Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, but it can be well worth the effort if you turn the experience into a vacation. While many people are heading home or visiting relatives, you don't have to follow that trend. Instead, consider taking a new approach to the holiday by redefining what it means to get away and take a trip that’s all about creating new memories in an exciting place.
Whether you're looking for an urban celebration or a relaxing outdoor adventure, here's our guide to the best places to go for Thanksgiving for all types of travelers.
Traveling During Thanksgiving
Making Family Memories On the Road
Thanksgiving doesn't always have to happen in a home around a big dining room. Instead, consider trading in the usual routine for an open-road adventure with your loved ones. Whether you have a few days or a whole week to travel, there are many exciting destinations across America you can hit behind the wheel, from California's scenic Pacific Coast Highway to the Everglades National Park in Florida.
These trips are a chance to make new memories, such as camping out in an RV, making a stop at a quirky small town museum, or taking a spontaneous detour to roadside attractions like the World’s Largest Ball of Twine or the Area 51 Alien Store.
Combining Thanksgiving Dinner With a Getaway
Curious about what to do for the holiday dinner? If you’re on the road, stop by one of many roadside diners for a trucker-style Thanksgiving, where you can order a turkey sandwich with gravy. If you’re visiting one of the many best places to vacation for Thanksgiving, like Hawaii or Palm Springs, book your stay at an all-inclusive resort and enjoy a five-star holiday meal prepared by top chefs.
Whatever you choose, you’ll enjoy good conversation and new memories with your family, all without the stress of cooking in the kitchen.
The 8 Best Places to Go For Thanksgiving in the US
- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, New York
- Theme Parks in Orlando, Florida
- Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago, Illinois
- History in Plymouth, Massachusetts
- Mountain cabins in Colorado with the family
- Family coastal escapes in California
- Wine tasting for couples in Napa Valley, California
- Couple beach getaways in Miami, Florida
The Best City Trips During Thanksgiving
New York City – Huge Parades & Fun
Most Thanksgivings, Americans bring New York City into their living rooms when they watch the famed televised Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. But if your Turkey Day travels take you to the Big Apple, you can witness enormous balloons and colorful floats filling the streets of Manhattan in person. For a front-row seat to the action, many hotels along the route offer rooms with views of the parade. And as the city transitions from fall to winter, you can find a ton of other things to do, such as ice skating at Central Park or taking in the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. This festive atmosphere, combined with world-class dining and an Empire State energy, makes NYC one of the best places to go in US for Thanksgiving.
Orlando – Theme Parks & Family Fun
Orlando, FL, puts a fresh spin on the Thanksgiving holiday as the warm destination combines amusement park thrills and cool attractions to make for one-of-a-kind family fun. As one of the top draws to Orlando, Disney World pulls out all the stops with special holiday parades, festive decor, and traditional Thanksgiving meals at one of many restaurants throughout the parks.
While many also visit Universal Studios and SeaWorld, this destination isn't just about the theme parks. You can get a break from the crowds and take in a different kind of magic by getting up close with the state's famous wildlife at places like Gatorland or a wetland nature preserve.
Related: Florida is also a top spring destination, for example for April getaways in the US, providing an escape from the winter cold in many parts of the country.
Chicago – Thanksgiving Day Parade & City Dining
The centerpiece of a November trip to Chicago is the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade. While it might not be as well-known as the one in New York, the Chicago parade is an authentic, grand celebration with enormous balloons and a rich history, dating back to 1934 during the Great Depression.
Book a stay at Palmer House Hilton or the Waldorf Astoria for a close view of the parade, plus provide you with an easy spot to reserve an exceptional Thanksgiving dinner (or simply get it as room service). Other delicious, but less traditional options for holiday dining include a meal at one of the city's renowned steakhouses or an authentic deep dish prepared by a Chicago pizzeria.
Plymouth, Massachusetts – A Historic Thanksgiving
Curious about where Thanksgiving got its start? There's no better place to go than Plymouth, Massachusetts--where this historic feast first happened in 1621. This history is honored by the town's Thanksgiving parade, with floats and marchers that bring the story of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag to life. For a truly unique and memorable meal, you can book a reservation at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where you can have a Thanksgiving dinner while stepping back in time and teaching your family about the roots of the holiday.
Relaxing Thanksgiving Trips for Families
Mountain Cabins in Colorado
For a Thanksgiving holiday that’s more about unplugging than stressful scheduling, consider trading the chaos of a crowded house for the peace and quiet of a Colorado mountain cabin. Towns like Estes Park, Breckenridge, and Vail offer a cozy escape, where you can gather the family around a fireplace, surrounded by towering pines, mountain views, and the quiet sound of a hibernating nature.
Preparing dinner in a calm kitchen, eating together around a big wooden table, and then heading out for a crisp hike or a scenic drive are what make Colorado cabins some of the most relaxing places to go during Thanksgiving.
Coastal Escapes in California
California’s Pacific Coast Highway can provide you with a direct route to a Thanksgiving break that’s all about peace and quiet. Stretching north to south for over 800 miles, the California coast provides a mix of cool, misty fog and comfortable sunshine, depending on the location.
In Monterey, a morning spent at the world-famous aquarium is followed by a drive along the stunning coastline. Or, for a more upscale getaway, you can head south to Santa Barbara, where the weather is a little warmer and the Spanish-inspired streets are perfect for a post-dinner stroll. Other California coastal destinations—such as Big Sur, Mendocino, and Pismo Beach—are also low-stress alternatives proving that a different kind of scenery and fresh ocean air can be the best part of the holiday.
Best Places to Vacation for Thanksgiving Couples
Wine Country Retreats in Napa Valley
For a holiday that’s more about romance and relaxation than crowded family gatherings, a wine country retreat is the perfect escape. Napa Valley, with its rolling hills and autumn vineyards, becomes one of the best Thanksgiving trips for couples as the usual summer crowds have thinned out. This is a chance to have a gourmet Thanksgiving for two (and top-tier California wines), without the stress of having to prepare a whole meal.
Fortunately, there are a lot of places to choose from with top amenities that keep love front and center. For a romantic setting, you can choose a private cottage with a fireplace at The Lodge at Sonoma Resort. Or, you can indulge in award-winning spa treatments at The Meritage Resort and Spa, which features a unique spa located entirely underground in a wine cave.
Miami Beach Getaways
If you're looking for a Thanksgiving couples getaway that’s more about fun and indulgence than tradition, a trip to Miami is a fantastic choice. The coastal city's Art Deco charm and buzzing energy are at their peak in November, with comfortable temperatures that let you trade your sweaters for swimsuits. For a holiday meal that's a true celebration, you'll find plenty of world-class restaurants offering special Thanksgiving menus with everything from classic turkey dinners to innovative Latin-inspired dishes.
What makes Miami one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving is that it offers wide freedom to do whatever you want with your special someone: getting quality time lounging on the beach, going for a romantic sunset cruise, or salsa dancing in Little Havana.
How to Make Thanksgiving Travel Stress-Free
Choosing Destinations With Holiday Events
The stress of Thanksgiving travel isn't just getting there; it's trying to cram every last thing into a short vacation window. But when you choose a destination that's already known for celebrating, the pressure is off. You can step off the plane into a city where the streets are already alive with a Thanksgiving parade, a bustling open-air Christmas market, or a holiday lighting celebration.
Not sure where to get started? Visit your destination's city website and you'll likely find an event calendar with top highlights for the season. You can also call the hotel you're staying and ask the concierge about activities they might recommend based on your interests. Once you find entertainment that's already there and ready for you, you can trade the anxiety of planning for the simple joy of experiencing a new place with your family.
Using a Hotelgift Card for Fassle-free Stays
Booking the right hotel for a holiday trip can be one of the biggest travel headaches. But using a Hotelgift card is an easy way to make the process completely stress-free. When you’re researching the best places to vacation for Thanksgiving, a Hotelgift Card provides both the giver and the recipient major flexibility.
Instead of worrying about a fixed location or dates, the card provides access to over 750,000 hotels worldwide, so your loved one can choose the perfect place and time that works for them. With two years of validity and 24/7 support, it's a gift that removes the logistics of travel, allowing everyone to focus on the fun of the getaway itself.
FAQs
Where to Travel in November?
November is an excellent time for a getaway because you can get a head start on the holiday season without the usual December crowds. You can define your holiday however you like and go at your own pace. If you're looking for a classic urban celebration, New York City and Chicago both host famous Thanksgiving parades. For a quieter, more relaxing trip, consider a cozy mountain cabin in Colorado or a peaceful drive along the California coast. Couples can enjoy a romantic wine country retreat in Napa Valley, while families can find plenty of fun at Orlando's theme parks.
Where to Go for Thanksgiving?
When you're choosing the best places to go for Thanksgiving, your holiday meal will define the trip. The good news is that the options are truly endless. You can book a traditional dinner in a historic setting, like the Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Massachusetts, or have a five-star feast prepared by top chefs at an all-inclusive resort in Napa Valley or Miami. For a less traditional take, you can find a trucker-style turkey sandwich at a roadside diner or enjoy a classic dinner with all the trimmings at a Chicago steakhouse. Wherever you eat, you’ll be able to feast without the usual stress of cooking for a crowd.
What Are the Best Thanksgiving Getaways in the USA?
The best family vacations over Thanksgiving are the ones that redefine the holiday for your loved ones and serve a healthy dose of quality time. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can trade the usual routine for an open-road trip across America. For a more peaceful holiday, consider a relaxing escape to a Colorado mountain cabin or a quiet California coastal town, where the crowds have all but disappeared. And if a classic celebration is what you’re after, big cities like New York and Chicago are known for their massive parades and joyful atmosphere.
Are Hotels Open on Thanksgiving Day?
Most hotels in the US remain open on Thanksgiving Day, and many even go the extra mile to make the holiday special for their guests. The great part about staying in a hotel on Thanksgiving is that your meal can be served right on the premises; most hotels offer special Thanksgiving meals, whether it’s a traditional feast with all the trimmings in a hotel restaurant or a gourmet in-room dining option that allows you to celebrate in private. Another major benefit of staying at a hotel is getting close access to local events, as many hotels are situated directly along parade routes in cities like New York and Chicago.
Which Cities Have Thanksgiving Parades Worth Visiting?
The most famous is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, known for its massive balloons, live performances, and celebrity guests. In Chicago, you’ll find a grand celebration with a rich history that features drumlines, dance, and diverse culture. While much smaller, Plymouth, Massachusetts, offers a historically accurate parade about the first Thanksgiving.