Explore California in Style Through Reciprocal Clubs

By Jake Ten Pas

Oregonians can lay claim to some of the most beautiful and pristine nature in the country, but California offers compelling arguments as to why it’s still worth hitting the road in search of its majestic vistas. As MAC members plot their spring destinations, this giant neighbor to the south often beckons families in search of national parks, beachside getaways, and urbane thrills.

As part of The Winged M’s ongoing series of profiles dedicated to MAC’s reciprocal clubs, this month’s installment features two iconic California destinations, the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles and San Francisco’s Olympic Club. Both provide refuges among the bustle of big city action, and both are available to visit for MAC members through the Reciprocal Clubs program.

For those unfamiliar with Reciprocal Clubs, check out themac.com/group/pages/reciprocal-clubs to find out more about the facilities and amenities available to MAC members across the country and around the world. For starters, read more about the world-class establishments below!

Jonathan Club

Jonathan Club is a social hub with two California locations — one in downtown Los Angeles and the other abutting the beach in Santa Monica. It is routinely ranked as one of the top clubs in the world by Platinum Clubs of America.

Spanning 13 floors in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the Jonathan Town Club combines timeless design and contemporary extensions. With its original structure meticulously maintained, this city club in Los Angeles provides three dining destinations, overnight rooms, a sprawling fifth-floor garden, and rooftop lounge with views of the city.

Situated beneath the bluffs of the Pacific Palisades, the Jonathan Beach Club spans two floors with panoramic views of the ocean. With vaulted ceilings and coastal-inspired interiors, the Beach Club in Santa Monica offers three oceanfront dining outlets, a robust roster of family-focused activities, and a members-only sandbar on the Santa Monica shore.

The Olympic Club

In October, the Platinum Clubs of America announced its top-10 list for 2024, and San Francisco’s Olympic Club ranked third in the nation, reminding even those outside the bay area what locals have long known.

Established in 1860, the Olympic Club is one of America’s oldest athletic clubs. Long a West Coast powerhouse in amateur sports, it is the home of many local, regional, national, and international champions. The City Clubhouse features exercise studios, a weight room, handball and squash courts, two basketball courts, two swimming pools, 18 hotel rooms, three dining facilities, and two bars.

Famed architect Arthur Brown, Jr., designer of the San Francisco City Hall, designed the club’s second facility, the Lakeside Clubhouse, which officially opened in 1925. It features dining and banquet facilities, meeting rooms, locker rooms, an exercise center, massage services, a swimming pool, and a golf shop. The Lakeside Clubhouse is also the gateway to two renowned 18-hole golf courses.

Take Advantage of Reciprocal Privileges

Members in good standing who are at least 21 years of age can request a Letter of Introduction to be issued to the club they wish to visit. Letters are valid for 30 days from their issue date. Visit themac.com/group/pages/reciprocal-clubs or click the Reciprocal Clubs button on the menu screen of the MAC mobile app to see a complete list and request a Letter of Introduction. MAC continues to establish reciprocal relationships with clubs around the world. Know a place you’d like to see added to the list? Contact At Your Service at 503-517-7235.