Plotting for a quick Thanksgiving vacation idea in November? Are you just getting dreams of spending Turkey Day anywhere other than your own kitchen this year? Our exhaustive list of Thanksgiving gateways has something for every type of traveler.  

Do you want family-friendly East Coast road trip ideas or cheap jaunts for couples or singles to beautiful locales like Texas Hill Country and postcard-perfect fall towns in New England ripe for some late-season leaf peeping? These destinations offer a respite.  

Right now, the CDC says vaccinated individuals can travel safely within America. But it is best that we be amenable to the CDC’s ever-changing plans.  

Therefore, you can put away Grandma’s pumpkin pie recipe. Break out those weekenders and fire up your out-of-office. We have combed the USA to find 15 great places for you to visit for Thanksgiving. Where are you headed?  

1. Bend, Oregon  

10 months of sunshine make this picturesque small city on the Deschutes River a favorite of outdoor adventure lovers. However, apart from exploring the high desert and the Cascade Range, there is also a craft brewery scene to sample, along with top-quality art museums and galleries. For accommodation, you have the Hotel Signature Bend, an affordable yet over-checked spot to help you stay for the holiday.  

1. Asheville, North Carolina.  

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming city has long been known for its bucket-list breweries, thriving art scene, stunning drives and hikes, and Biltmore, America’s largest home, built by George Vanderbilt. The late fall temperatures are mild, making it an ideal time to visit for Thanksgiving trip ideas. Travel rates are the best of the year, and it’s easier than any other season to get restaurant reservations with plenty of outdoor seating available for those who prefer it. You can get a room at Kimpton Hotel Arras, a 128-room boutique hotel perfectly located downtown, where you can easily stroll to the area’s many breweries. It also has a romantic outdoor bar with a fire table for couples. If you are in town for the microbreweries, do not skip the Pumpkin Ale at Catawba or the Taco Truck at Rabbit Rabbit.  

1. Branson, Missouri  

If you are fond of holiday cheer, there is likely no better place in the nation to satisfy your desires than Branson. This destination is famously referred to as America’s Christmas Tree City, boasting over 1,700 trees that begin to sparkle from the end of November. Experience the beauty of nature indoors by staying at the Big Cedar Lodge, which offers on-site fishing and five golf courses. Additionally, they will organize their annual Tom Turkey scavenger hunt on the day after Thanksgiving, allowing families to explore the entire property while searching for clues.  

1. Texas Hill Country.  

Texans are particularly fond of this area, which spans the central and southern parts of the state. It is easy to understand the reason. The landscape features stunning rolling hills, lively spring-fed rivers, and undoubtedly some of the best barbecue in the nation. The entire family will find joy at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa, situated merely 20 minutes from Austin. The expansive 4,000 acres provide an ideal setting for social distancing with amenities that include:  

• 7 dining options  

• 4 golf courses (plus a mini course for children)  

• S’mores are offered every evening at sunset.  

1. Hudson, New York  

For Thanksgiving travel ideas, you will find Hudson, New York, occasionally referred to as Brooklyn North, a lively city located in the Hudson Valley of the state, cherished for its outstanding farm-to-table dining establishments, trendy art galleries, and furniture shops, along with convenient access to numerous hiking trails in the area, such as the expansive 736-acre Greenport Conservation Area.  

Couples with a passion for design will appreciate the recently opened Maker Hotel, which features 11 rooms adorned with velvet throws and local artwork, as well as a restaurant within a glass conservatory.  

1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  

Although this town is primarily known for its skiing, its proximity to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks makes it ideal for those who appreciate natural beauty.  

The late-fall shoulder season offers an excellent opportunity for a visit. The weather remains dry, the national parks are accessible without the usual crowds, and you may even witness the annual elk bugling. (Search for it online).  

Consider reserving a stay at The Lodge at Jackson Hole, which features a year-round indoor/outdoor pool and stylish rooms in a traditional Western aesthetic.  

1. Palm Springs, California.  

November is a perfect month to explore this vibrant city in the Sonoran Desert, where temperatures remain in the upper 70s and rainfall is rare.  

Palm Springs offers excellent Thanksgiving/vacation ideas for couples to engage in activities such as:  

• Admiring mid-century modern architecture  

• Hiking through the breathtaking Joshua Tree National Park  

• Enjoying an exhilarating ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway  

For a getaway customized for adults, consider the budget-friendly and stylish Villa Royale, while families will appreciate the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells featuring two new dualling 30-foot water slides and a 450-foot lazy river.   

1. San Diego, California.  

Situated along the Pacific coastline and filled with stunning beaches, idyllic parks, and some of the finest Mexican dining establishments north of the border, it is no surprise that this city attracts a diverse range of visitors, including families, retirees, and honeymooners.  

Following a trip to the renowned San Diego Zoo, enjoy the amenities at the environmentally conscious Pearl Hotel at Point Loma or at the Pendry San Diego, which features five distinct dining venues.  

1. San Juan, Puerto Rico.  

Family vacation ideas to San Juan, Puerto Rico, will be fun because this Caribbean escape does not require a passport. The island boasts stunning beaches, captivating tropical forests, and historical landmarks, with San Juan as the ideal starting point.  

In San Juan, you can wander through the charming streets of Old San Juan and enjoy the picturesque shores of Condado and Isla Verde beaches. Consider staying at the centrally located Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, a recently renovated resort that opened in 1919. Holiday activities feature gingerbread cookie decorating for children and a tutorial on crafting the island’s mojito cocktail for adults.  

1. South County, Rhode Island.  

In Rhode Island, Newport is perhaps the most famous retreat; however, the South County region should not be overlooked. Areas such as Watch Hill and Weekapaug provide scenic ocean vistas, excellent seafood (be sure to try the beloved Rhode Island dish, stuffies), and numerous water activities, including boating and fishing. Consider reserving a room at the family-oriented Weekapaug Inn or the Break Hotel in Narragansett, both offering a stylish beach house atmosphere. Additionally, for a unique Thanksgiving vacation, ensure that you visit Ocean Houses Fondue Village, which will whisk you away to Switzerland for an afternoon.  

1. South Walton, Florida  

South Walton, nestled on the magnificent Gulf Coast of the state, is a tranquil, relatively undiscovered destination perfect for Thanksgiving vacation ideas for couples. The region comprises 15 beach towns. These beaches are all intentionally designed to be less crowded than other beaches in Florida, with 40% of the land preserved, resulting in over 200 miles of hiking and biking paths. Enjoy your holiday at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Resort and Spa, situated directly on the pristine sands of the Gulf of Mexico, with two swimming pools, family suites featuring bunk beds, and a reasonable price. Your Thanksgiving will undoubtedly be stress-free.  

1. Traverse City, Michigan  

The late autumn season offers an excellent opportunity to explore this city on the shores of Lake Michigan. Typically, there is sufficient rainfall for skiing and snowshoeing, yet the weather remains mild enough to wander through the delightful town. Tourists can also benefit from seasonal offers that provide reduced rates on accommodations, as well as savings on dining, wineries, and shopping. Enjoy an overnight stay at Tamarack Lodge, which includes the ambiance of a classic lodge and is situated directly on the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay.  

1. Tucson, Arizona.  

Another sun-soaked city, Tucson, offers an impressive 350 days of sunshine annually, along with some of the finest stargazing opportunities in the nation and countless miles of hiking and biking trails.  

However, if you are not particularly fond of nature, Tucson was designated the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015, making any restaurant in the area a fantastic choice.  

There are many lodging options available. Consider renting an Airbnb or checking out the newly opened Tucson Foyer Vacation, a contemporary boutique hotel located in the center of the city.  

1. Litchfield County, Connecticut.  

Few locations are as stunning in the autumn as New England, and none may rival the scenic beauty of this verdant region in north-eastern Connecticut. Situated within easy driving distance of numerous East Coast cities, it is renowned for its undulating hills, delightful towns, and an abundance of historical landmarks. Fans of Gilmore Girls will recognize it as the idyllic backdrop for the series, with the Mayflower Inn and Spa serving as the inspiration for the Independence Inn, where Lorelai worked in the earlier seasons.  

1. Williamsburg, Virginia. 

This historic region of Virginia, situated between the York and James Rivers, is perhaps most recognized for Colonial Williamsburg. However, there are numerous other activities available in the vicinity for those who may not be enthusiasts of the Revolutionary War. The area is rich with artisanal breweries and distilleries, while the Williamsburg Premium Outlets offer an excellent opportunity to commence holiday shopping. Additionally, tranquil hikes such as the Powhatan Creek Rail are particularly serene during the season. For Thanksgiving, the Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection, is a perfect accommodation option.