Our Favorite Destinations for a Sober Bach Party
Bachelorette and bachelor parties are often marketed as "the last hurrah" but that doesn't mean they have to revolve around boozy dinners and embarrassing moments inspired by alcohol. Though wine, beer and spirits are often a staple for to-be-weds and their excited entourages (and no judgment here), there are destinations that make it easy to have alcohol-free bachelor and bachelorette parties. Whether your entire group is sober, or one person doesn't imbibe, there are inclusive itinerary options or fun themes to keep everyone comfortable, and simultaneously inspire the time of their lives.
With that, we've compiled a list of the seven best destinations for alcohol-free bachelor and bachelorette parties. Although we can't guarantee perfect weather, we do promise none of the recommended activities and beverage suggestions will cause hangovers. So, after having a blast, you won't have to recover from any of these getaways. (Cheers to that.)
Maui, Hawaii
The money you've saved by not indulging in pricey cocktails adds up. If you and your besties are looking for something a little more luxe and remote, head to Hawaii. On Maui, we recommend Wailea Beach or nearby Ka'anapali Beach for a stay. At Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, zero-proof options are available to order at the beach bar, lounge and more. The Wailea Beach Resort, Grand Wailea, as well as Hotel Wailea's Birdcage Bar, are all inclusive of nondrinkers and offer alcohol-free beverage options. At the iconic Four Seasons Maui, wellness-oriented groups can enjoy nonalcoholic options (already on the menu) or splurge for vitamin-infused I.V. drips at the gorgeous NextHealth pop-up location. Those who especially revel in active lifestyles can join the running club or morning beach yoga classes at The Westin, which arguably has the best views of Ka'anapali and whale sightings.
Kauai, Hawaii
The Garden Isle does not disappoint—especially for outdoorsy types. Bach party participants can kayak the Wailua River, hike at Kōke'e State Park, enjoy an adventurous boating excursion along the Napali Coast, and snorkel or surf on Po'ipū Beach. As long as you don't fear heights, helicopter tours also share new perspectives of the island. At the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Luau, nonalcoholic punch is complementary, and when you're ready for bed, you don't have to go far to get back to your room at the spa. Po'ipū is also home to Koloa Landing Lodge, where you and your besties can lounge by the spacious pools (yes, multiple) with alcohol-free drinks.
Miami, Florida
Believe it or not, the Sunshine State has more to offer than boozy brunches and a thriving nightlife. Groups will enjoy walking through Wynwood to admire its art and local pastry goodies from Zak The Baker. A stay at Mr. C in Coconut Grove comes with views of the Miami skyline and alcohol-free versions of every cocktail on the menu. For true rest and relaxation, groups should make reservations at Carillon Miami Wellness Resort for treatments and touchless options like meditation pods in case you need alone time. (After all, bach parties can require a lot of social interaction.)
Denver, Colorado
Take a hike. No, really. Spend your time outdoors on the trails of Denver and its incredible parks. If you're feeling creative, sign up for a candle-making class at Candelaria. For the artsy groups, the ART Hotel Denver is steps away from the Denver Art Museum and the property's eatery, FIRE Restaurant and Lounge, has a nonalcoholic drink menu to keep the party going. (Even better with themed shirts.) Downtown, wedding parties will enjoy the Thompson Denver, located within walking distance of Union Station, Coors Field and more. If you don't want to venture far, the hotel's Chez Maggy restaurant offers nonalcoholic beverages to top off a successful day.
New York, New York
While New York might seem like a party-centric city (no doubt, the bars are open very late), the beauty of the city is there's something for everyone. Between shopping, dining, taking in culture and the arts, sightseeing, and more, an alcohol-free bach party is easily doable in the Big Apple. At Manhattan restaurants, including Cote and Lamalo (at the Arlo NoMad hotel), diners can indulge in nonalcoholic beverages with their meals. In Brooklyn, The Williamsburg Hotel restaurant and rooftop (weather permitting) will both keep you hydrated with tasty, nonalcoholic elixirs. For full nonalcoholic bottles, a visit to Spirited Away in Lower Manhattan is well-recommended (as is Douglas for his picks). If you're in search of a casual bar that serves zero-proof beverages among its cocktails, the mocktail menu at Jackdaw in the East Village is a worthy choice.
Los Angeles, California
Sun, sand and surf are all elements that make up a fun, warm-weather group getaway, but what makes this city a great nonalcoholic bach party destination is that Angelinos typically drink less than other city-dwellers across the US. In short, you'll find plenty of like-minded people who enjoy active lifestyles (as seen on social media). After hiking, pick up a bottle of bubbly at The New Bar, a nonalcoholic bottle shop in Venice, before heading east to dinner at Workshop Kitchen + Bar, where the nonalcoholic cocktails are inventive and refreshing. Stay at The Viceroy Santa Monica to sip zero-proof beverages while lounging at the pool or plan an oceanside picnic, with a basket packed by the hotel that is equipped with snacks and Virgin Bloody Mary Mix or Virgin Mojito Mix. For a DTLA stay, The Conrad Los Angeles has a plethora of food and beverage concepts by Jose Andres that offer zero-ABV options.
Austin, Texas
In the Lone Star State, Austin stands out as an alcohol-free destination because you could spend an entire weekend participating in water sports (kayaking, bots, and tubing) on Lake Travis and eating great Tex-Mex and barbeque—without stepping into a traditional bar. Find your social media moments at Joe's on Congress or at the Cathedral of Junk (an evolving junk-art installation). If you prefer a bar scene that's 100% alcohol-free, enter Sans Bar for nonalcoholic beverages. If you're among mixed company (drinkers and nondrinkers) there's something for everyone at The Roosevelt Room and Yard Bar, where dogs are also invited. Being hangover-free among hounds? Sign us up.