16,2k
7 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
What are the best places to visit during Thanksgiving in the U.S.?
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, with over 80 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles from their home during the holiday weekend. As a travel agent, you’ll see an uptake in queries and bookings for this period, straight through to the end of the year. Many travelers love the flexibility of adding on a vacation to their Thanksgiving activities or swapping their family meet-up for a getaway.
Photo: AndTheyTravel/ Shutterstock.com
There are dozens of places to visit during fall in the U.S., but we’re focusing on just 10 of the best destinations for a Thanksgiving trip. These places blend traditional holiday experiences with opportunities for outdoor adventures and plenty of tourist sites to explore.
1. Williamsburg, Virginia
Where to stay: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Williamsburg is the perfect spot for a fall getaway, as its where the first Thanksgiving was held. Berkeley Plantation, nestled along the James River, claims to have hosted the first Thanksgiving on December 4th, 1619. The property is now located within Williamsburg, an area famous for its colonial history. It’s a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts with its dozens of historical sites, including Yorktown and the Jamestown Settlement.
Photo: Rui Serra Maia/ Shutterstock.com
Your clients will be spoilt for choice when visiting Williamsburg during Thanksgiving, as November is one of the most popular times for tourists, as it also coincides with National Native American Heritage Month. Colonial Williamsburg has nicknamed itself the “town where history lives,” inviting visitors to step back in time to the 18th century with its hundreds of historical sites to explore. Williamsburg is a destination best explored with an in-depth itinerary, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the town’s official website, which includes a daily event calendar.
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 City remains one of the most popular destinations in the U.S., so it’s no surprise that it makes an appearance on this list. Thanksgiving is when most of the city will start embracing the festive season. If your clients are planning to be in New York on the day itself, make sure they plan around the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, with over 3 million people lining the street as the parade makes its way through Manhattan.
Photo: Jordan Delmonte/ Shutterstock.com
While the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center won’t be turned on until early December, there are still plenty of other things for families to explore. Broadway shows will usually put on extra performances to meet the increased demand, and it’s best to book ahead for popular experiences, like the Museum of Natural History or the Empire State Building. Your clients can get ready for the holiday season by starting their Christmas shopping on the iconic Fifth Avenue.
3. Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Where to stay: Charleston Kiawah Island/Andell Inn
Kiawah Island is a wildlife lover’s paradise in the coastal South. This luxurious getaway spot attracts tourists all year round and is ideal for clients searching for an outdoor adventure this Thanksgiving. They can continue their usual traditions, like taking part in a “Turkey Trot,“ or swap their usual turkey dinner for some famous Southern BBQ. This barrier island has a diverse ecosystem and is the perfect choice for nature-loving tourists who want to meet – and help protect – Kiawah Island’s wildlife.
Photo: Studio Romantic/ Shutterstock.com
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Palomar
Philadelphia is home to the longest-running Thanksgiving Day parade on Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Just like Williamsburg, Philadelphia offers several ways to experience the country’s history, from the Museum of the American Revolution to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Your clients can indulge in a spa treatment at one of the city’s luxury hotels or grab tickets to a holiday season show, such as ELF The Broadway Musical at the Walnut Street Theatre.
Photo by Magali Gomez Paz on Shutterstock
Looking for more accommodation options? Philadelphia has something for every traveler’s budget, including Alexander 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, perfect for getting your clients into the holiday spirit. There are several ski resorts dotted across the mountains, including Buttermilk and Snowmass, along with the Highlands. Ski season officially kicks off in late November, making Thanksgiving one of the first weekends when tourists can experience Aspen at its fullest.
Photo: LanaG/ Shutterstock.com
If your clients are experienced skiers, get them to sign up for ‘“Thanksjibbing” at the Snowmass Base Village, held the day after Thanksgiving to mark the official start of the town’s winter season.
6. Austin, Texas
Where to stay: Fairmont Austin
If your clients want a sunny Thanksgiving getaway without leaving the country, send them to Austin. The city is full of all-inclusive hotels, perfect for couples and groups wanting to indulge in a digital detox or a spa experience. Austin is famous for its culinary scene, offering some of the best Southern hospitality, from independent restaurants to food trucks. One of the most popular Thanksgiving events is the “ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot,” which offers a 5-mile run and a 1-mile walking event.
Photo: freepik.com
Some of our top recommendations for places to stay in Austin include Wyndham Garden, Baymont, Red Roof Inn, Super 8, Fairmont, Westin, Hyatt, and the Courtyard.
7. Healdsburg, California
Where to stay: Hotel Healdsburg
If your clients want a West Coast escape, suggest Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California. Perfect for solo travelers, families, and couples alike, Healdsburg is nestled in the picturesque California wine country, where you’ll find more than 90 wineries, many of which offer tours and guided experiences. It’s the ultimate choice for a luxury Thanksgiving getaway with its three Michelin-star restaurants, more than 20 art galleries, and walking routes around the city’s historic district.
Photo: Rostislav_Sedlacek/ Shutterstock.com
8. Palm Beach, Florida
Where to stay: The Brazilian Court
Are your clients looking to spend Thanksgiving with their toes in the sand? Florida is the most popular state for Thanksgiving vacations, and Palm Beach is the perfect alternative to Miami or Orlando. You can make their itinerary unique with experiences like a sunset catamaran cruise, a show at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, or a day at Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course.
Photo: Brenda Popovitz / Shutterstock.com
9. Hawai’i
Where to stay: OHANA Waikiki East by OUTRIGGER
Hawai’i is a peaceful getaway, ideal for clients looking to make the most of their Thanksgiving break. Alongside traditional Thanksgiving activities, you’ll find a unique blend of American and Hawaiian culture, from luau-style foods, like kalua pig, and “turkey trots” along the beach. November is one of the best times to visit Hawaii, as it sees fewer tourist crowds, while still having pleasant weather and giving tourists the chance to spot humpback whales.
Photo: MaridavShutterstock.com
10. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Where to stay: Mountain Modern Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a picturesque mountain town beloved by outdoor enthusiasts. Your clients will get an authentic, traditional Thanksgiving experience during their time in Wyoming. It’s a popular time for visiting Grand Teton National Park and is when ski resorts, like Jackson Hole Mountain and Grand Targhee, open for the season. Other must-see experiences include the Astoria Hot Springs, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, and the famous Jackson Hole Rodeo.
Photo: jack-sooksan / Shutterstock.com
Book top-rated Thanksgiving getaways with RateHawk
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of year for travel, whether your clients are heading to a family reunion or want to use the holiday season to travel domestically or internationally. These 10 locations are some of the most popular places in the U.S. for Thanksgiving trips, offering something for travelers of all ages and budgets.
Photo: freepik.com
Unlock the potential of your travel agency by registering for RateHawk today and get instant access to over 2.9 million accommodation options worldwide and 330+ suppliers for air tickets, transfers, car rentals, and other travel services to help your clients plan their Thanksgiving getaway.
To deliver tailored accommodation recommendations to your clients, join RateHawk today!
Cover image: Olha Yefimova/shutterstock.com
