Planning sucks, and bachelorette parties are a ton of work. So we’re taking all the guesswork out of planning a bachelorette party by breaking down top bachelorette destinations. Our guides will tell you where to stay, eat, party, how to get around, and give you a sample itinerary that you can follow. You’re welcome.
Marijuana is legal in Colorado—do you need any other reason to bach here? Real talk, though: Denver is the best. There aren’t many cities that have awesome food, music, hotels, and nightlife, plus crazy nature views and fitness opps galore. Plus, did we mention you can do all these things toked up? Forget Disneyland, Denver is the happiest place on Earth. Which means it’s a no-brainer for your bachelorette party. Another reason we like it? Consuming all the cheeseburgers is encouraged. Seriously. Louis Ballast introduced the first cheeseburger to Denver/the world in 1935, and for that reason we love him. Oh, and it’s affordable. Always a bonus with bridal parties looking to stretch their dollar (and maybe their waistline) during a rager weekend. Consider this your ultimate bachelorette guide to Mile-High City.
How To Get There
If you live on the West Coast or in the Midwest, Colorado is pretty easy to get to and from. Flights from Los Angeles clock in around 2 hours 20 minutes and closer to 2 hours from most of Texas, while you’re looking at 4.5 hours if you’re coming from NYC. All in all, not that bad compared to say, a 10+ hour excursion to some random island. And since Denver is a major metropolis, there are tons of flights daily, with Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, United, and American leading the list of airline options. As for the best times to go, November is usually the cheapest, and high season runs from January to March, but the Coachella of the Rockies, Grandoozy, happens in September. Airfare can be found for as little as $56 to as high as $200/$300 (depending on the time and where you’re flying from).
How To Get Around
Considering Denver is like, one of the healthiest cities in America, people are active AF here. Which means they’re usually running, cycling, or walking to wherever they’re trying to get. And if that’s your jam, by all means, jump on a tandem bike to get your ass to the bar. Should you find yourself three sheets to the wind, however, and in no shape for pedaling—or really even using your feet—Uber to the rescue. There’s also Denver Party Ride (a limo-like valid option) and Regional Transportation District (RTD), also known as the bus, but let’s be real, you’ll probably call an Uber.
Where To Stay
The Ramble: Say hello to our favorite hotel in Mile-High City. This 50-room boutique hotel in the River North Arts District (RiNo) is prime turf for bachelorette shenanigans, considering it’s surrounded by Insta-worthy street art for impromptu photo shoots, tons of restaurants and bars, which are crucial when you’re hangry, hungover, or all of the above, as well as 15 craft breweries, cideries, wineries, and distilleries. Soooo you’ll never get thirsty around here.
You don’t have to worry about losing your buzz inside The Ramble either, since the chic AF lobby bar is where you’ll start your day (order the loaded Bloody Mary) and downstairs at Death & Co is where you’ll end your night. The hotel serves as a second outpost to the famous NYC craft cocktail den, where chances are you’ve blacked out visited once or twice. Super Mega Bien is also a good time, with a menu full of Latin-American Dim Sum snacks, family-style shared plates, and some delish house-made tonics that are obviously served with gin.
As for the rooms, they’re what you wish yours at home could look like—if you had money. Decked out in jewel tones, antique Persian rugs, and quirky paintings, they’re ideal for sleeping in, thanks to high thread-count sheets. Throw in a claw-foot tub and Death & Co curated mini bar and good luck giving back your room keys when it’s time to check out. They even offer girls trip-approved Bunkhouse rooms and a Pied-à-Terre loft with a stocked kitchen and bar for entertaining. Rates start at $169 per night.
The Ritz-Carlton, Denver: Before saying “I do,” check into The Ritz and live your best *still* single life with their Girlfriend Getaway Package. Your Deluxe Club Level Suite digs come with plush featherbeds, oversized tubs, two bottles of champagne, and a personalized chocolate tasting that will make you feel bougie as hell. And when that bubbly runs dry, there’s more in the Club Level Lounge, along with complimentary snack spreads five times a day, free WiFi, and a dedicated concierge who will act as your BFF to make reservations, point you in the right direction when you can’t remember where your room is, and deliver the sunglasses and Advil. Ok maybe not the last one, but then again it’s The Ritz, and they’re about that kind of service. Bach groups also get a special discount at The Spa, so set aside time to be pampered, massaged, polished, and primped because you deserve it. Rates start at $279 per night.
The Jacquard Hotel & Rooftop: This luxury Autograph Collection hotel is #bachelorettegoals, thanks to a killer rooftop bar and pool and 201 rooms and suites with Rocky Mountain views and swanky vibes. Some even have have Peloton Bikes because again, Denver is super into fitness. Downstairs you’ll find Narrative that’s literally the best for brunch, happy hour, nightcaps—you name it—and a wine library with over 750 bottles to brag about. Rates start at $157 a night.
JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek: The first hotel to ever open in Cherry Creek got a fresh facelift, and now it boasts fancy suites, five-piece marble bathrooms, custom duvets (that you should watch out for when you’re schwasted), and a bunch of athletic amenities. On top of their 24-hour gym, there’s complimentary rooftop yoga, so if at any point you’re sober (or at least semi-oriented enough for a downward dog), swing on by. They also offer a Retail Therapy Package with @CherryCreekNorth shopping credits usable at the 16 blocks worth of nearby stores, so that’s reason enough for us to stay. Rates start at $207 per night.
Where To Eat
Uchi Denver: If you’ve ever been to Uchi in Austin or Houston (or even if you haven’t), make it a mandatory point to go to their Denver outpost. It’s sushi HEAVEN and you can thank us later. Located down the street from The Ramble in RiNo, the dining room is straight-up sexy, as are the rolls. GNO dinner is done right here, but only if you order our faves: Pork Rib Karaage, Softshell Crab Makimono, and Snow Crab Sunomono, plus all the sake, duh.
Tavernetta: You haven’t seen girls truly gone wild until you let your tipsy crew loose over plates of pasta at Tavernetta. Francobolli “Postage Stamp” Ravioli, Tagliatelle with Lobster, spritzes on the patio…we would literally move in and live here if we could. Word to the wise: save this stop for the last supper and maybe hit a cannabis tour beforehand. It’s that good.
Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar: If you happen to be bar crawling in Union Station and need a rustic little spot to recharge the batteries and order more shots, Woodie Fisher it is. Not only is the historic Hose House No. 1 famous (it was the first fire station in Denver), but their epic grilled cheese will bring you to tears—in a good way. The chicken shawarma wraps with dill yogurt are also pretty major, so be prepared to stash a couple in your purse for later.
Hearth & Dram: Any resto/bar that looks like a refurbished apothecary with over 300 whiskeys on tap is our kind of jam. Happy hour is always a good time, as is brunch, with $15 bottomless mimosas on Saturday and Sunday to pair with Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls and Green Eggs and Ham Benedict.
Safta: Alon Shaya’s modern Israeli gem Safta is what family dinner (or brunch) dreams are made of. Toast the bride-to-be over bowls of baba ganoush, tabouleh, cauliflower hummus, and charred cabbage with muhammara, scooped up with as much wood-fired pita as you can stomach, because you’re on vacation, damn it.
Señor Bear: The heart wants what the heart wants, and most of the time that’s tacos, empanadas, and extra queso fundido to go with those 20 margs you just ordered. The Bear (in LoHi) is happy to oblige. They also have a chill little patio that’s ideal for drunk girls private parties.
Mercantile Dining and Provision: Go for breakfast or lunch, then hit the the market at Mercantile to stock up on fruit spreads, pastries, cheese, and charcuterie, for when the midnight munchies strike.
El Five: This place was made for #SundayFunday, downing bottles of rosé on the penthouse balcony, wondering if you’re making the right decisions re: marriage, life, your current outfit. The “Edible Beats Joint” in LoHi is allll the way up and has the best views of the Denver skyline, so it’s understandable if you miss your flight for one more round.
Where To Party
Two words: pints and pot. Denver is the land of craft beers and a whole lotta cannabis, so most daytime (and nighttime) activities center around these pastimes.
First Draft: Get a taste of Denver’s finest (local beers) at this Taproom & Kitchen that also has wine, cider, kombucha, coffee, and cocktails on hand if you can’t with the hops. P.S., they give out electronic wristbands to measure how much you self pour—in case you’re someone who actually cares.
Cannabis and Candy Factory Tour: Get lit, get the munchies, and get your sweet tooth fix. Visit Green Dragon, one of Colorado’s best marijuana dispensaries, then take a candy-making class if your motor skills are still functioning.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre: You’ve never been to a concert like one at Red Rocks. Located just 10 miles outside downtown Denver, it’s a must-visit when in the area for concerts, movies and tailgating at Ship Rock Grille amidst massive boulders. It’s also within close proximity to the Coors Brewery for a tour and tasting.
The Infinite Monkey Theorem: Need a break from beer? Head here. If an urban winery operated out of the back alleys of Denver and Austin doesn’t say “best time ever” we don’t know what does. One of the mainstays in RiNo, the winery’s taproom has it all: music, food from Denver’s top food trucks, and slushy machines (weather permitting). It’s also spacious AF, therefore ideal for all 20 of your closest friends.
The Horseshoe Lounge: At some point during every bachelorette party, you just need a dive bar that serves tots and pizza where you can end the night—or get your 12th wind. Say hello to the Horseshoe. Did we mention there is pool and Arcade games?
Friday, Day 1
Pro Tip: Get your culture fix out of the way on day one. Or better yet, fly in Thursday for that so you don’t waste a Friday, when you could be getting high by the pool.
- Check in and drop your bags, rip a shot (or two with the bride), and prepare to make moves.
- Lunch at Mercantile or Safta.
- If you do want to see something besides the bottom of your glass on this trip, now’s a good time to swing by the Denver Botanic Gardens, Zoo, Aquarium, or catch a baseball game at Coors Field for a sports-meets-booze day of fun.
- At this point, the best idea is to squeeze in your cannabis tour, or walk into a dispensary, then go back to the hotel for a nap.
- Get up and get ready.
- Dinner at Super Mega Bien.
- Work the rooftop circuit at 54Thirty, FIRE Terrace at the ART, The Woods at The Source Hotel, or Death & Co’s The Garden, and Elevated at Halcyon.
Saturday, Day 2
Pro Tip: Drink a looooot of water. Altitude sickness is no joke when you’re drinking and smoking your face off. Hydrate that face, STAT.
- If your squad is a bunch of fitness freaks, work out in your hotel gym, go for a bike ride, hike, or meditate somewhere. For the rest of you who are vibrating on that hungover level, grab the Excedrin and nearest nip from the mini bar, then cure your pounding headache with breakfast at Hearth & Dram, Four Friends Kitchen, Denver Biscuit Co. or 24-hour diner The Breakfast King.
- If you’re visiting when it’s warm, pack your bride tribe suit and set up camp at Four Seasons Hotel Denver or Halcyon, for their rooftop pool scene.
- When you need to dry off (code for: refill your drink and get a bite), try Señor Bear for Pan-Latin bites, Pisco, and margs.
- No bach trip is complete without a little drunk shopping or the spa, so head to Cherry Creek to buy things you realllly need, followed by The Oxford Club, Spa & Salon for CBD massages.
- Go back to bach HQ, get ready, and go to dinner at Tavernetta.
- For a BIG bach mood, there’s Howl at the Moon, for a strip club mood there’s Shotgun Willie’s, and for a dive mood there’s The Horseshoe Lounge.
Sunday, Day 3
Pro Tip: At this point you’ve probably blown through your dispensary stash, so visit one more before you trek back home. Plane rides are better on edibles anyway.
- Sunday Funday at El Five with your crew then get your ass home if you have any chance of making it to work on Monday morning. Until next time, Denver!
Images: Owen Lystrup / Unsplash
