21 of Our Favorite Thanksgiving Getaways 2023

Looking for the best places to go for Thanksgiving while you're off from work or school? Have your turkey and dressing down the road, or on the road, with one of the Thanksgiving vacation ideas we've rounded up. Some are laid back while other Thanksgiving getaways are packed with adventures, and you can do most of them in three or four days. Choose one that's right for you (We've got the best Thanksgiving getaways for families, too.), even if you have to take off a little more time to travel.

Read up on these Thanksgiving vacation ideas before you go. Some attractions may close for the season or the holidays, and others may be too cold for some activities.

Find Your Vibe in Lake Tahoe, Nevada

If you can't make it to Nevada on Oct. 14, 2023, when the "Ring of Fire" eclipse will be visible in some areas, head to Lake Tahoe for one of the best Thanksgiving vacations instead. Drive the scenic Lake Tahoe Loop and stop along the way to lounge on a beach, hike the Tahoe Rim Trail or dip your toes in the clear water. The north shore, home to one of Nevada's largest public beaches, feels laid back, and its Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino boasts a private beach. For a livelier vibe, check out South Lake Tahoe's Zephyr Cove Resort, where you can parasail, golf and find more activities. The luxurious Edgewood Tahoe Resort, also on the south shore, will offer a 2023 Thanksgiving-inspired menu.

Visit a Volcano in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving because the prices and crowds are usually down. It's less than three hours by plane from Miami and about five from New York. Pick up a vehicle from Vamos Rent-A-Car at either of the two international airports and drive three hours to Arenal Volcano National Park, shown here, to enjoy its mineral-rich hot springs, rainforest trails and safari floats. Hike an ancient lava flow, zipline or go sloth-spotting; it's a fun Thanksgiving getaway for families. More to do in Costa Rica: Visit a cacao plantation or take a guided tour to see medicinal plants, rare fungi (some are bioluminescent) and more than 116 species of bats.

Chase the Lights in Iceland

Iceland is also one of the best places to go for Thanksgiving, when you can often see the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. Combine your holiday time with a few vacation days, and take a 6-day tour of Iceland: Reykjavik & the Northern Lights to see ice caves, frozen waterfalls, glaciers and the snowy, other-worldly landscape. The tour starts in Reykjavik and includes Iceland's "Golden Circle," known for its natural wonders. It ends on the South Coast, home to a volcano, black sand beaches and a magnificent waterfall.

Take a Family Getaway to Mobile, Alabama

Don't skip Thanksgiving with Grandma. Take her with you to Mobile, where there's something for everyone, from green spaces to rooftop restaurants to the Mobile Carnival Museum, which highlights Mobile's Mardi Gras traditions. Pop into other museums dedicated to history, art or maritime explorations or, weather and season permitting, kayak, canoe or fish in "America's Amazon," the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. Shown here: the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, open daily except Christmas Day.

Stroll, Shop and Dine in Greer, South Carolina

From Greenville, South Carolina, named one of HGTV's Best Small Towns in America, drive less than 10 miles to charming Greer Station, on track to become the South's "next big small town." Inspired by cities in Europe and Montreal, the downtown area has been redesigned with brick-paved streets that invite pedestrians to explore boutiques, restaurants and breweries. And almost every week there are frequent special events. Explore a 12-acre park and amphitheater, watch for trains and admire turn-of-the-century architecture (more than 40 buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places).

Escape to Horse Country in Ocala, Florida

Ocala, in Marion County, is the official "Horse Capital of the World." It's also home to the World Equestrian Center (WEC), pictured here, a world-class, multi-indoor and outdoor facility for horse shows. The WEC complex includes a luxury hotel, restaurants and upscale shops. (Check out the 80 Schonbek Swarovski crystal chandeliers and $15,000 rocking horse.) This horse lover's paradise boasts an in-house master sommelier and front desk staff in Ralph Lauren attire. Olympians often visit, and John Travolta is said to be a regular. Come before Thanksgiving for the 2023 Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition; see the dates on the WEC events calendar.

Go Cajun in Coastal Louisiana

Instead of turkey and cranberry sauce, celebrate Thanksgiving with fresh seafood in coastal Louisiana, which includes Lafourche Parish, St. Tammany Parish and Jefferson Parish. Time to visit just one? Try Thibodaux, Louisiana's Cajun Bayou. When you're hungry, hop on the Cajun Bayou Food Trail, the Louisiana Oyster Trail or feast in restaurants and cafes on crawfish, étouffée and gumbo. When you're full, catch a swamp tour or play the washboard in a Cajun Music Jam. Rather catch your dinner? Charter a boat and go fishing.

Find Music for Your Ears in Macon, Georgia

Move over, Nashville. Macon aims to be the next big music city. It's where native Little Richard made his stage debut, Otis Redding grew up, the Allman Brothers Band lived and James Brown landed his first record deal. Today, the world-class Macon Pops Orchestra plays everything from Southern rock to funk. In 2023, they'll perform live on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at Macon's Holiday Light Show Extravaganza while more than 500,000 twinkling lights "dance" with the music. Macon also celebrates its Bicentennial in 2023; check out the revitalized downtown area featuring art galleries, 30 entertainment venues, more than 55 restaurants and dozens of shops and boutiques.

Camp Out in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Looking for the best Thanksgiving getaways for families? Camp at one of RVC Outdoor Destinations' RV resorts and campgrounds across the U.S. Choose a cabin, cottage, yurt, standard tent site, glamping tent or an RV hookup. Catherine's Landing, five minutes from historic Hot Springs, Arkansas, is shown here. Hike the Big Foot Trail and watch for armadillos, deer and bunnies. Zipline over the 400-acre grounds or explore a mile of water frontage on clear Lake Catherine.

Golf and Relax on Amelia Island, Florida

Amelia Island is home to a rare maritime forest ecosystem and 13 miles of uncrowded beaches, making it an especially nice Thanksgiving getaway for families. Play golf surrounded by magnificent live oaks, wax myrtles and other lush landscaping; all skill levels are welcome. Dine on fresh seafood under the stars at Beech Street Grill, take the kids biking, charter a fishing trip, book a dolphin tour or just bask in the sunshine.

Soak Up History, Art and Culture in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee's Bronzeville neighborhood, in the heart of the city's African-American community in the 6th district, is a great destination for a family getaway. In 2022, the New York Times called Bronzeville one of 52 places for a changed world, where "travelers can be part of the solution." Attractions include America's Black Holocaust Museum, an acclaimed historical and memorial museum, and the "Mother Africa" mural, shown here, on the Wisconsin Black Historical Society building at 2620 W. Center St. Don't miss the diverse restaurants and shops on and around Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Check the Bronzeville website for details about special events.

See Reefs, Rainforests and Ruins in Belize

History buffs, nature lovers and beachgoers: Take some extra time for a 9- or 12-day Thanksgiving getaway to Belize, located in Central America on the Caribbean Sea. Explore its Mayan ruins (shown here), rainforests teeming with colorful birds and other wildlife and the stunning Belize Barrier Reef. From Belize, take a 12-minute plane ride or a 75-minute water taxi ride to Ambergris Caye, the largest Belizean island. The award-winning Victoria House Resort and Spa sits at the edge of the reef and offers luxurious accommodations like villas with private pools and a 3500-square-foot spa and fitness facility.

Make Waves in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Families love Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. You'll find 32 miles of white sand beaches on this 27,000-acre island on the northernmost coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Head to Gulf Shores if you enjoy biking, nature and craft beers (adults only, of course). Visit Orange Beach if you'd rather boat, fish or shop. Take a sightseeing tiki cruise and hang out in a hammock or hit the links. Bring sand buckets for the kids.

Discover Charming Spartanburg, South Carolina

Once a mill town, Spartanburg is now a bustling city known for art, outdoor experiences and a growing culinary scene that blends Southern cooking with international flavors. It's a great Thanksgiving getaway for families. The downtown area is a designated cultural district with music venues, world-class art galleries, museums and other attractions. Visit the only BMW museum in North America, sip a cocktail at Initial Q, an upscale smokehouse and bar, or hike, picnic and ride horses in Croft State Park. Look for the historic Clock Tower in Morgan Square, shown here, where you'll find live music, boutiques and public art.

Make a Splash in Bermuda

Pink sand beaches, turquoise water and the British/American culture draw visitors to Bermuda, an archipelago of islands in the western North Atlantic. Visit one or all of three regions. Historic St. George's and the East End has a historic village vibe. Hamilton and Central Bermuda are more cosmopolitan. The Royal Navy Dockyard and West End is popular for its maritime history and incredible views. Fly from Atlanta or Boston to arrive in under three hours, or from New York in about 90 minutes.

Get Back to Nature in Western Montana

Western Montana spans the mountainous lands between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Explore Missoula, the biggest town, or Bozeman, Livingston and others for outdoor adventures like hiking, wildlife watching and horseback riding. Pan for sapphires in Philipsburg, tour Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park or stroll historic Last Chance Gulch, the main street in Helena, the capital city. Flyfish in a clear river, see the Museum of the Plains Indians in Browning or go rock climbing in Bitterroot. If you'd rather kick back, go stargazing, take a helicopter or airplane tour or see live theater in Whitefish. Shown here: The Resort at Paws Up, an authentic — and luxurious — working ranch in Greenough, about 35 miles northeast of Missoula.

Experience the New York Adirondacks

Made up of 12 different regions, the Adirondacks has countless things to see and do for a great Thanksgiving getaway. Adirondack Park, a protected wilderness area comprised of over 6 million acres, is an ideal destination for photographers, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. Relive past Olympic Games at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum or ice skate indoors year-round at the Lake Placid Olympic Center. Save time to shop for crafts in delightful villages, ride your motorcycle on rural roads or ride the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

Play at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe, Missouri

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a 10,000-acre nature preserve in the Ozark Mountains. It's another terrific Thanksgiving getaway for families. Kids as young as 4 can fish for rainbow trout in its spring-fed waters. If it's more fun, feed the fish at a trout-filled pool. Cast a line for bass (with or without a guide) at the lake, ride horses, hit the trails on foot or mountain bike, take a wildlife tour or just savor the rugged scenery.

Explore Croatia's Cities and Coast

You'll need your Thanksgiving holiday and a few more days to visit Croatia in southeast Europe, but a guided tour is worth it. For a memorable Thanksgiving vacation, book a nine-day trip to Zagreb, the capital city, and Split, a coastal city known for its museums and historic sites. Stretch your trip to 11 days and add Dubrovnik, where ancient stone walls surround Baroque buildings in its UNESCO-listed Old Town. (You might recognize Dubrovnik as "King's Landing" from the Game of Thrones television series.) November is off-season, so prices and crowds are usually down. It's also wine season. If you're there on Nov. 11, 2023, celebrate at the annual winemaking festival, Martinje.

Find Your Bliss in St. Lucia

Popular with honeymooners and anyone who craves a beach getaway, St. Lucia, a Caribbean island is located about four hours from Miami by air. Bring an appetite for authentic island food, sunscreen for the beach and a sense of fun for boat tours, jungle biking, horseback riding and the Gros Inlet every-Friday-night street party that's been going on for 50 years. Chill out with a chocolate-making class (cacao trees flourish in the volcanic soil), sail on a catamaran at sunset or dip into a hot mudbath at Sulfur Springs. Stay at luxurious Windjammer Landing, shown here, and practice hummingbird yoga where the tiny birds hang out. Try Windjammer Landing's first-of-its-kind Underwater Breathwork Programme for an underwater therapeutic experience; see the website for availability.

Williamsburg, Virginia

The best leaf-peeping in Virginia may be over by late November, but there's still plenty to see and do on a Thanksgiving getaway. Williamsburg, in the middle of the Eastern Seaboard, draws visitors to its battlefields, historic towns and its popular living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg. Kingsmill Resort is a good base for activities and boasts two championship golf courses, a large indoor pool and a million-dollar spa. Shop the Williamsburg Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays through December or look for arts and crafts, produce and baked goods, also on Saturday mornings, at Yorktown Market Days. Catch the Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia at the Jamestown Settlement and American Revolution Museums at Yorktown from Nov. 24-25, 2023, to explore 17th- and 18th-century foodways. On Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, pick up discounts at Michael Kors, Nautica and other stores at Williamsburg Premium Outlets. Again, check for days and times of operations for these and other attractions around the holiday.