Time to start planning your trips for the new year! One of the first trips on your list should be a fun getaway weekend with your girl tribe. Let us help you plan a trip you won't soon forget! We don’t care about the reason for your girls’ trip. It could be for a birthday, bachelorette party, or just a chance to escape the daily grind and treat yourself. Whatever the motivation may be, there are plenty of reasons to choose Lake Geneva as the place for you and your gal pals to getaway and have some fun.
You may want to plan a trip to coincide with the Annual Women’s Weekend, one of the biggest events of the year in Lake Geneva. This three-day event is mix of relaxation, fun activities, wellness sessions, shopping, good food, and drinks. Pick from our variety of workshops, wellness events, and social activities like a Boat Cruise with music and cocktails, and the Kickoff Party at the Riviera. Whether you’re visiting for the Annual Women’s Weekend or any other weekend throughout the year, here are some ideas for the top things to do on a girls’ trip to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Get pampered
The Lake Geneva area is home to a number of resorts and independent spas staffed with certified massage therapists, aestheticians, stylists and more. For massage, several resort spas, like Well Spa & Salon at the Grand Geneva Resort or Calladora Spa at Lake Lawn Resort, are used to accommodating large groups of girls for Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy, deep tissue, and lymphatic techniques. For water therapy, head over to The Abbey Resort and book an appointment at Avani Spa, which is known for its private pool, whirlpool, steam room, inhalation room and newly remodeled showers. Additionally, the spa offers massage, body and facial treatments, hair styling and makeup.
Other locations in the area to get yourself pampered through fun classes and group sessions include The Space, Healing Grounds Center, and Essence Sound Healing. Or, have the spa delivered right to your Air B & B from Homestead Saunas. Plan a day of beauty at one of the many beauty salons in the area to get ready before a fun night out. Pampering yourselves with group pedicures and manicures or make-up sessions is sure to set the mood. You'll find this option at places like, Clear Waters Salon & Day Spa, Lake Geneva Nails and Spa, and Organicuts.
Get on the lake
As the weather warms up, consider renting a pontoon boat to explore beautiful Lake Geneva. Pontoon boats are made to accommodate up to 12 passengers, making it ideal for a girls’ day out. There are lots of options for boat rentals in the area! You'll find just what you are looking for at any one of these favorite operations; Jerry's Majestic Marine, Pierless Boat Rentals, Elmer's Boat Rentals, Marina Bay Boat Rentals, Inc. and Munson Ski & Marine. Chartering a deluxe pontoon boat or classy luxury speed boat is the way to give you the freedom to pop the champagne or wine for a fun afternoon soaking up the sun.
If you like to take a slower pace to your water activities consider renting a paddle boat or kayak and taking an early morning jaunt along the beautiful lakeshore of Geneva Lake. Clear Water Outdoor has just what you are looking for in the way of fun water activities. Book a kayak or paddle board online and then head to the boat launch to get your relaxing morning started!
Have dinner at a waterfront restaurant
A girl’s got to eat, and a few spots in Lake Geneva offer views as good as the food. PIER 290 in Williams Bay prides itself on its farm-to-table cuisine, featuring local dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant has an impressive list of wine, beer and drink selections for you and your gal pals. Request a table with water views or sit around their fire pits with your toes in the sand. In downtown Lake Geneva, you’ll find lakeside views at both Popeye’s and Oakfire where you can watch the boats come and go from the Riviera Beach. Or take a trip to The Abbey Resort in Fontana and enjoy the view at The Waterfront Restaurant & Bar. For more lakeview dining options with views of Geneva Lake, Lake Como, or Delavan Lake visit our restaurant listings here>.
Enjoy a cocktail in a cool spot
Lake Geneva is home a great selection of fun places to hang with your girl gang while enjoying a fun cocktail or two. The Maxwell Mansion, an historic estate boutique has two great options to gather over cocktails. Their Apothecary Bar will take you back in time and if you're luck you may be invited into a secretive Speakeasy bar located in the cellar, where you can enjoy sinfully delicious drinks, moonshine barrel decor and vintage photographs. The Bottle Shop is a local wine and spirits shop that offers group tasting experiences, daily music in their garden patio, and a casual vibe that is perfect after a day of shopping. For a taste of some local brews you could meander over to the patio at Topsy Turvey Brewery. This local favorite is located in an old church and offers great people watching while sipping on a seasonal brew. For more fun gathering places to share a fun drink visit our listing pages here>.
Explore the Shore Path
If your friends are into the outdoors, Geneva Lake Shore Path is a 21-mile route along the lake, taking you past gorgeous gardens, designer boat houses, and mansions (some owned by the famous Wrigley family). Stop by the Geneva Lake Visitor Center or Cornerstone Shop, to purchase the Walk, Talk & Gawk map to learn more about the hidden gems around the lake. Pro tip: Hike halfway through the Shore Path and take a boat ride back to the starting point from the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. On the boat ride back, a tour guide will narrate about the historical houses and landmarks nearby.
Take a ride on the wild side
Lake Geneva Zip Lines & Adventures is a fun spot if you like a little adrenaline for your girls’ day out. With eight different zip lines, five sky bridges, three spiral stairways and a floating double helix stairway, this adventure center is considered one of the most fun things to do in the area. It’s located in a 100-acre wilderness area, and participants are given brief lessons before tackling some of the longest zip lines in the area—dangling 841 feet above in the air. Additionally, the site has a high-ropes attraction, which consists of 16 different obstacles where ladies can climb through several excursions up to 32 feet above ground. This allows groups to test their ability, agility, strength and balance.
Take a yoga break
From Clear Water Outdoor’s Snow Yoga in the winter or SUP (stand-up paddleboard) Yoga in the summer to year-long classes available at Geneva Lakes YMCA or The Space, enjoy a moment of breathing, stretching and namaste with the girls.
Be entertained
There are several entertainment venues for evening and late-night fun in Lake Geneva. The Geneva Stage is a one-of-a-kind musical theater in the heart of downtown known for booking talented local acts and cover bands, and a short drive from Lake Geneva finds you at the historic Belfry Music Theater where you will find some great national cover acts and performances.. For a unique and intimate theatrical experience, the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre features a truly unbelievable 75-minute show full of illusion, comedy and fun. Ladies that are looking for a dinner theater will want to consider the Fireside Dinner Theatre, where you can enjoy Broadway musicals like “Peter Pan” and “Sister Act” while dining on menu items like Chilean sea bass and steaks. In addition, many of the hotels in Lake Geneva feature live music. For something really unique - gather the girls together for an interactive entertainment experience - plan a group cooking class with Chef John Bogan, at the Lake Geneva School of Cooking or sit back and experience the beauty of The Dancing Horses as they take you on a magical journey, this one of a kind show is fantasy with a mix of whimsical performances. Check VISIT Lake Geneva’s Calendar of Events for listings.
Go for a wine tasting
Believe it or not, the Lake Geneva area is home to some of the region’s best wineries, including Studio Winery and Geneva Lake Distilling, which features its own art gallery, recording studio and tasting rooms. Every Saturday, the winery hosts live music for guests to enjoy while lounging on one of its many outdoor seats and sipping on one of its latest varieties. Staller Estate Vineyard & Winery in nearby Delavan is another fantastic place to sample local wine and cheese plates. Complimentary tours of the factory and vineyard are given to groups with advance request. Other places to consider visiting are Apple Barn Orchard & Winery (where ladies can also go apple picking), AeppelTreow Winery, and Hill Valley Cheese and Wine Bar where you can pair local cheeses with local wines for a truly fun afternoon.
Walk, browse and shop the downtown district
Enjoy a leisurely stroll down the charming streets of Lake Geneva, and you just might find that one-of-a-kind home, clothing or art purchase. Make a girls' stop at Cornerstone Shop & Gallery or Brick & Mortar Home, where you will find an array of art and home decor. Looking for that perfect new selection for your wardrobe? A stop at Jayne is a must for the dedicated shoe enthusiast. If you are feeling super creative you can stop into The Candle Mercantile where you can pick up a perfectly scented candle, or make one yourself!
No matter the reason, a trip to Lake Geneva with the ladies is a must have experience! So, gather the girls and pick your dates for an adventure you won't soon forget!