Thanksgiving Vacation In California
California has plenty of things to offer to tourists, both domestic and international. The love of the film, world famous Hollywood Boulevard and Santa Monica Pier, the Pacific Ocean coast with surfing and beautiful beaches, Disneyland Resort – it all sounds great.
A Thanksgiving Vacation in California will be an unforgettable experience for your family. Enjoy great weather and the best fall colors of all the states on the west coast. Gaze at some of the most beautiful views in America from Mt. Diablo State Park, Point Reyes National Seashore, or any of our wonderful local parks. Enjoy delicious food, explore museums and art galleries, take scenic drives through small charming towns, meet new people, see a play or just relax at the beach! The options are endless with a Thanksgiving vacation in California.
Touriangle is replete with all the relevant information you need on best all inclusive resorts for thanksgiving, thanksgiving family vacation ideas, thanksgiving getaway, unique thanksgiving vacations, and so much more. Be sure to visit our catalog for more.
Thanksgiving Vacation In California
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year to gather together and share good food, love and laughter. We hope you’re enjoying yourself with loved ones during this holiday season. If you haven’t booked your vacation yet, we have several options for you in California! If you want to enjoy a Thanksgiving holiday in California, then you can choose from a number of destinations that are ideal for a short getaway or a long vacation. You may wish to go with family or friends and make new friends along the way.
Thanksgiving is the highlight of the year for many families. It is a time of year to reconnect with family and eat your favorite food. But one of the best benefits of Thanksgiving is all of the activities that are available, especially in the Los Angeles area. There are so many things to do that you could fill an entire week with exciting adventures! Spoil yourself with a holiday to remember in California! The perfect place for family gatherings or solo vacations, this southwest state offers one of the most diverse and stunning landscapes on earth. TripAdvisor reviewers love visiting Napa Valley wine country, California’s Redwood National Park, and hiking the Pacific Coast Trail. Travelers also love the laid-back beaches of Maui and Kauai (and at last check were raving about the recent coconut shortage!).
Places To Go On Thanksgiving Near Me
From enjoying days on the beach soaking up the sun to experiencing fine dining, gorgeous holiday displays, and the best of urban nightlife, there’s a variety of exciting ways to spend your Thanksgiving vacation, especially in California. When it comes to accommodations, you can stay in small towns with beautiful Victorian architecture, secluded areas with great skiing and hiking opportunities, or cities right on the beach. Take a look at the most unforgettable areas to book a vacation rental in California for a spectacular Thanksgiving weekend.
1. Yosemite Valley
Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday amidst the splendor of the mountains with a getaway in Yosemite Valley. For a feast equal to the majestic beauty of the area, make reservations for Thanksgiving dinner at The Majestic Yosemite Hotel, with table-side service plus a scrumptious dessert buffet, or opt for more casual fare with the Thanksgiving buffet at Big Trees Lodge. On Friday, head to Half Dome Village Ice Rink for family skating followed by relaxing around the rink’s fire pit. Aim to be there at around sunset for gorgeous views of the sun sinking behind the mountaintops. Spend the rest of the weekend enjoying all your favorite outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing or hiking.
2. Napa Valley
Wine lovers are sure to enjoy a Thanksgiving getaway in Napa Valley. Make reservations for a Thanksgiving excursion on the Napa Valley Wine Train to experience the wonderful scenery of the wine-growing region plus enjoy a delectable lunch or dinner in the train’s luxurious Vista Dome cars. If you prefer a stationary meal, the Meadowood offers romantic Thanksgiving meals for couples in their Vintners Room, complete with a bottle of Napa Valley sparkling wine, and La Toque offers a four-course dinner with wine pairings for every course. Be sure to take a wine tour while in the region. Castello di Amorosa offers tours of their authentic Tuscan castle setting plus tastings everyday including Thanksgiving and plenty of holiday sales in their shop over Thanksgiving weekend.
3. Mammoth Lakes
If you’re looking for a true getaway, consider a Thanksgiving vacation in Mammoth Lakes. This small town offers a welcoming community with the beautiful back drop of Mono Lake and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Start your holiday early with the Mammoth Lakes Turkey Trot. This annual mile-long fun run is perfect for whetting your appetite, and hot chocolate is available at the finish line. On Friday, take your family to The Village at Mammoth for live musical entertainment and great Black Friday shopping in the area’s boutiques followed by a Christmas tree lighting and Santa’s arrival. Saturday is the perfect time to seek out more sales at the shops in Mammoth Luxury Outlets, the mountain-style mall in the heart of Mammoth Lakes.
4. Anaheim
Thanksgiving is a great time to head to Anaheim and enjoy the holiday alongside traditional family favorites, such as Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. A vacation rental provides a cozy retreat away from the hustle and bustle of amusement park hopping, perfect for mixing things up with relaxing family evenings of board games and hot chocolate. Savor your family togetherness with a family-style Thanksgiving dinner at Buca di Beppo, or picks up your dinner to-go from Zov’s Anaheim, and sit down for a nice meal in the dining room at your vacation home. Either way, be sure to make reservations early.
5. Redondo Beach
For a fantastic Thanksgiving feast featuring all your family’s favorites, head to Kincaid’s American Dining on Fisherman’s Wharf. In addition to classics including tender, juicy turkey and homemade pumpkin pie, Kincaid’s offers house specialties, such as lobster bisque and rock salt roasted prime rib, to move your feast to the next level. Over Thanksgiving weekend, Redondo Beach makes it easy to soak in the holiday spirit without leaving the sunny beach. Watch for Santa riding his sleigh through the streets of town making stops to visit with children, including a lengthy visit at the Redondo Pier. After your visit with Santa, be sure to take a walk down the Redondo Beach Walkway for a fabulous sunset view.
6. Downieville
Make Downieville your vacation destination for a rural Thanksgiving serenaded by the sounds of the Yuba and Downie rivers. Known for its picturesque bridges and welcoming community, Downieville offers an old-fashioned feeling perfect for a relaxing holiday. Experience the ambiance of an old-timey general store with a stop at Downieville Grocery or the Sierra Country Store to gather the ingredients for a home-cooked feast in your vacation home. Then take a scenic drive on Friday to explore the area’s six historic bridges and gorgeous river scenery. In the evening, check out the holiday shows at the historic Yuba Theatre. If you’re looking to get a start on your holiday shopping, browse the quaint shops in downtown Downieville on Small Business Saturday. From Vintage Gal Antiques and Fine Things with a charming selection of both old and new vintage-look items to 49 Wines’ huge selection of fine wines and craft beers, shoppers have opportunities to find bargains and soak up the local culture.
7. Pasadena
Food lovers are sure to enjoy the wide variety of options available for Thanksgiving dinner in Pasadena. Maison Akira offers a Thanksgiving menu full of great fusion dishes pairing traditional favorites with French and Japanese touches. Head to Beckham Grill for Thanksgiving favorites served in the style of an Old English inn, or opt for Il Fornaio for Italian favorites including homemade lasagna and home-baked bread plus roast turkey with all the trimmings. Check out the sales while enjoying free samples and entertainment in Old Pasadena and the Playhouse District on Small Shop Saturday, and save an evening for roaming the Illuminated Forest display with over a mile of gorgeous light effects highlighting the each of the beautiful areas at Descanso Gardens.
8. Santa Clarita
If you’re looking for something a little different this Thanksgiving season, make Santa Clarita your vacation destination, and reserve a spot for Thanksgiving dinner at the Gentle Barn animal sanctuary. Visitors are encouraged to come early and spend some time cuddling the animal residents before enjoying a delicious vegan feast prepared by a local chef. The evening includes a Native American drum circle, and other entertainment and activities. Over the weekend take in the scenic views with a hike at Haskell Canyon Open Space, and look for great deals and unique finds on Main Street in Old Town Newhall on Small Business Saturday.
9. Santa Cruz
Book a vacation rental in Santa Cruz for an fabulous Thanksgiving getaway near the beach. Get your crew up early on Thanksgiving day, and head to Delaware Street for the annual Santa Cruz Turkey Trot. With 10k and 5k options for serious runners plus a 1k fun run, this event runs right along the ocean near Natural Bridges State Park for great views to accompany your morning exercise. After your jog, satisfy your post-race hunger with Thanksgiving brunch at the Crow’s Nest. For a special dinner, check out the Thanksgiving buffet at the Bittersweet Bistro or Casablanca Inn and Bistro. Dharma’s offers a Thanksgiving feast perfect for vegetarians with breaded tofu with wild-rice stuffing as its centerpiece. Over the weekend, get in the holiday spirit at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with a ride on the Holiday Lights Train. This excursion includes hot spiced cider and live entertainment plus a visit by Santa for your little ones. The boardwalk also offers amusement rides, laser tag, miniature golf, and ice skating to help keep your crew entertained.
Best Places To Visit During Thanksgiving In USA
If you’d like to enjoy a getaway in California over the Thanksgiving holiday, these spots not only offer the chance to enjoy a feast without the work but provide a fabulous escape for relaxing, taking part in all sorts of activities, or perhaps a little of both.
Mendocino
Mendocino is one of the most beautiful towns in California, and the only one on the coast that’s designated as a historical landmark. Established in the 1850s, its streets are lined with grand Victorian buildings and saltbox cottages that are nestled among fine dining restaurants, quaint cafes, art galleries and boutiques. There are a number of places that serve Thanksgiving dinner in the area as well, like the MacCallum House and the Little River Inn.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a popular destination year-round, and with the ski season starting here in mid-November, if you’re hoping to hit the slopes for the holiday, it’s ideal. After playing in all of that powdery snow, you can take a break from the winter wonderland scenery to feast on a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at one of the many restaurants and resorts that serve holiday meals. Some of which offer special packages that include accommodations and dinner like Granlibakken Tahoe, an upscale lodge on the northwest shore. Enjoy tableside turkey carving with all of the trimmings, as well as vegetarian options and delectable desserts.
Santa Cruz
While it may be November and there are no guarantees when it comes to weather, this month in Santa Cruz is frequently sunny and pleasant, while crowds are few. This quintessential California beach town offers it all when it comes to relaxation, adventure and outstanding scenery. And, the Holiday Lights Train starts running on Thanksgiving weekend, leaving right from the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The legendary boardwalk also offers special holiday miniature golf, laser tag and arcade games too.
San Francisco
Just an hour north of Santa Cruz in San Francisco, you can enjoy a host of festivities for the holiday, including the spectacular Tree Lighting ceremonies that kick off the shopping season at Union Square and Pier 39. The holiday lights go on at Embarcadero Center a week before Thanksgiving, outlining the waterfront buildings with a dazzling array of color. The holiday ice rink at Union Square will be open too. Of course, with a host of fantastic dining options throughout the Golden Gate City, you’re pretty much guaranteed a fabulous Thanksgiving meal too.
San Diego
San Diego allows visitors to enjoy a sunny holiday with its year-round beautiful weather, along with postcard-perfect beaches, world-renowned attractions, and much more. By staying at the historic Hotel del Coronado, which sits across 28 oceanfront acres on Coronado Island, you can enjoy breathtaking water views, a lavish spa with signature ocean-inspired treatments, and indulge in a Thanksgiving buffet prepared by expert chefs. There are live musical performances and elaborate holiday decorations too. Built in 1888, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, this historic treasure with its vibrant red turrets and picturesque seaside setting has been visited by dignitaries, U.S. presidents and a host of celebrities throughout the decades.
Yosemite National Park
One of the most scenic and most popular of all national parks, Yosemite is often filled with big crowds, but in late fall, you’ll have the chance to enjoy its magnificent waterfalls and steep granite cliffs without bumping elbows with others. Plus, this Thanksgiving Ahwahnee Hotel (formerly the Majestic Yosemite Hotel), tucked among those soaring cliffs in Yosemite Valley, is serving up a legendary feast with traditional favorites in its Grand Dining Room.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island can be reached with an hour-long ferry ride from the coast of Southern California, making it an ideal weekend escape any time of the year with its moderate climate, but Thanksgiving is an extra-special time here. The weather will still feel like summer, but the crowds will have thinned significantly. You can expect plenty of holiday activities, including traditional Thanksgiving meals, as well as the chance to enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the continental U.S., biking, hiking, fishing, sailing, kayaking and golfing.
Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, you can explore all of the popular sights like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, film and television studios, amusement parks, and museums, and, if you stick around for Thanksgiving weekend, you can also catch the Hollywood Christmas parade, which takes place on the Sunday after the holiday. This long-time tradition isn’t all about the glitz and glamour of Hollywood but offers more of a hometown parade feel than one would expect, and there are so many restaurants serving holiday dinners, you’ll have a wealth of choices when it comes to a Thanksgiving feast.
Joshua Tree National Park
Late autumn is one of the best times for a visit to Joshua Tree National Park, a place that looks like an entirely different planet, filled with bizarrely-shaped plants indigenous to the region, like the Joshua tree and the ginormous boulders that rise hundreds of feet into the sky. It’s a hiker’s, a climber’s and a stargazer’s dream, and instead of eating out for your Thanksgiving meal, you could always pitch a tent and cook your meal over an open fire in the Hidden Valley Campground.
Half Moon Bay
If you’re a surfing enthusiast, or just like to watch surfers ride the waves, head to Half Moon Bay, nestled in a cove between the redwood forests and the Pacific less than 30 miles from San Francisco. Mild temperatures make it ideal for a number of its hallmarks: great golf, an abundance of fresh produce and seafood, and high caliber surfing. Only the very best dare to surf Mavericks, the spot that put California on the map when it comes to massive waves, and November through March is when the really big one hit. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay hosts several Thanksgiving options too, including Thanksgiving Brunch in its ballroom, complete with live music and favorite traditional fare, while its Navio restaurant offers a three-course menu that includes a starter and dessert.
Cheap Places To Visit During Thanksgiving In USA
1. San Francisco
San Francisco is a city of natural beauty, and thanks to the moderate climate, it is one of the most beautiful cities during the Thanksgiving holiday with warm days and cool nights. The leaves on the trees are changing colors which makes for great photo opportunities. Celebrating Thanksgiving here also means you’ll have a plethora of restaurants to choose from in case you and your family don’t feel like cooking this holiday season.
Some additional things to do in San Francisco during Thanksgiving include:
Visit the Gold Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is an engineering marvel that can be viewed on a clear day from the Marin Headlands. Its graceful towers rise more than 700 feet above the waters of San Francisco Bay. Visitors to this renowned site can walk or bike across, stopping for breathtaking views at each end and along the way. While crossing over, visitors are able to see the massive steel structure in all its glory. Be sure to bring a jacket as it can get a bit chilly on the bridge in autumn.
Ice Skating
A holiday isn’t complete unless there is ice skating involved. Ice skating can be enjoyed by people of all ages and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Stop by Union Square to enjoy some ice skating in this beautiful city.
Union Square Tree Lighting
The Union Square Tree Lighting is the start of San Francisco’s holiday season. The large tree in Union Square is decorated for this particular period, which kicks off the city’s holiday spirit. To get a good view, arrive at least two hours early for this popular event. This event is free and will be held on November 26th this year.
2. Palm Springs Thanksgiving
Palm Springs Thanksgiving is festive and fun. the Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect time to visit palm springs, California because it can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors with warm thanksgiving weather. You can rent a house with a pool so after you and your family are done enjoying the Thanksgiving feast you can relax and enjoy quality time together.
Some additional things to do in Palm Springs during Thanksgiving include:
WildLights
Enjoy the WildLights in palm springs during thanksgiving
Palm Springs is a great Thanksgiving getaway for families and couples. Visitors can enjoy the WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, where more than one million lights are illuminated into animal shapes.
Joshua Tree
If you feel like getting in a nice hike with the family before enjoying your Thanksgiving feast, head over to the beautiful Joshua tree. The national park is a great place to discover and explore, with amazing rock formations that will make your mouth fall open in awe.
3. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is home to some of the finest wineries in California.
As Thanksgiving approaches, visitors can enjoy wine tasting and indulge in Thanksgiving Day feasts with family members at one of the many Thanksgiving dinner specials available across Napa Valley restaurants.
Some additional things to do in Napa Valley during Thanksgiving include:
Napa Valley Wine Train
Sit back and enjoy a real movable feast from within a turn-of-the-century rail car while viewing the glorious fall colors and pristine communities of Napa Valley. Dine on your chef-prepared roasted turkey, acorn squash bisque, and herb stuffing.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Napa Valley is a beautiful place to visit, but it’s even better when you can see all the beauty from above. Take an hour-long hot air balloon ride in Napa Valley and soak in views of some of America’s most stunning wine country as you float over vineyards and rolling hills.
4. Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a mountain-ringed alpine lake that straddles the Nevada-California border. It’s a great time of year to be in Lake Tahoe because the weather is mild which is why Thanksgiving getaways here are so popular. Thanksgiving in Tahoe is a great way for families to spend Thanksgiving together. It is the perfect place to go for a hike in the mountains or go for a walk along the lake after enjoying Thanksgiving dinner.
Some additional things to do in Lake Tahoe during Thanksgiving include:
Go Skiing
Skiing at Lake Tahoe is fun for the whole family. There are beautiful views of the mountains and plenty of skiing trails. It’s a great exercise to help your burn off the extra Thanksgiving calories.
Rent a Cabin
Thanksgiving is the time to show your appreciation for all of those around you and what better way than spending Thanksgiving weekend with them in a cozy cabin at Lake Tahoe?
5. Catalina Island
Change things up a bit and visit an island for the thanksgiving holiday.
Catalina Island is a great place to visit during the Thanksgiving holiday. The weather in Catalina Island is a lot warmer than it is in other areas at this time of year which means you can spend your time outdoors during this Thanksgiving holiday.
There are a lot of things to do when visiting Catalina Island. You can go hiking, fishing, surfing, or kayaking.
An additional thing to do in Catalina Island during Thanksgiving is to:
Rent a House or Condo
Catalina Island is a very nice place to visit during the month of November. Rent a house there during Thanksgiving and enjoy quality time with family. The views are amazing from many of the properties.
6. Yosemite National Park
The beauty of Yosemite during the fall is that it is a time of year where the stunning reds of the leaves on the trees can be seen. The drive to Yosemite is definitely worth it for people of all ages who are looking to escape the typical city life and enjoy Thanksgiving in nature. It has plenty of hiking trails for one to stroll through, waterfalls for one to admire, and beautiful wildlife for one to see.
An additional thing to do in Yosemite during Thanksgiving is to:
Go Hiking
Some of the most popular things to do on Thanksgiving in Yosemite are to go for a hike, enjoy seeing the beautiful leaves change colors as you walk off all those Thanksgiving calories. If you’re up for checking out new landscapes during the fall, there are plenty of trails that are perfect for walking or getting into some lightweight hiking if you’re feeling adventurous. There are also tons of waterfalls to admire which you can spot from one of the park’s many scenic overlooks. At Yosemite, there are abundant amounts of wildlife roaming around so it wouldn’t be surprising to spot black bears or even an elk!
7. Santa Barbara
One of the best ways to spend Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara is to take a nice walk on the pier. The way the sky looks over the ocean is breathtaking. Around dusk, it’s also fun to watch all of the boats on the water with their lights on.
It’s also worth spending some time exploring downtown Santa Barbara. There are so many beautiful little boutiques and restaurants that are open especially on holidays. It’s always fun to stop by for some refreshments at one of these places before continuing your walk up State St., which is crowded with antique shops, more restaurants, and even some art galleries.
After dinner, it would also be fun to watch some surfers or rent bikes and ride through town.
Some additional things to do in Santa Barbara during Thanksgiving include:
Thanksgiving 4-Miler
Indulge in your Thanksgiving dinner guilt-free by signing up for the Thanksgiving 4-miler in Santa Barbara.
Turkey Paddle
Join the morning turkey paddle to get some fresh air before enjoying the Thanksgiving feast.
