Places to Go on Thanksgiving
I find that some years, the best way to give thanks is by going somewhere new. Not a big production, just a new town, a peaceful trail, and a cozy meal in a different place.
We’ve spent a week for Thanksgiving in places where the leaves still clung to the branches, on the tropical beaches, and in chilly destinations surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. Here are my absolute favorites to help jumpstart your holiday plans. I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Memphis
Memphis is one of my favorite places for Thanksgiving because it offers a bit of everything. it’s easy to get to, you can enjoy crisp fall weather, and yet the days are still pleasantly warm.
We flew in for a long weekend and explored the city’s blend of music history, soulful food, and cultural landmarks. I toured Graceland (of course!), strolled down legendary Beale Street, visited the National Civil Rights Museum, and took a walk along the Mississippi Riverfront. I also couldn’t resist sampling Memphis barbecue at Central BBQ. We based ourselves at The Peabody Memphis for this Thanksgiving trip which was a highlight. We ate Thanksgiving Brunch at The Peabody ($108 per adult, reservations required). There was so much to choose from: appetizers, salads, entrées, side dishes, and desserts.
- Location: Southwestern Tennessee
- Average temperature: 46°F – 64°F (8°C – 18°C)
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My highlight was a stroll through Shelby Farms Park admiring fall foliage.
2. Fayetteville, NC
Our Thanksgiving trip in Fayetteville began with a walk through Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Autumn leaves fluttered through the crisp air. Just an hour from Raleigh, it was an easy day trip. The weather was crisp but not too cold... perfect for exploring outdoors while still enjoying cozy evenings indoors. The city had just started putting up festive lights, and there was a cheerful holiday buzz without the heavy December crowds.
I slipped into Arsaga's Coffee for a delicious warm coffee. I walked through the Historic Downtown and I stopped into the Airborne & Special Operations Museum which reminded me of what courage and sacrifice look like when the world feels uncertain.
I found Fayetteville delightfully relaxed, the ideal mix of Southern hospitality, history, and outdoor adventure. I drove in for a weekend getaway and mixed it up with history, food, and nature.
- Location: Fayetteville, North Carolina (Sandhills region)
- Average temperature: 42°F – 64°F (6°C – 18°C)
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Local Tip: Ellas' Table serves a great Thanksgiving Buffet ($68 Per Adult) that's well known among locals and is my personal highlight.
3. Golden, CO
I loved visiting this scenic mountain town just west of Denver in late November. Several nearby resorts were opening lifts, and I could enjoy the early-season skiing vibe. Golden itself felt wonderfully cozy: the streets strung with festive lights, bars and restaurants humming, and local attractions in full swing. It made the perfect quick Thanksgiving getaway from Denver (just a 25-minute drive), and while the skiing scene is close by, the town offers plenty to fill your days if you’re looking for more than snow.
We checked into The Golden Hotel ($225) for two days. We had reservation at the hotel's Bridgewater Grill for their annual Thanksgiving Day Buffet. My plate was stacked with turkey and stuffing, but it was the roasted root vegetables that I kept thinking about later.
You can check out the Colorado Railroad Museum, visit the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave and tour the Coors Brewery.
- Location: Golden, Colorado (at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains)
- Average temperature: 27°F – 52°F (-3°C – 11°C)
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Hiking up Lookout Mountain for sweeping views over Denver and the plains was my personal highlight.
Local tip: There are many affordable hotels in Golden (from $76) if The Golden Hotel is sold out.
A downside? Parking was tricky in Golden around Thanksgiving.
4. Hudson, NY
I loved visiting this charming Hudson Valley town at the end of November while I lived in NYC, usually arriving by train from Manhattan which was fast and low stress (2 hours by train, $33 one way). By then, the fall foliage had just given way to a crisp early-winter atmosphere, with twinkling holiday lights going up and a cozy, artsy vibe everywhere.
Thanksgiving was surprisingly quiet, after peak leaf-peeping crowds had gone but before the full holiday bustle. Hudson was the perfect mix of history, creativity, and small-town warmth, all within easy reach of New York City. booked a room at The Wick, Hudson for two nights, located in a thoughtfully restored 1860s candle factory. The hotel was just a block from the Amtrak station which made travel easy.
- Location: Hudson, New York (Hudson Valley, along the Hudson River)
- Average temperature: 33°F – 51°F (1°C – 11°C)
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My personal highlight was catching views of the Hudson River and Catskills from Promenade Hill Park.
5. Fort Pierce
November was actually the best time to visit this historic coastal city on Florida’s Treasure Coast! The weather was warm yet mild, with sea breezes off the Atlantic keeping it comfortable. While there weren’t autumn leaves, the palm-lined streets, golden sunsets, and holiday lights gave everything a festive charm. I loved that it felt quieter than peak winter season, making strolls and dining more relaxed.
My favorites included the Fairgrounds Festival of Lights, the lively local farmer’s markets with fall produce, the family-friendly Thanksgiving turkey giveaways, and the holiday kickoff events downtown with live music and craft stalls. I flew into Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) and drove up the coast for a short Thanksgiving break. We spent to days at Hutchinson Island Plaza Hotel & Suites ($179). and had an early Thanksgiving dinner at Manatee Island Bar and Grille ($45 for adults, $22.50 for kids). You'll need a reservation and spots sell out early.
- Location: Fort Pierce, Florida (Treasure Coast, Atlantic Coast of Florida)
- Average temperature: 65°F – 79°F (18°C – 26°C)
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I strolled around the historic downtown, watched a dazzling sunrise at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, explored the mangroves of the Indian River Lagoon by kayak, and took a scenic boat tour to spot dolphins and manatees. My highlight was the farmers market that felt like a neighborhood gathering.
6. Rancho Palos Verdes
I vacationed in the stunning coastal city of Rancho Palos Verdes this month and found the weather to be pleasantly mild and sunny, perfect for outdoor adventures without the intense summer crowds. It was an ideal time for hiking, tide pooling, and enjoying the serene ocean views in peace.
I think that Rancho Palos Verdes is one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving. Why? From outdoor concerts to seasonal art fairs and farmer’s markets this town offers the best of coastal lifestyle. I flew into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and drove about 40 minutes to my stay at the elegant 4-star Terranea Resort. We spent a relaxing three days exploring nearby coastal gems. My favorite spots werePalos Verdes Nature Preserve, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park for tide pools, Portuguese Bend Reserve for panoramic hikes, and Pelican Cove Park for its rugged beauty.
- Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, California (Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles County)
- Average temperature: 55°F – 70°F (13°C – 21°C)
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My highlight was the Palos Verdes Scenic Drive which offered one of the most breathtaking coastal routes we’ve ever taken.
7. Athens, GA
Athens, Georgia Thanksgiving meant plenty of sunny days but without the heavy summer heat and humidity. It was the perfect season to stroll through the historic streets, explore the lively downtown, and enjoy the city’s rich mix of music, food, and culture at a relaxed pace. I walked through the historic North Campus of the University of Georgia, checked out Georgia Museum of Art
We flew into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and drove about 90 minutes to Athens. I spent a fun-filled five days staying at the 4-star Hotel Abacus, just a short walk from downtown. My favorite spots ended up being the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, the Georgia Museum of Art, and the laid-back Creature Comforts Brewing Co. I've also visited Athens in October if you decide to get away earlier...it really works!
- Location: Northeastern Georgia
- Average temperature: 42°F – 64°F (6°C – 18°C)
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My personal highlight was exploring art and history at the Georgia Museum of Art and nearby Lyndon House Arts Center, a true local gem.
8. Cambridge, Maryland
We had a relaxing Thanksgiving break in Cambridge, Maryland this month and found the weather to be pleasantly mild and sunny, with cool breezes drifting off the Chesapeake Bay. It was an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors without the heavy summer crowds, perfect for boating, kayaking, and exploring the historic Eastern Shore at a relaxed pace.
We drove about 1 hour 45 minutes east (90 miles) from Washington, D.C., across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Cambridge, one of the oldest colonial towns in Maryland, founded in 1684. Once a thriving shipbuilding and seafood hub, it's historic High Street is stil lined with 18th- and 19th-century homes. We stayed 4 nights at the elegant 4-star Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina, where I relaxed by the water, enjoyed the pool and spa, and dined on fresh seafood. My favorite spots included the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center (a short drive away), Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching and wildlife, and Long Wharf Park for serene river views. The Choptank Lighthouse was another highlight.
- Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland, Mid-Atlantic United States
- Average temperature: 34°F – 79°F (1°C – 26°C)
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We had our Thanksgiving meal at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay which was a highlight for me. We spent the night at the hotel as well. I really enjoyed the hotel's location right on the water.
9. Malvern, PA
I'm not an expert on Malvern, PA because we were just passing through as part of a longer two week Thanksgiving road trip, but it was such a cool spot during this time of year with comfortably mild weather that I'm including it. We drove about 45 minutes west from Philadelphia to Malvern, a Chester County town with deep Revolutionary War roots. My favorite spots included Valley Forge National Historical Park (just a short drive away), the scenic Chester Valley Trail for biking and walking, and the quaint King Street shops and cafés in downtown Malvern.
- Location: Southeastern Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic United States
- Average temperature: 28°F – 85°F (-2°C – 29°C)
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For me, the highlight was Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden, a hidden gem. We had lunch at The Classic Diner, where I ordered brioche French toast topped with fresh berries and vanilla mascarpone. It was soft, warm, and fragrant, like something meant to comfort. Coffee steamed beside it, and I let time stretch out over a second cup.
10. Big Island of Hawaii
I think that Hawaii is one of the absolute best places to visit on Thanksgiving. Why? The islands have perfect weather, a relaxed family-friendly vibe and wonderful activities to enjoy. While we lived on the Big Island in 2015, our friends reminded us a few weeks before Thanksgiving to book our seats at the Mauna Lani Thanksgiving buffet because they sell out quickly. The sun dipped low over the Pacific as I arrived at the restaurant.
On Thanksgiving, we usually met outside, watched the sunset, then sat down at our table inside. The evening air smelled of plumeria and roasted herbs, blending holiday tradition with island rhythm.
At the buffet, slices of roasted turkey were paired with lilikoi glaze which were always my highlight. Sweet potatoes came baked with coconut and macadamia nuts. I tasted poke seasoned with sesame and ginger, ahi so fresh it melted like butter, and then spooned onto my plate haupia pudding, creamy with coconut and cool on the tongue.
- Location: Hawaiian Islands, Central Pacific
- Average temperature: 64°F – 80°F (18°C – 27°C)
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My highlight was the way the resort blended Hawaiian flavors with Thanksgiving staples. I admired the familiar comfort transformed by local touch.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving with my family on the road is all about addition to our memories. From the coastal cliffs of California to the quiet charm of Hudson, each stop new to reminisce about the year after.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
