Destination SpotlightCategory|

Nine Destinations for a Great ‘Friend‑cation’

Reunite with friends on golf trips, spa retreats & so much more

As restrictions lift around the United States, we’re eagerly reuniting with friends, looking for opportunities to celebrate missed moments and milestones. And what better way to reconnect with your inner circle than by taking a “friend-cation?”

Whether your friend group prefers up-all-night adventures in Las Vegas, seaside retreats full of sun, sipping wine, or shopping ’til you drop, Hilton properties across the United States are ready and waiting to host your most memorable friend-cation yet.

Here are just nine of the destinations we’d recommend.

Take in History in Cambridge, Mass

Cambridge offers a mixed bag of fun for friends who are also history lovers. Take a tour of Harvard University (America’s oldest university) and Fogg Museum; take in Granary Burial Ground, where historic icon Paul Revere and John Hancock were buried. Cambridge is also a short drive away from Boston’s Freedom Trail, which includes stops at the Paul Revere House, a Benjamin Franklin statue, Old South Meeting House, and the site of the Boston Massacre. Or visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum for a hands-on exploration of the Boston Tea Party. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Boston - Cambridge is situated between Harvard University and the Charles River, which is perfect for jogging or watching rowing teams practice on the water. 

Dive Into Deep-Dish Pizza & Shop the Magnificent Mile in Chicago

What better way to reunite with friends than over a Chicago deep-dish pizza, live comedy performances, and a stretch of the shopping in the country? DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago–Magnificent Mile is in the ideal location for visitors to Chicago. The hotel is situated between the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. It’s also just a 10-minute walk from 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, which offers amazing views, and Millennium Park, home to eye-catching architecture, outdoor art exhibitions, summer workouts and other special events.

Stay Up All Night in Las Vegas

Las Vegas offers world-class entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and delicious dining in restaurants run by celebrity chefs. The city is also the place for live music: many Grammy Award-winning artists have already announced their return to Las Vegas with concert dates or residencies starting this fall. Hilton has multiple properties in Las Vegas, including Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton and Resorts World Las Vegas. Guests staying at any of the three hotels can enjoy premium amenities across the Resorts World Las Vegas campus including more than 40 food and beverage outlets, seven unique pool experiences, an expansive next-generation casino floor, over 250,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and a 5,000-capacity theatre that will be home to can’t-miss performances.

Tour Theme Parks in Orlando

Orlando is the town that brings the kid out of all of us. It’s the home base for many theme parks, quirky nightlife, themed museums, smaller half-day attractions, and quirky and creative restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for wild thrill rides, eye-catching nighttime spectaculars, or group photo opps with favorite characters, there’s something for everyone here. Waldorf Astoria Orlando is located just minutes away from some of the city’s best theme parks, offering quick access, luxury rooms, great service—and a pool and lazy river. The theme park’s nightly fireworks can also often be seen from the resort’s grounds.

Live the Celeb Life in Los Angeles

Shop, wine and dine with the stars, or take in a bit of Hollywood history in Los Angeles, California. Make the most of your vacation by staying at The Beverly Hilton, a historic Hollywood icon in itself, playing host to celebrity visits and memorable moments in its more than 50-year history. In addition to a pool and multiple restaurants, the hotel’s 6,000-square-foot Upgrade Labs fitness spa offers Red Carpet Radiance Treatments for detoxing the body for clearer skin, Road Warrior Resets intended to reduce stress, and other innovative health offerings to pamper the mind, body, and soul.

See Shows, Shop & Sightsee in New York

There’s so much to do in NYC! From exploring museums to viewing historic landmarks to taking in a Broadway show (resuming this fall!), there truly is something for everyone in the Big Apple. Conrad New York Downtown is just minutes from Tribeca, Greenwich Village, SoHo and Wall Street, putting a lot of tourist options within walking distance. Want a great view of the city? Head up to the hotel’s Loop Doopy Rooftop Bar for a drink and a great view of the city skyline at night.

 

Swizzle Southern Charm in New Orleans

Stroll through the French Quarter, shop along Royal Street, grab drinks on Bourbon Street, and immerse yourself in jazz music in New Orleans. Other popular stops include the New Orleans Museum of Art, the National WWII Museum and Jackson Square. Feeling adventurous? Try a New Orleans swamp tour or cemetery tour. Experience your own chapter in New Orleans history at the more than 125-year-old Roosevelt New Orleans—A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Grab gumbo or a drink at Sazerac (which is named after the world’s first mixed drink), or head up to the rooftop pool for sunshine.

Visit the Live Music Capital of the World in Austin

Austin is a hub for live comedy, with laughs ranging from beginner sketch comedy, stand-up to big-name acts, family friendly shows, and even musical comedy at Esther’s Follies. There are also plenty of locations that offer open mic nights, if you or your friend group would like to take the stage. After the show, grab some great Tex-Mex dishes (think fresh tamales, homemade corn tortillas, migas and enchiladas)—and don’t forget the accompanying margaritas! Hilton Austin is within walking distance to the Rainey Street Historic District, a residential street turned commercial, which offers upscale eateries and bars. The hotel also offers a spa, and rooftop pool that overlooks the city.

Get Golfing in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara has so much to offer for friends who love to gather outdoors. From golf courses to kayaking to coastal cruises, there’s a lot of relaxing outdoor fun for friends of all tastes. Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort is located just a mile from the Funk Zone district, which offers wine tasting rooms, plus artist galleries and studios.

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