Top 10 Thanksgiving Destinations for 2024

Consider this: Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be spent at home. With most family members needing to travel to gather, why not explore a new place? The finest Thanksgiving destinations can be found beyond the US, yet you can still celebrate with familiar traditions!

Thanksgiving presents a fantastic opportunity to travel, even if it can be quite hectic. The long weekend offers a perfect chance to extend your holiday. This way, no one has to endure hours in the kitchen preparing the traditional feast. Whether you’re flying solo, seeking romance, or gathering the whole extended family, here are my top picks for the best Thanksgiving spots in 2024.

Top Thanksgiving Destinations for This Year

Ideal Thanksgiving Spots for Families

Thanksgiving is truly a time for families. With grand parades, fun-filled activities for kids, lavish feasts, and the festive anticipation of Christmas, whether it’s snowy or sunny, here are my top Thanksgiving getaway ideas for families.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Discover more: Philadelphia travel guide

Fun fact: Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade holds the title of the oldest in the US. Established in 1920, it also aims to be the “most band friendly,” showcasing 19 bands with over 90 members marching and playing along the Ben Franklin Parkway.

Get ready for a spectacle of music, performances, massive floats and balloons, along with appearances from lesser-known celebrities. After the parade, head to LOVE Park to keep the celebrations going at the newly opened Christmas Village.

As family-friendly as it gets, let the kids roam through the nostalgic theme park and browse the wooden stall-lined alleys. Adults can indulge in mulled wine and bratwurst for a non-traditional, German-inspired Thanksgiving. Just a reminder: it’s November in Philly, so be sure to bundle up.

Long Beach, California

Discover more: Long Beach travel guide

If chilly family gatherings aren’t your idea of a festive atmosphere, head west. On your way, grab some costumes for the family to join in on the Long Beach Turkey Trot festivities.

Scheduled for the Saturday following Thanksgiving, this event features a one-mile race for kids and a six-mile serious race. Both are filled with fun, with many participants donning costumes for charitable causes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to shed some calories from that Thanksgiving feast!

Use the remainder of the week to explore the city and coastal attractions. Be sure to catch a whale watching tour, as it’s peak season for the Gray Whale migration, allowing for close encounters.

Top all-inclusive resorts for Thanksgiving

Sometimes it’s simply more relaxing to let someone else handle everything. For that experience, the best Thanksgiving destinations are all-inclusive resorts.

Sagamore Resort, Adirondacks, New York

To simplify your Thanksgiving celebration, my top choice for the best all-inclusive resort is Sagamore Resort. This historic Grand Dame, over 139 years old, embodies pure Americana.

In November, the surrounding forests display a stunning array of fall colors. Lake George glimmers under pink-tinged skies, and the hotel radiates warmth from cozy fires and festive spirit. Its four-day Thanksgiving agenda reflects this spirit beautifully.

Enjoy nightly bonfires featuring s’mores and live music. Indulge in lavish Thanksgiving meals in the ballroom. Watch the Macy’s Day Parade, major football games, and family movie marathons on giant screens. Experience the Christmas tree lighting and horseback riding. Thanksgiving is truly served on a silver platter.

Eden Roc Cap Cana, Dominican Republic

Ready to tackle holiday season travel? Eden Roc Cap Cana offers a quick escape from the mainland to a Thanksgiving paradise. They certainly embrace the holiday spirit here.

Their five-day itinerary maximizes every moment of Thanksgiving, making the most of the resort’s breathtaking location. Dress up, hunt for, learn to cook, and indulge in all the turkey you can manage. Burn off those calories with beachside fitness activities and sunset yoga, or find balance with meditation and spa treatments.

Alternatively, just relax on the beach with a cocktail and a great book, letting the experience wash over you.

Top destinations for a warm Thanksgiving getaway

Traveling to tropical islands for Thanksgiving offers a unique celebration filled with sunshine and warmth. If you prefer a balmy holiday, here are the best spots to visit for Thanksgiving in 2024.

Nassau, The Bahamas

Discover more: Nassau travel guide

Just because it's late November doesn't mean you have to spend Thanksgiving shivering through your festivities. There are numerous warm destinations where you can celebrate the holiday spirit. Conveniently close for a quick getaway and sunny enough for a nice tan, the Bahamas is an excellent choice.

Although Thanksgiving isn't officially recognized, you'll find plenty of celebrations. Replace the traditional Thanksgiving Day Parade with the vibrant neighborhood Junkanoo. For a luxurious experience mixed with a touch of commercialism, head to Baha Mar in Nassau. Stay at the SLS, enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at the Rosewood, and take the kids to the Grand Hyatt.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Discover more: Montego Bay travel guide

Montego Bay showcases two distinct faces. On one side, there's the city: a vibrant slice of Jamaican life full of energy and excitement. On the other, a shiny tourist haven: luxurious resorts lining the coast, far from the city's hustle and bustle. Yet, one constant remains: the temperature is always hot.

The heat is relentless in the city, especially on the famous Hip Strip, where cruise ship visitors mingle with locals at beachfront bars like the well-known Margaritaville. As expected, Thanksgiving Day brings a lively atmosphere. 

For a more relaxed experience, consider the upscale resorts around Ironshore to the north. Alternatively, take a quick trip down the coast to Louca Bay and the newly renovated Grand Palladium. 

The top beach getaways for Thanksgiving

Snowy landscapes and cozy fires are lovely, but I would gladly trade them for ocean views and sizzling barbecues any day. A simple guideline is to head south; the farther you go, the more beautiful the beaches become.

Punta Mita, Mexico

If a beach is going to be the highlight of your Thanksgiving escape, you might as well choose a stunning location. Spanning 1,500 acres on a picturesque peninsula along Mexico’s west coast, Punta Mita is just that.

This tranquil destination features a charming sleepy pueblo, alongside golf courses and breathtaking beaches. It's also home to a trio of luxurious accommodations: Four Seasons, St. Regis, and Susurros del Corazón. 

Visit for thrilling adventures and romantic moments, with options like surf safaris and candlelit dinners on the beach. Alternatively, treat your whole family to a beachfront casa and create unforgettable memories.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Embrace the spirit of Pura Vida this Thanksgiving on the stunning beaches of northwest Costa Rica. The biodiverse region of Guanacaste is renowned for its mesmerizing black sand beaches.

Particularly enchanting are Playa Negra and Playa Carbon, located near the lively town of Tamarindo. With tropical jungle backdrops, crashing waves, and an array of colorful bird species, the scenery is captivating. A few hours further south, the beaches lighten but remain equally impressive. Be sure to visit Ostional Wildlife Refuge to witness the arribadas (mass nesting) of Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Pacific Green sea turtles.

Head further south and reserve a room at the relaxed Harmony Hotel, just a short stroll down sandy paths to the serene Playa Guiones. Unwind, surf, and horseback ride your way to complete tranquility.

The best Thanksgiving getaways for solo travelers

If you’re traveling solo, the beauty of selecting a Thanksgiving destination is that you have no need to compromise. Whether you prefer somewhere close or far, warm or chilly, adventurous or utterly relaxed – the choice is all yours! However, staying within the US might be the most convenient option, so my recommendations focus there.

Boulder, Colorado

Discover more: Boulder travel guide

Boulder’s crisp air and bright blue skies rejuvenate the senses all year round. If you find yourself visiting alone this Thanksgiving, the warmth of the locals will surely uplift your spirits after a day spent outdoors in the cold.

Stay in the downtown area for easy walking access to local bars and eateries. This location also provides convenient routes to excellent skiing and hiking opportunities to the south, whether you’re on a solo adventure or a group trip.

A beloved tradition, the Boulder Ballet’s Thanksgiving weekend performance of The Nutcracker is a must-see. The Dairy Arts Center adds to the cultural offerings with films, art, music, comedy, and theater performances.

Willcox, Arizona

Thanksgiving is rich in tradition. One of the advantages of celebrating it solo is the opportunity to forge your own new traditions. If you enjoy wine, participating in a wine tour is a delightful way to spend a day or two, and the US offers numerous options.

On the West Coast, Napa Valley and Sonoma County are your go-to destinations. You can easily enjoy the picturesque rolling vineyards while sipping, tasting, eating, and unwinding. My personal recommendation is Arizona, where you can grab your wine trail passport for tours in Willcox, Sonoita, or the Verde Valley to the north.