Top 10 USA Thanksgiving Destinations for Travel in 2023
Thanksgiving has to be one of the most beloved holidays for adults and kids alike. There is something calming and pleasant about it, making Thanksgiving the best holiday season to plan your vacation! But there are so many excellent places to visit, so how do you make a pick? Maybe this blog will help you make up your mind!
Top 10 USA Thanksgiving Destinations for Travel in 2023
Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays because of the cozy vibes and the true holiday feeling it gives us. Here are the best places that you could visit this holiday season that can make your Thanksgiving extra special:
1. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth makes an excellent destination for Thanksgiving because of its New England charm. Cobblestone streets and historical splendor make the coastal village a great vacation spot. Thanksgiving feasts at local restaurants employ local ingredients, and the beach setting adds charm. Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot creates a sense of camaraderie and gets guests exercising over the holidays (bonus!). Portsmouth is a terrific Thanksgiving destination for history, community, and coastal beauty, thanks to chilly fall weather and stunning vistas.
- Historic Walks: Take a walk through Portsmouth's historic streets and stop at sites like Strawbery Banke to enjoy the city's charm.
- Seacoast Science Center: This engaging science center has games that are good for the whole family and show marine life.
- Isles of Shoals Cruise: Take a boat tour to the beautiful Isles of Shoals to see the Atlantic Ocean by the water.
- Prescott Park: This park on the water is a great place to relax. It's known for its flowers, music, and other outdoor events.
- Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse: This famous lighthouse has a view of the whole coast.
2. Seattle, Washington
Seattle provides a unique Thanksgiving experience with its urban sophistication and stunning natural surroundings. The city's famous culinary scene offers conventional Thanksgiving meals and creative Pacific Northwest food. Holiday festivities are enhanced by the Thanksgiving Macy's Parade Festival of Trees and the Space Needle. Hikes with picturesque views or Puget Sound excursions are possible after the feast due to the mountains and water nearby. Seattle's vibrant environment and unique mixture of cultural attractions make it a great Thanksgiving destination for anyone seeking urban excitement and natural beauty in the Pacific Northwest.
- In Seattle, Washington, visit the Space Needle for stunning views of the city, especially after sunset.
- Pike Place Market: See the flying fish, fresh food, and interesting businesses at this historic market.
- The bright Dale Chihuly Garden and Glass show features amazing glass art pieces.
- The eccentric Fremont area is home to the famed Fremont Troll sculpture.
3. Charlottesville, Virginia
Charlottesville's history and scenery make it a great Thanksgiving destination. Visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's estate, and eat Thanksgiving at one of the city's lovely old inns. Holiday celebrations are set against the Blue Ridge Mountains' spectacular fall color. Thanksgiving festivities can be elevated by Virginia's award-winning wines from local vineyards. Charlottesville's lovely downtown with stores and galleries makes holiday shopping and strolls warm and festive. The city's history, natural beauty, and cuisine make it ideal for a culturally enriching and beautiful Thanksgiving.
- University of Virginia: See Jefferson's Rotunda and Lawn on the beautiful campus.
- Carter Mountain Orchard: Pick apples and see the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Downtown Mall: Walk the pedestrian mall featuring stores, eateries, and street entertainers.
- Visit one of the numerous surrounding Virginia wineries to experience the local wine culture.
4. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta provides a lively Southern Thanksgiving with modern facilities and classic charm. The city's diversified culinary sector offers Thanksgiving dinners from Southern comfort cuisine to creative twists. Parades and events like the Atlanta International Auto Show spice up Thanksgiving Day. The nice fall weather lets visitors explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Georgia Aquarium outside. Thanksgiving travelers may enjoy Atlanta's museums and theaters. The city's vibrant environment and Southern friendliness make it a great place to spend Thanksgiving in the South.
- The Georgia Aquarium is said to be one of the world's largest aquariums with varied marine life.
- Atlanta BeltLine: Connect communities and parks by walking or biking this old railway path.
- Piedmont Park: Enjoy walking pathways, sports, and vistas in this large city park.
5. Dallas- Fort Wort, Texas
Dallas-Fort Worth offers contemporary amenities and Western flair, making it a terrific Thanksgiving destination in Texas. The city's barbecue restaurants provide a distinctive Thanksgiving feast with robust flavors and pleasant service. The Dallas Holiday Parade and Fort Worth Turkey Trot are delightful annual events. Visit the Dallas Arts District or Fort Worth Stockyards to enhance your Thanksgiving experience in this crowded metro area.
- The Fort Worth Stockyards include cattle drives, rodeos, and Western-themed boutiques.
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: Enjoy themed gardens and seasonal exhibits.
- Dealey Plaza Sixth Floor Museum: Discover John F. Kennedy's life and legacy.
- The Perot Museum of Nature and Science has interactive scientific and nature displays.
- Dallas Arts District: Visit museums, theaters, and galleries.
6. Lambertville, New Jersey
Thanksgiving in Lambertville is comfortable due to its small-town charm and gorgeous environment. Holiday walks are lovely against the Victorian homes on historic streets. Farm-to-table Thanksgiving feasts at local eateries celebrate farming's bounty. Lambertville's proximity to the Delaware River allows extended walks along the river. This makes Thanksgiving serene and relaxing away from major areas' noise and commotion.
- Visit Lambertville Station, an old railroad station converted into a restaurant and inn with Delaware River views.
- Explore Lambertville's lovely downtown streets with art galleries, boutiques, and antique shops.
- Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park: Bicycle or stroll along the canal's scenic towpath.
- Howell Living History Agricultural: Learn about traditional farming and engage in seasonal agricultural activities at Howell Living History Farm.
- Antique Hunting: Lambertville is known for its antique shops, so browse and locate unusual items.
7. Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is a unique Thanksgiving destination due to its Mediterranean climate and coastal scenery. Luxury restaurants in the city provide Thanksgiving feasts with gourmet touches and have patio seating. The annual Santa Barbara Zoo Pumpkin Smash makes Thanksgiving enjoyable. Santa Barbara's stunning beaches and Spanish-style structures make it an elegant and relaxed Thanksgiving destination.
- Stearns Wharf: Stroll along this historic pier with shops, restaurants, and ocean views.
- Santa Barbara Funk Zone: Explore murals, galleries, and wine-tasting rooms in this thriving art scene.
- Lotusland's exotic gardens display uncommon plants and cacti in a stunning setting.
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: Relax in the tranquility of the garden's native flora and strolling pathways.
8. Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth becomes a Bavarian-themed snow paradise over Thanksgiving. Snow-covered mountains and alpine houses make the Cascade Mountains town lovely. A local eatery provides German-inspired Thanksgiving. The annual Bavarian Christmas market, Christkindlmarkt, boosts holiday joy. Snowshoeing and sleigh rides make for a wonderful Thanksgiving feast in the snow.
- Wine Tasting: Visit Cascade Mountain vineyards and taste Washington State wines.
- Outdoor Recreation: Hike, mountain bike, or ski in the neighboring mountains, depending on the season.
- Oktoberfest: Leavenworth's Oktoberfest, one of the region's largest, features traditional music, cuisine, and beer throughout the autumn.
9. Killington, Vermont
Winter sports aficionados love Killington's snowy environment and hills during Thanksgiving. Skiers and snowboarders may enjoy the holiday weekend at Killington Resort, which opens early. Thanksgiving lunches at local inns and restaurants provide substantial Vermont fare with local ingredients. The comfortable mountain cottages and Vermont's winter splendor make Killington a terrific Thanksgiving destination for energetic nature lovers.
- Killington Resort offers world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter.
- Gifford Woods State Park: Discover lovely woodland paths and Thundering Brook Falls in this park.
- Long Trail Brewery: Enjoy local artisan beers and pub food at Long Trail Brewery.
- Mountain biking: Enjoy Green Mountain vistas on summer mountain bike paths.
- Trail Adventures: Hike the Appalachian Trail through Killington, which offers various vistas and hard terrain.
10. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah's historic beauty and Southern hospitality make it a terrific Thanksgiving destination. Holiday strolls through the city's oak-lined streets and historic parks are lovely. For Thanksgiving, local eateries provide Southern classics and innovative cuisine. Every Thanksgiving, the Savannah Food and Wine Festival showcases the area's greatest cuisine. Fall is a good time to visit Forsyth Park or take a barge cruise. This enhances Savannah Thanksgiving parties' warmth and charm.
- Walk around Savannah's old District, with its cobblestone streets, old mansions, and attractive squares.
- Forsyth Park: Relax in this spacious park with flowers, fountains, and walks.
Lots Of Things To Be Grateful For
Holiday seasons have the habit of bringing out the best in us. And it makes a great time to plan your trips as well! Now that you have a list of some of the best places you could visit this Thanksgiving, book your tickets before they get filled up. Make sure to choose a travel assistance service at the airport so that you won't be stuck in long queues or worry about lost luggage. AirportAssist.com is here to assure you that your holiday mood remains intact even at the airport. Happy Thanksgiving!