Top Destination Picks by Season

So, you want to find the perfect destination for each season? We’re on the case! Whether you’re looking for autumn leaves, a winter wonderland, or a sunny summer escape, we’ve gathered the best seasonal destinations from our 360DG insiders. Here are the top spots to explore throughout the year, complete with hidden gem hotels, top dining experiences, and local events that will wow you and your group.

Fall: Pumpkin Spice and City Lights

San Francisco

Curated by Steffanie Lehr , Senior Account Executive; Julie Kurz , Design & Development Manager; and Mona Stallard , Sr. Operations Manager, Northern California

• Hidden Gem Stay: While not exactly hidden, the Fairmont San Francisco is a true gem that’s more accessible for groups than you might think. If you’re looking for something under the radar, check out The Jay, Autograph Collection or the Marriott Marquis San Francisco .
• Seasonal Eats: San Francisco’s food scene truly comes alive in the fall. Enjoy top-notch dining at spots like Zuni Café, The Morris, Ernest, The Progress, and Cotogna. For waterfront views and a memorable meal, head to Waterbar or La Mar. And don’t forget to experience Restaurant Week in November for a fantastic selection of fall flavors around the city.
• Top Fall Events: Fleet Week is a must-see event in October, with the US Navy’s Blue Angels performing gravity-defying stunts. Other notable events include Día de Los Muertos celebrations, the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park, and the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin festival! Our Spooky Season Favorites: check out haunted SF ghost tours, Nightfall at Filoli, and the Alcatraz Night Tour! Pacific Heights is a hot spot for over-the-top Halloween decorations, while The Castro hosts a lively Halloween street party.
• Outdoor Spaces & Team Building: While San Francisco doesn’t have the dramatic fall foliage seen back East, the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park and the vineyards of Wine Country offer stunning autumn hues. For team building, consider hiking Angel Island, kayaking in the Bay, or hosting a picnic at Crissy Field with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. For something a little more adventurous, try zip-lining through the Redwoods in West Sonoma County or head out for wine tasting in Napa or Sonoma. Napa Valley’s vineyards turn beautiful shades of red and gold after harvest, making it perfect for a fall escape.

Nashville

Curated by Ashley Dye , Director of Sales, Nashville

• Seasonal Pop-Up: Camp Bobby at Bobby Hotel . From November to February, this rooftop transforms into a 1970s-inspired wonderland. Expect synthetic ice skating, cozy igloos, campfires, and the nostalgia of a retro camper.
• Must-Visit Eats: Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the seasonal menu at The 404 Kitchen or the farm-to-table goodness at Husk Nashville. From spiced pumpkin soup to roasted duck, you’ll find dishes brimming with autumnal flavors.
• Best Fall Events: Experience Nashville’s music scene at the CMA Awards in November or enjoy the picturesque Cheekwood Harvest in September and October. For local flair, check out Light the Nations.
• Outdoor Magic: Head to Radnor Lake State Park for breathtaking fall foliage or bike Nashville’s Greenway System to see the changing colors while getting some fresh air.
• Festive Décor: Don’t miss the seasonal flair at Arrington Vineyards or the over-the-top Halloween decorations at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center .

Winter: From Beaches to Broadway

South Florida

Curated by Lina Cantillo , Director of Sales, South Florida

• Hidden Gem Stay: For a unique winter experience, head to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples for a life-size Gingerbread House tour, benefiting the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Complimentary for resort guests.
• Festive Eats: Cozy up with some Coquito (Puerto Rican Eggnog) at Café La Trova or grab cinnamon buns from Knaus Berry Farm.
• Holiday Fun: Believe it or not, South Florida transforms into a holiday paradise every year. Drive through three miles of giant holiday lights and illuminated trees at the Holiday Fantasy of Lights or admire the 100-foot Christmas tree in Delray Beach. For a more traditional holiday experience, Christmas on Las Olas turns the boulevard into a winter wonderland. Celebrating Hanukkah? Check out the Chanukah Festival: a one-night event in Hollywood featuring menorah-lighting and music. We absolutely love the dazzling lights of Luminosa at Jungle Island and the 100 tons of snow at Snowfest in Naples. Because who says you can’t play in snow in 80-degree weather?!
• Holiday Bars & Pop-Ups: A few of our favorites in Miami: Bodega Taqueria Y Tequila’s holiday bar pop-up, Carousel Club’s Winter Wonderland, and Tinsel Tavern at Vivo! Dolphin Mall’s Christmas Village

New York City

Curated by Dana Schwartz, MBA , Account Executive and Michaela Foley, CMP, CITP , Director of Sales, New York

• Iconic Winter Must-Dos: Nothing says winter in NYC quite like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (the Rockettes!) or holiday window displays at Saks and Bloomingdale’s. Wander through Union Square Holiday Market or ice skate at Rockefeller Center for that quintessential holiday vibe. The holiday lights and the Rockefeller Christmas Tree are just the start. Don’t forget the Lotte Palace Tree and the over-the-top Christmas décor at Rolf’s German Restaurant. Anyone in the mood for the timeless holiday magic of rail travel? Check out the Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden. Put those skates on and glide across the ice at Bryant Park (try the bumper cars on ice!) or Central Park.
• Hidden Gem Eats & Drinks: Take your group for Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis New York , The Plaza, The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel , Mandarin Oriental, or dine in one of NYC’s iconic igloos at City Winery. Christmas in New York is lovely but Christmas at Oscar Wilde Victorian Bar in Manhattan is even better. Another staff favorite: Lillie’s Victorian Establishment (trust us–the event designer in you will LOVE this). 

Spring: Barbecue to Blackjack

Austin

Curated by Lezlie Mahan , Account Executive, Texas

• Hidden Gem Stay: The JW Marriott Austin downtown is perfect for spring stays, complete with a rooftop bar and prime access to the city.
• Spring Eats: Indulge in Tex-Mex at Tamale House East or enjoy cocktails at the speakeasy Here Nor There. For something unique, try the game meats at Lonesome Dove.
• Seasonal Events: Don’t miss SXSW or the Pecan Street Spring Festival.
• Outdoor Escapes: Go kayaking on Lake Austin or stroll through Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to admire Texas’s famous bluebonnets.

Las Vegas

Curated by Cindy Pham , Account Executive, Las Vegas

• Hidden Gem Stay: Just outside the Strip, Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa offers serene desert views and lake activities like kayaking, hiking, and biking trails, making it a perfect spring retreat.
• Spring Dining: Savor Mediterranean dishes at La Côte in the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, with refreshing cocktails and desserts to celebrate the season. The restaurant features outdoor seating, which is particularly enjoyable in spring.
• Outdoor Fun: One of the most popular kayaking spots is Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which includes the picturesque Black Canyon. You can enjoy guided tours that take you through beautiful scenery, historical sites, and even to the famous Emerald Cave. Red Rock Canyon is another hot spot in spring, offering stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and wildlife sightings. You can drive the Scenic Loop Drive, a 13-mile route with amazing views of the red rocks. There are also many hiking trails for all skill levels, allowing you to explore at your own pace, and convenient parking makes it easy to start your adventure. For those who prefer a more structured experience, plenty of guided tours are available.
• Festive Spring Events: The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is a spring must-see with vibrant floral displays. And finally, springtime in Las Vegas is synonymous with lively pool parties as the city’s renowned day clubs and pool lounges open their doors for the season. These venues not only offer beautiful settings to enjoy the sun but also feature top DJs and artists, making them must-visit spots for music lovers.

Summer: Sips & Surfboard Trips

Chicago

Curated by Jennifer Brock , Director of Sales, Chicago

• Hidden Gem Stay: The boutique Chicago Athletic Association offers a unique experience in the heart of the city, while the new The St. Regis Chicago is simply stunning.
• Summer Dining: Grab a table at Beatnik on the River, Pizzeria Portofino, or RPM Seafood to enjoy waterside dining.
• Seasonal Events: Summer street festivals are the highlight of Chicago’s social calendar and 4th of July weekend on Lake Michigan’s beaches is amazing; just get there early!
• Outdoor Activities: Take an architecture boat tour or head to Millennium Park for music in the park. Don’t forget to explore Chicago’s rooftop bars and patios!

Orange County

Curated by Shannon Yarbrough , Director of Sales, Orange County

• Hidden Gem Stay: For a beachside group getaway, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa offers luxury with stunning ocean views. Perfect for those looking to blend work and play with a relaxing coastal vibe.
• Summer Dining: Indulge in dining with a view at Jolie in Huntington Beach. Soak in the summer sunsets while enjoying SoCal flavors.
• Seasonal Events: Summer in Orange County means endless outdoor events. Don’t miss the US Open of Surfing for some serious wave action, or catch live music at the SeaLegs Summer Concerts right on the sand. Another summer staple is the AVP Huntington Beach Open, where you can watch pro volleyball players battle it out on the beach.
• Outdoor Adventures: Get those toes in the sand with venues like SeaLegs and Huntington Beach House. Bringing a corporate group? The laid-back beach vibe is perfect for outdoor team-building activities! For something more adventurous, enjoy water sports like kayaking, surfing, or paddleboarding. For a more relaxing day, take a dolphin and whale-watching cruise, or hop on a bike and cruise along the boardwalk.
• Festive Summer Fun: Nothing says “All-American” quite like Balboa Island in Newport Beach, decked out in flags and patriotic décor all summer long. Cap your day with a classic Huntington Beach bonfire or stroll along the iconic pier for those endless summer vibes. And don’t miss Surf City Nights every Tuesday for food, crafts, and music right on Main Street.

Los Angeles

Curated by Jackie Ash (Lauver), CMP, DMCP, CITP , Director of Sales, Los Angeles

• Hidden Gem Stay: LA’s summer heat pairs perfectly with a stay at the stunning Terranea Resort for coastal relaxation. For something more centrally located, the The Maybourne Beverly Hills and The Langham Pasadena bring classic elegance to your group’s stay.
• Summer Dining: Los Angeles is a foodie’s paradise in the summer. Try oysters at Broad St. Oyster Company, grab seafood at Malibu Seafood on your way to Zuma Beach, or dig into a Godmother Sandwich from Bay Cities Deli. For something quintessentially LA, stop by Leo’s Tacos for an al pastor taco or treat yourself to a prime rib and dirty martini at Musso & Frank Grill.
• Seasonal Events: Summer in LA is all about outdoor culture. Watch your favorite flicks at outdoor/rooftop movie screenings or catch a concert at the legendary Hollywood Bowl. Jazz nights at LACMA and Sunset Sessions at The Penmar bring the chill summer vibes, while the LA Pride Parade in June turns the city into a vibrant celebration of love and equality.
• Outdoor Adventures: From hiking Runyon Canyon to whale watching along the coast, LA offers endless outdoor activities. You can kayak through Marina Del Rey, ride horses through Griffith Park, or soak up the sun at Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica Pier.
• Festive Summer Fun: Nothing says summer like fireworks at the Hollywood Bowl or a boat parade in Marina Del Rey. Celebrate the 4th of July with views of the LA skyline and fireworks lighting up the night, or spend the day at one of LA’s many rooftop venues enjoying the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

No matter the season, there’s a perfect destination. From beachside retreats to city escapes, our 360 Destination Group experts have the local know-how to make it all happen. Ready to start planning your next event or need more insider tips on these incredible locations? Reach out to us and get in touch with our teams across the country.

This article first appeared on 360DG.com.