for the pros.
So, you’re tempted to hit the trails, soak up the fresh air, and have a blast riding together, but now you’re wondering where to go… Check out the rolling hills of Napa Valley, California, for the opportunity to ride your way through the area’s vineyards, or head to the charming countryside of Asheville, North Carolina, where you can ride through lush forests and scenic mountain paths.
For a totally different landscape, opt to ride through the stunning trails of Sedona, Arizona, with its breathtaking red rock formations and desert landscapes.
5. Poolside in Palm Springs, California
Sun, fun, and splashing in the pool are just a few of the things you can expect from opting to spend your bachelorette party poolside at Palm Springs. The weather here is great all year round, making it the perfect destination for some winter sun.
This is the perfect option if you’re looking for outdoor bachelorette party ideas that aren’t physically demanding. Sure, there are plenty of active things to do whilst you’re in Palm Springs, but if you’re happy just sipping on cocktails, sunbathing and splashing around in the pool for your entire trip, nobody will blame you!
Spend your days hopping between stylish poolside spots like the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, known for its laid-back vibe, poolside DJs, and cozy fire pits for evening gatherings. The Saguaro stands out with its rainbow-colored decor and lively atmosphere, perfect for fun poolside parties and Instagram-worthy photos. For a touch of luxury, though, you should check out the Parker Palm Springs. This upscale resort features beautiful gardens, chic cabanas, and a posh lemonade stand bar right by the pool. It’s so cool!
6. White Water Rafting
For a bachelorette party high on thrills and adrenaline, white water rafting is a must-do. Navigating the rapids, getting soaked, and hardly being able to contain your laughter with your closest buddies is a surefire way to prepare for your big day!
White water rafting is fantastic for bachelorette groups because it requires teamwork and trust, making it a great bonding experience – especially if not everybody in your party knows each other at the beginning. Whether you’ve never picked up a paddle or it’s your hundredth time rafting, there are various levels of rapids across the country to suit your crew’s adventure and skill level.
One of the top spots for white water rafting is the American River in California, which offers a range of Class II and III rapids – perfect for beginners whilst also keeping the thrills high. The New River in West Virginia features mostly Class II and III rapids, ideal for a fun and challenging experience without being too intense. For a more relaxed option, the Nantahala River in North Carolina has gentle Class II rapids, great for first-timers and offering a scenic float with a bit of splash at the same time.
Nouveau Monde Rafting, close to Montreal, Canada is also excellent for for white water rafting through beautiful wooded forests.
Costa Rica is also a great destination for white water rafting, whether you’re looking for a more chill float or something more exhilarating. You can even book your surf camp bachelorette party with Surf Expedition, and go white water rafting before or after your surf trip.
7. Skiing
If your bachelorette party is planned for the winter months, there’s no better way to embrace that than with a skiing bachelorette party. Hitting the slopes, carving through fresh powder, and enjoying après-ski activities is a fabulous way to spend a few days with your closest friends before your wedding.
Skiing is a particularly versatile outdoor bachelorette party idea since it caters to people of all skill levels – whether your friends are experienced skiers or have never strapped on a snowboard or a pair of skis in their lives. Ideally, you’ll have a few people with similar skill levels so that nobody has to ski alone, but even if some of your group don’t fancy skiing itself, ski resorts always have a range of fun non-skiing activities.
One of the top spots for ski trips in the US is Aspen, Colorado, which has incredible slopes and a lively nightlife, with four unique ski areas and a super fun après-ski scene. Park City, Utah, is another solid choice, with 7,300 acres of slopes to explore, a charming downtown, and cool events like the Sundance Film Festival. For a more laid-back vibe, head to Lake Tahoe, where you can soak in stunning lake views, hit ski resorts like Heavenly and Palisades, and head to the casinos at night if that’s your jam.
8. Snorkeling
For an outdoors bachelorette party with a beachy twist, go snorkeling! Swimming alongside rainbow-colored fish, checking out coral reefs and getting a tan all at the same time is the ideal no-stress way to celebrate before your big day.
The great thing about opting to go snorkeling is that it’s accessible to nearly everyone – you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, or even be able to swim at all if you wear lifejackets! It’s also one of the best outdoorsy bachelorette party ideas on a budget – all you’ll need to pay for is your equipment rental, which is super affordable.
If you fancy incorporating some travel into your bachelorette snorkeling trip, the clear waters of Key West, Florida, are a top pick for snorkeling. Here, you can explore the only living coral barrier reef in the continental US. Hanauma Bay in Oahu, Hawaii, is another great spot with amazing coral formations and plenty of marine life. If everybody has passports, you can even check out the Belize Barrier Reef for snorkeling, where you can swim with rays and nurse sharks in Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
9. Hot Springs
For an outdoors bachelorette party that’s more relaxing than it is adventurous, visiting hot springs is an amazing idea. Soaking in natural hot springs with your best friends, surrounded by stunning scenery, is a great way to unwind and destress before the big day. This is also one of the most inclusive ideas for bachelorette parties, since pretty much everybody can take part!
Top spots for hot springs include the famous Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, where you can enjoy the historic bath houses and scenic mountain views. Head to Glenwood Springs in Colorado for the world’s largest hot springs pool, perfect for a relaxing soak after exploring the Rockies.
For a more exotic experience, visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, where you can soak in milky blue waters surrounded by a volcanic landscape. You won’t forget this experience in a hurry!
10. Kayaking in Puerto Rico
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Paddling through crystal-clear waters, exploring hidden coves, and sharing the excitement with your best friends is what you can expect from going kayaking in Puerto Rico for your bachelorette party. Plus, partying and dining is far more affordable in Puerto Rico than in the US, so the overall cost of this trip might surprise you.
When you’re kayaking in Puerto Rico you can’t miss going to at least one of its bioluminescent bays, where you can paddle through glowing waters at night. Mosquito Bay on Vieques Island is one of the brightest, giving you an otherworldly experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
During the daytime, head to Fajardo and kayak through the stunning Laguna Grande, surrounded by mangroves and a whole host of marine life. Another great spot is Culebra Island, where you can kayak to gorgeous beaches like Flamenco Beach and Tamarindo Beach for some swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing.
Final thoughts on the best outdoorsy bachelorette parties
There you have it – some of the most epic outdoor bachelorette party destinations and ideas that will make your celebration unforgettable. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or soaking in hot springs, these adventures are all about having the best time with your favorite people.
But if you really want to make this bachelorette trip the stuff of legends, you’ve got to check out Surf Expedition in Southern Costa Rica. The combination of surfing, yoga, amazing food, and beach vibes is unbeatable, and that’s why it’s my top pick when it comes to an outdoorsy bachelorette party.
Be sure book your place here to secure your spot!