10 best places to go for a memorable Thanksgiving
Feast on new experiences that last longer than leftovers
Instead of gathering around the same dinner table this Thanksgiving, gather your favorite people in a cozy mountain town, a sun-drenched beach, or a buzzing city filled with holiday spirit.
Traveling at Thanksgiving offers a chance to carve out new traditions and share moments that last far longer than leftovers. Meet the 10 destinations that make Thanksgiving less about the turkey and more togetherness.
Featured home: 1109 Berkeley St
Charleston's charming streets and historic homes are beautiful in November's mild weather. Your family will love the horse-drawn carriage tours, incredible restaurants, and waterfront walks that make everyone feel like they're stepping back in time.
What to be thankful for: The compact downtown makes everything walkable within a few blocks.
Featured home: Bear Cub Crossing
The Smoky Mountains put on their best show in fall with colorful leaves and misty mornings. Cozy cabins will bring you together for card games, hot chocolate, and nature walks that create memories to last a lifetime.
What to be thankful for: No fee to enter the Smoky Mountains National Park.
Featured home: Around the Bend
Bend's dramatic high desert setting offers adventure-loving families volcanic cave exploration, riverside trails, and celebration toasts at acclaimed breweries featuring Oregon farm cuisine.
What to be thankful for: Over 40 miles of riverside trails accessible right from downtown.
Featured home: Witt's Inn
This peaceful beach town is perfect for families who want to celebrate Thanksgiving seaside. November brings comfortable temperatures, uncrowded beaches, and beautiful sunrises that make every morning spectacular.
What to be thankful for: Seven miles of family-friendly beaches with gentle surf.
Featured home: The Full Circle Estate
Park City combines small-town charm with big mountain beauty. Explore historic Main Street, take scenic chairlift rides, and enjoy farm-to-table restaurants while surrounded by stunning fall colors.
What to be thankful for: Free shuttle service connects all major attractions and ski lifts.
Featured home: 1 By the Sea
30A's charming beach towns offer sugar-white sand, turquoise waters, and November temperatures ideal for bike rides along scenic Highway 30A and sunset dinners at waterfront restaurants.
What to be thankful for: Crystal-clear waters where you can see straight to the sandy bottom.
Featured home: Mountain Dream
This historic mining town sits high in the Rocky Mountains with breathtaking views and crisp, clean air. Bond over scenic gondola rides, mountain hiking, and cozy evenings by the fireplace in luxury mountain homes.
Something to be thankful for: Free gondola rides and no parking meters in downtown.
Featured home: Serene Cabin
Lake Arrowhead is a serene alpine retreat, where sparkling waters meet towering pines—perfect for boating, hiking, and unwinding in cozy mountain cabins with roaring fireplaces.
Something to be thankful for: An easy 90-minute drive from Los Angeles.
Featured home: Moonshine Overlook
Blue Ridge and Ellijay invite you to wander scenic trails, savor orchards, and soak in vibrant small-town charm surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking mountain views.
Something to be thankful for: Easy hiking trails perfect for grandparents and toddlers alike.
Featured home: Twenty Pines
Step into a fairy tale at this quaint Bavarian-style village with snow-covered streets.. Savor cozy mountain homes, scenic hikes, traditional German beer gardens, and charming shops amid the Cascade Mountains.
Something to be thankful for: Leavenworth’s show-stopping Christmas lighting event starts Thanksgiving evening with 500,000 lights.
The Smoky Mountains and the North Georgia Mountains offer the best value with free national park activities and spacious cabins that sleep large groups. Holden Beach and Lake Arrowhead provide roomy homes with multiple bedrooms, maximizing space for your money.
Start planning 8-10 weeks ahead to secure flights and vacation rentals. Popular destinations fill up quickly, especially beachfront and mountain properties.
Book by Labor Day for the best selection and rates. Thanksgiving is peak season, so early booking ensures availability.
Most vacation rentals feature fully equipped kitchens with large ovens, ample counter space, and dining areas perfect for hosting Thanksgiving meals with extended family.
Vacation rentals often include cookware, baking dishes, serving platters, and basic seasonings. Bring specialty items, ingredients, and decorations to personalize your Thanksgiving celebration.
*Must be a U.S. resident booking a home within the U.S. to qualify
