Road Trip Ideas for the Long Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend isn’t just about turkey and football — it’s also one of the best times of year to hit the road. With a few extra days off, crisp fall air, and late-autumn colors still hanging on, it’s the perfect excuse to trade crowded airports for open highways. Whether you’re driving to see family or escaping the holiday rush, a road trip can turn your Thanksgiving weekend into an adventure worth remembering.

Here are some road trip ideas to make the most of the long thanksgiving weekend — from scenic drives and cozy small towns to outdoor escapes that blend gratitude with exploration.

1. Classic Americana: Route 66 Road Trip

Few drives capture the spirit of freedom like Route 66. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, this legendary route offers an all-American journey through roadside diners, quirky attractions, and timeless landscapes.

Highlights

• Illinois: Start in Chicago with a hot coffee and skyline views before heading south toward small towns like Pontiac and Springfield.

• Oklahoma & Texas Panhandle: Stop at retro gas stations, neon motels, and classic diners.

• Arizona: Visit the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert for surreal views.

• California: End your trip by catching a Pacific sunset at Santa Monica Pier.

Thanksgiving twist: Stop at a local diner for a slice of pie — pumpkin or pecan — to keep the holiday spirit alive on the road.

2. The Blue Ridge Parkway: A Feast for the Eyes

If your idea of Thanksgiving weekend involves mountain views and quiet trails, the Blue Ridge Parkway delivers in every season — but it’s especially stunning in late November. This 469-mile route winds through Virginia and North Carolina, connecting Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks.

Why Go

• Less crowded after peak fall foliage

• Endless overlooks and picnic pull-offs

• Charming mountain towns like Boone, Blowing Rock, and Asheville

Thanksgiving idea: Pack a cooler with leftovers for a scenic picnic. Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce taste even better when you’re surrounded by misty mountain views.

3. Pacific Coast Highway: Ocean Views and Golden Light

For West Coast travelers, nothing beats the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). This winding route along California’s coastline offers dramatic ocean cliffs, redwood forests, and coastal towns that feel tailor-made for slow travel.

Must-See Stops

• Big Sur: Iconic coastal cliffs and hiking trails.

• Monterey & Carmel: Charming seaside towns for food lovers.

• Santa Barbara: Sunshine, beaches, and wine tasting.

Pro tip: Bring a camp stove or portable cooler from SunnySports and have a beachside meal instead of fighting for restaurant space during the holiday rush.

4. New England Thanksgiving Drive: History and Charm

If you want a traditional Thanksgiving atmosphere, New England delivers with its colonial villages, crisp air, and warm hospitality. A loop through Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire offers cozy inns, covered bridges, and maple-scented mornings.

Stops Worth Making

• Plymouth, MA: Visit the site of the first Thanksgiving.

• Woodstock, VT: Classic small-town charm with boutique shops and farm-to-table dining.

• White Mountains, NH: Late fall hiking and peaceful scenic drives.

Holiday idea: Many local B&Bs serve special Thanksgiving menus — book early for a fireside meal surrounded by rustic charm.

5. Southwest Desert Escape: Utah and Arizona Loop

If your ideal Thanksgiving is warm days, cool nights, and fewer crowds, the desert is calling. A Utah-Arizona loop combines red-rock beauty, national parks, and starry skies — perfect for an adventure-filled long weekend.

Route Highlights

• Zion National Park: Jaw-dropping hikes like Angels Landing.

• Bryce Canyon: Hoodoos and colorful rock formations.

• Page, AZ: Visit Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

Campers can enjoy a Friendsgiving cookout with portable stoves and folding camp tables from SunnySports — just add foil-wrapped turkey packets and campfire cider.

6. Great Lakes Getaway

For those in the Midwest, a Great Lakes road trip offers fresh-air beauty without flying far. The stretch between Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota delivers lakeside views, forest trails, and cozy cabins ideal for a Thanksgiving retreat.

Top Stops

• Door County, WI: Quaint harbor towns, wineries, and lighthouses.

• Upper Peninsula, MI: Quiet, rugged, and peaceful after fall crowds fade.

• North Shore, MN: Scenic drives along Lake Superior with waterfall hikes and lodge stays.

Thanksgiving idea: Bring along a small camp stove and whip up a Thanksgiving breakfast — pancakes, eggs, and coffee with a view of the water.

7. Southern Charm: Savannah to Charleston

If warmth, history, and food are your holiday priorities, the Savannah-to-Charleston route makes for a beautiful long-weekend drive filled with live oaks, cobblestone streets, and coastal flavor.

Stops to Enjoy

• Savannah, GA: Walk through Forsyth Park and explore the historic district.

• Beaufort, SC: A peaceful detour with southern-style seafood.

• Charleston, SC: Finish your trip with a Thanksgiving brunch by the harbor.

Local favorite: Try shrimp and grits or pecan pie for a regional spin on holiday classics.

8. National Parks Thanksgiving Tour

Many U.S. national parks remain open through late November — and the crowds are gone. This makes Thanksgiving weekend the ideal time to experience America’s wild beauty in peace.

Best Parks for Late Fall

• Joshua Tree (CA): Clear skies, desert hikes, and stargazing.

• Great Smoky Mountains (TN/NC): Late-season color and wildlife spotting.

• Grand Canyon (AZ): Fewer tourists and incredible sunrise views.

• Everglades (FL): Perfect temperatures before mosquito season returns.

Bring a portable grill and lightweight cookware from SunnySports to prepare a trail-side feast. Even a simple meal tastes special when you’re surrounded by national park scenery.

9. Friendsgiving on the Road

Turn your Thanksgiving road trip into a mobile celebration with friends. Instead of one big dinner, plan “snack stops” and mini meals along the way — each person contributes a dish, and you share bites at every rest stop or scenic overlook.

Ideas for the Road

• Turkey wraps or sliders

• Pumpkin muffins or hand pies

• Thermos of hot cider or cocoa

• Trail mix with cranberries, pecans, and chocolate chips

It’s a casual, fun way to celebrate gratitude on the move — and it keeps everyone full until your next stop.

10. Practical Tips for Thanksgiving Road Trips

A great trip depends on good planning. Here are a few essentials to make your Thanksgiving drive smooth and enjoyable:

• Book ahead: Hotels and campsites can fill fast around the holiday.

• Pack smart: Bring extra layers, blankets, and emergency snacks.

• Check road conditions: Late fall can mean unpredictable weather.

• Bring entertainment: Playlists, audiobooks, and travel games keep spirits high.

• Stay powered: Portable chargers and solar power banks from SunnySports keep devices ready for navigation and photos.

If you’re camping along the way, pack compact gear like Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads, Jetboil stoves, and NEMO sleeping bags for cozy, efficient travel nights.

Give Thanks for the Journey

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the meal — it’s about gratitude. And there’s no better way to reflect on life’s blessings than from behind the wheel, watching the world unfold mile by mile.

Whether you’re chasing mountain peaks, coastal sunsets, or small-town comfort, a Thanksgiving road trip reminds you that gratitude is best felt outdoors — in motion, with good company, and a sense of wonder for what’s around the next bend.

So, fill the tank, pack the snacks, and cue up your road trip playlist. The open road is calling, and this Thanksgiving, it might just be your favorite destination yet.