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9 minutes readContents
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- New York, New York
- Kiawah Island, South Carolina
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- The Little Nell: Aspen, Colorado
- Austin, Texas
- Healdsburg, California
- Palm Beach, Florida
- Hawai’i
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Which are the top Thanksgiving travel destinations in the U.S.?
This list covers popular U.S. Thanksgiving getaways. It includes historic sites, idyllic sandy beaches, picturesque rural towns, snowy wonderlands, and cities like NYC and Philly. These destinations offer memorable Thanksgiving trips.
Photo: AndTheyTravel/ Shutterstock.com
Here are the top 10 places to go for Thanksgiving in the U.S.
1. Williamsburg, Virginia
Where to stay: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Berkeley Plantation along the James River hosted the first documented Thanksgiving in the United States on December 4, 1619. This historic location is now in Williamsburg, Virginia, where restaurants recreate the first Thanksgiving dinner. These venues use local ingredients from gardens that fed colonists around 400 years ago.
Why is Williamsburg, VA, the best place to go for Thanksgiving?
Things to do
Visitors can tour historic sites, including:
- Colonial Williamsburg,
- Jamestown Settlement,
- Yorktown.
In November, Colonial Williamsburg celebrates National Native American Heritage Month. This event includes interpretative stories and reenactments of Virginia’s colonial era.
Photo: Rui Serra Maia/ Shutterstock.com
Outdoorsy souls can explore nature trails around Williamsburg.
Festivities
Williamsburg, VA, offers many food-focused festivities in fall and winter. Attend the Foods & Feasts event in Jamestown Settlement and tour the American Revolution Museum to learn cooking techniques from the colonial period. Then, join the Virginia Festival at Berkeley Plantation to engage in kid-friendly events, including juggling and magic shows, reenactments, and native songs and dances. There’s no shortage of delicious cuisines in Williamsburg, from BBQ to Brunswick stew, hot dogs, Virginia ham biscuits, kettle corn, and funnel cakes.
Accommodation options
Williamsburg has something for every guest. Club Wyndham is near the town center.
Other accommodation options in Williamsburg include Wingate, Clarion, Capt. John Smith Inn, Comfort Suites, and Sleep Inn.
2. New York, New York
Where to stay: Moxy NYC Times Square
New York is home to iconic tourist attractions, including Niagara Falls, Lake George, the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes, Bear Mountain, the Empire State Building, Ellis, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, and Central Park. Visitors need more than one day to explore these attractions.
Thanksgiving vacation ideas for NY focus on New York City rather than the entire state.
Photo: Jordan Delmonte/ Shutterstock.com
Festivities
NYC has hosted the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924, making 2024 its 100th anniversary. It is a non-negotiable tradition for many families. You can attend this event to experience beautiful floats snaking down NYC streets.
Check available accommodations near the route with RateHawk.
Things to do
Families with kids can avoid the congestion downtown by exploring the American Museum of Natural History or ice skating at the breathtaking Wollman Rink in Central Park. They can also attend the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and window shop on Fifth Avenue.
Photo by Aditya Vyas on Unsplash
Culinary experiences
NYC is a cultural melting pot offering unique cuisines from different communities worldwide. Many NYC restaurants serve traditional festive dinners. Foodies can also sample snacks provided by food trucks on the streets and Michelin-rated cuisines from legendary chefs.
3. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Where to stay: Charleston Kiawah Island/Andell Inn
Kiawah Island is a wildlife lovers’ paradise in the coastal South. This luxurious getaway spot attracts tourists all year round.
Why is Kiawah one of the best places to visit during Thanksgiving?
Things to do
Families can participate in the Turkey Trot to win awards. This event includes a one-mile walk and a 1-3-mile run on the beach. Outdoorsy souls can explore the island’s nature and wildlife or live entertainment joints. Then, explore the craft market to learn and buy artwork and jewelry from local artisans.
Photo: Studio Romantic/ Shutterstock.com
Feasts
Kiawah Island’s Mingo Point is perfect for foodies seeking Southern BBQ and oyster roast. Its resorts offer lavish buffets, including seafood displays, meats, and seasonal menus.
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Palomar
Philadelphia is home to America’s longest-running Thanksgiving Day parade. This historic city is also known for its iconic tourist attractions, including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Why spend Thanksgiving in Philly?
Festivities
Philly kicks off the festival season with the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Its classic decorated floats, balloons, and performers snake down on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Many Philly restaurants and cafés serve festive meals for dine-in or takeout.
Photo: thedailybeast.com
Things to do
Several Philly attractions open in November, including Holiday Garden Railway, RiverRink Winterfest, and Winter in Dilworth Park and Franklin Square. Kids can visit Christmas-themed gardens, light shows, and villages around Philly to meet Santa. Some Colorado resort and spa locations open in the fall.
Add world-class accommodation options to your portfolio to enhance your clients’ Philly tour experience. ConsiderAlexander Inn, Courtyard, Days Inn, Sheraton, Warwick Rittenhouse, Le Meridien, and Windsor Suites.
5. The Little Nell: Aspen, Colorado
Where to stay: The Little Nell
Aspen, Colorado, is a leisurely town known for its ski resorts. This Colorado city attracts tourists and snow lovers from fall to winter.
Does Aspen offer the best Thanksgiving vacations?
Festivities
Families with kids over 8 years old can participate in the Indoor Turkey Triathlon at the Aspen Recreation Center. This hour-long competition includes swimming, spin biking, and treadmill riding. Participants can win t-shirts, swim caps, water bottles, and medals. After the events, go to The Little Nell for a sumptuous dinner. This establishment also has a spa.
Photo: LanaG/ Shutterstock.com
Things to do
Ski resorts in Aspen Mountains, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands open their run trails in fall and winter from late November. Guests can join the annual Thanksjibbing in Snowmass Base Village and participate in skiing and snowboarding competitions. Aspen, Colorado, also offers art exhibits, shopping, fine dining, and entertainment joints.
6. Austin, Texas
Where to stay: Fairmont Austin
Vacationers planning to spend the weekend in a sunny city with a vibrant social scene should consider Austin, Texas. This city is an all-inclusive getaway hotspot with many things to do. The only question is where to go for Thanksgiving in Austin.
Here are some tips.
Feasts and festivities
Austin is known for its mouthwatering authentic Southern cuisines. Trippers can find delicious festive meals in many Austin joints. They can also participate in the Turkey-Trot-It-Up classic at 701 W Riverside Dr. This event includes a 5k race, live concerts, feasts, and kid’s activities.
Photo: urbanmatter.com
Things to do
Austin is a must-visit city for music lovers, second only to Nashville – the Music City. You can attend live concerts or jam sessions in nightclubs downtown. This Texas city also offers outdoor events, art programs, and museums. For example, Lady Bird Lake near Austin caters to outdoorsy souls and adventurers.
Accommodation options
Wyndham Garden, Fairmont, Westin, Hyatt, and Courtyard provide easy access to themed events in Austin.
7. Healdsburg, California
Where to stay: Hotel Healdsburg
Healdsburg is a getaway spot in Sonoma County, California. It is perfect for families, couples, and solo vacationers seeking to unwind in the idyllic California wine country.
Why is Healdsburg one of the best places to visit for Thanksgiving?
Photo: Rostislav_Sedlacek/ Shutterstock.com
Themed events and feasts
Visitors can join the Healdsburg Turkey Trot. It includes 5k walk-and-run events with the start and finish line at 333 Center Street. Trippers can also tour one of the 92 wineries near Healdsburg to sample wines from leading brands like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. Many guest houses offer delicious buffets.
Consider Fairview, H2Hotel, Harmon, and Montage Healdsburg for your portfolio.
Things to do
Healdsburg is known for its world-class wineries, which offer wine tasting and tours. It also provides Michelin-starred cuisines, art galleries, museums, entertainment joints, and antique shops. Outdoorsy souls can pick blackberries, tour organic farms, hike, sunbathe, and swim in Napa and Russian River Valley.
8. Palm Beach, Florida
Where to stay: The Brazilian Court
Palm Beach is synonymous with beautiful sandy beaches. Visit this Florida city in the fall before snowbirds arrive and crowd tourist sites.
Why is Palm Beach one of the best places to spend Thanksgiving weekend?
Photo: Brenda Popovitz / Shutterstock.com
Festivities
Palm Beach offers a unique opportunity for vacationers to enjoy the holiday in a world-class tourist hotspot. You can access family-style meals, buffets, and 3-course menus from iconic establishments like Brazilian Court, The Breakers, Hyatt, Courtyard, Four Seasons, and Quality Inn. Palm Beach’s Brazilian Court also has an exclusive salon and spa, where you can relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
Things to do
Palm Beach’s sunny weather and sandy beaches attract swimmers and sunbathers. Trippers can tour museums, art galleries, zoos, animal sanctuaries, and botanical gardens. Then, explore fine dining and shopping opportunities in downtown Palm Beach or West Palm Beach. This city also caters to sports enthusiasts, including golfers.
9. Hawai’i
Where to stay: OHANA Waikiki East by OUTRIGGER
Hawai’i conjures feelings of relaxation on breathtaking sandy beaches. Its cultural events and natural beauty attract millions of tourists yearly.
But what makes Hawai’i one of the best Thanksgiving destinations?
Photo: MaridavShutterstock.com
Festivities
Hawai’i blends local and continental U.S. traditions, creating memorable holiday celebrations. First, join turkey trots in Maui and Oahu or luau parties and hula dancing to honor ancient Hawaiian customs. Then, sample luau-style foods like kalua pig and imu. Pair these dishes with Hawaiian songs and dances for an immersive culinary journey.
Things to do
Hawai’i has beautiful weather with sunny skies and warm oceans in November. You can surf, sunbathe, snorkel, hike, and explore the rich green forests and mountains. To learn about Hawaiian culture, attend Ko’olina Artfest and the Makahiki festival. Then, look for a Hawaiian resort and spa to relax and rejuvenate after an eventful weekend.
10. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Where to stay: Mountain Modern Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a picturesque town with breathtaking mountains in the backdrop. It is perfect for nature lovers seeking to indulge in untainted natural beauty.
Why is Jackson Hole worth visiting on Thanksgiving weekend?
Photo: jack-sooksan / Shutterstock.com
Festivities
Jackson Hole hosts several festive events and feasts. Its annual Turkey Trot includes a 5K race through town and a Lil’ Gobblers fun run for kids under 11. Many Jackson Hole hotels serve traditional festive dinners, from rolls to rosemary and sage stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry sauces, and sweet potato casserole.
Things to do
Jackson Hole offers many outdoor activities. Vacationers can ski and snowboard at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Grand Targhee, or Snow King Resort. They can also hike in Jackson’s National Parks and shop for art, apparel, ski gear, and souvenirs to support small businesses in Town Square.
Book top-rated Thanksgiving getaways in the U.S. with RateHawk
Travel agents can rely on this list for Thanksgiving vacation ideas. Analyze the pros and cons of each location and select getaways based on your clients’ needs. Then, use RateHawk to find high-quality accommodations in each destination.
Photo: freepik.com
At RateHawk, we help travel agents and professionals maximize their clients’ experiences and value for money. RateHawk offers quick and easy access to over 2.6 million hotels and 24/7 customer support.
To deliver tailored accommodation recommendations to your clients, join RateHawk today!
Cover image: Olha Yefimova/shutterstock.com
