15 Thanksgiving Getaways in California You’ll Love

Today I want to bring you my guide to the top Thanksgiving getaways in California. From cities to coastal areas and national parks, there are a lot of popular locations for holiday escapes in the Golden State. Whether you’re looking to be in the thick of things or get away from it all, there’s a Thanksgiving destination in California for you. Read on for my favorite spots.

Thanksgiving Getaways in California

Having grown up in California, I’ve spent countless Thanksgivings in the state. From family meals in the San Francisco Bay Area to weekend trips to Carmel, I’ve done the holiday in a number of places and with a range of fellow Americans and international guests.

In doing so, I’ve discovered a lot of the top places to go for Thanksgiving in California. In fact, I’ve been amazed by how many great destinations there are for the holiday. Whether you have one night or a long weekend, there are plenty of spots you can escape to.

Before you book, it’s worth keeping in mind that some destinations can be crowded on Thanksgiving. This is particularly true of urban areas where people fly in to see relatives for the holiday. It’s also the case in national parks and other travel destinations that are popular year-round.

In light of that, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and book things like hotels, flights, and rental cars well in advance. As with Christmas, some hotels offer special package rates over Thanksgiving, too. Make sure to check for deals when you book.

1. Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is first on my list of Thanksgiving getaways in California. This mountain destination is popular year-round, and early snowfall can make it a great place to hit the slopes over the holiday weekend. Whether you go to Palisades, Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood, or elsewhere, there are lots of good options.

Even if the powder doesn’t make an appearance, there are lots of things to do in Lake Tahoe over Thanksgiving that don’t involve skiing or snowboarding. From winter hikes to indulgent spa experiences and great restaurants, Tahoe has it all.

Some of the restaurants, resorts, and hotels around the lake offer special Turkey Day meals, too. For example, Palisades does a big buffet with carving stations and champagne for the occasion.

2. San Francisco

Next on my list of places to go for Thanksgiving in California is San Francisco. This city does a lot for the holidays, including a giant Christmas tree and ice rink in Union Square, and lights at the Embarcadero Center. Add to that festive shopping downtown and cable cars with wreaths, and there’s a lot to love about San Francisco during the festive season.

When I was growing up, my best friend’s family used to spend Thanksgiving in San Francisco every year. They had their annual Turkey Day dinner at the famous House of Prime Rib before spending the night at a hotel in the city. It was one of their favorite annual traditions.

3. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is another of the top Thanksgiving getaways in California. This is a great place to come in November, as there’s a chance of seeing Yosemite Valley dusted in snow. I once experienced snow on a school trip to Yosemite in November when I was a kid, and it was magical.

There are also great hikes to do in the park, from the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail to the iconic Mist Trail. Given the light is soft and beautiful at this time of year, it’s a great opportunity to do some photography, too.

You can also book Thanksgiving dinner at The Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite. This high-end institution is famous for serving a holiday feast each year in its impressive Dining Room. Other options include a big Thanksgiving buffet or special plated menu at Tenaya at Yosemite.

4. Palm Springs

If you want warmer weather, Palm Springs is a great option for Thanksgiving in California. With sunny skies and mountain views, this place is hard to beat for Turkey Day.

There are lots of fun things to do in Palm Springs over Thanksgiving, from riding the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to taking in the mid-century modern architecture and seeing the giant Marilyn Monroe statue.

A number of local restaurants offer in-person and to-go Thanksgiving dinners in Palm Springs, too. From Desert Hot Springs to Indian Wells, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to where to find turkey and all the fixings.

5. Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley

Next on my list of places to visit in California for Thanksgiving are Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. Wine country is a great place to escape to in the winter months.

The morning and evening light is beautiful, the air is crisp in the morning and warmer during the day, and there are lots of great places for wine tasting, dining, shopping, and getting outdoors.

There are a number of restaurants in Napa and Sonoma that serve Thanksgiving meals, too. From Yountville to Healdsburg, places like Ad Hoc and Dry Creek Kitchen are open for holiday dining.

A number of wineries welcome visitors for tastings on Thanksgiving as well. These include Clos Pegase Winery in Calistoga and Krupp Brothers in downtown Napa.

6. Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of my favorite places to spend Thanksgiving in California. From the beautiful beaches to the picture-pretty shops and great restaurants, there’s a lot to love about this place.

I spent Thanksgiving weekend in Carmel with my mother and our dog one year, and we had a good time. We stayed at a hotel in town and ate dinner at a local restaurant that was serving a special holiday menu. We loved how festive the shops were during the weekend, and how beautiful the coast looked.

7. Mendocino

Speaking of the coast, Mendocino is another great place for Thanksgiving getaways in California. This part of the state is underrated from a tourism perspective at the best of times, but it’s even more peaceful in winter.

With stunning beaches, great wine tasting, and beautiful redwood forests, Mendocino has a lot to offer visitors. There are several restaurants that serve Thanksgiving meals in town, too, so you’ll be covered for turkey and stuffing.

8. Santa Barbara

Next on my list of places to go in California for Thanksgiving is Santa Barbara. This coastal city in SoCal is known for its great weather, sandy beaches, and fun shopping. There are lots of amazing hotels in the hills as well.

Santa Barbara has lots of holiday events in the run-up to Thanksgiving. From seasonal workshops to Thanksgiving wine tours, they can keep you busy for days. On the actual day, there’s a Thanksgiving 4-Miler run and a Turkey Day Paddle on the water. The zoo is open, too.

Plenty of hotels and restaurants offer Thanksgiving dinner in Santa Barbara. From El Encanto to Rosewood Miramar Beach, there’s no shortage of places to find a feast in town.

9. San Diego

San Diego is another great place for Thanksgiving in the Golden State. This sunny city in Southern California is the perfect escape for good weather and great beaches when other parts of the country are cold and wet.

There’s a lot going on in San Diego on Thanksgiving, including 5k Turkey Trots in Coronado, Balboa Park, and other areas.

Many hotels and restaurants serve feasts, too, including the famous Hotel del Coronado. It has a big buffet in its Southpointe Ballroom, complete with live musical entertainment.

10. Catalina Island

Speaking of sunny weather, Catalina Island is another great place for a Thanksgiving getaway in California. It’s fun to take the ferry over and spend the weekend hiking, shopping, dining, and soaking up the island atmosphere. The summer crowds are gone and the weather is mild, making it a good time of year to visit.

Most activities and attractions on the island are open on Thanksgiving in Catalina. Places like Avalon Grille and Harbor Reef Restaurant offer special menus for Turkey Day, too.

11. Mammoth Lakes

Back to the mountains, Mammoth Lakes is another good place visit in California at Thanksgiving. If there’s snow, you can go skiing, snowboarding, or do other winter activities. That’s what Mammoth is known for in the colder months, after all.

But there’s plenty to do if there’s no powder in Mammoth or you don’t want to hit the slopes. There’s an annual Mammoth Lakes Turkey Trot, for example. It’s a family-friendly 2K race that goes along the trails and paths in the area.

The day after Thanksgiving sees the annual holiday tree lighting in Mammoth Village, too. There’s live music on the Village Plaza Stage, and a festive atmosphere to enjoy.

Many restaurants in the area serve traditional Thanksgiving dinners, too. From Mammoth Mountain Inn to Tamarack Lodge, their feasts book up quickly.

12. Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is another great place to spend Thanksgiving in California. This otherworldly spot is particularly beautiful in winter light, and there’s great camping and hiking here. The weather is cooler than in the hot summer months, too.

Joshua Tree gets busy on Thanksgiving weekend, so make sure to book accommodation or a campsite in advance. Be prepared for traffic at the entrance, too.

There’s not much in the way of restaurants serving meals on Thanksgiving here, but you can order food from the deli at a local grocery store and pick it up for a make-your-own feast.

13. Half Moon Bay

Back up in Northern California, Half Moon Bay is a great place to spend Thanksgiving. Widely considered the pumpkin capital of the world, this place makes for the perfect fall getaway. Whether you’re into surfing or shopping, there’s something here for you. The food is excellent, too.

There are plenty of places to have a proper Thanksgiving meal in Half Moon Bay. The most notable is The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, which serves both brunch and dinner on Turkey Day. It’s a decadent treat.

14. Big Sur

If you want to get away to the Central Coast for Thanksgiving, Big Sur is a great choice. The natural beauty here is hard to beat, and November is a great time for soft light, fun hikes, and cozy meals. Whether you’re camping, glamping, or staying at a hotel in Big Sur, it’s a good time to visit.

Local restaurants and hotels offer Thanksgiving dinner in Big Sur, too. Big Sur Lodge serves an evening meal with turkey and all the traditional trimmings, as does Big Sur Bakery.

15. Los Angeles

Los Angeles is another exciting place to spend Thanksgiving in California. With great weather, sunny beaches, and world-class culture and dining, the City of Angels is hard to beat.

There’s a lot going on over Thanksgiving in LA, too. The Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square opens right before Turkey Day, and the annual Hollywood Christmas parade is held each year on Thanksgiving weekend.

The Turkey Trot Los Angeles is a fun 5K or 10K event, too, and Enchanted: Forest of Light is a great annual winter light show in Descanso Gardens.

Lots of restaurants in LA are open on Thanksgiving as well. From fine dining to family-style feasts, there’s no shortage of options. If you like being on the water, the Marina del Rey Thanksgiving Day Premier Dinner Cruise is just the thing.

Thanksgiving Getaways in California

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to Thanksgiving getaways in California, and that it’s inspired you to get out and explore the Golden State over the holiday season. There are so many great places to visit, and this time of year is a fun one to be here.

Happy travels!

Find this helpful? Buy me a coffee!

Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the California Wayfaring blog.

Pin it!