Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family, enjoying a memorable meal, and making lasting holiday memories—and some years, those memories can be made somewhere new! A Thanksgiving getaway offers a chance to celebrate together while experiencing a new destination, from sunny beaches and scenic mountains to exciting cities and food-filled escapes.
If you’re thinking about a Thanksgiving vacation this year, consider these destination ideas as you plan…
Keep It Close to Home
You don’t have to cross (or leave) the country to make Thanksgiving feel like a vacation. California, Florida, South Carolina, Arizona, New York, and New England all offer plenty of options for a holiday getaway, whether you want mild weather, a city experience, or a change of scenery.
Head to Southern California for beaches and sunshine, or spend the holiday in Florida with time for swimming, golfing, and relaxing by the pool. In South Carolina, combine a Thanksgiving meal with a long weekend in Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head Island. Arizona offers desert scenery and warm days, while New York and New England are ideal for travelers who want a traditional fall atmosphere, charming towns, and seasonal activities.
Trade a Turkey Leg for a Tropical Escape
If your ideal Thanksgiving involves sunshine and a beach rather than a sweater, plan a tropical getaway. Aruba, Hawaii, and Mexico all offer an easy way to turn the holiday into a true vacation.
In Aruba, spend Thanksgiving lounging on the beach or exploring the island before sitting down to a special dinner. Hawaii offers a mix of beaches, outdoor adventures, and resort amenities across destinations such as Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island. In Mexico, enjoy warm weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty of opportunities to relax without worrying about preparing the Thanksgiving meal yourself.
Get Cozy at a Mountain Resort
For a Thanksgiving that feels especially cozy, head for the mountains. Colorado, Utah, Montana, Vermont, Lake Tahoe, and Gatlinburg offer scenery, crisp weather, and plenty of opportunities to settle into a comfortable resort for the holiday.
Spend the long weekend exploring mountain towns in Colorado or Utah, or head to Montana for wide-open scenery and a quieter escape. Vermont brings classic New England charm, while Lake Tahoe combines mountain views with plenty of outdoor recreation. In Gatlinburg, you can pair a mountain stay with the Great Smoky Mountains, local attractions, and a hearty Southern Thanksgiving meal.
Plan a Thanksgiving for Food Lovers
Thanksgiving is already centered around food, so why not make it the focus of your getaway? Austin, South Carolina, Mexico, and Southern California each offer a different take on a food-focused holiday.
Explore Austin’s barbecue and Tex-Mex scene or make South Carolina the destination for Southern favorites and coastal seafood. In Mexico, regional cuisine adds another dimension to a warm-weather Thanksgiving, while Southern California offers everything from fresh seafood and Mexican food to innovative restaurants.
Make Thanksgiving a Memorable Getaway
A Thanksgiving getaway can be as traditional or unconventional as you want, the most important thing is spending it with people you love. Wherever you go, extending the holiday into a long weekend gives you more time to explore, relax, and enjoy your destination. With a timeshare rental from RedWeek, you can enjoy spacious accommodations and resort amenities while making your Thanksgiving holiday a memorable getaway.