Thanksgiving is more than just turkey and football. It’s the perfect time to take a break, enjoy some fresh air, and travel somewhere beautiful. The holiday comes in late November, when the weather is cool, the leaves are turning, and crowds are low in many places.
If you want to escape the usual routine this year, here are some of the best places to visit during Thanksgiving. Whether you’re looking for cozy mountain towns, sunny beaches, or big city celebrations, this list has something for every kind of traveler.
New York City, New York
Thanksgiving in New York feels magical. The city is buzzing with energy, lights, and joy. It’s also home to the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The parade includes giant balloons, marching bands, and festive floats. People line up early along the streets of Manhattan to get a good view. Or you can watch it from your hotel room or a cozy café.
You can also go ice skating at Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center. Visit Central Park for a peaceful fall walk. Or check out the holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue.
Restaurants all over the city serve special Thanksgiving meals. Some offer modern dishes. Others stick to the traditional turkey, stuffing, and pie. It’s a great time to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a mountain town with lots of charm. During Thanksgiving, the air is crisp, the trees are colorful, and everything feels calm and peaceful.
The Blue Ridge Mountains look amazing in late fall. You can drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or go for a hike to enjoy the views. Trails like Craggy Gardens or Mount Mitchell are great this time of year.
The Biltmore Estate is one of Asheville’s biggest attractions. In November, it starts its Christmas celebration. The giant mansion is decorated with lights, trees, and wreaths. It feels like a scene from a storybook.
Local restaurants offer cozy Thanksgiving dinners. Many of them use fresh ingredients from nearby farms. You can also visit breweries and try seasonal craft beers like pumpkin ale.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans has its own way of celebrating Thanksgiving. It’s fun, warm, and full of flavor. The weather is mild, which makes walking around the city enjoyable.
Instead of the usual Thanksgiving meal, try something with a southern twist. Think fried turkey, cornbread stuffing, or even seafood gumbo. Many restaurants offer special menus for the holiday.
Take a steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River. Explore the French Quarter with its music and street performers. Or enjoy a jazz brunch on the weekend after Thanksgiving.
There’s also the Bayou Classic during Thanksgiving weekend. It’s a big football game between two historic Black colleges, along with a popular battle of the bands.
Sedona, Arizona
If you’re looking for peace and stunning views, Sedona is perfect. The red rock landscapes are beautiful in November. The weather is cool but sunny, great for hiking or just relaxing.
Hiking trails like Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock are popular. The views from the top are unforgettable. The air feels clean and quiet, making it a good spot to reflect and recharge.
Sedona is also known for its spiritual side. You can try a meditation session, energy healing, or visit a vortex site. Even if you’re not into that, the calm vibe helps you unwind.
Many resorts and lodges offer Thanksgiving dinners with a view. Some even include spa packages or yoga classes to help you feel extra relaxed.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago in November is chilly, but the spirit of the holidays warms things up. The city hosts its own Thanksgiving Day Parade with marching bands and floats along State Street.
After the parade, head to Millennium Park. The skating rink is open and the big Christmas tree lights up the night. Michigan Avenue is filled with holiday shoppers and festive lights.
For Thanksgiving dinner, Chicago’s restaurants serve a wide range of meals. You can choose from fancy steakhouses to casual spots serving hearty turkey plates.
Don’t miss the Christkindlmarket. It opens around Thanksgiving and brings a taste of Germany with gifts, ornaments, and hot chocolate.
Maui, Hawaii
If cold weather isn’t your thing, Maui is a tropical option for Thanksgiving. The island is warm and sunny. It’s a great escape from the winter blues.
Spend your days lounging on beaches like Wailea or Kaanapali. Try snorkeling in Molokini Crater or go for a scenic drive along the Road to Hana.
Many resorts serve Thanksgiving buffets with a Hawaiian twist. You might find pineapple-glazed turkey or sweet potato mash with coconut. The food is delicious and often served by the ocean.
Thanksgiving week is also a great time for whale watching. Humpback whales start arriving in November, and you can often spot them from the shore.
Williamsburg, Virginia
For a Thanksgiving full of history, Williamsburg is a great choice. It’s like stepping back in time to the colonial days.
Colonial Williamsburg offers special holiday events. Actors in old-time clothes show how Thanksgiving was celebrated in the 1700s. You can visit the blacksmith, walk through old homes, or join a candlelight tour.
Nearby, Busch Gardens starts its Christmas Town celebration in late November. It has lights, shows, and fun rides for families.
Traditional Thanksgiving meals are served at local taverns. The menus include roast meats, apple pie, and mulled cider. It’s perfect for those who want to experience an old-fashioned Thanksgiving.
San Diego, California
San Diego is another sunny place to enjoy Thanksgiving. The weather is warm, the beaches are pretty, and the crowds are smaller than summer.
You can spend Thanksgiving morning at the beach. Go for a walk, try paddle boarding, or just relax with your toes in the sand.
The city has a Turkey Trot race for those who want to run or walk before eating. It’s a fun way to kick off the holiday.
For dinner, you’ll find everything from classic turkey to seafood feasts. Some restaurants even offer outdoor dining with ocean views.
After your meal, visit Balboa Park or take a harbor cruise to see the skyline lit up.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe mixes art, culture, and food in a beautiful setting. The adobe buildings and mountain views make it feel special and different.
Thanksgiving is quiet here. Many people spend the day with family or outdoors. Hiking in the foothills or exploring the Plaza area are great ways to spend your time.
The local food includes flavors like chile, corn, and squash. Thanksgiving meals here often have a Southwest twist. Think turkey with green chile gravy or pumpkin tamales.
Art galleries and local markets are fun to visit the day after Thanksgiving. You can find unique handmade gifts and local crafts.
Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada
If you want a snowy Thanksgiving, Lake Tahoe is a great choice. It’s one of the first places to get snow in the U.S. ski season.
Some ski resorts open by late November, so you might get lucky with early skiing or snowboarding. Even if there’s no snow yet, the lake views and mountain air are worth the trip.
Cabins and lodges offer warm, cozy places to stay. You can have a traditional dinner by a fireplace, play board games, or go for a hike.
Thanksgiving week is usually quiet here. It’s a peaceful break before the busy winter holidays.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has a slow, relaxed feel that fits perfectly with Thanksgiving. The weather is mild, and the city looks beautiful with fall colors.
You can walk through historic streets lined with big trees and old homes. Visit the waterfront or take a carriage ride through the old town.
Food is a big part of the Charleston experience. Many restaurants serve Thanksgiving with a southern twist. Think roast turkey with collard greens or cornbread dressing with gravy.
The city also hosts a Holiday Festival of Lights that starts in November. It’s great for families or couples looking for a little extra cheer.
Tips for Traveling During Thanksgiving
- Book early. Flights and hotels fill up fast for the holiday week.
- Be ready for crowds at airports. Leave extra time for check-ins and security.
- Consider off-peak destinations if you want quiet and space.
- Bring layers. Even warm places can get chilly in the evening.
- Try something new. This is a great time to enjoy local traditions and flavors.
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude. Whether you want to relax, explore, or eat your way through a new town, these destinations make the holiday special. Each one offers something different, from peaceful mountains to buzzing cities to warm island beaches.
