Rebecca's Travel Notes

Do you want to skip the turkey and travel for Thanksgiving? I will be traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday. I am really looking forward to the adventure. If you are searching for are some fantastic places to visit over Thanksgiving in the USA, check out the following. Each location offers unique experiences and seasonal festivities.

1. New York City, New York

• Highlight: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
• The parade is a Thanksgiving classic, featuring giant balloons, floats, and performances. New York’s holiday markets, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and iconic holiday window displays add to the festive atmosphere. This is my destination this year. I cannot wait to see the giant balloons.

2. Plymouth, Massachusetts

• Highlight: America’s “Hometown” Thanksgiving Celebration
• Plymouth hosts a historic Thanksgiving celebration with reenactments, parades, and museum visits. You can also visit the museums for a glimpse into the history of Thanksgiving.

3. Chicago, Illinois

• Highlight: The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
• Experience the classic parade, then explore holiday lights at Millennium Park, ice skating, and festive markets. Chicago’s food scene is also perfect for a Thanksgiving feast. I have not been to Chicago at Thanksgiving but I enjoyed visiting closer to Christmas. If you go, do not forget to get Chicago style pizza.

4. New Orleans, Louisiana

• Highlight: Unique Thanksgiving feasts and live jazz
• New Orleans puts a Southern spin on Thanksgiving with jazz performances, Cajun-spiced turkey, and festive decorations in the French Quarter. There’s also a Bayou Classic football game for sports fans.

5. Santa Fe, New Mexico

• Highlight: Southwestern-style Thanksgiving
• Santa Fe’s adobe-style architecture and stunning landscapes make it ideal for a quieter Thanksgiving. Enjoy cozy fireside dinners, art galleries, and Native American cultural events.

6. San Diego, California

• Highlight: Warm weather and beach side for Thanksgiving fun.
• If you’re looking for a beach getaway, San Diego provides mild weather. You can enjoy Thanksgiving feasts along the waterfront. There are also holiday events at Balboa Park.

7. Williamsburg, Virginia

• Highlight: Colonial Williamsburg’s historic Thanksgiving
• Williamsburg offers a step back in time with historical reenactments and traditional Thanksgiving fare. Visit nearby Jamestown and Yorktown for more history and fall activities.

8. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

• Highlight: Great Smoky Mountains fall foliage
• Gatlinburg’s charming town atmosphere, scenic hikes, and colorful autumn leaves make it ideal for a Thanksgiving getaway. The area has cozy cabins, local arts and crafts, and seasonal celebrations. I personally have only been to Gatlinburg in the summertime, but I would love to go during the holidays.

9. Orlando, Florida

• Highlight: Thanksgiving at theme parks
• With lighter-than-usual crowds, Thanksgiving can be a great time to visit Disney World or Universal Studios. Both parks have seasonal decorations, special meals, and entertainment that adds to the holiday magic. Orlando is on my bucket list for holiday visits.

Whether you’re looking for a historic locations, snowy fun, beach side, or a family-friendly Thanksgiving, the above destinations offer diverse options. They provide a mix of holiday charm and activities to make the long weekend memorable.

Did I miss your favorite USA destination for Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments.