Looking for the best Thanksgiving vacation destinations to spend the long weekend in style? Whether you're dreaming of a cozy cabin with a fire-lit Thanksgiving feast, a luxurious coastal retreat for quality time with extended family, or a last-minute Thanksgiving getaway filled with outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered.
At Wander, we believe the Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time to unwind, reconnect, and explore someplace new. From traditional Thanksgiving dinners in charming small towns to festive events in iconic cities, here are the best places to go for Thanksgiving in the USA.
Highlights: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Black Friday shopping
You can’t talk about Thanksgiving vacation ideas without mentioning NYC. Nothing beats watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade live from the streets of Manhattan. See the giant balloons, marching bands, and celebrity performances up close. It's totally worth bundling up for.
Spend Thanksgiving afternoon ice skating in Central Park, then enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal at iconic restaurants like Tavern on the Green or Bubby’s. Stick around for the Rockefeller Center tree lighting and unbeatable Black Friday shopping in SoHo or along 5th Avenue.
Wander stay idea: Wander Catskills Creek, a luxury chalet just outside New York City that gives you easy access to the buzz without the crowds.
Highlights: Wine country, Thanksgiving meal with a view, stunning fall foliage, spa treatments
For a peaceful holiday vacation, head to Napa Valley during Thanksgiving week. The vibrant fall foliage is still on display, and you’ll find many wineries offering Thanksgiving wine pairings and seasonal menus.
Explore boutique hotels and luxury vacation rentals tucked among the vineyards, and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with a modern California twist. Think turkey with pinot noir cranberry sauce.
Relax with spa treatments, go on a scenic drive through wine country, or take a hot air balloon ride over the valley.
Wander stay idea: Wander Calistoga Valley, a premium home with mountain views, a fireplace, and a chef’s kitchen for a DIY Thanksgiving feast.
Highlights: Southern hospitality, cobblestone streets, outdoor dining, historic charm
Looking to celebrate Thanksgiving in a picturesque town with Southern hospitality? Charleston in South Carolina offers a slower pace and warm weather even in late November. Stroll down King Street, shop local boutiques, and explore historic homes decked out for the holiday season.
Feast on a Southern-style Thanksgiving meal. Think cornbread stuffing, collard greens, and sweet potato pie. Many restaurants also offer seafood-forward Thanksgiving dinners with oysters or fresh shrimp.
Wander stay idea: Wander Surfside Beach, a luxury beach rental 90 minutes down the coast, lets you enjoy ocean views and cultural charm.
Highlights: Ski season, mountain views, Thanksgiving Day skiing, cozy winter cabin vibe
Park City kicks off its ski season around Thanksgiving weekend, making it a dream Thanksgiving trip for snow lovers. Spend your holiday skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating at Park City Mountain Resort.
After a day in the snow, warm up by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in your rental or at one of Utah's rustic fine-dining spots.
Highlights: Fall hikes, national parks, rock climbing, rustic Thanksgiving getaway
For outdoor activities and scenic beauty, a Thanksgiving vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains is hard to beat. Explore miles of hiking trails, spot wildlife, or try rock climbing before gathering for a traditional Thanksgiving feast in your rental cabin in Tennessee or North Carolina.
It’s also a great option for an extended family Thanksgiving, with space for everyone and plenty of nearby attractions, such as Dollywood or Gatlinburg’s Festival of Trees.
Wander stay idea: Wander Smoky Mountains Timber, a secluded cabin with forest views, a fire pit, and a fully equipped kitchen for hosting your own Thanksgiving dinner.
Highlights: Beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, outdoor adventures, vibrant food scene
Swap turkey for tacos and pumpkin pie for fresh Pacific catch. Thanksgiving in San Diego offers sunshine, beautiful beaches, and easy access to everything from La Jolla Cove to the Gaslamp Quarter.
Spend the weekend kayaking, whale watching, or hiking coastal trails before indulging in a Thanksgiving meal at one of the city’s many restaurants. Or enjoy a home-cooked Thanksgiving feast on your private terrace with ocean views.
Wander stay idea: Wander Palomar Mountain, a luxurious retreat nestled high in the mountains with a hot tub, incredible views, and cozy fireplace.
Highlights: Winter sports, upscale mountain dining, Thanksgiving Day parade, spa days
Looking for a luxurious Thanksgiving holiday in the Colorado mountains? Aspen’s 12 Days of Aspen celebration begins in late November with festive events, ice skating, and upscale après-ski.
You can ski on Thanksgiving Day, then enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal at a slope-side lodge or gourmet alpine restaurant.
Highlights: Coastal elegance, cobblestone streets, charming small towns, boat parades
For Thanksgiving vacation ideas with charm, history, and coastal beauty, Newport is a hidden gem. Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in a Gilded Age mansion or dine at one of the many elegant seaside bistros.
Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season in Newport, with events like the Illuminated Boat Parade and ice skating by the harbor.
Highlights: Mountain views, fall foliage, apple orchards, peaceful escapes, outdoor adventures
For a cozy, small-town Thanksgiving getaway, Ellijay in North Georgia delivers crisp mountain air, golden forests, and Southern hospitality in spades.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming town is perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking to unplug during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Wander stay idea: Wander Ellijay Falls, an enchanting escape set above a private waterfall, with a hot tub, forest views, and a multi-game arcade.
Highlights: Beachside Thanksgiving, volcano hikes, outdoor adventures, tropical escape
If you’re after Thanksgiving vacation ideas that skip the cold, Hawaii delivers. On the Big Island, you can spend Thanksgiving paddleboarding in the morning, hiking volcanoes in the afternoon, and dining on a fresh-caught Thanksgiving meal by sunset.
Many boutique hotels and luxury vacation rentals host chef-led Thanksgiving feasts with tropical flair, or you can prepare your own in a spacious, oceanview home.
Wander Stay Idea: Wander Kona Bay, a luxe oceanfront rental with a pool, BBQ, and everything you need to enjoy a warm-weather holiday vacation.
Book early: Thanksgiving is a busy travel period. Start planning your trip at least 2–3 months in advance for the best rates and availability.
Skip the airport: Wander offers road trip-friendly destinations across the U.S. for those who want to avoid airport chaos.
Add extra days: Turn Thanksgiving weekend into a long weekend or full Thanksgiving week vacation for less stress and more time to relax.
Make it yours: From spa treatments to personal chef services, Wander’s luxury vacation rentals offer hotel-level comfort and unique amenities.
Whether you're craving a cozy cabin in the mountains, a stylish wine country retreat, or a beachfront hideaway, these Thanksgiving vacation destinations will help you create unforgettable memories with the ones you love. Skip the stress, ditch the dishes, and discover a new way to celebrate Thanksgiving with Wander.
Ready to spend Thanksgiving in luxury? Explore Wander’s Thanksgiving vacation rentals across America and start planning your holiday bucket list trip today.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
