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20 Beautiful Thanksgiving Destinations in the U.S. to Satisfy Your Wanderlust This Fall
Because sometimes the holidays are even more enjoyable in a new city.
Thanksgiving conjures up warm feelings of sumptuous turkey feasts and time spent lounging around by a fire with family, but some years it's nice to escape the confines of home and exhale at one these Thanksgiving travel destinations. We looked all over the U.S. for unique vacation locations for couples or families or friends to retreat to in late November for a new take on their Thanksgiving celebration.
Whether you want to seek out sunny rays in warm temperatures or bundle up surrounded by the last of the season's spectacular fall foliage, we've got a Thanksgiving trip planned for you. From Hudson Valley, New York, to Miami Florida, to Sante Fe, New Mexico, these are all beautiful destinations with cultural (and culinary!) offerings you won't soon forget. Some offer access to our favorite bustling cities (many with historic locales you'll want to see while you are there), while others take you to the quiet of nature and all its countryside scenery.
And now to celebrate this season of thankfulness in style with the best Thanksgiving destinations to visit in the U.S.
Twin Farms: Barnard, Vermont
This five-star, all-inclusive Relais & Chateaux property has all the trappings for a perfect Thanksgiving: crisp fall Vermont weather, well-appointed rooms, crackling fireplaces, and incredible food. This Thanksgiving, chef Nathan Rich and his team will craft a multi-course dinner including farm-raised turkeys, roasted vegetables sourced from the property's garden, seasonal desserts, and a top-notch wine menu.
Newbury Hotel: Boston, Massachusetts
Boston comes alive in the fall, and the Newbury Hotel is the perfect cozy home base for all your sightseeing. Book one of the fireplace suites to defrost from the cold weather; your fireplace butler will help you choose from a variety of woods—including birch, cherry, oak or maple—to scent and warm your room.
Hotel Saint Vincent: New Orleans, Louisiana
Take in New Orleans and its take on Thanksgiving with daily weather peaking in the mid-70s. On the holiday itself, you can feast on a deep-fried turkey or turducken, a Cajun creation that cooks boneless chicken breast inside of a boneless duck breast inside of a turkey at one of many restaurants that stays open. You can also don your hat or fascinator for the Thanksgiving Classic, a derby that will kick off the racing season at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, and catch the Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade as it processes from Superdome to French Market. As with any visit, you'll want to top it off with a beignet from Cafe du Monde.
Wildflower Farms, Auberge Resorts Collection: Gardiner, New York
Wildflower Farms makes a serene holiday destination with its freestanding cabins overlooking Shawangunk Ridge in the Hudson Valley, all outfitted with natural materials you'll likely be able to find in the woodlands just outside the cottage windows. The hotel pivots away from the region's established Scandinavian-inspired style and into a more mature design vernacular informed by native woodlands and wildflower fields.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach: Miami, Florida
Late November is an excellent time to visit Miami, as temperatures are finally starting to drop and the snow birds haven't quite taken over South Florida. There's truly something for everyone to enjoy in Miami from its iconic beaches to world-renowned art galleries, stunning public gardens, and fantastic shopping.
Baz Luhrman's vibrant, glamorous films have come to life in the form of Faena Hotel Miami Beach, which he and his wife, costume and set designer Catherine Martin, helped design. Art Deco elegance is dripping at every turn, and there are indulgences for every type of enthusiast at this widely acclaimed hotel, from art exhibitions to cooking classes and a 22,000 square foot spa.
The Little Nell: Aspen, Colorado
We never need an excuse to book a long weekend in Aspen, and Thanksgiving weekend is a magical time as the town opens back up for the holidays. While snowy ski runs may not be part of your vacation quite yet, a leisurely Aspen getaway offers a more restorative side of this incredible destination. Live music, art exhibits, incredible shopping, and cozy cocktail spots are just a few of the things to enjoy in Aspen.
Find your escape at The Little Nell, which is renowned for its service, location, dining, and spacious accommodations designed by Holly Hunt. Chances are, Aspen's only ski-in, ski-out hotel property will have a few runs open in case you're jonesing to hit the slopes.
Austin Proper Hotel & Residences: Austin, Texas
Soak up that Texas sun this Thanksgiving with a stay in Austin. This beloved city is home to exciting outdoor experiences, art programming, nightlife, and, of course, food. It won't take long to discover why so many people have flocked here during the pandemic.
Our pick for a chic Austin weekend is Austin Proper Hotel & Residences, the Kelly Wearstler-designed property featuring local art and craftsmanship along with a fabulous rooftop bar boasting views of Lady Bird Lake. The hotel's Verbena Spa is a waterfront wellness facility rooted in Eastern medicine which features unique treatments inspired by Austin.
Montage Healdsburg: Healdsburg, California
Consider spending a cozy Thanksgiving weekend in California wine country this year. Whether you prefer Napa or Sonoma, there are an abundance of activities to enjoy beyond wine tasting, from art to hiking to dining in the region's array of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Montage Healdsburg is a favorite Sonoma County spot to unwind over the holidays, be it a couple's trip or a vacation with the entire extended family. The resort offers rooms, suites, and residences for rent to suit any size of party, plus, there are enough dining establishments, on-site activities, and impeccable views to keep you busy all weekend long.
Zero George: Charleston, South Carolina
Thanksgiving weekend is a perfect time to visit one of America's favorite cities, as the weather cools down and the town fills up with holiday spirit. The best thing about visiting Charleston is that you don't have to arrive with a detailed plan to enjoy the city. Simply biking down the historic streets full of colorful homes, strolling along the beautiful beaches, and popping into buzzing restaurants and live music joints will reward you with a memorable getaway.
Zero George is an excellent home base for a holiday weekend in Charleston. The artfully restored circa-1804 buildings and courtyard allow guests to feel a part of the city's vibrant history while enjoying a host of modern amenities. Plus, breakfast is delivered to your door each morning, making for the perfect start to your Thanksgiving celebration.
The Lowell Hotel: New York, New York
New York is back, and we're dreaming of a big city getaway this Thanksgiving, complete with all our favorites: martinis at Jacques Bar, shopping at our favorite antiques purveyors, and catching the latest art exhibitions or Broadway show.
The Lowell Hotel is a favorite of our editors and top designers alike, thanks to its sophisticated yet inviting interiors, rich history, and fantastic drinking and dining options. The Lowell Hotel is seated right off Central Park on East 63rd Street and the hotel's concierge services offers exclusive tickets and experiences to the neighborhood's biggest attractions. You're also close to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade route if you want to enjoy the iconic event in-person.
Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection: Washington, Connecticut
If you're a city-dweller seeking a countryside escape, the charming area of Litchfield Hills, Connecticut, is just over a two-hour drive from New York City and three hours from Boston, with Washington being the area's crown jewel. Home to beautiful nature preserves, immaculate historic homes, world-class shopping, and locally driven restaurants, it's the perfect town to decompress in before the holiday season really ramps up.
Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection is the perfect place to call home for the Thanksgiving weekend with its soothing interiors designed by Celerie Kemble, brand-new wellness offerings at The Well at Mayflower Inn, and a fantastic culinary program.
Highlander Mountain House: Highlands, North Carolina
Just a two-hour drive from Atlanta, Highlands, North Carolina is an idyllic mountain town filled with historic inns, fantastic cuisine, and incredible views. Its position at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains means you get all the fall foliage and elevation without ultra-chilly temperatures this time of year.
Book your stay at Highlander Mountain House, an 18-room boutique hotel that's equal parts Appalachian mountain lodge and English country estate. It's home to the seasonally driven Ruffed Grouse Tavern, and right next door to Highlands Wine Shoppe, a local institution. Spend your holiday weekend hiking, checking out the area's fabulous clothing and home stores, and curling up by one of the hotel's fireplaces with a good book and glass of wine.
The Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island: Amelia Island, Florida
For the ultimate Thanksgiving retreat, head to Amelia Island, Florida. With temps in the high 60's and low 70's in November, you'll enjoy perfect weather for fishing, beaching, kayaking, or dining alfresco. This Ritz Carlton is located on a secluded barrier island and boasts views of sand dunes and beautiful beaches. It offers the perfect mixture of coastal charm and five-star hotel amenities such as fine dining and a world-class spa.
The Omni Homestead Resort: Hot Springs, Virginia
The teeny mountain town of Hot Springs lies about two hours west of Charlottesville and is an idyllic place to spend Thanksgiving for a multitude of reasons. It's not only home to striking Shenandoah Valley views but also historic resorts, the golf course that helped launch Sam Snead's career, and, of course, some fabulous hot springs.
The Omni Homestead Resort is the legendary hotel that has hosted 23 presidents since the 18th century and still brings visitors to this Virginian village today. It's known for luxurious lodging, spa amenities, and outdoor activities. The resort hosts a memorable Thanksgiving feast every year, along with the annual lighting of the Great Hall Tree to help you kick off the holiday season right.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection: Hawai'i, HI
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to enjoy your favorite Hawaiian island, as it's usually less crowded than it is during other major holidays (the exception being Waikiki in Oahu). You can usually find better deals on flights and hotels as well. It's a great option for those who would prefer to wear a swimsuit and dine by tiki torch light this Thanksgiving.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is widely considered one of the most luxurious hotels in Hawaii, and its secluded location on the Kohala Coast makes it ideal for those looking for a private oceanfront retreat this fall. Experience Hawaiian culture, learn to surf, and fall in love with the Big Island's natural beauty.
Blackberry Farm: Walland, TN
This picturesque mountain range is a festive place to spend a long weekend at Thanksgiving. Plus, it's one of the few places that is still at peak fall foliage this late in the year. Whether you're looking for a luxurious treehouse to whip up your family's favorite dishes in solace or a world-class resort that serves a chef-prepared dinner, you can find it here.
Blackberry Farm is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy the great outdoors, and enjoy some classic Turkey Day traditions away from home. It offers a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner, along with a Turkey Trot, flag football, family bingo, and plenty of other activities to commemorate the occasion.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel in Santa Barbara, CA
Southern California's wine country just might be the perfect place to spend a sunny Thanksgiving this year. This glamorous coastal town is full of fabulous museums, gardens, dining, boating, and hiking, so there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, the luxury hotel brand's only West Coast property, offers the best views and experiences of "the American Riviera," plus a fantastic Thanksgiving feast at its dining room. The resort offers rooms, bungalows, and suites to fit your privacy wishes.
Inn of the Five Graces: Santa Fe, New Mexico
If you've been looking to visit this historic city, consider making the trip in November, where the weather is at its best and number of activities is abundant. From a host of art festivals to ski slopes opening for the season, the city is buzzing with excitement and opportunities.
Complete your stay at the celeb-loved Inn of the Five Graces with jaw-dropping interiors, one-of-a-kind wellness experiences, and proximity to all the cultural events and landmarks. It's sure to be a Thanksgiving to remember, and you just might want to make this destination a new tradition.
The Breakers Palm Beach: Palm Beach, FL
If you prefer palm trees to snow-capped peaks, be sure to visit this beloved city during Thanksgiving weekend. Temperatures are still warm, most of the snowbirds have yet to arrive, and the town is gearing up for the holidays with an array of holiday events. It's the perfect time to soak up the sun.
Celebrate Thanksgiving in style at one of Palm Beach's renowned hotels. The Breakers offers historic glamour and opulent luxury while still being an excellent place to gather with the whole family. Festive activities along with the year-round golf, pool, and beach amenities will have you wishing for an extended stay.
Rosewood: Washington, D.C.
Georgetown is the perfect spot to land if you want to explore our nation's capital this time of year. You're close enough to all the national landmarks while staying on the quieter side of D.C. with plenty of fabulous dining, drinks, and shops right outside your door.
Rosewood Washington, D.C., boasts townhouose accommodations on one of Georgetown's most picturesque streets. These Thomas Pheasant-designed residences have all the luxurious amenities one could need and boast 1,000 square feet of artfully curated living space. Rosewood's hotel lies on the historic C&C Canal if you're looking for a more traditional accommodation.
Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor who covers all things lifestyle and luxury, with an emphasis on interior design and travel. Lauren began her career in lifestyle journalism as a Dotdash Meredith digital editorial fellow with Cooking Light, then worked as a digital editor for EatingWell and VERANDA before venturing out on her own in 2022. She has been writing for nationally renowned lifestyle publications for six years and has also written for several U.K.-based travel and interior design brands. Lauren lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband and son and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family in her free time.
Jaime Milan (she/her) is the deputy digital editor for VERANDA, where she manages the brand's cross-platform digital strategy. She also writes and edits dozens of stories each month about design, architecture, gardening, jewelry, travel, entertaining, shopping, news, and trends. Prior to joining VERANDA, Jaime was a digital editor for over 10 years at national news and lifestyle brands and has written everything from in-depth packages and celebrity news to features and holiday gift guides. In her spare time, she can be found shopping at the antique store, cooking, gardening, or teaching her mini Australian Shepherd, Gumbo, new tricks. Follow her on Instagram at @jaimemmilan.
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