Eat, See, Play

With cities opening up and restrictions loosening, Members are once again returning to some of the country’s top metropolises. And as the days get longer and the weather warms, you can see all the sites and enjoy the city’s best restaurants while still staying safe — outside. Below, our top outdoor picks to eat, see, and play your way through four of the Club’s top metro locations in the United States.

San Francisco

With its world-class dining, iconic bridges, incredible art, and unique neighborhoods, San Francisco has something to explore at every corner — part of what makes this city a Member-favorite.  

EAT
You can't visit San Francisco without treating yourself to some of the city's most famous dishes. Among the must-eats: Sourdough bread from Boudin Sourdough, founded in 1849 and the oldest continually operating business in the city; a Mission-style burrito from Taqueria La Cumbre; seafood (especially Dungeness crab and fresh oysters at Fog Harbor Fish House) in Fisherman's Wharf; and dim sum at China Live. Outdoor dining is available at Boudin at the Wharf, Fog Harbor Fish House, and China Live; take-out is available at Taqueria La Cumbre. 

SEE
On a nice afternoon, there's no better place to soak up some California sunshine than the 55-acre urban oasis that is the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Another can't-miss San Fran jewel is unforgettable Lombard Street, known as the "crookedest street in America.” The road's eight hairpin turns weave through historic Russian Hill mansions whose perfectly manicured lawns and blooming gardens make the street as scenic as it is unique. 

PLAY
Pack a picnic, rent a bike, and pedal your way to Crissy Field in The Presidio to enjoy your al fresco meal to the backdrop of the city’s best view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Afterward, hop into one of the 36 gondolas of the Golden Gate Park observation wheel for even more phenomenal views of the bay and city. Over in Mission Bay, dust off those putting skills at Stagecoach Greens, the only outdoor miniature golf course in San Francisco. The course doubles as a history lesson of the city, with each hole telling a different story about the elements that shaped San Francisco's culture and creation.

STAY
Make your home for the trip in one of our two-bedroom units at Fairmont Heritage Place in Ghirardelli Square. Each luxury vacation residence boasts a gas fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows, plus world-class amenities — including butler service and private wine storage — to fully relax between excursions. Located within walking distance of Fisherman’s Wharf, The Ferry Building, Russian Hill, Fort Mason Park, and the Marina, it's a perfect jumping off point for your San Fran adventures.

Las Vegas

Known for its neon-laced Strip, casinos, and clubs, Las Vegas has been bending the rules since it was incorporated in 1911. The State of Nevada outlawed gambling in 1910, but thanks to speakeasies and undercover casinos, visitors have had a plethora of spots to place, win, and lose bets for over 100 years. 

EAT
When Wolfgang Puck opened Spago in 1992, the restaurant ushered in a new era of upscale dining in Las Vegas. The revamped version at the Bellagio features classic California dishes, incredible views of the Fountains at Bellagio, and ample outdoor seating. Alternatively, reserve one of the private cabanas at Costa Di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas for the freshest fish and seafood (flown in daily) and an unparalleled romantic atmosphere. 

SEE
See many of the city’s most iconic signs from over the decades at the Neon Museum’s “Neon Boneyard”: an outdoor park just north of The Strip. Come night, enjoy the daily show put on by The Fountains of Bellagio, whose 1,000-plus light-infused fountains shoot water in choreographed unison to a playlist of everything from Frank Sinatra to “The Star Spangled Banner." 

PLAY
Pretend you’re in Venice and take a gondola ride at The Venetian, then head to the Strip's southern end to snag that iconic Instagram photo with the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. The next morning, view Sin City from above on a hot air balloon ride. Each expedition with Vegas Balloon Rides lasts approximately an hour, features stunning views of the Pahrump Valley and the strip, and concludes with a Champagne or sparkling cider toast upon landing.  

STAY
Unwind after a day on the Strip at Vdara Hotel & Spa, home to the Club’s four custom-designed two-bedroom corner residences. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the iconic Vegas skyline, and all vacation residences feature open floor plans, spa-style bathrooms with oversized tubs, and exclusive access to CityCenter and Aria Resort and Spa, featuring three decadent outdoor pools. 

New York City

The city that never sleeps has no lack of memorable opportunities when it comes to diving into culture. Despite the pandemic, New York City continues to shine bright thanks to the ingenuity, creativity, and optimism of its passionate residents. 

EAT 
Enjoy the ultimate dinner in the city with our new partner, Resident, who connects you with Michelin-starred chefs for safe, private dining experiences in the comfort of the Club's Park Avenue Place residences. Your personal chef will prepare a five-course tasting menu for you and up to seven of your closest friends — complete with a welcome cocktail and wine pairings.  

SEE 
Enjoy Central Park’s top sights on foot and by boat. Enter the park on 72nd Street and Central Park West, then head east to see Strawberry Fields, the Sheep Meadow, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain, the Hans Christian Andersen Monument, and the Alice in Wonderland statue. When restrictions lift, rent a rowboat from the Loeb Boathouse for a quintessential New York experience. Follow NY PopsUp on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to catch one of the un-ticketed, unannounced performances happening through Labor Day. The programming represents the diversity of New York’s performing arts scene and artistic communities. 

PLAY 
Engage all the senses at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which recently launched a series of sound works — site-specific original compositions and audio walks designed to experience at your own pace. Through May, enjoy Gelsey Bell and Joseph White’s "Meander," Ben Rubin and Brian House’s "Terminal Moraine," and Michael Gordon’s "Loved," each of which is designed to more deeply immerse the listener in their surroundings. Over in Chelsea, the city's newest park, Little Island, celebrates its grand opening this spring. The park-on-a-pier offers an outdoor amphitheater, a botanic garden, spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, and rotating artists-in-residence. 

STAY 
The Club's 14 luxury residences at Park Avenue Place are located in Midtown East, just blocks away from many of the city's premier sites. With an expert, dedicated Concierge at your service, you'll be informed of which sights, restaurants, and cultural charms are available to enjoy; and with the central location, you'll be able to stroll from one hotspot to the next while enjoying the idyllic springtime weather. 

Have your getaway booked but worried about what you’ll do on a rainy day? We’ve got you covered. Read about our top indoor activities here.

Chicago

Chicago is a rare city that can mix innovation with tradition and business with pleasure and feel familiar yet fresh. It constantly breaks the mold of what a city can be while staying true to its roots. To paraphrase Frank Sinatra: This is our kind of town.    

EAT 
Au Cheval may call itself a diner, but there’s nothing lowbrow about it. Enjoy the kings of the show — the fried house-made bologna sandwich and cheeseburgers, which regularly dominate the top of Chicago’s “best of” lists — on the patio. Take a deep dive back in time at Twin Anchors Restaurant & Tavern, a staple of Old Town since 1932 and made famous by Frank Sinatra. It's as authentic as it is well-known, dishing up cold beer, savory ribs and a true Chicago experience with every ticket. Outdoor dining and take-out are available (including cocktails to go!). 

SEE 
Get to know Chicago on a new level with a private, two-hour, customized walking tour with Inside Chicago. Insights into architecture, history, art, and more fill each tour, which can be strictly outdoors or include interiors, according to your comfort level. Immerse yourself in nature at The Morton Arboretum, whose spring outdoor art exhibition, “Human+Nature,” features five towering sculptures by Daniel Popper dispersed throughout the arboretum’s 1,700 acres. 

PLAY 
Bike, jog, or stroll The 606, an elevated path following 2.7 miles of old rail lines combining green space, history, and art. In Millennium Park, home of the “Cloud Gate” sculpture (better known as The Bean), enjoy a respite in the heart of the city amid sculptures and gardens. Shop the day away along the Magnificent Mile, downtown's premier shopping strip. The store-lined stretch runs from the Chicago River to Oak Street and is jam-packed with more than 460 stores. 

STAY 
Take in spectacular 180-degree views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and the Wrigley Building from the Club's five luxury residences in The Trump Chicago. Located downtown, the 92-story hotel is one of just 10 in the world to boast five-star Forbes ratings for both its hotel and restaurant — Terrace 16 — and offers a state-of-the-art fitness center and 23,000-square-foot wellness spa.