Thanksgiving travel destinations in PNW

October 26, 2018 2:47 PM

My SO and I recently had our Thanksgiving plans fall through and are looking into traveling over the holiday(~Wed - Sun). We're located in Seattle and looking for some recommendations on where we can look.

November is a tricky month, as it's generally our rainiest month, but still too early for snowsports. We both like biking + hiking so would love outdoor opportunities. Interested in both driving and cheap flight options.

Possible options we're considering:
Victoria
B.C. Gulf Islands
Oregon Coast
Ashland / Medford, OR
LA -> Palm Springs

posted by aleatorictelevision to Travel & Transportation (13 answers total)

I went to Victoria, BC, for Christmas one year and had a marvelous time. Lots to do and see; plus, since it's Canada, things will be open during the US Thanksgiving. It's an easy drive to and from Seattle if you don't mind taking the ferry; make sure you study the times and book your ticket in advance since they can sell out.
posted by smorgasbord at 2:55 PM on October 26, 2018 [2 favorites]

Palm Springs is a good one, though very popular for holiday retreats so brace yourself for hotel/airbnb rates to be at peak.

I think every Thanksgiving I spent in San Diego has been clear, sunny, and just a little cool. Not good beach weather, but pretty much all the other outdoor amusements still a comfortable go. And we never had trouble finding places open and doing Thanksgiving meals (I mean, make reservations asap but you should still find all kinds of options on Open Table, my personal favorite is either Mille Fleurs or the Coronado Hotel).
posted by Lyn Never at 2:58 PM on October 26, 2018

Have you spent much time on the Oregon Coast? Cannon Beach, which is both a town and a beach, is quite charming. In the summer it's overrun with tourists, and I'm sure Thanksgiving has some traffic, but it's still stunning in the off-season. You can walk the beach with rocky outcrops in the drizzle or during breaks in the rain; get amazing views at Ecola State Park; drive up to Astoria and see the mouth of the Columbia, barky sea lions, and an interesting maritime museum; zip down to Newport to the aquarium and Rogue Brewery; or visit one of many hiking trails nearby.

If you can, get a house or room with a view of the ocean.
posted by bluedaisy at 3:07 PM on October 26, 2018

We once had a great Thanksgiving camping in Death Valley and then getting a hotwire hotel in Vegas. It's a really good time of year for Death Valley; it gets cold at night but daytime was very pleasant for hiking. Another year we went to Zion and got a hotel right outside the park, which was also really great. It was fairly busy but not too bad. I think for both of those options you'd fly to Vegas and rent a car.
posted by carolr at 3:11 PM on October 26, 2018

I've gone to San Diego every year for Thanksgiving (actually Vista area) and the weather varies, but I think it's a stretch to call it "cool" by PNW standards. We've always had at least couple of days that were good for beach-going, and often many more. I love all the excellent, cheap Mexican food that's available everywhere. Torrey Pines is close by, and good for hikes, as is Anzo Borrega, if you're into something more active. We have found pretty good deals in the Carlsbad/Oceanside inland areas, and are still within an half-hour of the beach. We are visiting friends, so views and such aren't primary concerns.
posted by dbmcd at 3:17 PM on October 26, 2018

Leavenworth WA is very pretty in the fall!
posted by The otter lady at 3:36 PM on October 26, 2018 [1 favorite]

Whistler is usually open for snow sports by US Thanksgiving.

Skip the Gulf Islands in winter, there’s limited daylight, lodgings, restaurants, and other amenities. Visit them at another time of year (May-Oct) first. Victoria is a better choice.
posted by crazycanuck at 4:05 PM on October 26, 2018

I think it was around that time of year that I went to Harrison Hot Springs, BC one year. It's a great place to do nothing and soak in some hot water.
posted by matildaben at 4:13 PM on October 26, 2018

Vancouver, BC has Stanley Park, bikeshares everywhere, beaches, and is in Canada - Thursday and Friday will be regular days. Vancouver also has an abundance of excellent East Asian and Indian restaurants to check out.

Take the Amtrak up and back for the most scenic views.
posted by spinifex23 at 4:47 PM on October 26, 2018 [1 favorite]

Seconding Vancouver over other destinations in B.C. that require ferry travel for such a short trip.
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 9:58 PM on October 26, 2018 [1 favorite]

Best answer: There's a lot of great places, but you only have 4 days -- do you really want to spend 2 of them travelling during a holiday weekend?

So come on up to Bellingham! Biking and hiking are what we do -- at least until the snow flies. Live music everywhere, and what must be a record for # of brewpubs and coffee houses per square mile. And everywhere you turn there's a magnificent view of Bellingham Bay.

If you do get up here, go to the HUB Community Bike Shop for information on where to ride, and to make new friends. On Thanksgiving Day, head over to the Old Town Cafe for a free Thanksgiving dinner. Yep, free to everybody. They've been doing it every year since they opened in 1967. They used to be hippies, but like all of us have gotten a bit upscale - but not too much. And for an evening entertainment, check out the two indy movie theaters, The Pickford and the Limelight. Organic popcorn and real butter!

All these places are downtown, by the way. If you have questions, send me a MeFiMail.
posted by kestralwing at 10:05 PM on October 26, 2018

You might also look at Whidbey Island; we don't have a lot of EXCITING things but we are nice and close by. Also if you have a dog we have several nice dog parks :)
posted by The otter lady at 9:49 AM on October 27, 2018

I have friends who love to spend Thanksgiving in Walla Walla visiting all the different wineries. However, Leavenworth is beautiful this time of year, but it will be crowded and you probably wouldn't be able to find a reservation at this point.
posted by OkTwigs at 7:32 PM on October 28, 2018