What’s more tempting than a Thanksgiving feast? Skipping the festivities altogether. This Thanksgiving, why not bypass the stress of cooking an entire meal, hosting your family and all the other necessary bits to celebrate a holiday? Instead, enjoy a relaxing Turkey Day escape close to home. We’ve rounded up five incredible Thanksgiving getaways within easy driving distance of major U.S. cities, including Miami, New York and Los Angeles. You’ll find these spots are under a five-hour drive—or a quick flight if holiday road trips are not your thing. Plus, each place has a distinct charm, natural beauty, fantastic food and drink offerings and noteworthy attractions.
West Palm Beach, FL
Often overlooked in favor of its swankier cousin, Palm Beach, this hip city still feels like a hidden gem (for now, at least). Its arty downtown area is home to The Square, an arts and culture hub that’s also brimming with some of the destination’s best shops, bars and restaurants like Barrio, El Camino and the recently opened Galley, as well as outposts of famed NYC staples Harry’s and Felice. Every Saturday between November and May, the city hosts an antiques and flea market; the GreenMarket also takes place on Saturdays between October and April. To get here from Miami, hop on I-95 (75 minutes, depending on traffic) or ditch the car altogether and hop on the high-speed Brightline train (also 75 minutes).
Where to stay: The Ben, Autograph Collection is a trendy hotel just minutes from the heart of downtown West Palm. The water views are an incredible bonus. Alternatively, stay closer to the center of it all at the Hilton West Palm Beach, which is adjacent to The Square.
Newport, RI
Newport has earned a reputation for being the summer playground of America’s most elite, most notably the Vanderbilt family. Unbeknownst to many, the tony coastal city— just two hours from Boston and four hours from New York—also makes for an idyllic Thanksgiving escape since it offers (very few) crowds and oh-so-cozy vibes. Stroll through the shop- and restaurant-dotted downtown, tour one of the iconic mansions, check out the famous Cliff Walk or cruise down the scenic, aptly named Ocean Drive with the windows down (that is, if you can brace for a bit of chill). On Turkey Day, several hotels will host epic Thanksgiving feasts, including Hotel Viking, The Vanderbilt, Castle Hill Inn and The Chanler at Cliff Walk.
Where to stay: While you can’t go wrong at any of the aforementioned properties, Hotel Viking is a favorite for its central downtown location, elegant accommodations (some with en-suite fireplaces!), tranquil spa and all-around charming ambiance.
The Catskills, NY
An easy drive or train ride from New York City (approximately two to three hours, depending on where you make your base), the Catskills region offers a calming reprieve from the bustling Big Apple. The destination truly offers something for every type of traveler. Bring your sneakers to hike Kaaterskill Falls (known as the highest cascading waterfall in New York State) and Olana State Historic Site; alternatively, visit one of the destination’s many craft breweries or cideries. Get lost in one of the destination’s many charming towns, including Livingston Manor, Woodstock, New Paltz and Kingston. Lastly, while fall foliage will have peaked by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, you’ll still enjoy ample leaf-peeping opps and postcard-worthy scenery throughout the entire region.
Where to stay: Mohonk Mountain House is an all-inclusive castle resort in New Paltz. The family-friendly property offers abundant on-site activities that run the gamut from guided hiking to horseback riding to rock climbing. Expect several Thanksgiving-themed events, including special crafts, scavenger hunts and an on-site Turkey Trot.
Santa Barbara, CA
This Turkey Day, ditch Los Angeles in favor of swanky Santa Barbara, which is about two hours away by car. Here, you’ll find a picture-perfect downtown district, four miles of pristine beaches, and 50 parks and gardens where you can retreat to nature and catch up on some well-deserved R&R. Also, you may be surprised to learn that Santa Barbara boasts a pretty impressive wine scene (move over, Napa and Sonoma!), which is, of course, best experienced via the Thanksgiving Wine Tour. Be sure to check out some of the city’s other festive programming, including the Thanksgiving 4-Miler and The Thanksgiving Play. Finally, several hotels and restaurants will offer extravagant Thanksgiving meals (brunch, lunch, and dinner).
Where to stay: Stay in the heart of downtown at The Kimpton Canary, famous for its Spanish-style architecture and stunning rooftop pool deck (where prime sunset viewing opps await). The stylish rooms and suites also feature four-poster canopy beds and sleek green accents.
Tuscon, AZ
A short, two-hour drive from Phoenix, Tuscon offers an authentic taste of Southwestern culture and cuisine, and we're not just talking about turkey. What’s more, as the first UNESCO-recognized Creative City of Gastronomy in the United States, the city offers an acclaimed food scene, and it's pretty much impossible to have a bad meal there. That said, you'll definitely want to check out Tito & Pep (a James Beard semifinalist and all-around incredible eatery!) to try the queso fundido. When you're not eating or drinking, trek one of many scenic hiking trails, admire the country's largest cacti at Saguaro National Park, check out 300-plus pieces of public art and explore the city's bustling downtown. Also, don't miss the American Indian Heritage Month Social & Craft Market—which takes place November 24 through 26—for some epic souvenir shopping.
Where to stay: Craving a dreamy desert escape? Check into Hacienda del Sol, a sprawling resort smack-dab in the middle of the Sonoran. Lounge by the pool, stroll through lush gardens or take in the breathtaking vistas from the comfort of your luxurious guest room.
