If you’d like to enjoy a getaway in California over the Thanksgiving holiday, these spots not only offer the chance to enjoy a feast without the work but provide a fabulous escape for relaxing, taking part in all sorts of activities, or perhaps a little of both.
Mendocino
Mendocino is one of the most beautiful towns in California, and the only one on the coast that’s designated as a historical landmark. Established in the 1850s, its streets are lined with grand Victorian buildings and saltbox cottages that are nestled among fine dining restaurants, quaint cafes, art galleries and boutiques. There are a number of places that serve Thanksgiving dinner in the area as well, like the MacCallum House and the Little River Inn.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a popular destination year-round, and with the ski season starting here in mid-November, if you’re hoping to hit the slopes for the holiday, it’s ideal. After playing in all of that powdery snow, you can take a break from the winter wonderland scenery to feast on a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at one of the many restaurants and resorts that serve holiday meals. Some of which offer special packages that include accommodations and dinner like Granlibakken Tahoe, an upscale lodge on the northwest shore. Enjoy tableside turkey carving with all of the trimmings, as well as vegetarian options and delectable desserts.
Santa Cruz
While it may be November and there are no guarantees when it comes to weather, this month in Santa Cruz is frequently sunny and pleasant, while crowds are few. This quintessential California beach town offers it all when it comes to relaxation, adventure and outstanding scenery. And, the Holiday Lights Train starts running on Thanksgiving weekend, leaving right from the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The legendary boardwalk also offers special holiday miniature golf, laser tag and arcade games too.
San Francisco
Just an hour north of Santa Cruz in San Francisco, you can enjoy a host of festivities for the holiday, including the spectacular Tree Lighting ceremonies that kick off the shopping season at Union Square and Pier 39. The holiday lights go on at Embarcadero Center a week before Thanksgiving, outlining the waterfront buildings with a dazzling array of color. The holiday ice rink at Union Square will be open too. Of course, with a host of fantastic dining options throughout the Golden Gate City, you’re pretty much guaranteed a fabulous Thanksgiving meal too.
San Diego
San Diego allows visitors to enjoy a sunny holiday with its year-round beautiful weather, along with postcard-perfect beaches, world-renowned attractions, and much more. By staying at the historic Hotel del Coronado, which sits across 28 oceanfront acres on Coronado Island, you can enjoy breathtaking water views, a lavish spa with signature ocean-inspired treatments, and indulge in a Thanksgiving buffet prepared by expert chefs. There are live musical performances and elaborate holiday decorations too. Built in 1888, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, this historic treasure with its vibrant red turrets and picturesque seaside setting has been visited by dignitaries, U.S. presidents and a host of celebrities throughout the decades.
Yosemite National Park
One of the most scenic and most popular of all national parks, Yosemite is often filled with big crowds, but in late fall, you’ll have the chance to enjoy its magnificent waterfalls and steep granite cliffs without bumping elbows with others. Plus, this Thanksgiving Ahwahnee Hotel (formerly the Majestic Yosemite Hotel), tucked among those soaring cliffs in Yosemite Valley, is serving up a legendary feast with traditional favorites in its Grand Dining Room.
Catalina Island
Catalina Island can be reached with an hour-long ferry ride from the coast of Southern California, making it an ideal weekend escape any time of the year with its moderate climate, but Thanksgiving is an extra-special time here. The weather will still feel like summer, but the crowds will have thinned significantly. You can expect plenty of holiday activities, including traditional Thanksgiving meals, as well as the chance to enjoy some of the best snorkeling in the continental U.S., biking, hiking, fishing, sailing, kayaking and golfing.
Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, you can explore all of the popular sights like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, film and television studios, amusement parks, and museums, and, if you stick around for Thanksgiving weekend, you can also catch the Hollywood Christmas parade, which takes place on the Sunday after the holiday. This long-time tradition isn’t all about the glitz and glamour of Hollywood but offers more of a hometown parade feel than one would expect, and there are so many restaurants serving holiday dinners, you’ll have a wealth of choices when it comes to a Thanksgiving feast.
Joshua Tree National Park
Late autumn is one of the best times for a visit to Joshua Tree National Park, a place that looks like an entirely different planet, filled with bizarrely-shaped plants indigenous to the region, like the Joshua tree and the ginormous boulders that rise hundreds of feet into the sky. It’s a hiker’s, a climber’s and a stargazer’s dream, and instead of eating out for your Thanksgiving meal, you could always pitch a tent and cook your meal over an open fire in the Hidden Valley Campground.
Half Moon Bay
If you’re a surfing enthusiast, or just like to watch surfers ride the waves, head to Half Moon Bay, nestled in a cove between the redwood forests and the Pacific less than 30 miles from San Francisco. Mild temperatures make it ideal for a number of its hallmarks: great golf, an abundance of fresh produce and seafood, and high caliber surfing. Only the very best dare to surf Mavericks, the spot that put California on the map when it comes to massive waves, and November through March is when the really big one hit. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay hosts several Thanksgiving options too, including Thanksgiving Brunch in its ballroom, complete with live music and favorite traditional fare, while its Navio restaurant offers a three-course menu that includes a starter and dessert.
