When it comes to culture or natural beauty, the United States is a diverse country from sea to shining sea. If you have traveled across the continental United States many times over, you know you never realize the size of Texas until you drive through it. Are you searching for places to go for Thanksgiving weekend? Rest assured, this article will provide you with a list of places you will find challenging to ignore.  

You belong to the category of people who are always busy. The Thanksgiving break is one of the best times to travel. It’s because you get four days off work. Your kids are out of school, and the best tourist destinations are not usually very busy. Expect the roads to be very busy and flights a little expensive. However, once you reach your destination, you are bound to have more places to yourself than a typical vacation week. Therefore, we recommend choosing from one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving in the United States and plan an unforgettable vacation.  

Going somewhere new during the Thanksgiving break. Sure, most people prefer spending their days off with extended family, but with Christmas just around the corner, we will see them again soon. We decided to travel and spend some quality time together.  

The best places to visit during Thanksgiving will probably depend on where you are. Since you don’t have the full week off, you will want to travel somewhere in your area. However, we also recognize that you may want to travel beyond your usual surroundings, so we have provided a comprehensive list of places you can choose from for Thanksgiving.  

Thanksgiving destinations in the Northeast.  

New York  

New York City is an ideal destination for Thanksgiving, as it hosts the renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which is broadcast nationwide. Nothing beats watching it live. In New York City, Thanksgiving is cold, so dress warmly—you will likely be outside for hours to have a wonderful time. The parade will amaze you with incredible balloons, floats, bands, and other performers, but it will also take several hours to wind its way through.  

Thanksgiving Day Parade also starts off the Christmas season in NYC, allowing you to get in the holiday spirit at the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, and see the department store’s holiday window decorations revealed the following day.  

Do not worry about travel arrangements or accommodations, as there are three major airports serving NYC, as well as a major Amtrak train station and a Greyhound bus station. You can even have a special Thanksgiving dinner at the iconic Tavern on the Green in Central Park.  

Newport, Rhode Island  

Undoubtedly, one of the most delightful and elegant destinations to consider for Thanksgiving in 2025 is Newport, Rhode Island. This coastal town in New England is remarkably scenic, adorned with grand mansions, a charming downtown area, and breathtaking waterfront vistas. There are numerous boutiques to explore, exquisite dining options to enjoy, and the finest, most romantic bed-and-breakfasts to stay at.  

During the holidays, you can expect double the charm. In cobblestone streets, twinkling with Christmas lights, shopping galore, and merry jingles everywhere you go. Additionally, the town of Newport really knows how to start the celebrations. The Thanksgiving weekend is filled with festive activities.  

Boston, Massachusetts  

Boston holds elegance, intrigue, and history just as any other American city does. There is plenty to do and see, and much to learn about the oldest city of this country. During Christmas time, Boston is charming. Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season in Boston, Massachusetts.  

If you intend to get into the holiday spirit, be sure to view the Boston Common Tree Lighting ceremony that takes place during the weekend of Thanksgiving every year. It is a festive way of getting into the Holy Spirit. Do not forget to take a glide on the ice skating rink when you are in Boston Common.  

Do not worry about accommodation either; you can stay at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf if you want the best place for yourself. It is perfect to spend a few nights in the city.  

Chicago, Illinois  

For Thanksgiving in the USA, Chicago is easily one of the best places to go. You can have family-style truffle-roast turkey breast in the Gold Coast, with its wonky velvet-leather boots and over-the-top candelabras, and enjoy fun holiday events as well.  

Start off the weekend by flying into O’Hare International Airport and watching the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. You can also watch in amazement at the giant helium balloons, marching bands, and floats making their way up from the corner of State Street to Ida B. Wells Dr. to Randolph. Get into the spirit of Christmas in Chicago by grabbing some authentic spiced wine and German pretzels at Christkindl Market, a traditional outdoor German Christmas market selling lovely Christmas ornaments and more. Finally, do not miss the City of Chicago Christmas tree in the evening at Millennium Park. Most importantly, remember to stay warm, as the city receives rain in November and temperatures can fluctuate between 50°F and 35°F.  

St. Louis, Missouri  

The perfect place for a long Thanksgiving weekend is St. Louis, Missouri. This reasonably priced city in the Midwest has plenty to do, making it worth planning a getaway. You can plan some of the classic things in St. Louis, such as:  

• Going to the top of the Gateway Arch  

• Eating some fried ravioli and St. Louis-style pizza  

• Catching a St. Louis Blues game  

Additionally, the city is home to numerous film museums, including the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the Contemporary Art Museum, and the St. Louis Zoo. If your children are accompanying you on this Thanksgiving vacation, you must spend a few hours at the City Museum, which is not free but well worth the price.   

Best Thanksgiving Weekend Getaways in the South.  

Helen, Georgia.  

Helen, Georgia is another place you can go to for Thanksgiving. This small town, located in Northern Georgia, 30 30-minute drive from Atlanta, which has the most heavily trafficked international airport in the U.S., is considered one of the sweetest little Thanksgiving destinations ever.  

Helen is a tiny Bavarian-style town decorated to look its part. Construction in this town appears as it comes straight out of a children’s fairy tale. The town has a magical look and is a great way to start off the holiday season.  

Numerous great Christmas festivities in Helen, Georgia, start around Thanksgiving week, making it essential to visit the town for the annual lighting of the village and grab dinner afterwards at Hofbrauhaus Restaurant to round out a German-style experience.  

There is plenty to do in the town, including the amazing Georgia Mountain Coaster, but ensure you spend some time in nature outside the town. Hike Mount Yonah for a 3-hour trail to the top of a mountain offering great views of the area. Alternatively, you can also visit Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. We recommend booking a cabin near town, but if you prefer a hotel, you’ll undoubtedly find one that suits your needs. To have a great Thanksgiving weekend getaway in Helen, Georgia.  

Big Bend National Park, Texas  

The four-day Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to visit Big Bend National Park. This is the remotest National Park in the US, and a long holiday weekend is also a perfect time to explore the park and the surrounding areas. Midland, TX, is the nearest airport to Big Bend, and the drive from Midland to the national park is approximately 3.5 hours.  

This national park is the best to visit in November because of its perfect weather. The national park has ideal hiking weather, even in late fall. You can consider spending time at the national park instead of splurging money on Black Friday shopping. Big Bend is the largest national park in the country and is home to miles of trails for all hiking abilities.  

Gatlinburg, Tennessee  

Spending a great deal of your time thinking about where to go on Thanksgiving. If you have decided that you want one of the best places in the country, then you should not miss out on a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This city, located near the Great Smoky Mountains, is ideal if you are looking to plan a fun mountain gateway.  

Gatlinburg, Tennessee. You can shop for holiday gifts at the Great Smoky Thanksgiving and Christmas arts and crafts show. Making some epic deals on clothing at the Nantahala Outdoor Center or the Village Shops on Black Friday. Also, get the opportunity to enjoy various winter sports, such as tubing, ice skating, and skiing. Before digging into some filet mignon at the Park Grill on Thanksgiving Day, as it is one of the best restaurants in Gatlinburg.  

If you and your family are interested in holiday-inspired events at Anakeesta theme park, you can have a good time before viewing exquisitely decorated Christmas trees at the Festival of Trees. However, expect some rainfall in the area and low temperatures during the Thanksgiving holidays.  

Martel Beach, SC  

We love spending time at the beach. Martell Beach in South Carolina is one of the best places for Thanksgiving weekends. November is the off-season for tourists, making the beach less crowded and offering pleasant temperatures.  

During your visit, you may come across swimming that isn’t focused, but you can still enjoy walking along the beach and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the ocean. Till Beach is also excellent for those with limited mobility. Offering a variety of accessible activities for people with mobility concerns using beach wheelchairs.  

You can attend the annual Bluegrass Festival featuring fantastic musicians from top bands in Bluegrass during your visit to Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving. If you are not in favor of Bluegrass music, you can take part in the annual Turkey Trot Race to ensure you work off all the delicious food you enjoy! You also have an opportunity to attend the Christmas boat regatta taking place the weekend after Thanksgiving in the nearby Little River.  

Thinking of skipping the hassle of baking Thanksgiving dinner and eating out? Thoroughbred’s Chop House offers a delicious option on Thanksgiving Day, with plenty of traditional dishes. You can eat as long as you call ahead and make reservations to avoid disappointment, since dinner time slots sell out fast.  

Asheville, North Carolina.  

Another good place to go for Thanksgiving is Asheville, NC. It is best to drive to Asheville because few airlines fly to the regional airport. Asheville has comfortable weather, making it perfect for hiking or exploring. It is the ideal place for a quiet getaway with the family. You can get the small-town charm with big-city shopping if you want to hit the Black Friday sales. On the other hand, if Asheville has seen rain recently, you can see water falling along the rocks while driving up the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Biltmore Park Town Square offers the Ashfield Turkey Trot, a fun tradition, and the course has some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina.  

Asheville is a nice place to be if you want to get into the holiday spirit. Downtown is full of lights, music, and delicious food. Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shank provides the best Southern Seoul food in Asheville.  

Savannah, Georgia.  

Want a change of scenery this Thanksgiving? Why not spend a long weekend in Savannah, Georgia! Enjoy traditional festivities amid beautiful architecture and lush greenery. In addition, the weather in Savannah in November is typically in the 60s, perfect for exploring the walkable city.  

During Thanksgiving weekend, Savannah will not bore you because there are plenty of things you can do. Start your trip to Savannah by checking out all the city’s top tourist attractions. You will find no shortage of places to visit before you make your way to River Street, where you can indulge in some holiday shopping and grab a bite to eat.  

You can celebrate Thanksgiving Day with a traditional feast featuring a Savannah twist. Savannah is known for its Southern cuisine, and many local restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.  

Businesses in Savannah start preparing for the Christmas season during Thanksgiving week. Therefore, if you are visiting Savannah for Thanksgiving, you will even get a sneak peek of the city’s holiday magic, making you feel as if it is celebrating two holidays in one trip. It is one of the reasons Savannah is among the best places to visit for Thanksgiving.  

New Orleans, Louisiana  

If you are a foodie and do not consider New Orleans in the U.S., you are probably not doing justice to the food you have. Acknowledged as one of the top foodie cities in the United States, New Orleans knows how to celebrate Thanksgiving and also offers many sights you can see in just three to four days, making it one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving break.  

Aside from its food, New Orleans is also known for ghost tours, a fantastic World War II museum, and a beautiful public park called City Park, with mini-golf, an art museum, a tiny amusement park, and Café du Monde. Location and much more.  

Outer Banks, North Carolina.  

Along the North Carolina coast, the only major barrier island chain in the United States, the Outer Banks is the most visited portion. It is a 45-mile-long string of narrow barrier islands with three state parks, 12 nature reserves, and 3 regional wildlife refuges. It also has two national seashores and is one of the great places to go for Thanksgiving. Unique ecological habitats, including marshes, dunes, and lagoons, are located on the edge of the continental shelf. As the islands separate, the Atlantic Ocean from the inland sounds. The optimal time of year to visit this place is around the fall months, as the weather is warm enough to swim and the air temperature is mild. You can stay for the Thanksgiving week, but a long weekend in The Outer Banks is also great.  

Best Places to go for Thanksgiving in the West  

Breckenridge, Colorado  

Breckenridge is a perfect destination for a Thanksgiving getaway this holiday season. Green Mountain will undoubtedly provide you with an unforgettable vacation, whether you are traveling with your family or your partners. It is a pretty small town but packed with adventure, making it a perfect mountain destination for a long holiday weekend.  

The winter starts early in Breckenridge, leaving the slopes open early for Thanksgiving visitors. Offering them plenty of fresh powdery snow. Look at the snow because there is sunshine warming the chill air in these mountains.  

Blue Moose Restaurant has some excellent options for everyone for breakfast and brunch before you consider hitting the slopes. If you have a sweet tooth, their famous cinnamon rolls are likely to keep you enchanted. After a lengthy day on the slopes, you can walk down the main street for some window shopping, bar hopping, or people watching. Regardless of what you do, Breckenridge is guaranteed to make your holiday special.  

Park City, Utah.  

Park City, Utah, is the best place in the USA for Thanksgiving if you are looking for a snowy destination. World-class ski town with three different resorts. Thanksgiving is typically the opening weekend for skiing in Park City.  

In 2022, when Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics, Park City was one of the primary locations for events such as bobsledding, ski jumping, aerials, and snowboard halfpipe. You can still visit Utah National Park to marvel at the athletes training or even ride down the bobsled track yourself, if you dare.  

Snowboarding and skiing are the main draw for visiting Park City, but you can also try tubing, fat biking, in the snow, cross-country skiing, or even going for a ride in a hot air balloon. In Park City, Marriott’s Summit Watch on Main Street offers plenty of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Try the Butcher’s Chop House for steak, burgers, and bacon-wrapped dates, as it’s right next to the ski lift. Haven’t been skiing in Utah? Now is the time to add it as one of the fun places to go for Thanksgiving!  

Bonners Ferry, Idaho.  

Want to get the feeling of spending Thanksgiving in America? It doesn’t get more American than spending it in the small town of Bonner’s Ferry in North Idaho. There are many things you can do in Bonner’s Ferry. Perfect for a fun and authentic vacation. Making it one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving.  

The picturesque town is surrounded by mountains, and nature offers both the small-town comfort and crisp weather you are looking for. In November, you can also expect low temperatures with a chance of some heavy snow as early as October. So ensure that you come prepared with warm clothes, boots, and more.  

San Francisco, California  

Despite being a bucket list destination, San Francisco is pulsing with holiday cheer during Thanksgiving. Visit San Francisco without the usual crowds of commuters in November, making it one of the better places to go for Thanksgiving.  

Francisco offers an abundant culinary scene, but at expensive rates. Therefore, consider trying several small bites rather than meals. Some highlights you will not regret are:  

• Dim sum in Chinatown  

• Irish coffee at Buene Vista.  

Big Island, Hawaii  

If you are looking for an epic getaway during Thanksgiving, why not head to the Big Island, Hawaii?  

To celebrate Thanksgiving in Hawaii is to attend a luau, like at the Legends of Hawaii Luau at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. If you want a more convincing Thanksgiving dinner, the Waikoloa Village serves an impressive spread, too.  

You decide to travel all the way down to the Big Island, Hawaii, but it doesn’t make sense to spend only time at the Hilton Waikoloa. You can also enjoy snorkeling, which is largely considered the best in Hawaii. Spending time on the island doesn’t mean missing stopping at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to some of the most active volcanoes on Earth. If you are lucky, you might be able to spend your Thanksgiving watching some lava flow.  

Anchorage, Alaska  

Why not consider heading to Anchorage, Alaska, if you are looking for a unique Thanksgiving destination?  

Alaska is a wonderful place to visit, with stunning beauty and attractions for tourists. You may think Alaska is cold and gloomy. You might be surprised because the cold isn’t as bad as you might imagine.   

Thanksgiving in Anchorage starts uniquely with a turkey trot, a fun race where participants dress as turkeys and run through the streets of Anchorage. This is not an event to be missed, and it is one of the many things that make this place special to visit at Thanksgiving. After the Turkey Trot race, you can have some winter fun skiing or ice skating and head over to one of the many hotels offering amazing Thanksgiving dinners, like Captain Cook and Marriott Anchorage Downtown.  

Tucson, Arizona  

Tucson, Arizona, a bustling town in southeastern Arizona, offers dozens of attractions that make it a great place to visit for Thanksgiving. Additionally, in 2015, Tucson was the first American city to earn the UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation.  

The mild desert winters make Tucson a fantastic warm-weather destination for Thanksgiving. You will be able to spend your Tucson Thanksgiving in flip flops, with average daytime temperatures in the high 70s°F. However, nighttime temperatures can drop into the low 40s, making it essential to pack warm layers if visiting Tucson for Thanksgiving.  

Although Tucson offers culinary experiences, you are advised not to leave without eating a Sonoran dog. (Don’t get us wrong,) It is a bacon-wrapped hot dog with a Mexican twist, and not a dessert dog.  

If the places listed in this article do not meet your satisfaction. Consider visiting Memphis, Austin, New Orleans, the Pacific Coast Highway, or Redwood National Park to make the most of your 4-day Thanksgiving weekend.  

With a collection of the best places to go for Thanksgiving, we are sure you will be planning out trips for years to come. We urge you to step out of your comfort zone and explore this beautiful country during Thanksgiving breaks, either this year or the next, or many after.