Thanksgiving Day Trips in Southern California: Weekend Activities

During the Thanksgiving Holiday, when schools are closed and families have time off, this guide can help you plan day trips and activities everyone will enjoy. Celebrating Thanksgiving in Southern California offers various options that cater to different interests, from traditional feasts to exploring the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times in the U.S. Enjoy the blend of traditional holiday spirit with the unique offerings of Southern California! Here are some ways to make the most of your Thanksgiving weekend:

Holiday Shopping at an Outlet Mall: Lots of Deals

Thanksgiving marks the unofficial beginning of the holiday shopping season. Outlet stores typically offer lower prices than standard retail outlets because they sell items directly from the manufacturer or offer overstocked products. Many outlet malls host special events during the holiday season, such as visits from Santa, festive decorations, and extended shopping hours. While malls and city centers can become extremely crowded, some outlet malls may be less congested.

Free Things To Do Thanksgiving Weekend

Suppose you are looking for something that will not put a big dent in your budget. We have a vast list of free things to do in Southern California. A trip to a theme park may cost hundreds of dollars. These inflation-fighting ideas are a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fun with family and friends without denting your budget. Just pack up the car and go.

Go Beach Camping or Visit for the Day

Camping is a popular activity during the Thanksgiving holiday. Many campers seek out coastal campsites, so making reservations is essential if you want to stay on the beach. While there is a chance you might find a cancellation, we recommend booking ahead if you’re aiming to camp near the shoreline. Popular spots include Jalama Beach, Doheny State Beach, Refugio State Beach, and Bolsa Chica State Beach. If the campground is fully booked, you can still visit for the day.

Take a Scenic San Diego Harbor Cruise

Discover the history and fun facts about San Diego Bay on a narrated water tour. This boat ride is not just for tourists; it’s a delightful outing that Southern California locals can enjoy just as much as visitors from out of state. Learn fascinating information and historical insights about San Diego Bay, capture great photos, and enjoy stunning views. Visit Website.

Palm Springs Road Trip for Thanksgiving Weekend

Palm Springs is located less than a two-hour drive from Los Angeles. There are many activities to enjoy in Palm Springs, particularly in the downtown area and along the famous Palm Canyon Drive, often called the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert.” Popular attractions in and around Palm Springs include the Palm Springs Tram, Whitewater Preserve, Tahquitz and Indian Canyons, the Living Desert Zoo, Desert Hot Springs, and many more.

Affordable and Fun Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is a great place to visit over the Thanksgiving weekend. Kids and adults will love the aquarium’s touch tanks and be amazed by Shark Lagoon and the Penguin Habitat. Tickets are affordable, and there are plenty of nearby things to do and see, including harbor cruises, whale watching, Queen Mary, and an excellent selection of restaurants at Rainbow Lagoon. Website.

Train Rides: Southern California Railroad Museum

Orange Empire Museum is a fun place for a family outing. Admission to the museum’s grounds is free. Visitors can purchase an all-day ticket for train and trolley car rides for a minimal cost. Streetcars run each weekend on the half-mile-long “Loop Line.” A passenger diesel or electric freight train runs the 1.5-mile mainline once a part of the Santa Fe Railroad. Visit Website.

Visit A Danish Village Near Santa Barbara

Solvang, California, is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. Solvang is known for its Danish bakeries in the Santa Ynez Valley near Santa Barbara. Have lunch, stock up on pastries, and enjoy the drive. Nearby attractions are plentiful; however, Solvang offers a full day of activities.: If you’re in Solvang on Thanksgiving morning, you might participate in or watch the annual Turkey Trot, a fun run or walk held to burn off some calories before the big meal. Solvang Website.

Explore Hollywood For a Day

It gets wild on Hollywood Blvd, but it’s all part of the fun when you visit Hollywood. Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Take a bus tour of the movie star homes. Take a drive up Mount Hollywood to visit the Griffith Park Observatory. Optional Activities (if time allows): Hollywood Forever Cemetery: For a unique experience, see where many stars are buried. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour: If you’re more interested in how movies are made than just seeing the sights. There is so much to do and see; it’s almost impossible to fit everything in one day.

Take the Family to Legoland, California

Legoland is a popular Southern California attraction for families. Legoland is more expensive than Knott’s Berry Farm. However, all the rides are geared toward kids up to 12 years old. There are no scary coasters here—just lots of family fun.

Take a Road Trip To Hearst Castle

Take a trip to California’s Central Coast and visit Hearst Castle at San Simeon. This colossal estate is about five miles inland and sits atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Hearst Castle is surrounded by a 40,000-acre ranch, which the Hearst family still owns. If you are driving from San Diego or Los Angeles, plan on spending at least one night away.

Check Out La Jolla Cove in San Diego

The cove is home to the La Jolla Underwater Park; this scenic cove is a great place to go tide pooling, shell hunting, and swimming, or take in the warm rays of the California sun alongside sea lions, pelicans, and ground squirrels. We recommend taking a guided kayak tour of the seven sea caves for a fun adventure. You will get wet, but it is all part of the fun.

Holiday Events Start Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving kicks off the Christmas season, and many Holiday Events start the day after Thanksgiving. We have compiled an extensive list of family activities to start the season with a smile.

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More Fun Things To Do Thanksgiving

• Visit a Botanical Garden

• Take A Trip to the Beach

• Death Valley Road Trip

• Unusual Places To Visit

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