Top 10 Thanksgiving Travel Destinations USA (2024)
Charles (Chuck) Sieber
10/31/2024
Looking to escape the ordinary Thanksgiving traditions and dive into a recreational adventure? Here are the top 10 Thanksgiving travel destinations within the USA and its territories for 2024. From bustling cities to cozy mountain towns and sunny beaches, these locations have everything you need for a memorable holiday. Plus, I’ve included local insights, travel tips, and unique things to do in each spot to ensure you have the best experience possible!
1. New York City, New York
Experience the Big Apple in all its Thanksgiving glory with the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A celebration tradition for 98 years!
Top Experiences
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade: Arrive early for the best view! Standing along Central Park West is prime, but if you want to skip the crowds, consider booking a room in a hotel with a view of the parade route, like Marriott Marquis in Times Square.
Dining: For a classic Thanksgiving dinner with a twist, try The Smith for a hearty meal or Blue Hill for a sustainable, farm-to-table experience.
Beyond Thanksgiving: Check out top spots like the Empire State Building, Broadway, and the Statue of Liberty. For a peaceful break, a walk through Central Park in the crisp fall air is unbeatable. Check out the fall foliage here:
Fall Foliage in New York City, Central Park: Who Knew?!
Fun Fact:
The Macy’s Parade started in 1924, and it originally featured live animals from the Central Park Zoo!
Discover the truth about fall foliage! Unveil the secret behind Central Park's stunning autumn colors in this mind-blowing video. Prepare to have your perception of reality shattered. Explore the vibrant side of New York City's green oasis. Don't miss this revelation! Subscribe for more travel content and explore America's hidden gems on American Travel Fund. Plus, shop unique art and photography on our Red Bubble store. Dive into the beauty of Central Park in the fall from the comfort of your screen.
John Prato, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
2. Aspen, Colorado
For those seeking an early ski season or luxurious mountain getaway, Aspen offers both!
Top Experiences
Skiing: Thanksgiving marks the beginning of Aspen’s ski season. For family-friendly slopes, head to Buttermilk, or if you’re experienced, try Aspen Highlands.
Après-Ski: Grab a warm drink and enjoy the mountain views at Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell.
Local Tip: Want to avoid tourist hotspots? Ask locals for directions to Independence Pass, a lesser-known yet stunning scenic drive.
Fun Fact:
Did you know Aspen is one of the most eco-conscious ski destinations? Many resorts prioritize sustainable practices, and the town itself has a strong environmental commitment!
Credit: Wolfgang Moroder CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
3. Key West, Florida
Swap chilly weather for warm, sandy beaches and soak in Key West’s laid-back vibe.
Top Experiences
Beaches & Ocean Views: Key West’s Casa Marina offers serene beach access and stunning ocean views. November is ideal, as hurricane season winds down, leaving crystal-clear waters.
Seafood Thanksgiving: Try a seafood twist on Thanksgiving dinner at Latitudes, where you can dine with your toes in the sand.
Adventure: For the daring, book a snorkel or dive trip to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where you’ll explore vibrant reefs and shipwrecks.
Fun Fact:
Key West hosts an annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning, perfect for working up an appetite!
4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Tucked in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a family-friendly holiday with Southern charm.
Top Experiences
Great Smoky Thanksgiving and Christmas Arts & Crafts Show: Enjoy unique gifts and crafts made by local artisans. A must-see for early holiday shopping!
Outdoor Adventures: Hike the beautiful fall-colored trails or head to Ober Gatlinburg for skiing and winter sports.
Local Legends: Want a bit of history with your holiday? Take a haunted ghost tour through Gatlinburg’s historic sites.
Fun Fact:
Gatlinburg is one of the most popular destinations for spotting black bears – just make sure to keep a respectful distance!
5. Santa Barbara, California
This sunny spot in California’s wine country combines luxury with stunning coastal views.
Top Experiences
Wine Tasting: Visit the renowned vineyards around Santa Barbara for tastings and a break from traditional holiday fare.
Thanksgiving Dinner with a View: The coastal views from El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel make it a perfect place to enjoy a chef-prepared Thanksgiving meal.
Eco-Friendly Activities: Try out one of the farm-to-table restaurants or eco-conscious wine tours, such as those with Sustainable Wine Tours.
Fun Fact:
Santa Barbara’s nickname is the “American Riviera” because of its stunning coastline and Mediterranean-like climate.
Image by www.traveljunction.com
6. Palm Beach, Florida
With its historic glamour and sunny weather, Palm Beach offers the perfect holiday escape.
Top Experiences
The Breakers: This iconic resort mixes opulence with a rich history dating back to the 1890s. Book a room or simply tour its beautiful grounds.
Outdoor Fun: Spend Thanksgiving morning golfing on one of the area’s top courses or relaxing at the beach.
Shopping: Get a head start on holiday shopping along Worth Avenue, known for its luxury stores and elegant atmosphere.
Fun Fact:
The Breakers has hosted everyone from celebrities to heads of state – you’re walking in famous footsteps!
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
Perfect for travelers seeking excitement, Las Vegas brings fun for all ages.
Top Experiences
Shows & Attractions: Catch a Cirque du Soleil show, visit the Neon Museum, or ride the High Roller observation wheel for the best city views.
Thanksgiving Buffets: Go all out at one of Vegas’s famous buffets. Caesars Palace Bacchanal Buffet is legendary for its Thanksgiving spread!
Thrills: Try something exhilarating like zip-lining over Fremont Street or visiting the Stratosphere for extreme rides.
Fun Fact:
Thanksgiving is one of the best times to visit, with cooler weather and plenty of holiday events!
8. Lanai, Hawaii
Escape to a tranquil Hawaiian island with fewer crowds and endless natural beauty.
Top Experiences
Oceanfront Dining: For a memorable Thanksgiving, enjoy a traditional luau and an oceanfront meal at Four Seasons Lanai.
Adventure & Relaxation: From snorkeling in Hulopoe Bay to exploring ancient petroglyphs, Lanai has a little something for everyone.
Local Tip: Want a quiet beach? Head to Polihua Beach for the ultimate seclusion – just be prepared for a bumpy drive!
Fun Fact:
Lanai was once known as the “Pineapple Island” due to its history of pineapple plantations.
9. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Thanksgiving in Santa Fe blends art, history, and stunning landscapes.
Top Experiences
Winter Indian Market: Discover authentic Native American arts and crafts, ideal for unique holiday gifts.
Art Galleries: Santa Fe is an art lover’s paradise with its famous galleries and unique adobe architecture.
Outdoor Tip: If snow conditions allow, head to Ski Santa Fe for a fun day on the slopes, just a short drive from town.
Fun Fact:
Santa Fe is one of the oldest cities in the USA, with a rich Native American and Spanish heritage.
10. Williamsburg, Virginia
Step back in time with a historical Thanksgiving experience in Williamsburg.
Top Experiences
Colonial Williamsburg: Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal at a colonial tavern and explore the interactive living history exhibits.
Historical Tours: Take a ghost tour or visit nearby Jamestown to learn about the earliest American settlers.
Family-Friendly Fun: Don’t miss Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town, a seasonal theme park with festive lights and rides.
Fun Fact:
The first Thanksgiving proclamation was actually made in Virginia in 1619, a year before the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth!
Planning Tips & Travel Deals
For the best rates, book flights and hotels by early October. Try tools like Hopper or Skyscanner for price tracking. You can also plan around National Park Service free entrance days for budget-friendly trips, especially if you’re heading to destinations like Santa Fe or the Smoky Mountains.
From the vibrant energy of New York to the serene beaches of Hawaii, these Thanksgiving getaways offer something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, history buff, or foodie, make this Thanksgiving memorable with one of these incredible destinations!
Have Fun!
Holiday Travel Across America
Celebrate the holidays in the U.S. with unforgettable travel experiences! From New Year’s to Christmas, explore top destinations, parades, festivals, and traditions for every holiday. Find the best places to visit and make your celebrations memorable.
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