Erika Mailman

Inhale the crispness of turned leaves as you board your train, and then settle in to witness hillsides covered in golden and red forests, your forehead pressed against the glass. It’s fall foliage train season, and we can’t think of a better way to penetrate into nature’s incredible art installation than to sit back and let the train take you. You’ll relax into the beauty and maybe have a glass of wine, maybe chat with fellow passengers—and hopefully your train has an observation car with a glass ceiling, so you can glide beneath the canopy. We’re lucky to have so many regions in the U.S. where fall colors utterly overtake the landscape, although New England usually gets most of the credit. Here’s our list of the 18 best rides, from Vermont to Oregon and everywhere in between. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to locate your closest cider donut provider and the best orchards where you can fill your basket with fresh-picked apples. It’s sweater season and we couldn’t be more excited! All prices below are for adult tickets. RECOMMENDED:  The ultimate fall foliage road trip   

Oktoberfest leads us into the fall in the very best way: with overflowing beer steins, kraut and bratwurst and other German foods. Pair that with rousing music, the chance to show off in your dirndl or lederhosen (fellas… your socks that cover only the calf are quite the thing!), sunny time spent in the biergarten and, if you’re lucky, a spot like Helen, Georgia, that highlights the old world charm of Bavarian architecture. Most Oktoberfests include polka dancing, live traditional music and artisan craft booths selling blown glass items or wooden toys. In Germany, Oktoberfest leaks over into September and is said to be the world’s largest folk festival. It’s also long-lasting: In Munich, this year’s celebration will be the 190th. Here in the U.S., we usually stretch the celebrations out even further by starting in mid-September so we can take advantage of better weather before October becomes cold and rainy (or even snowy). Sometimes, Oktoberfest doesn’t even take place in October at all! While you’re adjusting the feather in your Tyrolean cap or tying your apron sash on the left to signal that you’re single, you’ll have a blast at one of these cities doing an American take on a very German festival. Here’s our list of the 10 best places to do it! RECOMMENDED: The best places to go apple picking in the U.S. this fall

Labor Day always feels like a final summer hurrah: The warm, sunny days are getting shorter and crisp fall air is sneaking in. Thankfully, a long weekend caps off the season, allowing you to book a last-minute getaway. With an extra day, Labor Day weekend is ideal for that road trip you’ve been discussing all summer, a final trip to an epic water park before the season ends, or a visit to one of the great national parks. Need a little inspiration? We’ve rounded up some of the best destinations for a last-minute Labor Day vacation, from natural beauties like North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway and the tree-lined hills of Burlington, Vermont, to bustling centers like Dallas, Texas, and New York City. Whatever fits your vibe, these spots will help you bid a gentle farewell to summer. RECOMMENDED: The best family vacation spots in the U.S.

There’s a long (and we mean really long) list of reasons why one might choose to visit old New York—the food, the theatre, the bars and the art galleries, to name a few—but up there with the best things about this city is, without a doubt, its skyline. And while heading up to Top of the Rock or the One World Observatory are worthy ways to soak it up, your hotel room could be, too. So, that’s why we’ve compiled a round up of the best hotels in NYC with proper, show-stopping views. Sit back and enjoy. 📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best hotels in New York City How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in New York City

The allure of a castle is almost tangible: the chilled stones, the shade cast by its upthrusting towers and the light refracting off mullioned windows. You probably have this image of European castles dotting the craggy hillsides above rivers and seas or tucked away inside dark forests. And while you’d be hard pressed to find those sorts of medieval castles in the U.S., you can pay an admission ticket to climb grand staircases, peer out from towers and wander lavish grounds in the closest things this country has to castles. Maybe we’ll fantasize for a few hours that this grandeur could be ours—or maybe we’ll disdain the trappings of heartless wealth (this writer remembers visiting Hearst Castle with a friend who was very angry when she heard Hearst was not philanthropic and spent all his money on himself). It’s a lifestyle few are fortunate enough to experience—but for a short visit, we can storm the castle. These are the 23 best castles to visit in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful train stations in the U.S.The most famous buildings and monuments in the U.S.

Every good vacation should include a trip to an art museum. Contemporary art grabs our attention with groundbreaking ideas and new uses of materials, and there’s true pleasure to be had in contemplating the old masters and mistresses, particularly if it’s a work we recognize from popular culture or the cover of our art history textbook. Most art museums today offer immersive exhibits that engage you more than a two-dimensional painting: soundgardens, digital art that responds to your touch or presence, VR worlds you don goggles to enter. And while we don’t have the Mona Lisa, the U.S. has incredible world-class institutions that pull visitors from all over the world. Here are our top 43 art museums in the country. Note: prices listed are for adults; most institutions offer discounts for seniors, students, children, visitors with disabilities and residents of the city/state. Most have a monthly free day or two, and many add a surcharge for visiting temporary exhibitions—check each museum’s website for details. RECOMMENDED: The weirdest museums in the U.S.10 immersive experiences in the U.S.

With a coastline that stretches the entire length of the state—plus acres of forests literally holding the biggest trees on the planet—California is a nature lover’s paradise. If you’re not yet comfortable in that paradise, try camping out under the stars when you can see the Milky Way and you’ll be an instant convert. California’s beauty is in its fields, its wildflowers, its creatures, its dramatic mountain ranges and its ability to shift gears in a hot second. Ever kayaked in warm waters on the same day you went skiing, with just a few hours’ drive in between? That’s the case here, where deserts unfold in the same state as fog-drenched seacliffs—and where 40 percent of the land is used for agriculture, whether it’s rows of crops, grazing land or gorgeous orchards. Here to help you decide exactly where to set up your tent is our list of the 18 best camping spots in California. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in California🍽️ The best restaurants in California💧 The best hot springs in California🌲 The best places to see California redwoods🏖️ The best beaches in California This guide was updated by California writer Erika Mailman. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

Picture a Saturday morning with a light breeze off the bay while you—coffee in hand—circulate through booths filled with treasure: That’s the beauty of a flea market. You can take your time picking through the offerings, appreciating that yesterday’s furniture was better made than today, that fashion follows cycles that always come around again and you may come across a toy or an item of decor that you once owned—and you’ll have a poignant reunion. The flea market is the most sustainable of markets and lets us recycle objects that still have a lot of life in them. You might come home with a fabulous vintage outfit, a midcentury modern coffee table that completely revives your space or an oil painting of a landscape you adore… the best part is, you can’t predict what you’ll find. Here’s our pick of the best flea markets in San Francisco and environs. RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The best shopping in San Francisco📍 The best things to do in San Francisco🍴 The best restaurants in San Francisco

All across San Francisco, amazing restaurants beckon. In every neighborhood, small eateries abound, while larger places dotted over the city expertly handle crowds. Because of California’s orchards, farms and seacoast, a variety of ultrafresh ingredients find their way to menus and to your plate. Besides the restaurants that have earned Michelin stars, a larger number do their magic of making diners appreciate the three times a day that we pause to fuel our bodies and delight our senses. Dishes can be plated so beautifully that “the camera eats first,” or they can be served no-nonsense–style to diners who ply their forks immediately. This list includes restaurants we’ve tried all across the city and of varied cuisines: American, Japanese, Mexican, Mediterranean, vegetarian, Italian, Indian, seafood, French, Argentinian and Chinese, among others. As for your culinary journey across San Francisco: Try new places, continue to patronize your favorites and incorporate restaurant visits into your weekly routine, if you can. By supporting our hardworking chefs and servers, we’ll ensure that they continue to thrive and keep making San Francisco a foodie’s paradise. July 2025: Time Out has reformatted its food and beverage features, so back in April we started our once-lengthy San Francisco list over afresh with 11 spots—and now we’re adding five more. Unfortunately, one restaurant fell off our list: Luce, inside the InterContinental Hotel, has closed after 17 years. We’re now also as

Few water features strike the perfect balance between thrill and chill like a lazy river. What's more, cruising down one is among the most satisfying ways to unwind—no agenda, no hurry, just a slow drift through calm waters, often paired with spectacular scenery like waterfalls or lush landscaping.  From rooftop rivers in bustling cities to winding streams tucked into mountain resorts, lazy rivers have become beloved centerpieces at hotels, resorts and water parks across the U.S. Some are designed for pure chill; others throw in fun twists like wave sections or swim-up bars. Ahead, our favorite lazy rivers in the USA that are worth the ride. RECOMMENDED: The best indoor water parks in the U.S. to slide all year long

This vibrant neighborhood is full of busy shopkeepers, produce markets, bustling restaurants and plenty of visitors aiming cameras at beautifully Instagrammable architectural features—the most iconic being the green-roofed Dragon’s Gate. You’ll also find red lanterns and flags draped across streets, and dramatic paint colors used for signs and structures. San Franciso’s Chinatown is the nation’s oldest and largest Chinatown, settled by immigrants lured by the Gold Rush’s siren call. Although much of it burned during the 1906 earthquake and fire, the neighborhood was rebuilt. Today its 30 blocks draw locals and visitors alike to enjoy this spirited Chinese culture. RECOMMENDED:🥟 The best dim sum in San Francisco🍽️ The best restaurants in San Francisco👗 The best thrift stores in San Francisco📍 The best things to do in San Francisco🍳 The best brunch in San Francisco

Rainy day or not, a visit to one of San Francisco’s museums yields happy results because the places where you find art and artifacts can be zany or serious, depending on your mood. San Francisco has several world-class art museums as well as some smaller collections that do a deep dive on fascinating and specific topics. For instance, we have one of only two museums devoted to Walt Disney the man (the other is in his hometown of Marceline, Missouri). Our Cable Car Museum lets you actually see the huge circulating mechanisms that drive the cable cars. Right by the waterfront, the Musée Mécanique has a warehouse full of turn of the century dioramas, which you can animate by feeding them a quarter, while the Beat Museum provides an insider’s look at a literary movement. Want to get hands-on and feel your way through some science? There are several places to do that, including the Academy of Sciences at Golden Gate Park and the Exploratorium along the Embarcadero. Now that most kids are out of school, some of these museums offer summer camps for kids—we especially have our eye on the Cartoon Art Museum’s selections. Here’s our list of the finest museums in San Francisco. Prices given below are for general admission; special exhibitions usually involve a separate charge. Many are free or discounted for San Francisco residents, and many have monthly free days or pay-what-you-can days. We totally recommend looking into NARM membership; some of these sites belong. RECOMMENDED:📍 The

What is it: A hotel brand so iconic it even has a song in its honor—"Puttin’ on the Ritz," if you remember the 1980s hit. Why we love it: The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, provides a stay that feels like you’ve checked something off your bucket list. From the moment you enter, you’re aware of the history and elegance of this Forbes five star and AAA five diamond hotel, starting with its brick facade stretching 22 stories high and the entry with a formal vintage canopy. Inside, the hallways are a bright gloss white with coffered ceilings holding glass chandeliers and marble tables with bright orchids. It even looks a bit like the interior of the first class passageways on the Titanic...and in fact, I had been so excited to stay here thinking that this is where Margaret “Molly” Brown stayed upon landing in New York after the ship sank. However, that turned out to be another Ritz-Carlton located on Madison and 46th, opened in 1911 as the first Ritz-Carlton in the U.S. It was demolished in 1951 to build an office building, so I’ll never have the chance! This hotel dates to 1929 and became a Ritz-Carlton in 1999. One of its best aspects is the fact that Central Park is across the street. With my sister, I stayed in a Park View Room that overlooked the park, and we had fun sitting on the generously sized windowsills for people-watching out the window. There’s also a telescope in each room. With such a fantastic home base, we took several rambles through the park, entering by

What is it? A Chinese dim sum house in Ghirardelli Square, halfway between Fisherman’s Wharf and Fort Mason. Why we love it: Aesthetics rule the day here. The “palette” of the name refers to the plate you receive, shaped like an artist’s palette with five wells to hold differently colored sauces. One of the standout dishes, a xiaolongbao sampler, also evokes admiration with five soup dumplings arranged beautifully with their dough colored red (beets), green (spinach), yellow (turmeric), black (squid ink) and white, with various fillings. The taro puff black swan with a delicate cracker neck “floats” on an edible flower strewn plate, while the hot and sour soup is classically delicious. I indulged in an espresso martini and the Portuguese egg tart, while also stealing bites of my daughter’s mango pudding supreme with popping boba, coconut and fresh mango. Above you, large red lanterns glow with Chinese characters for the names of the food, including BBQ pork bao and pork soup dumpling. General manager and part owner Dennis Leung has created a beautiful space, where large red lanterns above you glow with Chinese characters that correspond to the names of the dishes. Make sure to make a pit stop at the bathroom, too, so you don’t miss the beautiful mosaic tiles in the hallway. Time Out tip: It’s housed in the same square as the iconic Gold Rush chocolatier Ghirardelli, and we’d also recommend a pre- or post-meal walk down the hill to the free, ship-shaped Maritime National Histo

What is it? An Argentinian steakhouse in the heart of the Mission. Why we love it: The ojo de bife Argentino rib eye (100 percent grass-fed) was supremely buttery in texture, and the wild mushroom sherry sauce had us trying to soak up more with each forkful like a sponge. The pollo skewer with perfectly blackened corn and aji amarillo almost surpassed the steak for me, but we also loved the yuca fries with rocoto aioli—and we had fun moderating our evening with the “sin licor” mocktails, an agridulce citrus beverage and a tutti frutti sweet one. Though I didn’t have room for the empanada options, I’d certainly try them next time. The décor is atmospherically dim and dominated by some fearsome underlit bull head statues, while beautiful chandeliers and metal fixtures that mimic wagon wheels adorn the ceilings. Time Out tip: Arrive before your reservation and head to El Techo, the bar perched on Lolinda’s rooftop, for excellent city views. Also, as much as we love the colorful vibe of the Mission, the homelessness crisis may make visitors feel uncomfortable after dark, so consider that when planning your reservation and parking or transit plans. Address: 2518 Mission St, San Francisco, 94110 Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5:30–10pm; Fri, Sat 5:30–11pm; Sun 5:30–10pm Expect to pay: For a few pequeños (littles), a 12oz rib eye, a beverage and a dessert, you’ll pay around $85.

What is it? A Mediterranean restaurant housed in a former army barracks in the Presidio. Why we love it: Billed as “modern Eastern” rather than “Middle Eastern,” Dalida comes from husband-and-wife chef team Laura and Sayat Ozyilmaz. The flavors here stretched our palates and made our eyebrows rise—even the hummus had some extra zing sitting under the Cypriot lamb chops wrapped in ground lamb and caul fat. Our family’s favorite was the Breaking Bread dish with round tins of spreads accompanied by chubby pita (baked in-house every five minutes). The cocktails were a highlight, served in fun vessels like a miniature silver tankard or with tall, glass-height ice cubes ordered by mail. Stay for dessert and you may catch some Top Chef magic with pistachio three-ways baklava and the sour cherry Maraş ice cream that chef Laura made for one of the show’s challenges. The interior’s muted lighting comes from rice paper chandeliers, and there’s a beautiful mural of trees in bloom. The historic building’s high ceilings really open up the interior, but that does mean the acoustics are rough for conversation.  Time Out tip: If you want to make a night of it, book a room at the Lodge at the Presidio, just a four-minute walk away. Address: 101 Montgomery St, San Francisco, 94129 Opening hours: Tue–Fri 11:30am–2pm, 5–9pm; Sat, Sun 11am–2:30pm, 5–9pm Expect to pay: The chef’s menu is $85. Otherwise, you can expect to pay about $100 per person for appetizers, entrée, a vegetable dish and a few c

What is it? An Italian eatery in the Russian Hill neighborhood with a parklet out front Why we love it: The menu is so full of great options I had pasta twice (and I’m glad I did, because the agnolotti was a true standout, and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss the fettuccine blackened by squid ink and accompanied by generous lumps of Dungeness crab). Even though we were stuffed, the delightful server—chef Anthony Florian has assembled an amazing team with great wine guidance—wouldn’t let us go without trying the chocolate budino served in a mason jar: We’re glad we relented to the peer pressure. Time Out tip: Request a seat in the back dining area if you would like a quieter space for conversation. Address: 1896 Hyde St, San Francisco, 94109 Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–9:30pm Expect to pay: About $140 per person if you indulge in antipasti, salad, pasta and secondi with a few glasses of wine.

What is it? A contemporary Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in the SoMa neighborhood, housed in the Intercontinental Hotel. Why we love it: Everything on chef Dennis Efthymiou’s spring tasting menu was geared to surprise visually and tastewise. Each course arrives in a unique vessel: a duck foot stand for the quail Scotch egg amuse bouche, or a “meteorite” (as the server termed it) that held beautifully plated dessert components. Our favorite dish was startlingly realistic-looking strawberry sculpted out of white chocolate and stuffed with truffle mousse, served with elderflower and basil ice cream and a Kalamata olive shortcake. I started with a passionfruit margarita and switched to a suggested Riesling to pair with the Spring Awakening course, which was a literal miniature garden with tiny spears of white and green asparagus “planted” alongside tendrils of pea appearing like plants meeting the sun. Time Out tip: The tasting menu consists of 11 courses, many of which have multiple components. Come with an appetite—like “I haven’t eaten in months” levels of hunger. If you book a room at the Intercontinental, you’ll have an easy elevator ride up to a spectacular panoramic city view as your digestive system works on the issue at hand. Address: 888 Howard St, San Francisco, 94103 Opening hours: Thu–Sat 5:30–9pm Expect to pay: The spring tasting menu is $175 per person with a $115 wine pairing.

What is it? A vegan eatery in Cow Hollow with a parklet on Union Street. Why we love it: In a world trying to adopt more sustainable practices, a vegan restaurant so great that omnivores won’t miss meat deserves notice. The interior at Wildseed has bright white walls adorned with modern art. When you open the completely plant-based menu, the first thing you’ll see is a list of what fruits and vegetables are in season that month. That’s not just something worth appreciating on paper: The chilaquiles with vegan “just egg” and coconut queso were gobble-quality, and the Wildseed burger made with a mushroom and spinach patty, vegan chipotle aioli and tomato chutney (and added-on tempeh bacon) was a fortifying delight. Time Out tip: The grapefruit mimosa comes in a pretty vessel and makes brunch happier. Address: 2000 Union St, San Francisco, 94123 Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–9:30pm, Fri 11:30am–10:30pm, Sat 11am–10:30pm, Sun 11am–9:30pm Expect to pay: About $70 per person if you have a small salad, brunch item, dessert and a few mimosas.

What is it? A seafood restaurant on the second story of Pier 39. Why we love it: You can count on 100 percent sustainable seafood at this busy waterfront spot with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the bay. The clam chowder literally has “award-winning” in its name, and you can order it (as one does here) in a fresh house-baked sourdough bowl. We tried the dual lobster tails (oven roasted with seasonal vegetables), the Petrale sole (pan seared with a pesto cream sauce) and fried scallops, served with roasted jalapeno aioli. The cocktail game is wonderful here with drinks named for local landmarks, like the Alcatraz Escape and the Spicy Mission Margarita. For land-favoring folks just “along for the ride,” there are also sandwiches, steaks and pasta. Time Out tip: Try to sit at the farthest end of the restaurant, where you’ll be able to catch the best view of the sea lions pushing each other off the docks. And if you love flowers, TulipMania is at Pier 39 throughout April with 20,000 tulips in bloom. Address: Pier 39, San Francisco, 94133 Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm Expect to pay: Seafood mains run $29 to $56, while the clam chowder in sourdough is $16. House specialties include cioppino at $42 and a whole Dungeness crab for $64. Cocktails are $14 to $17.

What is it? A seafood restaurant on the second story of Pier 39. Why we love it: You can count on 100 percent sustainable seafood at this busy waterfront spot with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the bay. The clam chowder literally has “award-winning” in its name, and you can order it (as one does here) in a fresh house-baked sourdough bowl. We tried the dual lobster tails (oven roasted with seasonal vegetables), the Petrale sole (pan seared with a pesto cream sauce) and fried scallops, served with roasted jalapeno aioli. The cocktail game is wonderful here with drinks named for local landmarks, like the Alcatraz Escape and the Spicy Mission Margarita. For land-favoring folks just “along for the ride,” there are also sandwiches, steaks and pasta. Time Out tip: Try to sit at the farthest end of the restaurant, where you’ll be able to catch the best view of the sea lions pushing each other off the docks. And if you love flowers, TulipMania is at Pier 39 throughout April with 20,000 tulips in bloom. Address: Pier 39, San Francisco, 94133 Opening hours: Daily 11am–9pm Expect to pay: Seafood mains run $29 to $56, while the clam chowder in sourdough is $16. House specialties include cioppino at $42 and a whole Dungeness crab for $64. Cocktails are $14 to $17.

What is it? A two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in the Fillmore, helmed by chef Srijith Gopinathan. Why we love it: The food here is exquisite with many moments that’ll leave you closing your eyes to exult. Among every beautiful thing we ate, our favorite was the rasam poori with passionfruit, mint, sprouted chickpea and radish: It’s a delicate fried puri sphere into which you spoon a bit of soup and eat in one frisson-filled mouthful. For cocktails, the winner was the turmeric spritz with marigold amaro that was so light and fruity it provided perfect accompaniment. As far as a bit of refreshment, don’t fear that the dishes will be too spicy; everything was perfectly spiced to make lips tingle but not overwhelm the tongue. Plus, the interior is insanely pretty with macrame lighting features, two rooms delineated by changes in flooring (blonde wood to button tile) and an indoor gazebo marked by twining ivy. Muted brick, a two-story wall of cubbies holding amphoras and wicker furnishings lend an air of museum-like elegance. Time Out tip: Ask your server to identify which menu items are unique to Copra (or at least the most innovative) and order those. Address: 1700 Fillmore St, San Francisco, 94115 Opening hours: Mon–Sun 5–10pm; brunch Sat, Sun 11:30am–2pm Expect to pay: Brunch is surprisingly affordable for a spot carrying two Michelin stars. If you order several “littles” and a main with a few cocktails, you’ll walk out paying around $90.

What is it? A contemporary American restaurant carrying one Michelin star in the Fillmore. Why we love it: On a quiet street near the edge of Japantown, 7 Adams bustles with attentive waitstaff, crazy-skilled chefs and blissed out diners. Behind the chef’s counter, there’s gorgeous backlit mod-shaped embedded wall compartments holding plants, stemware, candles and a miniature statue of the Michelin man petting a dog. Chef owners Serena Chow Fisher and David Fisher have created a space where the vibe is relaxed and down to earth, even though the exquisite food could easily deserve a snooty air. We especially loved the starter of hokkaido scallop crudo with koji kosho, pepita and pixie mandarin and all the mains, and lost our minds over the winter citrus dessert (pistachio cake, lemon curd and blood orange ice cream—intensely succulent and vibrant) and the salted malted s’more with chicory pastry cream. Time Out tip: A 20 percent service charge is automatically added to the bill, so you can relax about tipping. Address: 1963 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115 Opening hours: Mon–Thur 5:30–9pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm Expect to pay: The five-course tasting menu is $87 per person, while the chef’s counter (six people only) is 8 to 10 courses for $157 per person.

What is it? A French bistro with bright vibes at the Embarcadero. Why we love it: Everything’s at bar level here, so you feel elevated and light while you indulge in French favorites “from Paris with love,” as the menu says—a nod to charming owner Kais Bouzidi’s Parisian roots. Plants are embedded in the mesh liquor cabinet that hovers above the bar, which itself is a beautiful wooden statement piece with carved out embeds for your knees. The croque monsieur was a fantastic confection of layers of thin ham, pickle and béchamel sauce: It was a “fondue with bread” in one gooey unit. We also loved the madeleines plate with anglaise and chocolate sauce. For a refreshing drink that’s adorably photogenic, try the citron pressé: fresh lemon juice and a separate cute vessel of housemade lemon cordial. Time Out tip: Absolutely make reservations in advance; the walk-in party ahead of us was turned away. Address: Pier 3, the Embarcadero, San Francisco, 94105 Opening hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–2pm, 3–10pm; Sat 11:30am–3:30pm, 5–10pm; Sun 11:30am–3pm Expect to pay: If your brunch includes an hors d’oeuvre, a main, a beverage and dessert, it will run about $60.

When we fantasize about what could make the coffee world better—given that it’s already fabulous and nearly close to perfect—we think about monthly pass that will make our morning java order easy, breezy and, best of all, basically costing a buck. That's exactly what's happening for Peet's Coffee drinkers: As an extended monthlong celebration of National Coffee Day (which hits your calendar on September 29), the Berkeley-born brand is offering a first-ever $30 pass to its Peetnik Rewards members that will get you daily cold brews through September. Thirty days and thirty bucks equals essentially dollar coffee all month long.   RECOMMENDED: When is Starbucks releasing their fall drinks menu for 2025? The full list of new and returning favorites, including Pumpkin Spice Make haste: September’s already underway so you’re missing out on your daily drinks. You can buy the pass right up until September 30, though, which means your 30 days of dollar cold brews would simply extend through October. And speaking of fine print, you're probably wondering what happens if you don't pick up your cold brew on a particular day. Do you get it credited back to you? Alas, no, this is a use-it-or-lose-it java situation, so don't forget to show up to your local Peet's to use your pass every morning.  “Our Cold Brew Pass is all about delivering value at the perfect moment,” said Sireesha Adya, Digital Marketing Director at Peet’s Coffee. “As students and families head back to school and schedules g

We love the idea of an all-you-can-fly ticket: it makes it much more likely that you’d spontaneously go somewhere for that suddenly-empty weekend. And sometimes the best travel is whimsical and offhand—you never know what good things arise when you let the travel gods whisk you away.  Case in point: Frontier’s annual GoWild! pass, which usually costs $599 (likely less than you’d pay for a single ticket on another airline), but is currently available for only $299 as part of a flash sale this week. Best of all, you can start using it right away. In the past, you had to wait until May of the next year, opening up an additional eight months of free travel. The pass works for Frontier’s domestic and international destinations and seems like a way to nab up unsold seats. For travel in the U.S., you can confirm your booking the day beforehand, and for international travel, you’ll book starting 10 days prior. If you are looking to be a little more prudent and plan ahead, you can use the airline’s early booking feature to nail down select flights early for an additional fee. RECOMMENDED: This is the best U.S. airline, according to the Points Guy But don't dilly-dally—you’ll need to purchase the pass by Friday, September 5 for the under-$300 deal. If you miss it this time, it’ll be offered again later but for a higher fee. For $299, you get to fly unlimited flights on Frontier except for blackout periods (which correspond roughly to the timeframe surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas

Each fall, Airbnb notes seasonal trends gathering on its platform as travelers book their vacation spaces. And as has become annual tradition, they compile that data into an official Fall Travel Trends report, with this year's data revealing that Gen Z is traveling farther, for longer, and that this one New England state is No. 1 for fall foliage. RECOMMENDED: The 21 best Airbnbs in New England from log cabins to lakefront mansions First, let’s look at Gen Z, folks that are currently ranging in age from 13 to 28. They are looking to travel hard: their travel searches are up 26-percent, and they’re seeking passport-driven destinations across the world, whereas millennials are electing to stay stateside. The Airbnb report found that 80-percent of Gen Z responders figure in costs when selecting their destinations, and 42-percent think autumn is an ideal time to travel.  Their top international destination? It’s Paris, currently more affordable in the shoulder season. (Airbnb is doubling down on their branded experiences in the French city, like exploring Paris’s flea market culture with an expert or touring a secret chocolate factory with a local foodie. Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Shifting our attention to leaves and the crisp smell of foliage, we have to look at the spot that gives us those pumpkin-and-apple vibes. The beloved New England state that is the absolute best place to luxuriate in rich autumnal colors? It’s Vermont, of course, where foliage surrounds quaint villag

Save room in your stomach for dessert tomorrow, because you can fill that space with a free cookie from Chip City Cookies. The sweet franchise—which is based out of New York City but boasts 50 locations across the U.S.—is rewarding app users with complimentary cookie on Thursday, September 4. That sounds like a pretty great way to start September off right. So. how to get your gratis treat? Simply download the store's app if you don't have it already and use the promo code BACKTOSCHOOL to snag your free sweet. RECOMMENDED: The very best cookies in the U.S. to satisfy all cravings Known for rotating 116 unique cookie flavors throughout the year, Chip City crafts an upscaled artisanal cookie. Each week, about a dozen cookie flavors show up on the menu, showcasing a mixture of classic cookies, seasonal choices and dairy-free options. Photograph: Courtesy, Chip City Cookies Chip City fans love the crispy edges and soft centers (especially those flavors that feature a molten core) of the expertly baked treats. If you can time your visit so you get a cookie warm from the oven, you may find yourself in a blissful state.  Ahead of tomorrow's cookie giveaway, here are the flavor options you can choose from, for free. (We'll take one of each!) Biscoff Cookie Butter Cookie Chocolot Thinwich Mixed Berry Tart Cookie Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Chocolate Lava Cookie Lemon Berry Cookie Chocolate Chip Cookie S’mores Cookie Confetti Cookie Cookies N’ Cream Cookie You can find Chip

It may seem early to be thinking about Christmas but on the other hand, when you start looking at these photos of two viral pop-up bars, you will immediately want to be dusting silver glitter onto miniature evergreen trees, hoisting up holly and garlands and easing your body into sleek red velvet tops (or, conversely, ugly Christmas sweaters). Miracle and Sippin’ Santa, two incredibly festive pop-up bars, are returning in 2025 with more than 200 locations worldwide. Photograph: Michelle Hom Miracle offers Christmas drinks in a kitschy setting with the kind of décor you are used to seeing at Grandma’s (there’s also a Hanukkah area, yay!), with cocktails like the Christmapolitan, the Blitzen Barrel and the Run Run Reindeer. If you order the Naughty Shot or the Nice Shot, it comes in a keepsake Miracle glass you can take home. There are also nonalcoholic options including a Snow Day Sipper and a Silent Night. Miracle will open in November at close to 150 locations worldwide. Each location comes with the name of the address tacked on to sound like Miracle on 34th Street, such as Miami’s Miracle on 8th Street or Denver’s Miracle on Highway 16. Photograph: Randy Schmidt Sippin’ Santa carries a tropical theme into the holidays: think Santa meets tiki. The beverages trend towards coconut and pineapple, like the Coco Ho Ho Ho served in a porcelain coconut or the Nui Nui New Year, a multi-person drink with Santa and a friend lounging in a porcelain hot tub with a lime and orchid ga

The aviation gods giveth, and the aviation gods taketh away. Sometimes flights get added and they become an integral part of an airline’s route network; sometimes they just don’t work out. That’s the case with Delta’s flights to Midland, a major airport in Texas. In November, they will be completely phased out, and the airline will reach out to already-ticketed passengers to give them a refund, according to TheStreet. RECOMMENDED: This is the best U.S. airline, according to the Points Guy Although Delta reports strong earnings in the second quarter of 2025, it’s eliminating the route and forcing passengers to find seats on other carriers. The route is between Austin Bergstrom International Airport in Austin (airport code AUS) and Midland International Air and Space Port in Midland, Texas (airport code MAF). The flight to Midland from Austin simply didn’t carry much demand—but luckily, the reverse trip can still be made with one daily nonstop flight on Southwest Airlines. Although Midland may feel bereft with this withdrawal, it’s got good news on its horizon. An airport expansion is planned, with a price tag of tens of millions of dollars. Midland is a wealthy oil town with many golf courses and parks, and a Petroleum Museum. The Bush Family Home State Historic Park is there, home to both Bush presidents from 1951 to 1955. The last flights from Delta through Midland will be November 8. The airline is expected to reach out to passengers with booked travel after the date to arr

Disneyland is making some big changes, and while we always hope that the magical mouse kingdom will be rolling out improvements, these adjustments seem like Goofy is in charge. The biggest jolt to our Anaheim dreams? The perk of early entry when you stay at a Disneyland hotel is going away January 5, 2026, according to SF Gate. Currently, Disneyland hotel guests (Disneyland Hotel, the Grand Californian and the Pixar Place Hotel) can enter Disneyland or Disney California Adventure a half-hour before either park opens to the public. You feel a little special getting in before rope drop. That perk lets you zip inside and maybe grab a ride on a high-value, long-line attraction before everyone else gets there. Many park dining options are also open for guaranteed seating before the masses arrive. If you have a reservation sometime this year, you’ll still be able to take advantage of this insider access. Starting January 5, though, the perk evaporates and instead the hotel guests will receive one Lightning Lane pass. The benefit is apparently being discontinued due to lack of use. We blame you, anyone who slept in rather than rushing to your favorite attraction. Another change that makes us feel like Cinderella when the beautiful coach turned back into a pumpkin? Oga’s Cantina in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction is no longer accepting reservations for dining. Existing reservations will be honored, but if you don’t already have one, you’ll be standing in line for walk-up avai

Having a company send home your purchased souvenirs from abroad? Continuing contact with businesses you encountered while traveling? These are just a few reasons we rely on postal service to the U.S. from other countries. Unfortunately, there are now 20 countries that are temporarily suspending some parcel service to the U.S. These countries are reacting to President Trump’s executive order which ends a “de minimis” exemption this week. That exemption has previously allowed goods with a value of less than $800 to come into the U.S. without taxes or exhaustive checks by Customs agents. According to language in the July 30 executive order, the “de minimis” (Latin for “too small to bother with,” essentially) practice permits overseas shippers to “evade duties, inspection, and U.S. law.” The order mentions fentanyl trafficking as a previous concern of the administration. The per-package charges are significant: $80, $160 or $200, based on the sending country’s tariff rates. Small businesses abroad will suffer from these rates, and some countries have outright ended shipping to the U.S. of goods worth less than $800. Those countries include: AustraliaAustriaBelgiumCzech RepublicDenmarkFranceGermanyIndiaItalyJapanNew ZealandNorwayRussiaSingaporeSouth KoreaSwedenSwitzerlandSpainTaiwanThailandUnited Kingdom

Sad news for coasterheads: California’s Great America will probably close in 2028. That means one less place to hurl yourself into space, screaming in delight as you go upside down and every which way—and maybe even get rid of your kidney stones. The amusement park will be celebrating 50 years in 2026, and while we all want another 50, it seems unlikely, as reported by People. Officially called the Six Flags California’s Great America, the park in the city of Santa Clara outside of San Jose is due to close its doors at the end of the 2027 season unless if the lease is extended. That means lovers of the Halloween thrill season at the park will have this year and next year, and then… end scene. Can we get some attorneys working on that lease extension right away? The issue is that the park, unfortunately, is not making enough money to remain open. It opened in 1976 as Marriott’s Great America, and comprises more than 100 acres of fun, including a double-decker carousel, an included waterpark, more than 50 rides (each rated on a five-point system from “low” to “aggressive” in terms of thrills) and Planet Snoopy for younger kids. Four of the roller coasters meet the highest thrill rating of “aggressive.” Seasonal offerings are part of family traditions in the Northern California area—heartbreak reigns to hear that the annual Snoopy Christmas ice show is being iced out, as are other seasonal festivals like Oktoberfest, Mardi Gras and Halloween celebrations. The park is now owned b

It’s almost here: Mornings are getting colder, the light is changing...we’re almost there for the season where we expect pumpkin-flavored everything, taking leisurely tours through trees spectacular with fall colors and walking through apple orchards to pick our own. And here to help you plan your next leaf peeping session, Yankee magazine has recently released its 2025 fall foliage forecast, with peak color timings and weather insights.  RECOMMENDED: The ultimate fall foliage road trip across the USA And speaking of weather, thanks to a wet spring—with a streak of rain or snow on 12 Saturdays in a row—leaf peepers may have to do a little more foraging to find those spectacular colors. The persistent precipitation this spring meant more fireflies (yay) and more horseflies (boo). The forests of New England are also changing due to beech leaf disease and emerald ash borers, affecting two of our strong colorful foliage producers. The good news is that fall colors are just about a month away. But because of that rainfall and, paradoxically, an increasing drought index, we may have to go to different elevations than usual to find them. Already some birch trees are showing yellows, and all signs point to a plentiful array of colors. Typically, the peak for New England overall is right around the last week of October, according to this visualizer, although regions in northern New Hampshire and northern Maine will already be past peak by then. We tend to steer people towards Vermont,

Delta Airlines is doing something pretty outside the box: It’s letting its customers themselves decide which new European destination it will begin flying to in summer 2026. Voters can choose between three sun-drenched destinations—Ibiza, Spain; Sardinia, Italy or Malta—in the airline’s first-ever Route Race. We adore the playfulness of this but hope that eventually all three will join the Delta network because, let's be honest, we can't possibly choose! If you’re already a SkyMiles member, you can vote in the app beginning Monday, August 25 and extending through Friday, August 29. (Delta recommends that you download the app in advance to be ready.) When voting opens, navigate to the Explore and Trip pages within the app, confirm your SkyMiles membership and cast your vote. We’ll all learn which lovely locale won about 30 days after voting ends.  Delta has already been adding destinations to its 300+ list. This summer, it added its first nonstop to Sicily (Catania, to be exacty). And those who love the warm weather spots in the Mediterranean get to weigh the differences between some pretty spectacular options. Let’s take a closer look at each one: Sardinia: A spot for adventurous travelers who are still looking for something with a slower pace. Visitors can hike the rugged cliffs, swim in a hidden pool and enjoy fresh pasta and local wine sitting seaside. Malta: This vacation destination hits the spot for history lovers with ancient fortresses and UNESCO-listed streets. It al

Where you live may have a dramatic effect on your health—including a number of varying factors like clean air days, the number of places where you can exercise and how many of your fellow residents have diabetes. You might not have heard of the American College of Sports Medicine’s American Fitness Index, established in 2008, but it’s an important look at how our country stands in terms of wellness. It annually ranks our 100 largest cities in terms of healthy infrastructure, residents’ physical fitness and other components relating to a healthy quality of life. And this year’s ranking names Arlington, Virginia as the nation’s healthiest city...for the eighth year in a row. These Arlingtonians must be doing something right! RECOMMENDED: These are America’s most beautiful cities, according to Reddit—do you agree? In Arlington, according to the study, 67.2-percent of people are in excellent or very good health, as compared to 47.8-percent of the rest of the country. More than 75-percent of residents sleep more than seven hours a night, and only 3-percent smoke. The city is covered in an extensive network of trail systems for healthy walks or bike expeditions in nature and has a ton of parks and green spaces. So how did the rest of us schlubs fare? Check out these other highlights from the study: San Francisco wins for the most people having exercised the previous month Boston wins for the most people biking or walking to work New York wins for the most people using public trans