PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
If you’re feeling so ready for a girls’ trip (trust me, I feel you), you have to hear about this trend that’s been popping up all over my TikTok feed: reading retreats. The concept has become so popular that Pinterest is predicting they’ll be one of the top travel trends of summer 2025 with searches for things like “book club retreat ideas” and “vacation book” way up. As an avid reader myself, this honestly sounds like my ideal vacation. I mean, what more could you want from your time off than time spent with your friends, delving into a new book (or, OK, a few) and some (not too many!) fun activities sprinkled in? Keep on reading for seven destinations that I think would make the perfect girlfriends’ reading retreat.
The 15 Most Charming Small Towns in New England
Gaining popularity over the past few years, reading retreats are trips that are specifically designed with downtime in mind to rest, relax and read. Some groups prefer to select a book (or books) for everyone to read so it can be discussed in a sort of book club format, while others have readers just bring whichever books they prefer, or pick something out at a local shop. You may want to plan other activities, too, like brunches, hikes, shopping days or performances, but it’s completely customizable to the tastes of the attendees.
When thinking about some of the best spots to book a reading retreat, I aimed to choose places that would be easily accessible (at least by air travel) and offered a good mix of activities and time/space for relaxation. I also took into account locations that have literary history or connections to published works and places that are in close proximity to independent bookstores, book bars or other bookish attractions. I also referenced the American Library Association’s Literary Landmarks page, which has tons of other ideas you can browse.
1. Salem, Massachusetts
It might be an obvious choice for readers who regularly pick up paranormal reads thanks to the city’s all–around witchy vibes, but Salem, Massachusetts is a great spot to have on your radar for a reading retreat. This small, coastal city has tons of history behind it to explore, of course, too, from the Salem Witch Trials Memorial to The House of the Seven Gables that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. Plus, you’ll be a short train or ferry ride from Boston, where you could spend a few hours exploring Harvard’s massive libraries à la Rory Gilmore, or take a stop at indie bookstores like Beacon Hill Books & Cafe or the “romance haven” Lovestruck Books, which doubles as a wine bar (what more could you need?).
2. Charleston, South Carolina
So your group’s into romances? Well, where better to travel for your retreat than the city where tons of The Notebook scenes were filmed?! Yep, in Charleston you can visit everywhere from the Cypress Gardens, which served as the setting for that infamous row boat scene to, High Cotton where Noah sees Allie meeting her fiancé, Lon. Not to mention, Charleston is super close to tons of beaches, too, like the popular Folly beach, which is perfect for posting up for the day with a lighthearted beach read while you catch some sun.
3. Catskills, New York
If you’re looking for an escape not too far from NYC, the Catskills makes your perfect place—especially since there’s a small book town nestled in Hobart. The Hobart Book Village includes seven independent bookstores, along with art galleries, antique shops and more. Kicking back for a few days in the mountains (especially in the fall when leaves are changing or spring when everything’s blooming) just sounds like the ultimate way to relax, too, if you ask me.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
I feel pretty confident in saying that there are probably very few fantasy readers out there who don’t dream of spending a few days in magical Edinburgh. It’s been on my personal list for a while, with attractions like Edinburgh Castle, Victoria Street, the Jacobite Steam Train, plus the rich history of the witch trials and so much more. And the gloomy weather? That’s all the better for posting up in a bookstore or cafe or spreading out a blanket in one of the city’s parks with a new read. Plus if you want to get out into nature for a night or two, The Highlands are just a train ride away.
5. Cannon Beach, Oregon
I went on a short getaway to Cannon Beach last summer and I have to say, the vibes are perfect for a reading retreat. (And not just because nearby Ecola State Park was used as a filming location in Twilight.) This laid-back beach town has tons of small local shops, restaurants and both new and used bookstores. Plus, the mild weather is ideal for spending all day by the beach before relaxing by a bonfire at night and the fog that rolls in off of the Pacific totally sets the scene for a spooky or mysterious read.
6. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
If I caught your attention with the Hobart Book Village, you should also know that the seaside city of Victoria is also home to a pretty impressive booktown. In Sidney by the Sea, you can find a bunch of bookstores within walking distance of each other, including The Haunted Bookshop—Victoria’s oldest bookstore. Plus, this is a fun spot for adventurous readers who want to take on some fun outdoor activities like whale watching and then kick back with a good wine tasting or afternoon tea.
7. Salt Lake City, Utah
OK hear me out—while Salt Lake City might not have been your first thought for a reading retreat, you’ll want to consider it. Why? Well, there are a bunch of options for exploring national parks when you want to get a bit of exercise before settling in to start your next book. And when you’re ready to dive into something new, there are plenty of indie bookstores to wander through, like Lovebound Library, the state’s first romance bookstore—although I do think the mountainside setting makes a great choice for sci-fi or fantasy reads. Not to mention there are some good options around for reading outdoors like breweries, cafes and parks.
17 Amazing Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts Vetted by a Travel Editor

source