--- title: "Coastal Cheer & Lifelong Connections: My First Metropolitan Club Travel Committee Trip" description: Member Andrea Cattarin describes her very first Metropolitan Club Travel Committee excursion to Newport Beach. image: https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hubfs/undefined-2.jpeg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/my-first-metropolitan-club-travel-committee-trip#main-content) [![metropolitan club san francisco](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/branding/metclub-headv2.png?width=200&height=200&name=metclub-headv2.png "metropolitan club san francisco")](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org) [![metropolitan club san francisco](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/branding/metalic%20gold%20logo.png?width=200&height=200&name=metalic%20gold%20logo.png "metropolitan club san francisco")](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org) - [About Us](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/about-us) - [Amenities](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/amenities-and-benefits) - [Dining](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/dining) - [Social Events & Networking](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/social-events-networking) - [Fitness](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/fitness) - [M Spa • Salon](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/spa) - [Reciprocal Clubs](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/reciprocal-clubs) - [Membership](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/membership) - [Private Events](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/private-events) - [Guest Rooms](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/guest-rooms) - [Blog](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/contact-us) [Member Login →](https://members.metropolitanclubsf.org/) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [Member Login →](https://members.metropolitanclubsf.org/) - [About Us](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/about-us) - [Amenities](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/amenities-and-benefits) - [Dining](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/dining) - [Social Events & Networking](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/social-events-networking) - [Fitness](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/fitness) - [M Spa • Salon](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/spa) - [Reciprocal Clubs](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/reciprocal-clubs) - [Membership](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/membership) - [Private Events](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/private-events) - [Guest Rooms](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/guest-rooms) - [Blog](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/contact-us) Request Membership Information: 2 min read # Coastal Cheer & Lifelong Connections: My First Metropolitan Club Travel Committee Trip [Metropolitan Club](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/author/metropolitan-club) : October 21, 2026 [Community](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/tag/community) ![Coastal Cheer & Lifelong Connections: My First Metropolitan Club Travel Committee Trip](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hubfs/undefined-2.jpeg) When I signed up for my very first Metropolitan Club Travel Committee excursion, I was looking forward to a festive getaway. What I didn’t anticipate was just how meaningful, heartwarming, and delightfully fun traveling with fellow club members would be. Our destination was Newport Beach, where we had the privilege of staying at the Balboa Bay Club—one of the Metropolitan Club’s premier reciprocal clubs nestled right along the bay. Visiting during the holiday season made the experience magical, from the grand seasonal displays greeting us at the club to the crisp ocean air. ## Twinkling Nights and Harbor Lights A major highlight of our Southern California escape was experiencing the renowned Newport Beach Holiday Boat Parade. Watching the harbor illuminated with elaborately decorated vessels—complete with festive music, vibrant animated light displays, and true coastal holiday spirit—was unforgettable. *![](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Oct-01-2026-12-09-17-3094-AM.jpeg?width=2048&height=1542&name=undefined-Oct-01-2026-12-09-17-3094-AM.jpeg)* *Capturing the harbor glow during the Newport Beach Holiday Boat Parade*. ## Exploring Gardens, Strolls, and Local Sights During the days, our itinerary struck the perfect balance between leisure and exploration. We enjoyed walking tours around the picturesque coastline and visited the local botanical gardens, beautifully adorned with creative seasonal greenery and festive folklore exhibits. ![](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Oct-01-2026-12-10-40-3216-AM.jpeg?width=2048&height=1542&name=undefined-Oct-01-2026-12-10-40-3216-AM.jpeg) *Strolling through the botanical gardens surrounded by lush greenery and holiday motifs.* Between our outings, we gathered for wonderful waterfront dinners, took in views of the harbor, and soaked in every bit of California sunshine and holiday hospitality. ## The Heart of the Trip: Multigenerational Sisterhood While the sights were spectacular, the true soul of the journey was the company. As someone taking their first official club trip, I was struck by how welcoming, open, and vibrant our group was. ![](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Oct-01-2026-12-11-51-7570-AM.jpeg?width=2048&height=1542&name=undefined-Oct-01-2026-12-11-51-7570-AM.jpeg) *Sharing smiles and holiday cheer with Santa at the club.* Spending time with such an inspiring group of multigenerational women was pure joy. Over shared meals, walks, and countless belly laughs, conversations flowed effortlessly. I learned so much from everyone’s unique life journeys, perspectives, and club traditions. The casual moments—catching up over morning coffee or posing with Santa—turned simple acquaintances into genuine, deeper friendships. ## Connections That Continue Long After the Trip The most wonderful gift of the journey didn’t end when we unpacked our bags. Since returning home, many of us from the group continue to meet regularly—whether gathering at the Metropolitan Club or catching up over dinner celebrations. Every time we get together, the camaraderie is just as effortless and the laughter picks up right where we left off. This was my first Travel Committee journey, but it certainly will not be my last. Taking advantage of our reciprocal club privileges while building enduring friendships with such dynamic women made this holiday trip truly special. If you’ve ever considered joining a Travel Committee excursion, don't hesitate—pack your bags and join in on the adventure! ![](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Oct-01-2026-12-12-30-3240-AM.jpeg?width=1538&height=2048&name=undefined-Oct-01-2026-12-12-30-3240-AM.jpeg) *Written by member, Andrea Cattarin.* #### Subscribe to our blog! [![Coastal Cheer & Lifelong Connections: My First Metropolitan Club Travel Committee Trip](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hubfs/undefined-2.jpeg)](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/my-first-metropolitan-club-travel-committee-trip) #### [Coastal Cheer & Lifelong Connections: My First Metropolitan Club Travel Committee Trip](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/my-first-metropolitan-club-travel-committee-trip) [Metropolitan Club](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/author/metropolitan-club): October 21, 2026 When I signed up for my very first Metropolitan Club Travel Committee excursion, I was looking forward to a festive getaway. What I didn’t anticipate... [Community](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/tag/community) [Read More →](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/my-first-metropolitan-club-travel-committee-trip) [![Member Spotlight: Beth Mazza Finds Community, Connection, and a Place to Build at the Metropolitan Club](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hubfs/images%20(9).jpeg)](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/member-spotlight-beth-mazza) #### [Member Spotlight: Beth Mazza Finds Community, Connection, and a Place to Build at the Metropolitan Club](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/member-spotlight-beth-mazza) [Metropolitan Club](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/author/metropolitan-club): September 30, 2026 When entrepreneur Beth Mazza moved to San Francisco, she began looking for a coworking space. Then she joined the Metropolitan Club. [Read More →](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/member-spotlight-beth-mazza) [![Your Key to the World: The Metropolitan Club’s Global Passport](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hubfs/images/hero_imgs/getImage.gif)](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/your-key-to-the-world-the-metropolitan-clubs-global-passport) #### [Your Key to the World: The Metropolitan Club’s Global Passport](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/your-key-to-the-world-the-metropolitan-clubs-global-passport) [Metropolitan Club](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/author/metropolitan-club): July 23, 2026 At the Metropolitan Club of San Francisco, we believe your community should travel with you. While our historic clubhouse on Nob Hill is a beloved... [Membership](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/tag/membership) [Read More →](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/blog/your-key-to-the-world-the-metropolitan-clubs-global-passport) [![metclub](https://www.metropolitanclubsf.org/hubfs/branding/metclub.rev.email.png)](https://metropolitan-club-45026139.hubspotpagebuilder.net) © 2026 Metropolitan Club. All Rights Reserved. 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