This Thanksgiving, instead of stressing in the kitchen, I’m opting for a quiet getaway—something easy, cozy, and just a bit indulgent.
Whether it’s a hidden cabin in the redwoods, a breezy beachside stay, or a charming retreat in wine country, Northern California has so many dreamy escapes perfect for a Thanksgiving holiday. Imagine wandering through golden vineyards in Napa or taking in the rugged cliffs of Big Sur.
It’s the kind of holiday where you can really relax, enjoy great food, and soak in the slower pace. Here are the best Thanksgiving getaways near the Bay Area for a memorable holiday.
Napa Valley
There’s really nothing like Napa in late fall. The vineyards turn golden, the weather’s crisp, and the summer crowds have thinned out, making it feel more relaxed and peaceful. If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving escape that pairs incredible food and wine with world-class wine, Napa’s smaller, family-run wineries make the experience feel even more special. Tres Sabores is a personal favorite—its biodynamic wines and welcoming vibe feel like home
Best for: wine lovers seeking scenic escapes
Where to Stay: For a cozy, luxurious stay, check out Carneros Resort and Spa, where you can enjoy private cottages and views of Napa’s stunning vineyards. Another option is The Ink House, a charming historic inn that provides the perfect mix of comfort and elegance.
What to Do:
- Thanksgiving Feasts: Savor cozy, seasonal meals paired with local wines at Stanly Ranch, or hop aboard the charming Wine Train in downtown Napa for a perfect wine country Thanksgiving experience.
- Scenic Drives: Enjoy quiet, winding roads through the Spring Mountain district, offering peaceful vineyard views that feel far from the busier wine-tasting areas.
- Wine Tasting: Visit small-batch, sustainable wineries like Matthiasson Wines or Smith-Madrone, where the focus is on handcrafted wines and personal connections.
Why Go? Napa’s smaller, family-run wineries offer a more personal, relaxed experience. If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving filled with great wine, peaceful views, and fewer crowds, this is your spot.
Read my local’s guide to Napa Valley
Sonoma County
If you prefer a more laid-back Thanksgiving getaway, Sonoma County is a perfect choice. With its family-run wineries, cozy inns, and low-key atmosphere, Sonoma is ideal for relaxing without losing the wine country charm.
Best for: laid-back foodies
Where to Stay: The Inspirato: Piccolo offers a luxurious but welcoming stay, with a warm, homey atmosphere perfect for a Thanksgiving retreat with plenty of room for loved ones. Alternatively, MacArthur Place is a charming boutique hotel surrounded by beautiful gardens.
What to Do:
- Thanksgiving Feasts: For a delicious, farm-to-table meal, check out The Girl & The Fig or the wood-fired dishes at Glen Ellen Star—both perfect for a cozy, unfussy holiday dinner.
- Vineyard Exploration: Visit Unti Vineyards for biodynamic wines or Idlewild Wines for Italian-style varietals. These small, family-run vineyards offer a more intimate wine-tasting experience.
- Outdoor Adventures: Take a walk among the towering redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve or enjoy a scenic drive along the rugged Sonoma coastline.
Why Go? Sonoma offers all the charm of wine country with a more relaxed, intimate feel. It’s the perfect spot for a Thanksgiving getaway that’s all about cozy stays, great food, and peaceful vineyard views.
Read through my Sonoma archives
Santa Cruz Mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains offer a tranquil escape just a short drive from the Bay Area. With towering redwoods, scenic wineries, and stunning views of the Pacific, it’s the ideal spot for a cozy Thanksgiving getaway.
Best for: getting away without going far
Where to Stay: Check out Chaminade Resort & Spa for a peaceful stay nestled among the trees, or find a charming bed-and-breakfast like Sand Rock Farm for a more intimate experience.
What to Do:
- Thanksgiving Feasts: Savor a festive meal at Chaminade Resort, which offers a special Thanksgiving buffet lunch, or explore the local dining scene in nearby Capitola for a more relaxed holiday meal.
- Explore the Outdoors: Hike through Big Basin Redwoods State Park to witness the majestic trees, or visit local wineries along Summit Road for tastings amid stunning vistas. For a coastal adventure, head to Natural Bridges State Beach to enjoy the scenery and migrating monarch butterflies.
- Relax and Unwind: Spend your days lounging by the fire, reading, or taking scenic drives along the winding roads of the mountains.
Why Go? The Santa Cruz Mountains provide a perfect blend of redwood serenity and coastal charm, making it a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the holiday hustle and bustle.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
If you’re craving a cozy coastal escape this Thanksgiving, Carmel is the perfect spot to unwind.. From the historic La Playa Carmel hotel to the town’s charming streets filled with art galleries and boutiques, Carmel offers a peaceful, relaxing holiday vibe.
Best for: storybook charm
Where to Stay: La Playa Carmel is an iconic hotel just steps from the beach, offering lush gardens and ocean views. For a more intimate stay, Carmel Valley Ranch provides rustic luxury, making it a great place to unwind.
What to Do:
- Thanksgiving Feast: Head to Carmel Valley Ranch for a farm-to-table Thanksgiving feast, or enjoy rustic, European-inspired cuisine at La Bicyclette for a laid-back holiday meal.
- Explore the Town: Stroll through Carmel’s picturesque streets, stopping at quaint cafes, galleries, and shops.
- Beach Time: Take a peaceful walk along the famously dog friendly Carmel Beach or explore the rugged coastal hikes at Point Lobos—one of Northern California’s most stunning destinations.
Why Go? Carmel’s laid-back, coastal charm makes it the ideal spot for a low-key, relaxing Thanksgiving. Staying at La Playa Carmel, wandering through the town, and enjoying incredible food and scenery makes this the perfect holiday escape when you just need to slow down.
Read my mini guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea
Calistoga
If a wellness-focused Thanksgiving sounds more like your vibe, then Calistoga is where you need to be. Known for its hot springs, mud baths, and relaxed pace, Calistoga offers a peaceful escape from the holiday rush.
Best for: wellness seekers looking to unwind
Where to Stay: Stay at Indian Springs Resort, where you can relax in natural geothermal hot springs and enjoy a variety of spa treatments. Solage, part of the Auberge family of resorts, is another luxurious option, offering modern comfort with a focus on wellness.
What to Do:
- Thanksgiving Feasts: Dine at Lovina for a cozy, seasonal meal, or enjoy a farm-to-table experience at Sam’s Social Club.
- Hot Springs & Wellness: Relax in Indian Springs Resort’s geothermal hot springs or treat yourself to a mud bath for the ultimate rejuvenating Thanksgiving treat.
- Explore the Outdoors: Spend a peaceful afternoon hiking through Petrified Forest, or take a scenic drive through the rolling hills and vineyards.
Why Go? Calistoga’s focus on relaxation and wellness makes it the perfect place to disconnect and recharge over Thanksgiving. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs or savoring a cozy meal at Lovina, it’s a getaway that’s all about slowing down and enjoying the simple things.
Mendocino
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat far from the holiday rush, Mendocino is where you’ll want to spend Thanksgiving. With its rugged coastline, charming Victorian architecture, and quiet small-town vibe, Mendocino is the perfect spot for a low-key escape.
Best for: nature enthusiasts who still enjoy creature comforts
Where to Stay: The Andiron Seaside Inn & Cabins offers cozy, rustic accommodations perfect for a peaceful getaway. Another great option is Agate Cove Inn, with its oceanfront views and warm, inviting atmosphere.
What to Do:
- Thanksgiving Feasts: Enjoy farm-to-table Thanksgiving dining at Cafe Beaujolais, or take in ocean views during your meal at The Trillium Cafe.
- Outdoor Adventures: Hike through Russian Gulch State Park or explore the tide pools and cliffs at Mendocino Headlands State Park—perfect for a scenic fall getaway.
- Relax and Unwind: Stay at charming B&Bs like The Andiron Seaside Inn or Agate Cove Inn for a cozy, intimate Thanksgiving escape.
Why Go? Mendocino’s mix of rugged natural beauty and small-town warmth makes it the perfect destination for a peaceful Thanksgiving. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet meal or hiking the coastal cliffs, this getaway is all about simplicity and relaxation.
Yosemite National Park
Fall is one of the best times to visit Yosemite National Park—the summer crowds have cleared, the weather is crisp, and the foliage is incredible. With its breathtaking landscapes and serene atmosphere, Yosemite is perfect for a Thanksgiving escape that’s both adventurous and peaceful.
Best for: adventurers who appreciate a quiet trail
Where to Stay: For a luxurious experience, stay at The Ahwahnee Hotel, where you can enjoy a lavish Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by Yosemite’s natural beauty. If you prefer a more rustic experience, Curry Village offers a seasonal specials on its glamping tents.
What to Do:
- Thanksgiving Feasts: Enjoy a luxurious Thanksgiving dinner at The Ahwahnee, where the surroundings enhance the festive experience. Located just outside the park, Tenaya Lodge also offers a delightful buffet menu for the holiday, blending rustic charm with elegance.
- Explore the Outdoors: Yosemite’s trail sare less crowded in the fall, making it the perfect time for hiking. The Mist Trail, with its stunning views of Yosemite Falls, is a must. Or, for a more leisurely option, stroll through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias to see these magnificent trees in their autumn glory.
- Photography: Bring your camera! The vibrant fall colors set against the granite cliffs create perfect photo opportunities. Don’t miss Tunnel View for one of the most iconic views in the park.
Read my full guides to Yosemite Valley and Southern Yosemite National Park
Big Sur
For a truly breathtaking escape, head to Big Sur, where the mountains meet the sea. This iconic stretch of coastline offers stunning views, dramatic cliffs, and a chance to unwind in nature. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to relax and enjoy the beauty of the California coast.
Best for: an offline escape
Where to Stay: Post Ranch Inn is the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, featuring cliffside views and eco-friendly accommodations. For a more laid-back vibe, check out Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn, which offers charming cabins right by the creek.
What to Do:
- Thanksgiving Feasts: Enjoy a cozy Thanksgiving meal at Deetjen’s, where they focus on local ingredients and comfort food. Alternatively, make a reservation at Alila Ventana for a fine dining experience with breathtaking views. You can also visit the annual Big Sur Grange Harvest & Craft Fair, which takes place all weekend long.
- Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The Valley View Trail offers a moderate hike with gorgeous vistas, while the Pfeiffer Falls Trail leads to a beautiful waterfall.
- Relax and Unwind: Take some time to just breathe and enjoy the views. The rugged coastline and peaceful atmosphere are perfect for unwinding. Whether you’re sitting on the beach or enjoying the sunset from your accommodation, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and appreciate the moment.
Why Go? Big Sur’s unparalleled natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect destination for a memorable Thanksgiving getaway. With options for both adventure and relaxation, it’s an escape that’s all about savoring life’s simple pleasures.
Whiskeytown Lake
Tucked away near Redding, Whiskeytown Lake is a lesser-known gem offering serene waters, forested hills, and beautiful hiking trails. It’s a quiet, scenic spot for a Thanksgiving getaway that lets you connect with nature without straying too far from civilization.
Best for: seeking solitude in the wilderness
Where to Stay: Book a cozy cabin rental or stay at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area’s camping spots for a more immersive experience.
What to Do:
- Thanksgiving Feasts: Pack a picnic for a lakeside meal or head into nearby Mount Shasta for a casual Thanksgiving dinner at Axe and Rose Public House, which features farm-to-table seasonal menus.
- Explore the Outdoors: Hike to Whiskeytown Falls or take in the views at Brandy Creek Beach. If you’re up for a short drive, visit the beautiful Shasta State Historic Park for a glimpse of Gold Rush history.
- Relax and Unwind: Spend your days relaxing by the lake, fishing, or simply taking in the peaceful autumn scenery.
Why Go? Whiskeytown Lake offers a tranquil, lesser-known retreat where you can enjoy nature’s beauty, unwind, and take in the fall foliage, all without the crowds.
