10 Lovely Thanksgiving Destinations For Families In USA

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November is just around the corner and now would be the perfect time to start planning a Thanksgiving extravaganza with your family. This holiday, how about you not sit at home and cook a lavish meal for everyone and just pack your bags and explore USA instead? Jazz up the same old traditions and go on a family vacation  instead. We have made just the list for you- it consists of top 10 lovely Thanksgiving destinations for families in USA. Because, ultimately, Thanksgiving is all about celebrating the joys of life with the ones you love.  

1. San Diego, California:

  

Image Source: Wikimedia
 
One of the best Thanksgiving getaways for families, San Diego is a fun destination for the kids. Besides, what makes a vacation over here special is the extravagant Thanksgiving feast that is organized at the famous Hotel Del Coronado every year. Indulge in some scrumptious delicacies and many intimate conversations. San Diego also plays host to the Father Joe’s Thanksgiving Day 5K run/walk. The proceeds generated from this go towards providing meals for the needy. Why not participate in it as well? Might help burn off those Thanksgiving calories, and all for a good cause!
 
Tourist attractions in the city: La Jolla Cove, Petco Park, Mount Soledad, Botanical Building, Mission Bay Park. 

2. Boston, Massachusetts:

  

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A fabulous Thanksgiving getaway on the east coast, a visit to Boston will prove to be a joyous vacation for you and your entire family. Besides, the city is located close to the town of Plymouth- it is believed to be the place where all the Thanksgiving traditions began. A historic Pilgrim area, the Plimoth Plantation in the town hosts a Thanksgiving dinner event every year that you must attend with your entire family to have an authentic holiday experience.
 
Tourist attractions in the city: The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Freedom Trail, Boston Public Garden, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee:

  

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After spending many years celebrating the festival at home, we firmly believe that now you should celebrate the best Thanksgiving vacations in the grand wilderness! Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the picturesque city of Gatlinburg proves to be a fabulous vacation spot for the entire family. Activities you can undertake within the national park include hiking, camping, bicycling, fishing, horseback riding and picnicking. And once you are done enjoying the great outdoors, explore the city of Gatlinburg which is home to some interesting tourist attractions.

Tourist attractions in the city: Ripley's Aquarium Of The Smokies, Gatlinburg Sky Lift, CLIMB Works Canopy.

 

4. Chicago, Illinois: 

  

 
Just one epic reason- the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade! During this annual parade that is held in Chicago, thousands of spectators throng Downtown Chicago to witness the parade that boasts of magnificent and spellbinding floats and vivacious marching bands. Besides the parade, another reason to visit Chicago would be the bustling Christkindlmarket held at the Daley Plaza. A seasonal market, this one opens during the Thanksgiving week. Chicago is where classic Thanksgiving vacations are made!
 
Tourist attractions in the city: Millennium Park, Cloud Gate, Museum of Science and Industry, Navy Pier, 360 Chicago Observation Deck.

5. Steamboat Springs, Colorado:

  

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Still undecided on where to go for Thanksgiving? Well, do you and your family members enjoy skiing? Then pack your woollens and head over to Steamboat Springs in Colorado. Home to two famous ski resorts, the Steamboat Ski Resort and the Howelsen Hill ski area, this city is perfect for families who love the outdoors and would rather spend exploring the wilderness than sitting at home eating a turkey! 
 
Tourist attractions in the city: Fish Creek Falls, Yampa River Botanic Park.

6. Orlando, Florida: 

  

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Home to many theme parks and family-friendly attractions such as the world-famous Walt Disney World Resort, the quirky Universal Studios Florida, the interesting SeaWorld, the unique Gatorland, the fun Wet N Wild waterpark and the intriguing Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Orlando had to make it to the list of top Thanksgiving destinations for families in USA! 

Tourist attractions in the city: Discovery Cove, Orlando Science Centre, Castillo de San Marcos, IFLY Orlando, Lake Eola Park.

7. New York City, New York:

  

Image Source: Flickr/Anthony Quintano  
 
Let us warn you beforehand, New York City is not a place to have cheap Thanksgiving vacations. However, this charismatic city will definitely be worth it because of the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! An NYC tradition, this parade is a vivid amalgamation of giant balloons, eccentric floats, marching bands, clowns and even Broadway shows. What more would you want for Thanksgiving?! You can always grab a delicious turkey meal at one of the many restaurants in the city. 
 
Tourist attractions in the city: Empire State Building, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, High Line.Take a Central Park Walking Tour to explore more about the famous NYC's Central Park.
 
Must Visit New York Itinerary 7 Days   
 
 

8. San Francisco, California: 

  

Image Source: Flickr/Ingrid Taylar
 
Another fantastic destination to have a family vacation during Thanksgiving in USA, San Francisco plays host to the stunning Macy's Annual Tree Lighting event. Taking place a day after Thanksgiving, this event is hosted at the popular Union Square and is a spectacle not to be missed.  After witnessing the event, head over to Pier 39 with your kids and have the time of your lives enjoying the games and festivities.
 
Tourist attractions in the city: Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Lombard Street. 

9. Big Island- Hawaii:

  

Image Source: Flickr/Ray_LAC
 
For a beach vacation, head over to Hawaii to enjoy the warmth and friendly hospitality of the island. An expensive affair, a holiday in Hawaii will probably leave a dent on your pocket. Here’s a cheap Thanksgiving vacation idea for families- how about you rent a home or cottage instead of checking into a costly resort or hotel?! Would definitely save you some bucks. Beware though that it tends to rain in Hawaii during the month of November. Please don’t forget to pack umbrellas and rain jackets. 
 
Tourist attractions on the island: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, the district of Puna, Hulihee Palace.

10. New Orleans, Louisiana:

  

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Why be satisfied with a homely turkey meal when you can indulge in some sinfully delicious turducken?! A popular poultry dish which is essentially a chicken stuffed into a duck stuffed into a turkey, New Orleans is the place where this delicacy was invented! You will find many food stalls and eateries selling this piece of heaven during the Thanksgiving vacations. The Bayou Classic Thanksgiving Day Parade is another reason why you should visit New Orleans this festive season. 
 
Tourist attractions in the city: Frenchmen Street, Preservation Hall, Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, Musical Legends Park, Villalobos Pitbull Rescue Centre.
 
All set to spend a memorable Thanksgiving with your family? We wish you a happy journey and a lifetime of beautiful memories. Do let us know how your vacation went by commenting below. 
 
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