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When planning Thanksgiving travel, determining the best places to visit during Thanksgiving can transform your holiday from ordinary dinner at home to an unforgettable getaway. The short answer: America offers diverse options from traditional celebrations in New England to warm beach escapes in Florida, budget-friendly cities to luxury resort destinations, but with caveats. While some destinations spike in prices during Thanksgiving week, others offer exceptional value during this shoulder season. In this guide, we’ll explore every aspect of Thanksgiving destinations, from the best places to visit during Thanksgiving in USA and cheap alternatives to family-friendly spots and romantic getaways, helping you plan the perfect Thanksgiving vacation whether traveling for the long weekend or the entire week.
Why Thanksgiving Is the Perfect Time to Travel
Thanksgiving travel combines extended time off with manageable crowds at many destinations. The four-day Thanksgiving weekend and full Thanksgiving week allow longer trips without using excessive vacation days. November weather remains pleasant in southern states while northern destinations embrace cozy fall atmosphere. Many attractions offer special Thanksgiving programming, from parades and festivals to holiday markets and themed events.
Additionally, Thanksgiving week marks shoulder season for many destinations, meaning lower hotel rates and airfare compared to peak summer or Christmas holidays, except for major cities hosting iconic parades. This makes it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers seeking where to go for Thanksgiving without breaking the bank.
Best Places to Visit During Thanksgiving in USA
The best places to visit in USA during Thanksgiving span coast to coast, offering experiences for every travel style and budget.
New York City, New York
New York City reigns as the ultimate Thanksgiving destination, anchored by the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The city is famous for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with its skyline buzzing with holiday energy. Witness giant balloons, marching bands, and spectacular floats traveling from Central Park West to Macy’s Herald Square.
Beyond the parade, NYC offers world-class museums, Broadway shows, Rockefeller Center ice skating, and restaurants serving special Thanksgiving menus. The city’s festive atmosphere, twinkling lights, and holiday window displays at Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s create magical experiences.
Thanksgiving Travel Tip: Book hotels months in advance as NYC fills quickly. Arrive at parade viewing spots by 6-7 AM for good positions along the route.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston combines Southern charm with comfortable November weather averaging 65°F. Historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and Low country cuisine create romantic atmosphere perfect for Thanksgiving getaways. Plantation tours, harbor cruises, and culinary experiences showcase Charleston’s rich history and hospitality.
The city’s walkable downtown allows easy exploration of Rainbow Row, historic churches, and waterfront parks. Thanksgiving dinner at traditional Southern restaurants offers regional specialties like she-crab soup and shrimp and grits.
San Diego, California
San Diego delivers perfect Thanksgiving weather with 68°F temperatures and sunshine. The San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park museums, La Jolla beaches, and craft brewery scene provide diverse activities for families and groups.
November marks whale-watching season off San Diego’s coast, adding unique experiences to typical beach city attractions. The relaxed California vibe makes San Diego ideal for stress-free Thanksgiving vacations.
Nashville, Tennessee
Music City embraces Thanksgiving with live music, Southern comfort food, and festive atmosphere. Honky-tonks on Broadway, the Grand Ole Opry, and country music history attractions entertain visitors year-round.
Nashville’s affordability compared to coastal cities makes it one of the cheap places to visit during Thanksgiving in USA. Hotel rates remain reasonable, and the city’s food scene offers everything from hot chicken to upscale Southern cuisine at accessible prices.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah offers historical beauty where visitors can take a riverboat cruise, visit charming squares, and enjoy candlelit dinners in romantic restaurants. Spanish moss-draped oaks, historic squares, and antebellum architecture create atmospheric Southern experiences.
November weather remains comfortable for walking tours, ghost tours, and outdoor dining. Savannah’s compact historic district makes exploration easy, while nearby Tybee Island offers beach access for warm-weather lovers.
Best Places to Visit During Thanksgiving Week
For those with the entire Thanksgiving week available, these destinations offer enough activities to justify extended stays.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando’s theme parks including Disneyland in California and Orlando’s attractions offer family-friendly destinations for Thanksgiving. Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld host special Thanksgiving celebrations with holiday-themed shows, parades, and dining experiences.
November marks the start of holiday season at theme parks, with decorations and festivities ramping up without peak Christmas crowds. Pleasant 75°F weather allows comfortable park exploration, and Thanksgiving week hotel deals offset parade-week premium pricing in other cities.
Hawaii (Maui, Oahu, Kauai)
Hawaii offers warm places to visit during Thanksgiving with a mix of relaxation and festive activities. Trade turkey for fresh seafood and pumpkin pie for haupia at resort luaus offering special Thanksgiving feasts with Pacific flair.
Hawaiian islands provide perfect escape from winter weather with 80°F temperatures, beach activities, hiking, and cultural experiences. While expensive, package deals during Thanksgiving week can offer value compared to peak winter season.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
November is one of the prime budget-friendly times to visit Grand Canyon National Park, offering mild weather and great opportunity to explore stunning landmarks. South Rim remains accessible with comfortable hiking temperatures and smaller crowds than summer months.
Desert Southwest clarity creates spectacular photography conditions, and the Grand Canyon’s majesty provides perspective on life’s blessings during Thanksgiving reflection.
New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine)
Traditional Thanksgiving atmosphere thrives in New England’s covered bridges, colonial towns, and fall foliage remnants. Vermont’s countryside, Portland Maine’s culinary scene, and White Mountains hiking offer quintessential American holiday experiences.
November weather requires warm layers, but cozy inns with fireplaces and authentic New England hospitality create memorable Thanksgiving getaways.
Best Places to Visit During Thanksgiving Weekend
For shorter Thanksgiving weekend trips, these destinations maximize experiences in 3-4 days.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas transforms into entertainment hub during Thanksgiving weekend with shows, concerts, and special events. Casino resorts offer Thanksgiving buffets showcasing excess with dozens of dishes beyond traditional turkey.
November weather remains pleasant at 60°F, allowing comfortable poolside lounging and exploring the Strip. Las Vegas’s 24/7 energy and diverse entertainment suit groups seeking non-traditional celebrations.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital offers free Smithsonian museums, monuments, and historical sites perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Museums of the Smithsonian Institution are all free DC activities, providing world-class culture without admission costs.
November weather averages 50°F, comfortable for walking between attractions. Hotels offer better rates than peak spring cherry blossom season, making D.C. excellent value for Thanksgiving weekend cultural immersion.
Austin, Texas
Austin’s live music scene, food trucks, and outdoor activities make it ideal for active Thanksgiving weekend getaways. Pleasant 70°F weather allows kayaking on Lady Bird Lake, hiking Barton Creek trails, and exploring the University of Texas campus.
The city’s informal vibe and reasonable prices (compared to coastal destinations) make Austin accessible for budget travelers seeking where to go for Thanksgiving without formality.
Phoenix & Sedona, Arizona
Desert Southwest offers warm 72°F temperatures perfect for escaping northern cold. Phoenix provides urban amenities, golf courses, and hiking in Camelback Mountain, while nearby Sedona showcases red rock landscapes and spiritual retreats.
November marks ideal weather before peak winter season drives up resort prices, making this Thanksgiving weekend window excellent value for warm-weather seekers.
Cheap Places to Visit During Thanksgiving in USA
Budget-conscious travelers find excellent Thanksgiving vacation ideas without premium pricing at these destinations.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving because November is the off season for tourists, making it less crowded but with pleasant temperatures. Beach access, golf courses, and outlet shopping provide affordable entertainment.
Hotel rates drop significantly from summer highs, and many restaurants offer Thanksgiving specials at reasonable prices. The 60-mile Grand Strand coastline allows exploration of multiple beach towns.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio’s River Walk, The Alamo, and Mission Trail offer free or low-cost attractions. Tex-Mex cuisine provides delicious, affordable dining, and the city’s cultural festivals often coincide with Thanksgiving week.
Budget hotels and vacation rentals make San Antonio one of the cheap places to visit during Thanksgiving in USA, especially for families seeking places in November USA with history and culture.
Asheville, North Carolina
Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop, craft breweries, and Biltmore Estate tours create affordable mountain getaway. November sees reduced tourist crowds, making popular attractions more accessible.
Downtown Asheville’s walkability minimizes transportation costs, while local food scene offers quality dining at reasonable prices. Fall foliage remnants add natural beauty to budget-friendly explorations.
New Orleans, Louisiana
While November temperatures average 68°F, New Orleans’s off-season pricing makes luxury accessible. French Quarter architecture, live jazz, beignets at Café du Monde, and vibrant culture provide rich experiences.
Many restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus blending Creole traditions with turkey day classics. The city’s compact French Quarter allows walking tours discovering history and culture without expensive organized excursions.
Places to Visit in November USA Beyond Thanksgiving
For those avoiding Thanksgiving travel crowds, these places in November USA offer excellent experiences just before or after the holiday.
Death Valley, California: November brings perfect desert weather for exploring America’s hottest, driest national park without summer’s extreme temperatures.
Moab, Utah: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks offer stunning red rock landscapes with comfortable hiking weather and reduced crowds.
Scottsdale, Arizona: Golf resorts, spas, and desert attractions provide luxury at pre-peak-season rates in November.
Florida Keys: Warm 78°F weather, excellent fishing, and laid-back island atmosphere make the Keys ideal for November beach escapes.
Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas for Families
Family-friendly Thanksgiving getaways balance activities for all ages with holiday traditions.
Williamsburg, Virginia: Colonial history comes alive at restored 18th-century village. Kids learn through interactive exhibits while families enjoy Thanksgiving feasts at historic taverns.
Branson, Missouri: Family shows, Silver Dollar City theme park, and Ozark Mountains create affordable entertainment hub. Many attractions offer Thanksgiving weekend specials.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides free outdoor adventures. The mountain town offers attractions, mini golf, and seasonal events suitable for children.
San Diego, California: Zoo, beaches, and museums satisfy varied family interests with pleasant weather and diverse attractions clustered conveniently.
Warm Places for Thanksgiving Travel
Escape cold weather with these warm Thanksgiving destinations offering beach relaxation and outdoor activities.
Warm places to visit during Thanksgiving include Florida, Hawaii, and California, providing sunshine alternatives to traditional autumn celebrations.
Miami, Florida: 78°F temperatures, South Beach energy, and multicultural dining create vibrant holiday alternatives.
Palm Springs, California: Desert resort town offers pools, spas, mid-century architecture, and 75°F weather perfect for relaxation.
Caribbean (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands): No passport required for US citizens visiting these territories offering tropical Thanksgiving escapes with beaches and resorts.
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For more travel insights and detailed destination guides, explore Radical Storage’s Travel Blog.
Planning Your Thanksgiving Travel
Book Early: Thanksgiving ranks among busiest travel periods. Reserve flights and hotels 2-3 months ahead for best availability and pricing.
Consider Tuesday/Wednesday Travel: Flying on Thanksgiving Day itself often offers lower fares and fewer crowds than peak Wednesday before or Sunday after.
Flexibility Pays: Being open to alternative destinations or dates can save hundreds on travel costs.
Package Deals: All-inclusive Thanksgiving packages sometimes offer better value than booking components separately.
Check Weather: November conditions vary dramatically from Minnesota snow to Florida beaches. Pack accordingly.
Make Dining Reservations: Many restaurants close on Thanksgiving Day, while others require advance reservations for special holiday menus.
Explore Expedia’s Thanksgiving getaway deals for current travel packages and inspiration.
Best Places to Visit During Thanksgiving: Final Thoughts
After exploring destinations from New York’s parade to Florida’s beaches, mountain retreats to desert escapes, we conclude that the best places to visit during Thanksgiving depend entirely on your priorities, traditional celebrations, warm weather, budget constraints, or family activities. For those seeking iconic American holiday experiences, New York City and New England deliver expectations. However, Thanksgiving’s true flexibility reveals itself through diverse options accommodating every travel style.
Key Takeaways:
- Traditional vs. Alternative: Best places to visit in USA during Thanksgiving range from parade cities to beach escapes, offering choices between conventional and unconventional celebrations.
- Budget Options: Cheap places to visit during Thanksgiving in USA include Southern cities, Southwest destinations, and anywhere during off-peak travel days.
- Extended Stays: Thanksgiving week allows exploration of major destinations like Orlando, Hawaii, and Grand Canyon with sufficient time for comprehensive experiences.
- Weekend Getaways: Thanksgiving weekend suits nearby destinations like Austin, Washington D.C., and Las Vegas for quick escapes without extensive travel time.
- Warm Weather Appeal: Places in November USA offering sunshine include Florida, Southern California, Arizona, and Texas, perfect for avoiding early winter cold.
Whether drawn to Macy’s Parade balloons, Hawaiian beaches, Southern hospitality, or National Park adventures, where to go for Thanksgiving ultimately depends on personal preferences and circumstances. The best Thanksgiving getaways balance accessibility, weather, activities, and budget to create memorable holiday experiences beyond traditional dining room tables.
Thanksgiving travel transforms routine holiday into adventure, providing opportunities for family bonding, cultural exploration, or personal reflection in new settings. Start planning your Thanksgiving vacation ideas using this guide to discover destinations that align with your vision of ideal holiday celebrations.