Art plays at least a supporting role in any healthy community. Then there are a sparkly handful where live performance shapes the landscape. These five U.S. hot spots have showbiz written into their DNA.
Contents
Issue Features
Club News
National Treasures
City Soundtracks
Hands-On Experiences in New Orleans
Keep It Cool
Discover Fort Lauderdale’s Artistic Side
Meet Your Trusty Travel Advisors
8 Phenomenal Fall Getaways
National Treasures
Meet Your Trusty Travel Advisors
A
Q
summer issue 2024
Culture
checking in
FEATURE
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INTERVIEW
Discover Fort Lauderdale’s Artistic Side
ITINERARY
Best known for its sunny beaches, the Fort Lauderdale area boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene too. Nicknamed the Venice of America for its many waterways, the city's creative spirit flows with a downtown artistic enclave, museums, historic sites, and street art. Let this three-day itinerary guide your artsy stay in this South Florida destination.
While you’re downtown, spend the afternoon exploring the Riverwalk District along the New River. Home to eclectic galleries, boutique shops, historic sites, and street-art installations, this vibrant area showcases Fort Lauderdale’s welcoming community atmosphere and creative spirit. Get your retail fix on Las Olas Boulevard, then grab a snack or light lunch at one of the many restaurants and outdoor cafes dotting the area.
Afternoon
Wind down with a relaxing dinner at The Katherine Restaurant, a charmingly elegant spot in the heart of downtown. This popular restaurant dishes up a creative menu reflecting global influences from Thailand, India, and the Caribbean, led by two-time James Beard Award-nominated chef Timon Balloo.
Evening
Take in a show at the renowned Broward Center for the Performing Arts — South Florida's premier entertainment destination overlooking the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. With a diverse lineup, including Broadway musicals, ballets, concerts, and plays, the center offers a superb cultural experience.
Evening
For colorful street art, head to the town of Hollywood and take a self-guided tour of the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project, where you’ll find dozens of colorful murals sprinkled throughout the area. Download a mural map or take a complimentary guided walking tour during the Downtown Hollywood Artwalk, which happens every third Saturday of the month. Afterwards, enjoy a toes-in-the-sand afternoon at Pompano Beach, known for its fantastic snorkeling among tropical fish.
Afternoon
Spend the morning at Coral Springs Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum showcasing both local and nationally recognized artists. Enjoy immersive art installations and special events like artist + makers markets and artist talks. Stroll through the International Peace Garden, an outdoor artistic oasis adjacent to the museum with native plants and sculptures.
morning
Transport yourself back to the early 20th century at the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens — a serene, 35-acre artist’s estate. Within this urban oasis, the barrier island habitat blends nature, art, and history, featuring whimsical art, preserved furnishings, and five ecosystems, including a maritime forest and mangrove wetlands.
afternoon
History buffs, kick off your last day at the Old Dillard Museum, a key education hub and historical landmark for Fort Lauderdale's African-American community. Operated by Broward County Public Schools, the museum celebrates African-American heritage through exhibits, films, guided tours, workshops, special events, and conferences.
morning
Club News
owner info
Arts &
Hands-On Experiences in New Orleans
feature
8 Phenomenal Fall Getaways
rCI
exchange
Be it an alpine lake, a stretch of the SoCal coast, or a colonial-era port city, a vacation by the water is restorative and energizing all at once. Choose the location that suits your mood.
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About the Issue
Stepping into summer with renewed excitement for live concerts and cool exhibits? That’s the spirit. This edition illuminates arts and culture experiences across the U.S. through riveting performances, enriching museums, and hands-on classes. Find inspiration for your summer wish list, plus discover ownership perks that make it even easier to enjoy moments with loved ones.
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kylee Krizmanic
PROJECT EDITOR Allison Vancura
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ruby Pierce
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Austin Cannon, Lisa A. Beach, Tree Meinch
COPY EDITOR Diane Penningroth
WYNDHAM DESTINATIONS EDITORIAL TEAM Anna Reinert, Leslie Johansen, Jenny Rains, Alissa Miller, Karen Johnson
Destinations Editor
6277 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
WorldMarkbyWyndham.com
ClubWyndham.com
MargaritavilleVacationClub.com
ShellVacationsClub.com
Destinations is produced quarterly for WorldMark, Margaritaville Vacation Club, and Club Wyndham owners, and semiannually for Shell Vacations Club members.
©2024 Wyndham Resort Development Corporation; Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Inc; Shell Vacations Club, LP.
All rights reserved.
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City Soundtracks
Keep It Cool
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America’s biodiverse landscape translates into beautiful opportunities for exploration. Time to order that National Parks Pass!
There’s nothing dry about this national park. Located near the Florida Keys, it comprises seven small islands surrounded by serene blue water. The 100-square-mile park’s remote reefs and shipwrecks are best explored by snorkeling or scuba diving.
Underrated Parks
You can visit New Orleans — or you can live it. Bear witness to history. Take a cooking class. Feel trombone notes rumble through your bones. Tune into your senses and your emotions as you immerse yourself in NOLA’s culture, past and present.
Serendipitously positioned at a confluence of culinary cultures — French, German, African, and Native American, to name a few — New Orleans is a fitting city to hone your kitchen skills and fill your belly. At The Mardi Gras School of Cooking in the French Quarter, you’ll work with the school’s chefs to craft your own three-course, quintessentially New Orleans meal. Try your hand at Creole classics (shrimp Creole, corn and crab bisque) or roux-based dishes (chicken and andouille sausage gumbo, shrimp étouffée). Or get a little messy with barbecue shrimp, then replace your apron with a bib before digging in. Save room for bananas Foster or bread pudding for dessert.
The Mardi Gras School of Cooking
Location Caption
WRITER Austin Cannon
WRITER Austin Cannon
Water-Focused Getaways to Explore This Summer
WRITER Lisa A. Beach
click the icons to explore each city
WRITER Austin Cannon
Add more to your fall as temperatures cool. More haunts. More leaf-peeping.
More pumpkin-flavored treats. Before you feel that crisp autumn air, book a fall getaway with your trusted travel partner, RCI, in one of these beloved destinations.
Enhance your trip by planning around seasonal festivals and events that let you experience your destination with the people who live there. In fall, Halloween and harvest celebrations present myriad opportunities to indulge in local flavors and traditions.
Pro Planning Tips for Fall Travel
Club News
Meet 5 Extraordinary National Parks
Vacation Experiences You’ll Remember Forever
Discover Desert Tranquility, Culture and Urban Thrills in Las Vegas
Mix-and-Match Meals — Food Halls Service
Itinerary: Branson, Missouri
Q+A with Hiking Concierge, Ash Nudd
RCI Exchange: Massanutten, Virginia
Club News
Meet 5 Extraordinary National Parks
Vacation Experiences You’ll Remember Forever
Discover Desert Tranquility, Culture and Urban Thrills in Las Vegas
Mix-and-Match Meals — Food Halls Service
Itinerary: Branson, Missouri
Q+A with Hiking Concierge, Ash Nudd
RCI Exchange: Massanutten, Virginia
Club News
Meet 5 Extraordinary National Parks
Vacation Experiences You’ll Remember Forever
Discover Desert Tranquility, Culture and Urban Thrills in Las Vegas
Mix-and-Match Meals — Food Halls Service
Itinerary: Branson, Missouri
Q+A with Hiking Concierge, Ash Nudd
RCI Exchange: Massanutten, Virginia
Club News
Meet 5 Extraordinary National Parks
Vacation Experiences You’ll Remember Forever
Discover Desert Tranquility, Culture and Urban Thrills in Las Vegas
Mix-and-Match Meals — Food Halls Service
Itinerary: Branson, Missouri
Q+A with Hiking Concierge, Ash Nudd
RCI Exchange: Massanutten, Virginia
Club News
Meet 5 Extraordinary National Parks
Vacation Experiences You’ll Remember Forever
Discover Desert Tranquility, Culture and Urban Thrills in Las Vegas
Mix-and-Match Meals — Food Halls Service
Itinerary: Branson, Missouri
Q+A with Hiking Concierge, Ash Nudd
RCI Exchange: Massanutten, Virginia
Club News
Meet 5 Extraordinary National Parks
Vacation Experiences You’ll Remember Forever
Discover Desert Tranquility, Culture and Urban Thrills in Las Vegas
Mix-and-Match Meals — Food Halls Service
Itinerary: Branson, Missouri
Q+A with Hiking Concierge, Ash Nudd
RCI Exchange: Massanutten, Virginia
Club News
Meet 5 Extraordinary National Parks
Vacation Experiences You’ll Remember Forever
Discover Desert Tranquility, Culture and Urban Thrills in Las Vegas
Mix-and-Match Meals — Food Halls Service
Itinerary: Branson, Missouri
Q+A with Hiking Concierge, Ash Nudd
RCI Exchange: Massanutten, Virginia
MASTHEAD
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kylee Krizmanic
PROJECT EDITOR Allison Vancura
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ruby Pierce
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Austin Cannon, Lisa A. Beach, Tree Meinch
COPY EDITOR Diane Penningroth
WYNDHAM DESTINATIONS EDITORIAL TEAM
Anna Reinert, Leslie Johansen, Jenny Rains, Alissa Miller, Karen Johnson
Destinations Editor
6277 Sea Harbor Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
WorldMarkbyWyndham.com
ClubWyndham.com
MargaritavilleVacationClub.com
ShellVacationsClub.com
Destinations is produced quarterly for WorldMark, Margaritaville Vacation Club, and Club Wyndham owners, and semiannually for Shell Vacations Club members.
©2024 Wyndham Resort Development Corporation; Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Inc; Shell Vacations Club, LP.
All rights reserved.
Email Us
MASTHEAD
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You love to travel and explore this big, beautiful world, but some parts of the planet are best experienced with the help of seasoned, knowledgeable travel guides who make your globe-trekking easy, fun, and hassle-free (meet a few of them in our story below). That’s where WorldMark by Wyndham Travel can help.
Peruse WorldMark by Wyndham Travel’s Tours and Activities sections online to get started. From multi-day guided itineraries throughout the world to immersive tours and excursions at club resort destinations, your owner-exclusive travel agency will get you on your way. They’ll make sure you’re not missing out on any of the amazing experiences they offer.
Take Advantage of Tours & Activities
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Vacation Sidekick is your exclusive owner savings program, and if you’re not using it already, you’re missing out. Vacation Sidekick affords discounts of up to 50% off at more than 300,000 retailers across the country. Take advantage of the offers to enhance your next WorldMark vacation with a unique experience or simply help with day-to-day expenses at home.
If you haven’t already, register for Vacation Sidekick today. From there it’s easy to search by area and find the deals and offers that will work for you. Then let the savings roll in.
Your Sidekick to Great Vacations
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See What's New
Your owner website is a very useful tool for planning and booking your amazing WorldMark vacations, which is why it’s so important to stay up to date on how the website is being updated and enhanced. Your owner website isn’t the same today as it was yesterday, and it won’t be the same tomorrow, either. Your club management team is continually working to improve your site, and that means you’ll see new pages and new functionality from time to time if you’re a regular visitor to the website.
If you’re interested in staying in the know, take a look at the New Website Updates page on your owner website. That’s where you’ll find a list of all the recent enhancements and updates.
What’s New on Your Site
YOUR OWNER WEBSITE
WORLDMARK BY WYNDHAM TRAVEL
VACATION SIDEKICK
YOUR OWNER WEBSITE
WORLDMARK BY
WYNDHAM TRAVEL
VACATION SIDEKICK
YOUR OWNER WEBSITE
See Travel Offers
You love to travel and explore this big, beautiful world, but some parts of the planet are best experienced with the help of seasoned, knowledgeable travel guides who make your globe-trekking easy, fun, and hassle-free (meet a few of them in our story below). That’s where WorldMark by Wyndham Travel can help.
Peruse WorldMark by Wyndham Travel’s Tours and Activities sections online to get started. From multi-day guided itineraries throughout the world to immersive tours and excursions at club resort destinations, your owner-exclusive travel agency will get you on your way. They’ll make sure you’re not missing out on any of the amazing experiences they offer.
Take Advantage of Tours & Activities
WORLDMARK BY WYNDHAM TRAVEL
Start Saving
Vacation Sidekick is your exclusive owner savings program, and if you’re not using it already, you’re missing out. Vacation Sidekick affords discounts of up to 50% off at more than 300,000 retailers across the country. Take advantage of the offers to enhance your next WorldMark vacation with a unique experience or simply help with day-to-day expenses at home.
Your Sidekick to Great Vacations
VACATION SIDEKICK
See What's New
Your owner website is a very useful tool for planning and booking your amazing WorldMark vacations, which is why it’s so important to stay up to date on how the website is being updated and enhanced. Your owner website isn’t the same today as it was yesterday, and it won’t be the same tomorrow, either. Your club management team is continually working to improve your site, and that means you’ll see new pages and new functionality from time to time if you’re a regular visitor to the website.
If you’re interested in staying in the know, take a look at the New Website Updates page on your owner website. That’s where you’ll find a list of all the recent enhancements and updates.
What’s New on Your Site
YOUR OWNER WEBSITE
WORLDMARK BY WYNDHAM TRAVEL
VACATION SIDEKICK
YOUR OWNER WEBSITE
where to stay
Club Wyndham La Belle Maison (Club Pass)
WorldMark Avenue Plaza
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FEATURE
where to stay
Club Wyndham La Belle Maison (Club Pass)
WorldMark Avenue Plaza
Antebellum plantations dot the Great River Road along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, though the Whitney Plantation’s tours and exhibits center exclusively on the history of slavery. What began as a modest indigo plantation in the mid-1700s transformed into a massive sugar producer around the turn of the century. At one point before the Civil War, more than 100 enslaved people cultivated more than 400,000 pounds of sugar annually. The plantation was operational until 1975, and today it tells the history of enslaved people in Louisiana: how they arrived from Africa through the transatlantic slave trade, their lives on plantations, and how some rebelled. Book a 90-minute guided tour or a self-guided audio tour that winds through the museum’s collection of surviving buildings and memorials, such as the Middle Passage statue and the Wall of Honor, which pay homage to the lives lost to slavery.
Whitney Plantation
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is often referred to as “City of the Dead,” and several New Orleans luminaries are among the thousands buried within its rows of above-ground tombs. The Catholic graveyard — the city’s oldest extant cemetery — is the final resting place for former New Orleans mayors and Homer Plessy, the early civil rights leader whose refusal to switch train coaches prompted the Plessy v. Ferguson “separate but equal” U.S. Supreme Court case. But perhaps the most famous grave belongs to Marie Laveau. She spent decades of the 1800s practicing Voodoo, which combines African religious and mystical beliefs and Catholicism, while offering healing and guidance to scores of New Orleanians. The cemetery’s official guided tours last about 45 minutes and run every 15 to 30 minutes. Up close, visitors can examine the centuries-old architecture and artistry — along with one modern addition: a 9-foot-tall pyramid tomb. It belongs to actor Nicolas Cage, a longtime lover of New Orleans, and will someday serve as his final resting place.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
A night out in New Orleans would be incomplete without live music, especially the jazz made famous in the Crescent City. Frenchmen Street, just northeast of the French Quarter, boasts some of the best jazz clubs in the city, though you may have to show up early for The Soul Rebels at Blue Nile or Smokin’ on Some Brass at The Spotted Cat Music Club. Want to grab dinner and a show? Snag a table at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro then head to its Music Room afterward. The Crawfish Special on the Dat Dog balcony is a phenomenal late-night, post-show snack. The outdoor atmosphere on Frenchmen Street is as vibrant as it is indoors. Take in buskers’ performances on the street or meander through the Frenchmen Art Market, the late-night, open-air marketplace selling jewelry, crafts, and paintings, to find your next treasure.
Frenchmen Street
Antebellum plantations dot the Great River Road along the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, though the Whitney Plantation’s tours and exhibits center exclusively on the history of slavery. What began as a modest indigo plantation in the mid-1700s transformed into a massive sugar producer around the turn of the century. At one point before the Civil War, more than 100 enslaved people cultivated more than 400,000 pounds of sugar annually. The plantation was operational until 1975, and today it tells the history of enslaved people in Louisiana: how they arrived from Africa through the transatlantic slave trade, their lives on plantations, and how some rebelled. Book a 90-minute guided tour or a self-guided audio tour that winds through the museum’s collection of surviving buildings and memorials, such as the Middle Passage statue and the Wall of Honor, which pay homage to the lives lost to slavery.
Whitney Plantation
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is often referred to as “City of the Dead,” and several New Orleans luminaries are among the thousands buried within its rows of above-ground tombs. The Catholic graveyard — the city’s oldest extant cemetery — is the final resting place for former New Orleans mayors and Homer Plessy, the early civil rights leader whose refusal to switch train coaches prompted the Plessy v. Ferguson “separate but equal” U.S. Supreme Court case. But perhaps the most famous grave belongs to Marie Laveau. She spent decades of the 1800s practicing Voodoo, which combines African religious and mystical beliefs and Catholicism, while offering healing and guidance to scores of New Orleanians. The cemetery’s official guided tours last about 45 minutes and run every 15 to 30 minutes. Up close, visitors can examine the centuries-old architecture and artistry — along with one modern addition: a 9-foot-tall pyramid tomb. It belongs to actor Nicolas Cage, a longtime lover of New Orleans, and will someday serve as his final resting place.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
A night out in New Orleans would be incomplete without live music, especially the jazz made famous in the Crescent City. Frenchmen Street, just northeast of the French Quarter, boasts some of the best jazz clubs in the city, though you may have to show up early for The Soul Rebels at Blue Nile or Smokin’ on Some Brass at The Spotted Cat Music Club. Want to grab dinner and a show? Snag a table at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro then head to its Music Room afterward. The Crawfish Special on the Dat Dog balcony is a phenomenal late-night, post-show snack. The outdoor atmosphere on Frenchmen Street is as vibrant as it is indoors. Take in buskers’ performances on the street or meander through the Frenchmen Art Market, the late-night, open-air marketplace selling jewelry, crafts, and paintings, to find your next treasure.
Frenchmen Street
Photo: Elsa Hahne
location caption
WRITER Tree Meinch
WRITER Tree Meinch
WRITER Austin Cannon
Water-Focused Getaways to Explore This Summer
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For a Taste of Glamour:
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For a Classic Beach Vacation:
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For the Great Outdoors:
This port city in New England has been a summer escape for centuries, namely for 19th-century elites whose palatial summer homes speckle the coastline. Visitors can tour nine of these monuments to the Gilded Age, including the grandest of them all, The Breakers. Built for the Vanderbilt family, the Italian palazzo-style mansion has 70 rooms (48 of them bedrooms), 27 fireplaces, and a Great Hall with 50-foot ceilings. An audio tour based on first-person accounts guides visitors through the mansion’s construction as well as family and servant life on the 13-acre property. For perhaps the most arresting zoomed-out view of The Breakers and other neighboring seaside estates, stroll the 3.5-mile Newport Cliff Walk. This free pathway snakes past Rhode Island’s famous mansions along the eastern edge of Aquidneck Island. At The Mooring, linger over a cocktail and fresh oysters or a lobster roll while gazing over the Newport Harbor. When being so near the water awakens your inner sailor, book a sunset cruise with Sightsailing of Newport. The breeze will propel your vessel into Narragansett Bay, where you can sit back with a cool beverage and admire the sky’s orange, red, and purple hues as the sun dips below the horizon.
Newport, Rhode Island
For a Taste of Glamour:
where to stay
Club Wyndham Newport Overlook (Club Pass)
Club Wyndham Newport Onshore (Club Pass)
Club Wyndham Long Wharf (Club Pass)
Club Wyndham Inn on the Harbor (Club Pass)
Club Wyndham Inn on Long Wharf (Club Pass)
Club Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn (Club Pass)
Welcome to the sprawling aquatic playground that is San Diego, a strand of cinematic beaches and nostalgic seaside attractions waiting to be discovered. Up the Pacific coast, Solana Beach’s lofty bluffs offer a sense of seclusion for a romantic sunset walk. The coast along La Jolla, about 14 miles north of San Diego, is a prime spot for sea life, especially if you kayak or snorkel in La Jolla Cove. Dolphins, whales, and leopard sharks have been spotted here, along with sea lions and seals basking on the sun-soaked shoreline. Mission Beach is less than 10 miles south of La Jolla, where the Mission Beach-Pacific Beach Boardwalk hugs the edge of Belmont Park, where thrill rides soar past the surf and carnival-game prizes bring out friendly competition. Gentle waves at Tourmaline Surf Park on North Pacific Beach are an ideal training ground for aspiring surfers and kite surfers. To the south, there’s always a party at Pacific Beach, the popular spot for the college-age crowd. Bike rental shops, beach bars, and local restaurants dot the shoreline. Order the fish tacos at Pacific Beach Shore Club and soak in the surf culture.
San Diego
For a Classic Beach Vacation:
where to stay
WorldMark Mission Valley
WorldMark Inn at the Park
WorldMark Balboa Park
North America’s largest alpine lake stretches more than 191 square miles, and its calm, cobalt blue water is an inviting source of refreshment for summer travelers. Take in fresh mountain air and sightsee at a leisurely pace during a daytime cruise on M.S. Dixie II, an old-fashioned paddle-wheeler. During the cruise, which lasts about 2.5 hours, the 500-person vessel floats from Zephyr Cove to Emerald Bay, the lake’s solitary inlet surrounded by evergreen trees and sloped mountains. Those looking to explore under their own power can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, including transparent options for both, from Clearly Tahoe. From the beach at Sand Harbor State Park, paddlers can drift along the lake’s craggy eastern shore and gaze into the clear water’s depths. Non-paddlers can relax with a book or picnic on Sand Harbor’s beach or Pope Beach, a ¾-mile strip of sand accessible via bicycle trail. After you’ve explored the lake, take on a different water feature. Melted snow cascades down the granite peaks surrounding Lake Tahoe, and several waterfalls are short hikes away. The beginner-friendly hike to Eagle Falls only takes about half an hour, and the rushing water is a worthy reward.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
For the Great Outdoors:
where to stay
WorldMark South Shore
WorldMark Lake Tahoe
Start your day at Café Bastille, a popular brunch spot, breakfast cafe, and French bakery near downtown's walkable arts district. About a half mile away, you’ll find NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. This 83,000-square-foot building showcases more than 7,500 works, including the largest collection of pieces by American realist William Glackens. With permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, and special events, the museum is a must-see for art-lovers. Though closed on Mondays, NSU offers free admission every first Thursday.
morning
Start your day at Café Bastille, a popular brunch spot, breakfast cafe, and French bakery near downtown's walkable arts district. About a half mile away, you’ll find NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. This 83,000-square-foot building showcases more than 7,500 works, including the largest collection of pieces by American realist William Glackens. With permanent collections, temporary exhibitions, and special events, the museum is a must-see for art-lovers. Though closed on Mondays, NSU offers free admission every first Thursday.
morning
where to stay
Club Wyndham Royal Vista (Club Pass)
WorldMark Sea Gardens
WorldMark Santa Barbara
WorldMark Palm-Aire
click to reveal
For a Taste of Glamour:
click to reveal
For a Classic Beach Vacation:
click to reveal
For the Great Outdoors:
where to stay
Club Wyndham Newport Overlook (Club Pass)
Club Wyndham Newport Onshore (Club Pass)
Club Wyndham Long Wharf (Club Pass)
Club Wyndham Inn on the Harbor (Club Pass)
Club Wyndham Inn on Long Wharf (Club Pass)
Club Wyndham Bay Voyage Inn (Club Pass)
This port city in New England has been a summer escape for centuries, namely for 19th-century elites whose palatial summer homes speckle the coastline. Visitors can tour nine of these monuments to the Gilded Age, including the grandest of them all, The Breakers. Built for the Vanderbilt family, the Italian palazzo-style mansion has 70 rooms (48 of them bedrooms), 27 fireplaces, and a Great Hall with 50-foot ceilings. An audio tour based on first-person accounts guides visitors through the mansion’s construction as well as family and servant life on the 13-acre property. For perhaps the most arresting zoomed-out view of The Breakers and other neighboring seaside estates, stroll the 3.5-mile Newport Cliff Walk. This free pathway snakes past Rhode Island’s famous mansions along the eastern edge of Aquidneck Island. At The Mooring, linger over a cocktail and fresh oysters or a lobster roll while gazing over the Newport Harbor. When being so near the water awakens your inner sailor, book a sunset cruise with Sightsailing of Newport. The breeze will propel your vessel into Narragansett Bay, where you can sit back with a cool beverage and admire the sky’s orange, red, and purple hues as the sun dips below the horizon.
Newport, Rhode Island
For a Taste of Glamour:
where to stay
WorldMark Mission Valley
WorldMark Inn at the Park
WorldMark Balboa Park
Welcome to the sprawling aquatic playground that is San Diego, a strand of cinematic beaches and nostalgic seaside attractions waiting to be discovered. Up the Pacific coast, Solana Beach’s lofty bluffs offer a sense of seclusion for a romantic sunset walk. The coast along La Jolla, about 14 miles north of San Diego, is a prime spot for sea life, especially if you kayak or snorkel in La Jolla Cove. Dolphins, whales, and leopard sharks have been spotted here, along with sea lions and seals basking on the sun-soaked shoreline. Mission Beach is less than 10 miles south of La Jolla, where the Mission Beach-Pacific Beach Boardwalk hugs the edge of Belmont Park, where thrill rides soar past the surf and carnival-game prizes bring out friendly competition. Gentle waves at Tourmaline Surf Park on North Pacific Beach are an ideal training ground for aspiring surfers and kite surfers. To the south, there’s always a party at Pacific Beach, the popular spot for the college-age crowd. Bike rental shops, beach bars, and local restaurants dot the shoreline. Order the fish tacos at Pacific Beach Shore Club and soak in the surf culture.
San Diego
For a Classic Beach Vacation:
where to stay
WorldMark Lake Tahoe
WorldMark South Shore
North America’s largest alpine lake stretches more than 191 square miles, and its calm, cobalt blue water is an inviting source of refreshment for summer travelers. Take in fresh mountain air and sightsee at a leisurely pace during a daytime cruise on M.S. Dixie II, an old-fashioned paddle-wheeler. During the cruise, which lasts about 2.5 hours, the 500-person vessel floats from Zephyr Cove to Emerald Bay, the lake’s solitary inlet surrounded by evergreen trees and sloped mountains. Those looking to explore under their own power can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, including transparent options for both, from Clearly Tahoe. From the beach at Sand Harbor State Park, paddlers can drift along the lake’s craggy eastern shore and gaze into the clear water’s depths. Non-paddlers can relax with a book or picnic on Sand Harbor’s beach or Pope Beach, a ¾-mile strip of sand accessible via bicycle trail. After you’ve explored the lake, take on a different water feature. Melted snow cascades down the granite peaks surrounding Lake Tahoe, and several waterfalls are short hikes away. The beginner-friendly hike to Eagle Falls only takes about half an hour, and the rushing water is a worthy reward.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
For the Great Outdoors:
Café Bastille
Las Olas Boulevard
Location caption
Location caption
Location caption
The Katherine
Coral Springs Museum of Art
Pompano Beach
new river
Old Dillard Museum
Photo Credit
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Café Bastille
Las Olas Boulevard
The Katherine
Coral Springs Museum of Art
Pompano Beach
New River
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Old Dillard Museum
where to stay
Club Wyndham Royal Vista (Club Pass)
WorldMark Sea Gardens
WorldMark Santa Barbara
WorldMark Palm-Aire
Save the Date(s)
The National Park Service waives entrance fees to parks on a handful of days each year. Free entrance to national parks will occur June 19, Aug. 4, Sept. 28, and Nov. 11, 2024.
Packed itinerary, who? The slow-travel trend is gaining speed with travelers of all ages, encouraging sojourns centered on relaxation and leisure time. So post up by the water, book a spa vacation, or simply give yourself more flexibility when you’re on the move. In 2024, stopping to smell the roses has never been more in vogue.
Take It Slow
On the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park — named for the blue mist that often blankets its peaks and valleys — welcomed 13.3 million people in 2023, making it America’s most-visited national park. With more than 800 square miles to explore, visitors can spend days summiting peaks like Clingmans Dome, passing through woodsy passages like Newfound Gap, spotting wildlife, and cycling the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop, which is vehicle-free on Wednesdays from May through September.
Meet America’s Most Popular National Park
The U.S. is home to 63 celebrated national parks, each with its own appeal. For your next visit, consider one of these lesser-explored sites.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Florida
3
Cruise the 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive or join a park ranger-led tour of Lehman Caves as a prelude to some of the best stargazing in the lower 48. It’s designated as an International Dark Sky Park.
Nevada
Great Basin National Park
More than 400 miles of hiking trails traverse the American Alps in northern Washington. Reflect on nature’s beauty while picnicking by alpine lakes, admiring cascading waterfalls, or scoping out the hundreds of glaciers sitting atop craggy mountain peaks.
Washington
North Cascades National Park
NASHVILLE
SEATTLE
BRANSON
LAS VEGAS
NEW YORK CITY
Local legend says that Queen Victoria inspired Nashville’s nickname as Music City — with a compliment some 150 years ago after hearing the Nashville-based Fisk Jubilee Singers in England. Fact or fiction aside, the city has undoubtedly been producing true music legends for more than a century. The hallowed Ryman Auditorium opened in 1892 and gained a reputation as the Carnegie Hall of the South. Concerts there today remain some of the hottest tickets in the business. Yet anyone can book an affordable daytime tour to feel the magic inside. The stage was the long-time home of the Grand Ole Opry radio show, which will celebrate 100 years in broadcast next year. First-time visitors must take a boot-scootin’ stroll through Lower Broadway, aka Honky Tonk Highway. The downtown stretch of neon glitz and glam promises live music 365 days a year. To top it off, none of the honky-tonk bars charge a cover. Just be sure to help fill the tip bucket.
Nashville, Tennessee
NASHVILLE
You don’t have to dig deep in the Emerald City to find rich music gems, both past and present. Before local bands Nirvana and Pearl Jam started topping national charts in the ’90s, the “Seattle Sound” was percolating across the Pacific Northwest. The story of grunge comes to life through vivid artifacts at the Museum of Pop Culture. Other exhibits include a tribute to hometown hero Jimi Hendrix, with handwritten lyrics, guitars, and a kimono from his personal collection. Stick to the Belltown neighborhood for a dose of today’s dynamic performing arts scene. You can catch comedy and burlesque shows at The Rendezvous or touring and local bands at The Crocodile. The latter is a 30-year-plus institution in the indie music world that has now hatched multiple venues and a hotel. For a truly elevated music experience, Benaroya Hall boasts three versatile performance venues and is home base for the Seattle Symphony.
Seattle
SEATTLE
Tradition runs deep in this Ozark city known to host more than 100 live shows a day during peak summer season. Dolly Parton’s Stampede has been a family favorite for nearly 30 years. The production features 32 impressive horses and expert riders, live stunts, country musicians, and even aerial acts — though not Parton herself. The original arena spectacle launched in Tennessee as an early innovator of the dinner-show experience before expanding to Branson in 1995. On a slightly smaller scale, you can savor a three-course meal and variety show while floating across Table Rock Lake on the Showboat Branson Belle. The classic 700-passenger paddlewheel riverboat is a re-creation of similar models that populated many U.S. waterways in the 1800s. Many of Branson’s music venues, such as Jerry Presley’s God and Country Theater, specialize in classic rock, gospel, and patriotic styles, while festivals present a diverse bill of talent. If you want Branson’s full sample platter of old-fashioned charm and thrills (including top-tier roller coasters), Silver Dollar City theme park packs a punch for every generation in your family.
Branson, Missouri
BRANSON
Last fall, the world’s largest spherical structure opened in Las Vegas as a futuristic, inventive performance venue. It touts a round LED exterior exceeding half a million square feet in size and has room inside for up to 20,000 concertgoers. The Edge from U2 christened the Sphere “a canvas of unparalleled scale.” Of course, the same could be said of the entire Vegas Strip when it comes to flashy live performances. It’s one of the few places where touring artists drop anchor and let their fans come to them. This summer that includes Grammy-winning singers Adele and Lady Gaga. As for long-term Las Vegas residencies, Cirque du Soleil and Penn and Teller are still going strong after 20-plus years. For those who have their eyes set on the new Sphere experience, Dead and Company will hold a string of 2024 dates in the new cutting-edge destination.
Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS
Broadway needs no introduction. Last season Manhattan’s 41 active Broadway theaters drew more than 12 million attendees — not to mention the dozens of off-Broadway stages. Just blocks away from the theater buzz, Carnegie Hall has been heralded as the acoustic crown jewel of American concert halls. Even the glorious Central Park regularly becomes a backdrop to star-studded live performances. Join thousands of spectators in the green space for jazz, dance events, and the annual New York Philharmonic under the stars concert. The beloved and free SummerStage series now hosts nearly 80 performances each year in parks across all five New York boroughs. Then there’s Radio City Music Hall in Midtown, the Blue Note in Greenwich Village, and the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. With such sheer volume of talent and stages, the only tragedy is deciding which shows you must skip in order to catch your favorite acts.
New York City
NEW YORK CITY
where to stay
Club Wyndham Midtown 45 (Club Pass)
where to stay
WorldMark Spencer Street
WorldMark Tropicana Avenue
WorldMark Boulevard
where to stay
WorldMark Branson
where to stay
WorldMark The Camlin
where to stay
Club Wyndham Nashville (Club Pass)
NASHVILLE
SEATTLE
BRANSON
LAS VEGAS
NEW YORK CITY
Local legend says that Queen Victoria inspired Nashville’s nickname as Music City — with a compliment some 150 years ago after hearing the Nashville-based Fisk Jubilee Singers in England. Fact or fiction aside, the city has undoubtedly been producing true music legends for more than a century. The hallowed Ryman Auditorium opened in 1892 and gained a reputation as the Carnegie Hall of the South. Concerts there today remain some of the hottest tickets in the business. Yet anyone can book an affordable daytime tour to feel the magic inside. The stage was the long-time home of the Grand Ole Opry radio show, which will celebrate 100 years in broadcast next year. First-time visitors must take a boot-scootin’ stroll through Lower Broadway, aka Honky Tonk Highway. The downtown stretch of neon glitz and glam promises live music 365 days a year. To top it off, none of the honky-tonk bars charge a cover. Just be sure to help fill the tip bucket.
nashville, tennessee
NASHVILLE
You don’t have to dig deep in the Emerald City to find rich music gems, both past and present. Before local bands Nirvana and Pearl Jam started topping national charts in the ’90s, the “Seattle Sound” was percolating across the Pacific Northwest. The story of grunge comes to life through vivid artifacts at the Museum of Pop Culture. Other exhibits include a tribute to hometown hero Jimi Hendrix, with handwritten lyrics, guitars, and a kimono from his personal collection. Stick to the Belltown neighborhood for a dose of today’s dynamic performing arts scene. You can catch comedy and burlesque shows at The Rendezvous or touring and local bands at The Crocodile. The latter is a 30-year-plus institution in the indie music world that has now hatched multiple venues and a hotel. For a truly elevated music experience, Benaroya Hall boasts three versatile performance venues and is home base for the Seattle Symphony.
Seattle
SEATTLE
Tradition runs deep in this Ozark city known to host more than 100 live shows a day during peak summer season. Dolly Parton’s Stampede has been a family favorite for nearly 30 years. The production features 32 impressive horses and expert riders, live stunts, country musicians, and even aerial acts — though not Parton herself. The original arena spectacle launched in Tennessee as an early innovator of the dinner-show experience before expanding to Branson in 1995. On a slightly smaller scale, you can savor a three-course meal and variety show while floating across Table Rock Lake on the Showboat Branson Belle. The classic 700-passenger paddlewheel riverboat is a re-creation of similar models that populated many U.S. waterways in the 1800s. Many of Branson’s music venues, such as Jerry Presley’s God and Country Theater, specialize in classic rock, gospel, and patriotic styles, while festivals present a diverse bill of talent. If you want Branson’s full sample platter of old-fashioned charm and thrills (including top-tier roller coasters), Silver Dollar City theme park packs a punch for every generation in your family.
Branson, missouri
BRANSON
Last fall, the world’s largest spherical structure opened in Las Vegas as a futuristic, inventive performance venue. It touts a round LED exterior exceeding half a million square feet in size and has room inside for up to 20,000 concertgoers. The Edge from U2 christened the Sphere “a canvas of unparalleled scale.” Of course, the same could be said of the entire Vegas Strip when it comes to flashy live performances. It’s one of the few places where touring artists drop anchor and let their fans come to them. This summer that includes Grammy-winning singers Adele and Lady Gaga. As for long-term Las Vegas residencies, Cirque du Soleil and Penn and Teller are still going strong after 20-plus years. For those who have their eyes set on the new Sphere experience, Dead and Company will hold a string of 2024 dates in the new cutting-edge destination.
Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS
Broadway needs no introduction. Last season Manhattan’s 41 active Broadway theaters drew more than 12 million attendees — not to mention the dozens of off-Broadway stages. Just blocks away from the theater buzz, Carnegie Hall has been heralded as the acoustic crown jewel of American concert halls. Even the glorious Central Park regularly becomes a backdrop to star-studded live performances. Join thousands of spectators in the green space for jazz, dance events, and the annual New York Philharmonic under the stars concert. The beloved and free SummerStage series now hosts nearly 80 performances each year in parks across all five New York boroughs. Then there’s Radio City Music Hall in Midtown, the Blue Note in Greenwich Village, and the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. With such sheer volume of talent and stages, the only tragedy is deciding which shows you must skip in order to catch your favorite acts.
New York City
NEW YORK CITY
where to stay
Club Wyndham Midtown 45 (Club Pass)
where to stay
WorldMark Spencer Street
WorldMark Tropicana Avenue
WorldMark Boulevard
where to stay
WorldMark Branson
where to stay
WorldMark The Camlin
where to stay
Club Wyndham Nashville (Club Pass)
Janette Stone
Last year, my husband and I went to Europe to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We chilled in a cozy London pub, stood beneath the sparkly Eiffel Tower, and explored Rome’s ancient sites. Then we boarded a ship and cruised to Barcelona, Mallorca, Florence, Naples, and Marseille. It was like a dream come true.
Favorite Trip
With over 27 years of experience in the travel industry, I've worked for airlines and travel agencies and I spent about seven years in the timeshare sector. This varied background has given me a unique perspective on the industry and a deep understanding of what travelers need. I'm here to ensure your trip goes smoothly, whether it's finding last-minute accommodations, sorting out booking issues, or giving personalized recommendations.
Role
Annette Alvarez Albarran
I truly enjoyed cruising the Caribbean as I love, love, love the beach.
Favorite Trip
I am a mother of three and a grandmother of six, loving life and enjoying every moment. I have been a travel agent for my entire professional life, working as a travel advisor for WorldMark by Wyndham Travel for the last five years assisting with domestic, international, and cruise reservations.
Role
Jennifer Alcantara
St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Favorite Trip
I am a travel advisor at WorldMark by Wyndham Travel. I specialize in international travel with 23 years of experience. I take pride in the service I provide to owners, and in my free time I enjoy photography, live music, and films.
Role
Rogelio (Roy) Mastrapa
My favorite trip was my seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise in April 2023 with friends and family. That’s when I got engaged, too.
Favorite Trip
I started with WorldMark by Wyndham Travel as a domestic travel advisor in January 2023 and I love it. I live in Orlando, Florida, and have worked in the travel industry for a long time. I have two fur babies, and I am engaged.
Role
Janette Stone
4
Annette Alvarez Albarran
3
Jennifer Alcantara
2
Rogelio (Roy) Mastrapa
1
read all four!
Shoes will make or break a trip. You’ve made a huge investment in your vacation and it can be ruined when you can’t walk more than a block.
travel tip
Always reconfirm the travel details on every transaction: reservation dates, passport expiration date, and name spellings.
travel tip
Book your resort stay early to get the dates you want. Magical memories aren’t created in one day! You can add things like activities, flights, cars, tours or additional hotel nights afterwards.
travel tip
Last year, my husband and I went to Europe to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We chilled in a cozy London pub, stood beneath the sparkly Eiffel Tower, and explored Rome’s ancient sites. Then we boarded a ship and cruised to Barcelona, Mallorca, Florence, Naples, and Marseille. It was like a dream come true.
Favorite trip
With over 27 years of experience in the travel industry, I've worked for airlines and travel agencies and I spent about seven years in the timeshare sector. This varied background has given me a unique perspective on the industry and a deep understanding of what travelers need. I'm here to ensure your trip goes smoothly, whether it's finding last-minute accommodations, sorting out booking issues, or giving personalized recommendations.
role
Janette Stone
I truly enjoyed cruising the Caribbean as I love, love, love the beach.
Favorite trip
I am a mother of three and a grandmother of six, loving life and enjoying every moment. I have been a travel agent for my entire professional life, working as a travel advisor for WorldMark by Wyndham Travel for the last five years assisting with domestic, international, and cruise reservations.
role
Annette Alvarez Albarran
St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Favorite trip
I am a travel advisor at WorldMark by Wyndham Travel. I specialize in international travel with 23 years of experience. I take pride in the service I provide to owners, and in my free time I enjoy photography, live music, and films.
role
Jennifer Alcantara
My favorite trip was my seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise in April 2023 with friends and family. That’s when I got engaged, too.
Favorite trip
I started with WorldMark by Wyndham Travel as a domestic travel advisor in January 2023 and I love it. I live in Orlando, Florida, and have worked in the travel industry for a long time. I have two fur babies, and I am engaged.
role
Rogelio (Roy) Mastrapa
Janette Stone
4
Annette Alvarez Albarran
3
Jennifer Alcantara
2
Rogelio (Roy) Mastrapa
1
read all four!
Travel Tip
Shoes will make or break a trip. You’ve made a huge investment in your vacation and it can be ruined when you can’t walk more than a block.
Travel Tip
Always reconfirm the travel details on every transaction: reservation dates, passport expiration date, and name spellings.
Travel Tip
Book your resort stay early to get the dates you want. Magical memories aren’t created in one day! You can add things like activities, flights, cars, tours or additional hotel nights afterwards.
Dramatic sunsets over snow-capped mountains. Towering trees blanketed in mist. Colorful canyons carved by wind and water. America’s national parks inspire awe and invite exploration – and WorldMark by Wyndham puts you closer to the action. Discover your next adventure.
Curiosity Is In Your Nature
Dramatic sunsets over snow-capped mountains. Towering trees blanketed in mist. Colorful canyons carved by wind and water. America’s national parks inspire awe and invite exploration – and WorldMark by Wyndham puts you closer to the action. Discover your next adventure.
Curiosity Is In Your Nature
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
Pick a pumpkin, prize an apple, or get your apple-cider doughnut fix at one of the orchards nestled beneath the New England mountains, where it’s impossible to resist a drive through the vibrant fall foliage.
If you don’t mind a case of the willies, embark on a candlelit, after-dark tour of haunted Colonial Williamsburg. You’ll hear ghost stories and maybe spy a specter or two in Virginia’s preserved former capital.
Williamsburg, Virginia
A juicy patty at Burger Week. Local seafood at ShrimpFest. A brat and beer at Oktoberfest. No matter which flavors appeal to your palate, autumn in Myrtle Beach is a gourmet’s playground. (And, of course, you can head to the beach afterward.)
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Why leaf-peep from the ground when you could soar above the color-changing leaves? One of the Dells’ zip line tours will make you feel as though you’re flying above the trees, cliffs, and canyons along the Wisconsin River.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Silver Dollar City’s Harvest Festival is a bonafide pumpkin paradise. Enjoy a pumpkin-flavored treat, meet a master carver, or marvel at giant gourds before thousands of illuminated pumpkins light the evening sky.
Branson, Missouri
The Verde Valley Wine Trail includes more than two dozen wineries on or near the Verde River. Sip a rosé or riesling at one of the riverside wineries in the shadow of House Mountain, a shield volcano.
Sedona, Arizona
Hitch a ride on the Arizona State Fair gondola to glide over the carnival’s flashing lights and ringing bells, then track down pickle tamale bites or a good ol' turkey leg.
Phoenix
Hike to Opal Lake, where swaths of golden aspen leaves cover the San Juan Mountains. Back in town, ease aching muscles with a soak in Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Spring.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Vacation Like a Local
1
Your clocks will fall back an hour November 3, so don’t forget to adjust your travel schedule accordingly before enjoying that extra hour of sleep.
Remember Daylight Saving Time
2
Take advantage of cooler temperatures to get outdoors. Your resort may offer gear rentals for hiking, paddling, and bicycling, so connect with a trusted travel guide to see how you can pack lighter while accessing nature's beauty all around you.
Enjoy the Outdoors
3
Explore our National Parks Guide to start planning your trip.
read more
Explore our National Parks Guide to start planning your trip.
read more
What's RCI?
Go beyond your resorts and travel the world with RCI®. Resort Condominium International, also known as RCI, is the world’s largest timeshare exchange and leisure travel company, with more than 4,200 timeshare resorts worldwide.
RCI is part of your ownership. As a member of RCI you have the flexibility to deposit your WorldMark points into RCI, search availability across the globe, and use those points to book your bucket list trip. You can deposit your WorldMark points into RCI beginning 10 months prior to your Use Year start date, and up to the last day of your Use Year. Once deposited, your points will be good for two years of travel from the date of deposit.
Learn more
What's RCI?
Go beyond your resorts and travel the world with RCI®. Resort Condominium International, also known as RCI, is the world’s largest timeshare exchange and leisure travel company, with more than 4,200 timeshare resorts worldwide.
RCI is part of your ownership. As a member of RCI you have the flexibility to deposit your WorldMark points into RCI, search availability across the globe, and use those points to book your bucket list trip. You can deposit your WorldMark points into RCI beginning 10 months prior to your Use Year start date, and up to the last day of your Use Year. Once deposited, your points will be good for two years of travel from the date of deposit.