Warm Thanksgiving non-beach vacation locales

July 1, 2016 2:16 PM

Can you recommend a natural-beauty vacation locale that will be warm over (American) Thanksgiving? International destinations are fine but total travel time needs to fit into 5 days. Snowflakes: no (or not just) beaches, hiking should accommodate a range of fitness levels.
posted by serelliya to Travel & Transportation (6 answers total)

Best answer: We went to this place in Costa Rica and it was amazing! Not sure what the weather will be like in November, but I imagine pretty warm? It's located in the beautiful mountains/rainforest. Lots of hiking, especially in a national park with these crazy blue lagoons. I actually didn't want to go hiking -- I'm scared of snakes though I didn't see any! -- and was told that I was pretty much the only guest ever who wouldn't go. I'm glad I went in the end! I say that because it means that everyone there -- from elderly tourists to children about 10 -- had all taken this hike, so it would suit varying fitness levels. A magical place.
posted by EtTuHealy at 2:28 PM on July 1, 2016

Depending on where in the US you live:

Southern California

Miami

Hawaii

Somewhere in Mexico or Central America

SoCal is probably your best bet for a definitive non-beach trip. I live here and go to the beach maybe once every couple years. Mexico would also probably work, though I'm not sure if the typical non-beach destinations are as warm in late November as you'd like.
posted by Sara C. at 2:55 PM on July 1, 2016

Best answer: If places like this meet your natural beauty requirement, then Arizona.
posted by Redstart at 3:39 PM on July 1, 2016 [1 favorite]

Keep in mind places like Costa Rica etc. you will be at risk for zika. Just so you can factor that in (not sure how risk averse you guys are).
posted by FireFountain at 3:41 PM on July 1, 2016

I know a family who does this in Puerto Rico.
posted by tooloudinhere at 4:51 PM on July 1, 2016

Best answer: How warm is warm? Actually *warm* or just not-winter? If you can deal with just not-winter, Zion National Park averages highs in the 60s in November, lows in the upper 30s. It is a fabulous time of year there, and there is a whole range of hiking. Nearby St. George is warmer and also has a variety of state parks and hiking opportunities, and is really affordable.
posted by charmedimsure at 6:04 PM on July 1, 2016