12 Essential Bleisure Travel Tips for Mixing Work and Vacation

11. Make the most of shoulder nights and local experiences — San Francisco example

Shoulder nights transform a business trip into a memorable short break. In cities like San Francisco, which combines conference centers and outdoor options, you can wrap up a workday and still catch a sunset or nearby hike. If your meeting is at Moscone Center, schedule an extra night to explore waterfront neighborhoods, ride a historic cable car, or visit a nearby national park. Use that extra night to book a local walking tour, reserve a table at a well-reviewed restaurant, or visit a coworking spot for one focused morning before flying home. For regional options like the Pocono Mountains, add a day for outdoor recreation after meetings in nearby towns. Plan logistics in advance so you aren’t rushing; that means confirming last-mile transport and opening hours for attractions. Thoughtful shoulder-night choices let you return refreshed and with strong memories from a trip that otherwise focused solely on work.