30 Places to Spend Thanksgiving That Are *Way* Better Than Your Hometown
Sorry, but we said what we said.
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
Potentially unpopular opinion: you don't have to go home for Thanksgiving. I know, I know, you feel like you should be catching up with family, but if you'll see them all for Christmas or Hanukkah a few weeks later, consider this your official permission slip to skip out on the usual festivities this year. Instead, make the most of your days off with a well-deserved vacation for Turkey Day 2023. You can even take your fam with you! If the idea of this makes you breathe a sigh of relief, keep reading. Because I went ahead and found 30 of the best places to spend Thanksgiving in the U.S.A. (and one spot just outside it!) this year.
Now for the fun part: where should you go?! You could visit a city you've always dreamed of going to, like New York City; soak up the sun and sand in a beachy spot like Boca Raton; or take advantage of the slower tourist season in hotspots like Newport or Nashville. If you're looking for a cute small-town Thanksgiving trip, I also found tonnns of places for you to do your Rory Gilmore cosplay this holiday, too. Best of all, no matter where you pick, I've highlighted spots that have a Thanksgiving dinner menu or other Thanksgiving-related activities, so you don't feel like you're missing out too much on the traditional elements of the holiday.
Without further ado, here are the best places to travel for Thanksgiving this year. You can thank me (heh) later!
San Francisco, California
Head to the West Coast for Thanksgiving this year and take in the city by the bay. You can stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge before heading to the Presidio for some more breathtaking views. Then, go to Golden Gate Park for the last of the season's fall foliage. When you're ready to relax, get thyself to The Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco for their three-course pre-fixe Thanksgiving menu.
Sonoma, California
If you're less into a city vibe this Thanksgiving, head about an hour north from San Francisco to Sonoma. Spend a day or two tasting alllll the wine before enjoying a Thanksgiving feast at the historic Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. You'll be served a three-course meal along with Sommelier-recommended wine pairings (obviously!!).
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Fun fact: Philadelphia is home to the nation's oldest Thanksgiving Day parade! If you're lucky, you might spot it from your balcony at The Logan, a hotel offering a cute Holiday Host Recovery Retreat package at their spa designed for those who are totally over hosting this year. Just think of how grateful you'll be for that massage...
Nashville, Tennesee
IYKYK: Nashville is an incredible food destination. You'll have no shortage of options for Thanksgiving dinner (especially if you're in the mood for BBQ), but if you're looking for a traditional feast, head to the Commons Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville. You can choose between a delicious dine-in experience or a to-go Thanksgiving din for four.
Essex, Vermont
Located about 20 minutes from downtown Burlington, Essex might be the most romantic place to spend Thanksgiving. You and your person can enjoy some gorgeous hiking trails—and possibly catch the last of the season's fall colors—before heading back to the Essex Resort and Spa for a dip in the hot tub and a couples' massage. For your Thanksgiving dinner, enjoy a meal at one of their two onsite restaurants, or just grab one of their homemade pies and take it back to your room.
New York, New York
There's nothing like New York in the fall. This year, you should join the crowds and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in person before heading back downtown to your room at The Standard, East Village for a Thanksgiving feast. You'll get to enjoy a specialty three-course menu in their new retro-inspired pop-up, Partridge.
Boca Raton, Florida
Not one for the chilly late November temps? Me neither. That's why Florida's Palm Beaches are the place to be this Thanksgiving. And if I were you, I'd book my Thankgiving resy at The Boca Raton ASAP. You'll get to enjoy carved turkey, a seafood bar, and, best of all, a premium open bar.
Asbury Park, New Jersey
This stretch of coastline might be busiest in the summer, but don't overlook it as a Thanksgiving destination. Book yourself in at the Asbury Ocean Club, then head to Tim McLoone’s Supper Club for an elevated buffet situation for Thanksgiving dinner (there's a turkey, roast beef, and spiral ham!). Afterward, get yourself a massage at the hotel's spa or try a yoga sesh in the studio.
Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania
Head here for the most idyllic Thanksgiving you've ever had. The Poconos region has tons to do, from shopping to breweries to ziplining and so much more. You won't have a hard time finding restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner, but the one I'm drooling over is the farm-to-table Thanksgiving dinner at the Settlers Inn in Hawley, Pennsylvania.
Bend, Oregon
Oregon is beautiful any time of year, late November included. There's plenty to keep you busy in Bend, like the famous Bend Ale Trail, where you can sample all the craft beers you can handle. But on Thanksgiving Day, you'll want to head to Juniper Preserve. If last year's decor is any indication, they'll be going all out for their Thanksgiving feast in 2023. The next day, head to Mount Bachelor with your snowshoes or skis for the first day of the winter season.
Leavenworth, Washington
If you're the type to have your Christmas lights hung way before Thanksgiving, I've got the perfect town for you. Leavenworth, Washington, is a kitschy Bavarian-esque town known for their winter festivities. Starting November 24, they light over half a million Christmas lights from 6 am until 11 pm each day. I recommend staying at the Bavarian Lodge, located right across from the village center, for the ultimate winter wonderland vibes.
Sedona, Arizona
This year, I'm thankful for jaw-dropping sunsets, panoramic red rock views, and luxe resorts. You will be too, once you book a room at the Amara Resort and Spa in Sedona, Arizona. Spend a few days relaxing by the pool and indulging in spa treatments (maybe throw a hike in there too!) before enjoying the resort's Thanksgiving dinner at the SaltRock Southwest Kitchen. The special menu, like everything else about this resort, is downright drool-worthy.
West Yellowstone, Montana
Less into spas and more into skiing? I gotchu. The Yellowstone Ski Festival happens during Thanksgiving week and is perfect for all you adventurers out there. You can participate in ski clinics, compete in races, and peruse the latest ski gear, among other activities. When you're ready to crash, the Golden Stone Inn is a quiet and comfortable spot where you can cozy up by the fire and catch some ZZZs before heading back out.
New Providence, Bahamas
Head to the Bahamas this Thanksgiving for the most relaxing Turkey Day of your life. Baha Mar, a massive resort on the island of New Providence, has plenty of attractions— including Kendall Jenner's 818 Shack (casual), golf courses, rum distillery tours, spas, and a waterpark—and, of course, all the poolside and beach lounging you could want. If you're like "Yeah, but I kinda want a real Thanksgiving dinner," you're in luck: you can book a reservation for a gourmet turkey sitch at the Rosewood Baha Mar's Café Boulud.
Mystic, Connecticut
*Cue the Gilmore Girls theme song.* The cozy Connecticut town of Mystic is the perfect place to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, if you ask me! Start the trip with some apple cider donuts at B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill, aka the last steam-powered cider mill in the United States. Then, for Thanksgiving, enjoy classic Turkey Day fare like roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, and pies by getting yourself a table at the Inn at Mystic (which, btw, is also where you should stay).
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The charming town of Gatlinburg is definitely worth a fall visit (I mean, look at those trees!). Visit around Thanksgiving and you can enjoy less-crowded trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, go snow tubing at Ober Mountain, and take in the first of the season's Christmas events. As a noted Margaritaville stan, may I suggest staying at the franchise's Gatlinburg property? That way you can start your Thanksgiving feast with a piña colada or two.
Catskill, New York
Looking to get out of NYC, but don't wanna get on a plane? There are a ton of getaways within driving distance, including Kenoza Hall, a cozy and historic hotel with access to the Catskills Mountains. Cuddle up with a book by the fire or head out on one of the property's trails that winds around Kenoza Lake. For Thanksgiving dinner, you'll get to enjoy a special prix fixe menu at their onsite restaurant.
Charleston, South Carolina
If Thanksgiving is just going to be you and your mom this year, we can't think of a better place to go than Charleston. Treat her to a luxury stay at Hotel Bennett, where you can start the day with a Thanksgiving brunch complete with seafood towers and carving stations along with classic breakfast fare. If I were you, I'd laze the rest of the day away on the beach at the Isle of Palms. Best daughter ever award goes to you!
Austin, Texas
Everything's bigger in Texas, and Thanksgiving is all about going big, right?! Austin is one of the most fun cities in the country, so if you're after a good time, you're looking in the right direction. I recommend staying at the Canopy by Hilton Austin Downtown if you want to be right in the middle of the action (aka on bustlin' Sixth Street), and grabbing a non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Eberly, one of my fave restaurants of all time.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Sante Fe is a gorgeous choice for a Thanksgiving getaway, especially if you’re looking for a place that’s rich in culture. From the museums (note the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Museum of International Folk Art) to the vibrant Canyon Road (basically a half-mile stretch filled with art galleries, shops, and great food), you’ll probs have a hard time going back to real life come Monday. Willing to ball out a little on accommodations? The Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi is in a prime location and has kiva fireplaces in every room. It deserves every single one of its five stars.
Readers Also Read
50 Unique Christmas Gift Ideas Worth Bookmarking
White Elephant Gift Ideas That Are $25 (or Less)
56 Gifts Teen Boys Will Actually Think Are Cool
58 Stocking Stuffers for All the Men in Your Life
