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Bonjour!

Welcome to La French Girl, a French-American lifestyle blog written by a born & raised French girl living in the US. She shares the best of both worlds from an authentic French perspective, while providing tips to live a healthy and stylish life. Thanks for being here. Cozy up, enjoy and get inspired!

Top 5 Picture-Perfect US Destinations

Top 5 Picture-Perfect US Destinations

In honor of my 10 year anniversary, in the US this month I’m sharing my Top 5 US destinations. Those are perfect for either a girls trip or a romantic getaway. Let your 2025 travel planning start now!

1) PALM SPRINGS, CA:

This desert oasis is my favorite destination in the US. I just love everything about Palm Springs; the weather, the colors, the arid landscapes filled with palm trees, the mountains in the background, the mid-century architecture, the glamour of the Old Hollywood Era, the vintage shops, I could go on and on. I mean everything is beautiful in Palm Springs. No wonder why it used to be Hollywood’s playground from the 1930’s with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin buying houses there to have some peace and fun away from the spotlight. Palm Springs gives you a sense of remoteness due to it’s desert location but is easily accessible by car from Los Angeles ( 2 hours drive). While in Palm Springs, you have to go to Joshua Tree National Park. It’s about a 1 hour drive. You will see the famous giant Yucca trees called Joshua Trees and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Palm Springs is hands down the ultimate Boho Chic US Destination in my opinion. I have 2 favorite hotels over there:

ACE HOTEL

I just love this place. I love the blend of industrial with organic and nomadic vibes. It’s totally my style. I dream of going back there soon, hopefully this year! The hotel provides delicious food too. I always have brunch at their restaurant. For dinners I recommend going to town or stopping by the many cool places if exploring the surroundings, like Pappy & Harriet’s barbecue restaurant in Pioneertown. This is the coolest western decor restaurant you’ll ever experience!

KORAKIA PENSIONE

If you’re looking for the perfect intimate and romantic place to stay with your significant other, well this is it! The blend of Maroccan and Mediterranean inspired decor will transport you to heaven!


2) LAGUNA BEACH, CA:

Laguna Beach is a little gem located along the Orange County coastline, one hour south of Los Angeles. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean with dramatic cliffs, beautiful sandy beaches and coves. A pure paradise for surfers and beach lovers! This cool beach town truly evokes the spirit of the Beach Boys songs. Fashionistas and art lovers will appreciate the cute boutique shops and numerous art galleries. The food scene is great too! I highly recommend tasting the delicious and beautiful fusion sushis at Miki. If you’re looking for a stylish boutique hotel by the beach, Casa Loma Beach Hotel is the place where you want to stay. You can’t beat its location, next to Main Beach, a short walk to downtown and to the walking trail at Heisler Park showcasing breathtaking views up and down the coast.


3) KEY WEST, FL:

On the opposite coast of the United States and at the southernmost point, only 90 miles away from Cuba, lies the island of Key West. This tropical paradise, part of the Florida Keys is accessible from Miami in about a 4 hours drive. The lush palm trees, Victorian architecture and crystal clear waters, is home to North America only living coral barrier reef by the way, making this place truly magical. It’s heaven on earth for water sports lovers! Fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling are the norm. I absolutely love this place for the relaxed feel of a small town but big personality. If you’re looking for relaxation and fun, look no further. Key West offers a vibrant nightlife too. Duval Street is where all the lively restaurants and bars are. The rich history and culture of the island make it very unique. I mean what other islands were haven for pirates, a hub for the cigar-making industry and a magnet for famous writers in the 20th century like Ernest Hemingway?! You can visit his home by the way, which is now a museum. The laid-back atmosphere and beauty of this place make it a must-visit destination. Check-in at the Marker Key West for the ultimate island feel experience. It’s a gorgeous seaside hotel that will make your stay in Key West unforgettable trust me!

4) TUCSON, AZ:

If you’re looking for another beautiful desert getaway with a Western heritage, you might want to consider Tucson in Arizona. It’s home to the Saguaro National Park, where you can see the nation’s biggest cacti. While Tucson is definitely known for its stunning desert landscape, it has also become a spa destination. Famous luxurious wellness resorts like Miraval and Canyon Ranch opened a location in Tucson. Personally, I like horseback riding and want the true Western experience when I’m over there. Well, I found a place many years ago that delivers exactly that: Tanque Verde Ranch. It’s an old-time cattle and guest ranch that makes you feel like you’re in an old Western movie! They have an all inclusive package that includes all meals, horseback rides and lessons, accommodations and lots of fun activities for the entire family. The property has an authentic Western decor, which is beautiful and in harmony with the natural beauty and culture of the place. This ranch is a true hidden gem evoking laid-back sophistication at its best.

5) CHARLESTON, SC:

Charleston in South Carolina is a completely different atmosphere. It feels like living in a cotton candy world over there! The beautiful pastel colored houses and mansions from the Victorian era scream timeless elegance. I love that the downtown is entirely walkable. This place takes you back in time with the cobblestone streets, especially in the French Quarter and the horse carriages. You will want to check out the famous Rainbow Row, a row of thirteen colorful historic Georgian style houses, located at the corner of Tradd and East Bay Streets. Another landmark of Charleston is the Pineapple Fountain. You will see pineapple decor, objects, sculptures everywhere in Charleston, as it’s a symbol of hospitality in the South. The tradition of the pineapple goes back to Christopher Columbus’ time. Sea Captains will return from exotic places where the pineapple was grown and place it at the gate of their homes to inform their neighbors they’ve returned from sea and were welcoming guests. Back then the pineapple was also a symbol of luxury as it was expensive. The rich history, Southern hospitality and food will certainly seduce you! Charleston is a stylish coastal town perfect for a long weekend girls trip. I like to stay at the Emeline hotel, when I’m in Charleston. It’s a sophisticated boutique hotel close to all the Charleston hot spots like King Street for all the cute boutiques!

Now pack your bags and enjoy those gems!

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