While many people stay home for Thanksgiving, if you’d prefer to hit the road and experience Thanksgiving in a relaxing destination somewhere else, then read on. In today’s travel guide, discover 10 cozy places in California to visit for Thanksgiving. From luxurious wine country resorts in Napa Valley to world-renowned golf meccas along the Central Coast, these are a few of my favorite hotels in California to visit.
10 Cozy Places to Visit in California for Thanksgiving
Whether you prefer lounging fireside with a glass of wine, or you’d rather be spending time outdoors hot air ballooning or walking along the beach, one of the best things about visiting many places in California for Thanksgiving is the beautiful, activity-friendly weather. That’s why a trip to one of these premier California hotels is always a great idea, especially for holidays like Thanksgiving.
Fairway One at The Lodge
If you (or your hubby) love spending time on the golf course, then there’s no better place to visit for Thanksgiving than Fairway One at The Lodge in Pebble Beach, California. Located within the world-famous gated Pebble Beach Resorts, this new hotel is situated adjacent to the Pebble Beach Golf Links, with views of the renowned course and the majestic Pacific Ocean just beyond. In addition to refined accommodations, the hotel also caters to guests’ every whim. Whether you’re a junk-food junkie or a health-nut, the hotel can furnish your room with virtually any type of food or snacks that you can imagine. Don’t get full of snacks, because you’ll want to save room for the main course – the grand buffet dinner that’s held on Thanksgiving at The Lodge.
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
For warmer weather and a Mediterranean vibe, head south to the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. This award-winning luxury hotel & spa is truly one of the most beautiful hotels in California, especially for Thanksgiving. Boasting fine dining, a full-service spa and salon, swimming pools and tennis courts, and coastal access, there’s no shortage of things to do during Thanksgiving at this gorgeous California hotel.
InterContintental Hotel The Clement Monterey
If you love whale watching, boating, or just being by the ocean, then you must add the waterfront InterContinental Hotel The Clement Monterey to your travel wishlist. This contemporary hotel is located on the world famous Cannery Row overlooking the picturesque Monterey Bay (with sweeping panoramic views of the Central Coast, from Monterey to Santa Cruz). In addition to tasteful accommodations, the hotel also features an upscale restaurant with sustainably-farmed fresh seafood and delicious gourmet eats.
Carmel Valley Ranch
If you love wine tasting, golfing, or just spending time in a relaxing valley setting, then head to Carmel Valley Ranch. This pastoral luxury hotel and spa offers the quintessential Carmel Valley experience. From outdoor adventures and wellness retreats to unique activities (like the on-site honeybee and lavender experiences), the hotel offers guests a wide range of enjoyable things to do for families. Plus, there’s nearby wineries and wine tasting rooms to keep you busy during the day, and at night, you can roast s’mores by the fire after enjoying a delicious dinner.
La Playa Carmel
This iconic historic hotel is set just blocks away from the white sands of Carmel Beach, and within walking distance to downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea boutiques, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms. Boasting beautiful ocean and garden views, this picturesque Mediterranean-style hotel is one of the best places to visit in Carmel, California. Not to mention – every Sunday at 5 pm La Playa Carmel hosts the famed 10 Cent Happy Hour, a fun and lively happy hour that pays homage to the hotel’s roots (as an inclusive, community-friendly locale) and honors the hotel’s founder, Bud Allen. If that’s not enough to entice you, how about an oversized game of chess? That’s right! The hotel even has a life-sized chess board to keep guests occupied.
Meadowood Napa Valley
Surrounded by a lush forest of trees, set apart from the rest of the Napa Valley, Meadowood Napa Valley is one of the only properties to be awarded Forbes 5 Star at the Spa, Restaurant, and Hotel level. This legendary hotel in St. Helena, California is one of the most beautiful places to visit in wine country, as it offers everything from swimming pools and hot tubs to fine dining, spa services, and luxurious accommodations.
Silverado Resort & Spa
Another lovely place to visit in California’s wine country is the Silverado Resort & Spa. Having undergone a major renovation a few years ago, this classic California hotel offers something for everyone. From golf and tennis to relaxing spa services, this 4-star hotel is a budget-friendly place to stay in Napa Valley. Plus, with wineries surrounding the hotel, there’s no shortage of sumptuous wine tastings to enjoy throughout your stay. Not to mention – harvest season is one of the most spectacular times of year to visit Napa Valley, making it a truly memorable Thanksgiving vacation.
Resort at Squaw Creek, A Destination Hotel
If you love spending time in the mountains, enjoy skiing or other outdoor activities, and want to surround yourself with nature this Thanksgiving holiday, then a trip to the award-winning idyllic Resort at Squaw Creek, A Destination Hotel (just 30-minutes away from Lake Tahoe) is a must. Located at the base of Squaw Valley, this luxury resort offers ski-in/ski-out access to the mountain. Plus, the hotel boasts fine dining and other family-friendly activities (including a program for kids), which makes this resort a great option for families traveling with children.
The Apple Farm Inn
One of the most charming hotels in California is the world-famous Apple Farm Inn in San Luis Obispo. With its nostalgic country decor and tasteful accommodations, this adorable hotel is one of the best places to stay in SLO County. With a fireplace in every room and an on-site restaurant (with an assortment of incredible dishes to choose from), this is truly one of the coziest places to visit in California for Thanksgiving. Priding itself on “fresh food and country charm”, if you’re looking for a quaint and delightful place to stay for Thanksgiving, look no further.
The Landsby
Last, but certainly not least, is one of the most adorable, dog-friendly hotels in California. The Landsby in Solvang is a relaxing retreat for visitors near and far. Located on the main street of this Danish town in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, the Scandinavian-style hotel offers cozy, wanderlust-inspired accommodations (with a clean, contemporary aesthetic), complete with a wine bar, indoor/outdoor restaurant and a beautiful patio strung with twinkling lights. As one of our dog’s favorite hotels (since he was given a deluxe dog toy and a bottle of “Chardognay”), this 50-room boutique hotel offers warm hospitality and refined, stylish accommodations, making it a great place to visit for Thanksgiving (especially if you plan to bring Fido).
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