Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Tori Pines
Thanksgiving break is one of the best times to travel for busy people. It usually means you get at least 4 days off from work, kids are out of school, and the tourist destinations are usually not very busy. Flights might be a little more expensive, and the roads will likely be very busy, once you make it to your destination, you’re bound to have more of the place to yourself than a typical vacation week. Choose from one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving in the USA and plan an unforgettable vacation.
We love going somewhere new for Thanksgiving break. Sure, most people spend the days off with extended family, but with Christmas right around the corner we will be seeing them again soon. So instead we travel and spend some quality time together. We love going to Helen, Georgia, Asheville, North Carolina, New York City, Napa Valley and more!
The best places to go for Thanksgiving for you will probably depend on the location. Since you don’t have the full week off of school or work (most likely) you might want to travel somewhere in your area. That’s why I’ve broken this list out my area of the United States to make it easier to find a place to go for Thanksgiving this year.
This post may contain affiliate links for activities, destinations and products that I love, and think you will too!
Map of the Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving
Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving in the Northeast
1. New York, New York
Recommended by James of Travel Collecting
New York City is one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving because it hosts the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade that is broadcast across the nation. Nothing beats seeing it live! Thanksgiving is cold in NYC, and you will be outside for hours, so dress more warmly than you think you’ll need and you’ll have an amazing time. The parade takes several hours to wind its way through, and you will be amazed at the incredible balloons, floats, bands, and other performers. Did you know that you can also go and see the balloons be blown up the day before? This is a fun thing to do that mostly locals know about.
Of course, New York is great to visit any time of the year, and there are plenty of highlights to fill the rest of your time, including seeing the view from the top of the Empire State Building and/ or World Trade Center, visiting the Statue of Liberty, and taking in a Broadway show. Buy the New York City CityPass to get a great deal on these activities!
The Thanksgiving Day Parade also officially kicks off the Christmas season in NYC, so you can get into the holiday spirit at the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular and by seeing the department stores’ holiday window decorations that are revealed the following day.
There are three major airports serving NYC – Newark, La Guardia and JFK. There’s also a major Amtrak train station and Greyhound bus station. There are hundreds of hotels to choose from, but a favorite is the art deco Bryant Park Hotel, which is right in the center of things. A top pick of somewhere for a special Thanksgiving dinner is the iconic Tavern on the Green in Central Park.
2. Newport, Rhode Island
Recommended by Me!
Easily one of the most charming and fancy of the best places to go for Thanksgiving this year is Newport, Rhode Island. This coastal town in New England is extremely picturesque, filled with huge mansions, the cutest downtown and stunning waterfront views. There’s tons of boutiques to shop at, fine dining to eat at and the best and most romantic B&Bs to sleep at.
And during the holidays? Double the charm. Picture cobblestone streets twinkling with Christmas lights, shopping galore and merry jingles everywhere you go. Plus, the town of Newport really know how to start the celebrations! Thanksgiving weekend is filled with festive things to do.
For an immersive and unique experience, be sure to see the Nutcracker performance at one of Newports most famous Gilded Age mansions, Rosecliff. Or for another way to see the mansions, take a tour of the mansions all decorated for Christmas! I just looove seeing the inside of these mansions and pretending I could one day call one home. It’s fun to dream!
The Newport Illuminated Boat Parade might be the best way to spend Thanksgiving though, as this festive event is always held the day after Thanksgiving! Each boat offers a huge light display as they compete for the best decorated.
Head over to the Newport Harbor Island resort to go ice skating right along the waters edge! Each year the hotel sets up the rink for visitors to enjoy. But I also recommend booking a room here for the long weekend for beautiful and comfortable rooms, stunning views and close proximity to things in town.
3. Boston, Massachusetts
Of course I can’t put together a guide about the best places to go for Thanksgiving without including the city that I grew up in, Boston, Massachusetts! This city holds some of the most history, elegance and intrigue as any other city in the country! There’s SO much to see and do, and much to learn about in one of the country’s oldest cities. And whats better than a charming historic city? A charming historic city at Christmas time of course! And Thanksgiving is when the holidays really ramp up here in Boston, Massachusetts.
By the end of November the weather will be starting to get pretty chilly, so warm up by walking the 2.5 mile Freedom trail to learn tons about the city’s history. Then stop by the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse at Custom House for a drink and some of the best views of the city. One of my favorite things to do when I’m traveling is finding Speakeasies, there’s just something so alluring about them. So head to 6 Clearway Street, a unassuming convenience store and open the Snapple door!
But to really get into the holiday spirit, be sure to Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony that typically takes places the weekend of Thanksgiving each year! It’s a super festive way to get into the holiday spirit. While you’re in Boston Common, be sure to go for a glide on the ice skating rink!
Be sure to swing by Boston Blink! at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Faneuil Hall is an awesome place to explore any time of year, but each night during the holiday season there’s a light show that plays along to the holiday music. This is especially fun for families visiting Boston for Thanksgiving.
If you’re looking for shows, you can attend a Boston Holiday Pops concert, see the Nutcracker at the Boston Ballet, or Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall. And if you’re into sports, then check to see if the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, or Boston Bruins are in town this week and get tickets to a game! And be sure to come back in the summer to catch a Sox game at the famous Fenway Park!
If you’re looking for the best place to stay, then look no further than the Boston Marriott Long Wharf located right next to the New England Aquarium! We love that hotel, it’s the perfect place to spend a few nights in the city.
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Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving in the Midwest
4. Chicago, Illinois
Recommended by Linda of Midwest Explored
Chicago is easily one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving in the USA. Not only can you have incredible, family-style, truffle roast turkey breast in the Gold Coast at Maple and Ash – with its wonky velvet leather booths and over-the-top candelabras – but you can also enjoy fun holiday events too.
So, just fly into O’hare International Airport and start off the weekend by watching the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. Stand in awe of a wealth of giant helium balloons, marching bands, and floats as they make their way from the corner of State Street and Ida B. Wells Dr. to Randolph.
Next, get into the spirit of Christmas in Chicago and grab some authentic spiced wine and German pretzels at Christkindlmarket since it’s a traditional outdoor German Christmas market that sells lovely Christmas ornaments and knick-knacks too.
From here, be sure to visit the City of Chicago Christmas Tree in the evening at Millennium Park. And since you’re in the area, don’t forget to visit Cloud Gate which is more commonly known as “The Bean”.
Just be sure to dress warmly and wear waterproof clothes since the city receives about eight days of rain throughout the month, with daily highs of 50F and daily lows of 35F. You can also unwind inside a room at the Pendry Chicago since this historic art-deco hotel dates back to 1929 but features modern rooms that guests will love.
5. St. Louis, Missouri
Another one of our favorite places for a long weekend, and is perfect for a place to go for Thanksgiving, is St. Louis, Missouri! Don’t miss out on this hidden gem in the Midwest, there’s so much to do here and it’s a super reasonably priced city to plan a getaway in as well!
Plan to do some of the classic things in St. Louis like going to the top of the Gateway arch, eating some fried ravioli and St. Louis-style pizza, and catching a St. Louis Blues game! Plus the city is home to many free museums like the St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Contemporary Art Museum, and even the St. Louis Zoo! Plus the museum in the base of the arch is completely free to visit as well!
But if you’re bringing kids with you this Thanksgiving vacation, you absolutely MUST spend a few hours at the City Museum. This one is not free, but totally worth the price of admission. It’s a 600K square foot museum filled to the brim with weird, funky and crazy places to explore! From a cave room, to a rooftop playground, and even a ten-story slide attached to the side of the building! I’m telling you, this place is a must-see, especially if you have kiddos!
But for the holidays there’s so much more to explore in the city of St. Louis. Head to the center of downtown to Winterfest, complete with an ice rink, vendors, yummy food, tons of twinkle lights and all of the Christmas vibes. The Missouri Botanical Garden is decorated with over two million Christmas lights and the event is complete with s’mores and festive drinks. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, the St. Louis Zoo hosts Wild Lights and breakfast with Santa!
Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving in the South
6. Helen, Georgia
Recommended by Me!
One of the most unique best places to go for Thanksgiving is Helen, Georgia. This small town is located in northern Georgia, just an hour and a half drive from Atlanta. Fly into Atlanta International Airport, the most heavily trafficked airport in the US, rent a car and arrive at the sweetest little Thanksgiving destination ever.
We chose Helen as our Thanksgiving vacation destination a few years ago when we wanted to explore some place new with our dogs. It’s a great place to bring dogs if you live close enough to drive. We were about 10 hours away at the time and it was worth the trip.
Helen is a small Bavarian style town decorated to look the part. Every building was built in this style, even the fast food joints in town look like they’re straight out of a children’s fairy tale. It’s magical and the best way to start off the holiday season.
Speaking of the holidays, many great Christmas festivities in Helen, GA start during Thanksgiving week. Be sure to go into town for the annual Lighting of the Village and then grab dinner afterwards at Hofbrauhaus Restaurant to round out the German-style vacation.
There’s lots to do in town including the amazing Georgia Mountain Coaster, but be sure to spend some time in nature right outside of town. Hike Mount Yonah for a 4.5 mile, 3 hour trail to the top of a mountain for great views of the area. Or visit Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia!
I recommend you book a cabin near the town through VRBO, but if you prefer a hotel, the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Helen is a great option.
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7. Big Bend National Park, Texas
Recommended by Jackie of Bon Voyage, Jackie
Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to visit Big Bend National Park. Being one of the most remote national parks in the US, a long holiday weekend is the perfect amount of time to explore the park and surrounding areas.
The nearest airport to Big Bend is in Midland, TX. The drive from Midland takes approximately 3.5 hours.
The weather in November is perfect which is why it’s one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving. In summer months, temperatures in the national park can climb above 100 degrees, however, well into fall November daytime temperatures are typically in the mid-70s. Late fall also brings sunny days and cool nights. It is perfect weather for hiking in the national park!
Opt to head outside instead of Black Friday shopping and hike the trails. Big Bend is one of the largest national parks in the United States and is home to miles of trails for all hiking ability levels. Some of the most popular, moderate day hike trails include the Window Trail, the Lost Mine Trail, and Emory Peak.
Nearby Marfa, Texas is home to the unexplained phenomenon known as the Marfa lights. After dark, at the designated look out area, it is said that you can view a mysterious series of lights out on the horizon. Scientists to this day are not sure what causes them. The town is also very artistic and the perfect place to spend an afternoon shopping in the small boutiques and browsing the art galleries. Stay after dark and see if you can catch a glimpse of the famous Marfa lights yourself.
The Gage Hotel in nearby Marathon, Texas provides the perfect dose of luxury after a long day hiking the trails. The hotel also has 3 on site restaurants and a coffee shop. The 12 Gage Restaurant features elevated West Texas traditional cuisine and locally farmed beef.
8. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Recommended by Victoria of Southern Trippers
If you’re looking for one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving in the USA then you cannot miss out on a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
After all, this incredible city is situated right near the Great Smoky Mountains, making Gatlinburg ideal if you’re looking to plan a fun mountain getaway.
So, after flying into McGhee-Tyson Airport in Knoxville, grab a rental car and drive about 40 miles to Gatlinburg.
Once here, shop for holiday gifts at The Great Smoky Thanksgiving and Christmas Arts and Crafts Show before scoring some epic deals on clothing at The Nantahala Outdoor Center and The Village Shops on Black Friday.
Next, either drive or take the tram from downtown Gatlinburg to the summit of Mount Harrison and Ober Gatlinburg.
You can then enjoy a wide variety of winter sports like tubing, ice skating, and skiing before digging into some filet mignon at The Park Grill on Thanksgiving Day since it’s one of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg.
Next, grab the family and enjoy a wide variety of holiday-inpsired events at Anakeesta theme park before seeing exquisitely decorated Christmas trees at The Festival of Trees.
Just know that the area gets quite rainy at this time of year and experiences nine days of rain, with daily highs of 60F and daily lows of 34F.
However, that’s fine since you can always warm up inside a lovely room at the Berry Springs Lodge with its mountain-inspired decor, sweeping views, and private hot tubs.
9. Myrtle Beach, SC
Recommended by Kristin of World on Wheels
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving because who doesn’t love spending some time at the beach!? Typically, November is the off season for tourists, making it less crowded but with pleasant temperatures. November sees an average temperature of upper 60’s to lower 70’s and little rain making it a great time to visit.
While swimming may not be in the forecast during your visit, you can still enjoy walking along the beach, searching for shells and enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean. Myrtle Beach is also a great destination for those with limited mobility, offering a variety of accessible things to do and beach wheelchairs for those with mobility problems.
Some things you can do in Myrtle Beach at Thanksgiving include attending the annual Bluegrass Festival which features fantastic musicians from some of the top bands in bluegrass. If bluegrass music is not your thing, then take part in the annual Turkey Trot race to help work off all the delicious food you’ll be enjoying.
If you’re someone that likes to get into the Christmas spirit right after Thanksgiving, you can attend the Christmas Boat Regatta which takes place the weekend after Thanksgiving in nearby Little River. This fun parade down the intercoastal waterway features boats all decked out in Christmas lights and decorations. Also starting this weekend is the spectacular drive through light show at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. This 2-mile drive features five hundred displays with over two million lights. Kids will enjoy Santa’s village where they can enjoy tasty treats and let Santa know what’s on their Christmas list.
To enjoy all that Myrtle Beach has to offer at Thanksgiving, consider an oceanfront hotel such as the Marriott’s Ocean Watch Villas at Grande Dunes. These villas feature ocean views, 2 bedrooms and a full kitchen if you want to make your own traditional Thanksgiving feast. For a more affordable option, consider Dunes Village Resort which also has ocean views, a spa and complimentary water park that kids will love.
If you want a truly relaxing holiday, skip all the hassle of making Thanksgiving dinner and eat out! Thoroughbreds Chophouse offers a delicious Thanksgiving Day dinner with plenty of traditional food options. Make sure to call ahead and make reservations, as time slots for dinner will sell out.
To get to Myrtle Beach for your Thanksgiving holiday, you can drive as part of a road trip or fly into the local Myrtle Beach International airport. If you choose the latter option, make sure to plan to rent a car as there is no public transportation in the area.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
Recommended by Corritta of Itz a Family Thing
One of the best places to go for Thanksgiving is Asheville, NC. The best way to get here is by driving. Few airlines fly into the regional airport.
The weather is comfortable, averaging 55 degrees, making it perfect for hiking or exploring Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville is the ideal place for a quiet getaway with the family. You get the small-town charm with big-city shopping, if you want to hit Black Friday sales.
If there has been rain recently, you can see water falling along the rocks as you drive up Blue Ridge Parkway, or after a heavy rain, you may see impromptu waterfalls.
If you are up for a quick road trip, the Smoky Mountains National Park is only two hours away and open on Thanksgiving Day.
The Asheville Turkey Trot is a fun tradition at Biltmore Park Town Square. The course has some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina. Virtual entries are allowed. Anyone can join the fun.
Another fun Thanksgiving activity in Asheville is Green Friday. Everyone is encouraged to “go green” by going outside and enjoying everything nature has to offer. You can visit The North Carolina Arboretum to hike or bike one of its many trails. If you are up for an adventure, you can stop by the Adventure Center of Asheville to zipline or take a TreeTop tour.
Other holiday season fun events include Thanksgiving Twilight in the Treetops, Candlelight Christmas Evenings at the Biltmore Estate, and Wonder of the World at Biltmore Railway.
If you want to get in the holiday spirit, Asheville is the place to be. Downtown is full of lights, music, and delicious food.
Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack is one of the best places to get southern soul food in Asheville. If you are looking for a touch of luxury near the action, then The Inn on Biltmore Estate is the best place to stay for your Thanksgiving getaway in Asheville.
11. Savannah, Georgia
Recommended by Sydney of A World in Reach
If you’re looking for a change of scenery this Thanksgiving, why not spend a long weekend in Savannah, Georgia? You’ll be able to enjoy all the traditional festivities while surrounded by beautiful architecture and lush greenery. Plus, Savannah’s weather in November is typically in the 60s, which is perfect for exploring the walkable city.
There are plenty of things to do in Savannah during Thanksgiving weekend. Begin your trip to Savannah by checking out all the city’s top tourist attractions. Explore the Historic District with its historic city squares and antebellum architecture, check out one of the city’s museums, and stroll through Forsyth Park. Then, make your way to River Street where you can do some holiday shopping or grab a bite to eat.
On Thanksgiving Day, you can celebrate with a traditional Thanksgiving feast, but with a Savannah twist. Savannah is known for its indulgent southern cuisine, and many local restaurants offer a special Thanksgiving menu. Reserve a table at The Olde Pink House, one of the city’s best restaurants, for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Or, book a spot on the Savannah Riverboat Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise for a night full of music, dancing, and of course, a traditional Southern Thanksgiving buffet.
During Thanksgiving Week, many of Savannah’s businesses begin preparing for the Christmas Season. So if you’re visiting Savannah for Thanksgiving, you’ll even get a sneak peak of the city’s holiday magic – it’ll be like celebrating two holidays in one trip! It’s one of the many reasons that Savannah is one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving.
And, if you’re still in town the weekend after Thanksgiving, you’ll be able to check out the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Savannah’s take on a traditional Christmas parade.
For the perfect place to stay in Savannah, check out the Andaz Savannah. This fabulous hotel is just steps away from all of Savannah’s best things to do.
12. New Orleans, Louisiana
Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures
What better destination to spend Thanksgiving than one of the top foodie cities in the US, New Orleans! Not only does the city know how to celebrate Thanksgiving, but you can really see a lot of New Orleans in only 3 or 4 days. New Orleans is definitely one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving break.
To get there, travel south on Route 55 or 59 from Jackson, MS or Birmingham, AL, respectively. Alternatively, New Orleans falls on US Route 10, one of the nation’s most prominent highways that runs between the coasts. There’s also a major airport you can fly into (MSY).
During late November, the weather is pretty perfect with temperatures averaging 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the day and the low 50s at night. Plus, it only rains ~ 5 days in November so you probably won’t need rain gear. The most you’ll want to pack are warm clothes, sweaters, and an outer jacket, especially at night.
One of the most popular and unique things to do in New Orleans for Thanksgiving is go to the Fair Grounds Race Course, where the Clubhouse serves a fancy traditional Thanksgiving dinner. It costs around $100 per person so it might not be best for budget travelers.
Instead, there’s no better city to find a great Thanksgiving meal out. Many restaurants serve specialty menus for the holiday, but you absolutely need a reservation. Some popular options are Bourbon House and Commander’s Palace.
Aside from their food, New Orleans is known for ghost tours, a fantastic World War II museum, and beautiful public park called City Park, with mini golf, an art museum, small amusement park, a Café du Monde (beignets) location, and more!
Because most of the action is in the French Quarter and Garden District, Hotel Monteleone is a great central hotel option with a spooky history and quirky carousel bar that actually spins.
13. Outer Banks, North Carolina
Recommended by Kyle of Via Travelers
The Outer Banks is the most visited portion of the North Carolina coast, and the only major barrier island chain in the United States. The Outer Banks is a 45-mile (72 km) string of narrow barrier islands with three state parks, 12 nature reserves, three national wildlife refuges, and two national seashores. It’s one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving.
The islands separate the Atlantic Ocean from the inland sounds and are located on the edge of the continental shelf, allowing for many unique ecological habitats, including marshes, dunes, and lagoons. The islands are home to a variety of wildlife including migrating birds, alligators, and sea turtles, meaning there are plenty of things to do in the Outer Banks, especially if you love the outdoors.
The best time of the year to visit the Outer Banks is during the fall months as the water temperature is still warm enough to swim and the air temperature is mild. You can stay for the entire Thanksgiving week, but a long weekend in the Outer Banks is great too.
If you plan on visiting, you absolutely need to stay at the White Doe Inn in Manteo. If you are a foodie and are craving seafood instead of Turkey for your Thanksgiving visit, make the adventure to the Mad Crabber Restaurant in Avon, which is a family-friendly spot with excellent food.
There are many ways to get to Outer Banks, depending on your location. If you’re coming from Raleigh or Charlotte, take I-40 East to Highway 264 East. This will take you over the Wright Memorial Bridge and put you on Roanoke Island. From there, continue on Highway 64 East, which will take you to the Outer Banks.
If you’re coming from Virginia Beach, take I-64 West to Highway 168 South, which will take you across the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel. This will put you on the North Carolina mainland, from which you can take Highway 158 East to reach the Outer Banks.
Best Places to Go for Thanksgiving in the West
14. Breckenridge, Colorado
Recommended by Rachel of Caribbean Uncovered
Breckenridge is the perfect place for a Thanksgiving getaway this holiday season – whether you’re with your family, loved ones, or partners, this charming mountain is sure to be an unforgettable vacation. It’s a fairly small town but packed with plenty of adventures, making it the perfect mountain destination for a long holiday weekend and one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving.
The best way to get to Breckenridge is to fly into the Denver International Airport and drive about an hour and a half west of the city. Alternatively, you can rent a car or take a shuttle from the airport. Breckenridge is small and offers town shuttles to get you to and from Main Street and the ski resorts, so you could get around without a car.
The winter season starts in October/November in Breckenridge, so the slopes open early on Thanksgiving for visitors. There’s plenty of fresh, powdery snow. If you’re not a winter person, don’t worry – there’s always sunshine warming the chill air in these mountains! You can also go snowshoeing through some of the popular hikes in Breckenridge, or rent snowmobiles for a unique view of the mountains.
The Hyatt Residence Club Breckenridge is located right on Main Street, so you’ll have easy access to all the best bars, restaurants, and shops. And, of course, the hot tub and gym are always available for some relaxation or exercise.
Before you hit the slopes, Blue Moose Restaurant has excellent options for everyone for breakfast and brunch. Or, if you’re looking for something sweet, try their famous cinnamon rolls! After a long day, take a stroll down Main Street and do some window shopping, bar hopping, or people-watching. Whatever you do, Breckenridge is sure to make your holiday special.
15. Park City, Utah
Recommended by JJ of The Minivan Bucket List
If you’re looking for a snowy destination, one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving in the USA is Park City, Utah. Park City is a world-class ski town with three different resorts. Thanksgiving is typically the opening weekend for skiing.
When Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002, Park City was one of the main locations for events like the bobsledding, ski jumping, aerials, and snowboard halfpipe. You can still visit the Utah Olympic Park and marvel at the athletes training there or even take a ride down the bobsled track yourself, if you dare!
The main draw for visiting Park City is the skiing and snowboarding, but you can also try tubing, fat biking in the snow, cross-country skiing, or even going for a ride in a hot air balloon. Marriott’s Summit Watch on Main Street is an ideal place to stay with lots of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Be sure to try Butcher’s Chop House on for steak or burgers and bacon-wrapped dates, plus it’s located right next to the ski lift.
If you haven’t been skiing in Utah, now is the time to add it to your bucket list!
16. Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Recommended by Mary of Be Right Back by Mary
Spending Thanksgiving in the USA doesn’t get more American than spending it in the small town of Bonners Ferry in North Idaho. There are a range of things to do in Bonners Ferry that are perfect for a fun and authentic vacation which is why it is one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving.
This picturesque town, surrounded by mountains and nature offers both the small town comfort and crisp weather you’re looking for at that time of the year. In November, you can expect low temperatures with a chance of heavy snow, sometimes as early as October, so make sure you come prepared with warm clothes, boots and more!
During Thanksgiving, there are a couple of things to do in Bonners Ferry. The Annual Turkey Trot usually takes place on Thanksgiving morning. This is a fun event where you can be rewarded for your best efforts with pumpkin pie on the finish line! Closer to the time, it is recommended to check the events at the Pearl Theater, a former church turned into an event venue where local and national acts come to perform.
Beyond Thanksgiving specific activities, Bonners Ferry also offers a range of nature adventures such as snowshoeing or walking the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and tasting some local beer!
To get to Bonners Ferry, you will need a car as public transportation is quite limited, dare I say, non-existent. The closest airport is Spokane International Airport in the neighboring state of Washington. From there, it’s about a two hour drive to Bonners Ferry. Note that Moose are very common at that time of the year and they especially love to cross the road at the most random times. So be very careful when driving, especially at night time.
While in Bonners Ferry, a good place to stay is the Kootenai River Inn. To experience the local life, head for breakfast at Three Mile!
17. San Francisco, California
Recommended by Kara of Trying to Unwind
San Francisco is a bucket list destination but at Thanksgiving it is pulsing with holiday cheer.
As a small bonus, you’ll be able to visit without the usual crowds of commuters, so it’s one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving.
San Francisco International Airport, located only 13 miles south of the city, offers direct flights to countless international and domestic airports. After arrival, the BART provides an extensive public transportation network.
San Francisco is known for its rainy microclimate and fog (Karl) with cool sea breezes year-round. Thanksgiving average high temperatures are in the low 60s and average lows are in the upper 40s.
Join the 20th annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot fun walk/run (3 or 5 mile options) at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. Before you leave the park, be sure to check out the majestic Botanical Gardens and Japanese Tea Gardens. Or get into the holiday spirit by taking a spin on the ice rink at Union Square in San Francisco. Free lessons are available from 8a-9a every Saturday and Sunday with advance registration.
A trip to San Francisco would be incomplete without riding a cable car and visiting the Sea Lions at Pier 39. But if you want to get off the beaten path in San Francisco, consider visiting some of the city’s photogenic mosaic steps or the Seward Street slides.
For the ultimate tourist experience in San Francisco this combo tour offers a Golden Gate Bridge cruise, entrance to Alcatraz and a one day bicycle rental. With so many great things to do in San Francisco, you’ll never get bored. Or visit Napa for a day trip!
The abundant culinary scene in San Francisco can be expensive. Instead, consider trying several small bites rather than meals. A few highlights that you will not regret are dim sum in Chinatown and Irish coffee at Buena Vista.
The Citizen M San Francisco Union Square offers easy access to the city’s top attractions without breaking the bank. The colorful modern hotel has a large shared social area with an on-site bar and restaurant, business center and gym. Additionally, booking.com reviewers rave about the lovely rooftop.
18. Big Island, Hawaii
Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler
If you’re looking for an epic getaway during Thanksgiving break, consider heading to the Big Island.
For those living on the west coast of the U.S., it’s a breeze to get to the island, with two international airports in Kona and Hilo and more than a dozen cities with direct flights. Plus, the weather is perfect to escape the chilly November temperatures on the mainland- instead here, you’ll find temperatures that are consistently around 84°F. You may experience some intermittent showers in the afternoon, but, given they usually come and go in bursts, they’re unlikely to impede your outdoor adventures.
One of the most unique ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Hawaii is to attend a luau, like at the Legends of Hawaii Luau at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. Alternatively, if you want a more traditional Thanksgiving dinner, the Waikoloa Village usually serves up an impressive spread of that as well!
While you’re on the island, carve out some time to enjoy the snorkeling here, which is largely considered to be the best out of all of the Hawaiian islands. The island is home to come beautiful beaches with clear water. Specifically, consider booking a Captain Cook snorkel tour to Kealakekua Bay, a marine life conservation district that acts as a home for over 400 species of fish, sea turtles and even spinner dolphins.
While you’re on the island, don’t miss stopping at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to some of the most active volcanoes on the planet. If you’re lucky, you may just be able to spend your Thanksgiving watching an active lava flow! If you’re staying in Kona, Kaya’s Coffee is an excellent place to fuel up before you head south to explore the national park, serving up delicious coffee, haupia pie, and lots of quirky local vibes.
Consider making the Royal Kona Resort your home base during your stay, thanks to its convenient location in Kona and its proximity to some of the Big Island’s best beaches.
19. Anchorage, Alaska
Recommended by Camila of Travel Cami
If you are looking for a unique destination for Thanksgiving, what about heading to Anchorage, Alaska?
With its stunning natural beauty and wonderful attractions for tourists, this is an excellent place to visit as it is the base city for exploring the vast Alaskan wilderness.
The best way of getting to Anchorage is by flying directly from many major cities, and once you arrive there is plenty to see and do.
The best thing about visiting Anchorage at this time of the year is that the cold is not really that bad and you can get to see one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world: the Northern Lights (which should definitely be in any good Alaska bucket list)!
Thanksgiving in Anchorage starts in a unique way with the Turkey Trot, a fun race where participants dress up as turkeys and run through the streets of the city. This is an event not to be missed, and it’s just one of many things that make this such a special place to visit at this time of year. After that, you can go have some winter fun skiing or ice skating and head to one of the many great hotels that offer amazing Thanksgiving dinners, like Captain Cook, the Marriott Anchorage Downtown, and Alyeska Resort.
Regarding places to stay, I would highly recommend staying at Alaska House of Jade Bed and Breakfast. Anchorage is one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving in the USA.
20. Tucson, Arizona
Recommended by Kara of Trying to Unwind
Tucson, Arizona is a bustling town in southeastern Arizona with dozens of amazing attractions, and is one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving. Plus in 2015, Tucson was the first American city to earn the UNESCO “City of Gastronomy” designation.
Mild desert winters make Tucson a great warm weather destination for Thanksgiving. You’ll be able to spend your Tucson Thanksgiving in flip flops. Average daytime high temperatures are in the high 70s F. Although, pack warm layers though because desert nighttime temperatures can drop into the low 40s. Tucson International Airport offers direct flights from 20+ destinations.
On Thanksgiving weekend, the city of Tucson is already in full holiday mode. So plan a visit to finish up your gift shopping at the annual Made in Tucson Market.
The Made in Tucson Market is held on Sunday November 27th from 10am until 5pm in the Historic Fourth Avenue District. It has been described as a “celebration of the risk-takers and dream-makers that personify the Tucson maker movement.”
Or check out Wee Wonderland, a collection of miniatures celebrating holidays around the world, at the Mini Time Machine Museum. The special exhibit is included in general admission.
But don’t let the holiday festivities distract you, a visit to Tucson would be incomplete without visiting Saguaro National Park or Pima Air and Space Museum.
Even though Tucson offers more refined culinary experiences, you shouldn’t visit without eating a Sonoran dog, a bacon wrapped hot dog with a Mexican twist. El Guero Canelo in Tucson offers the most authentic Sonoran dog experience.
The Hotel McCoy is “better than a stuffy boring hotel” according to one booking.com customer. The adorable renovated retro motel offers an art experience without being pretentious. A few amenities include beer, coffee or wine at check-in, a resort style outdoor pool, free loaner bicycles, an indoor lounge with games plus occasional on-site events, such as live music or movie nights. It makes for a fun and unique way to spend the holiday vacation.
With all of these amazing best places to go for Thanksgiving, you’ll be planning out trips for years to come. I urge you to try someplace new, step outside of your comfort zone and explore this beautiful country this Thanksgiving break. I know I’m thankful for this incredible country!
