Take These 5 Scenic Drives Over Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean crowded airports, overcooked stuffing, or awkward small talk with your cousin’s new boyfriend. For many, it’s becoming a time to hit the road instead—to trade the dining room table for a scenic overlook, a cozy cabin, or a roadside diner with the best pie in three counties.

Whether you’re escaping the holiday hustle or turning it into a new kind of tradition, these scenic road trips offer the perfect blend of fall beauty, open skies, and just enough adventure to make the long weekend feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s about choosing your own pace, your own playlist, and maybe even your own version of gratitude—one that’s found in winding roads and quiet moments.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)

Often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” this 469-mile stretch winds through the Appalachian Highlands with sweeping views, misty ridgelines, and plenty of pull-offs for leaf-peeping or thermos-sipping. By late November, the higher elevations are dusted with frost, and the lower valleys still glow with golden oaks and rust-colored maples.

Don’t miss: Mabry Mill, Linville Falls, and a stop in Asheville for mountain-town charm and a Thanksgiving meal with a view.

2. Pacific Coast Highway (California)

If you’re craving salt air and dramatic cliffs instead of snowflakes, the PCH delivers. Stretching from San Francisco to San Diego, this coastal route offers ocean views, redwood groves, and charming towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Santa Barbara.

Thanksgiving twist: Pack a picnic and enjoy your holiday meal on the beach. Bonus points for spotting whales or sea lions.

3. Hill Country Loop (Texas)

For a warm-weather wander, Texas Hill Country offers rolling landscapes, limestone bluffs, and small towns decked out in early holiday lights. Start in Austin, loop through Fredericksburg, and wind your way past wineries, rivers, and roadside BBQ joints.

Local flavor: Many towns host Thanksgiving weekend markets or tree-lighting festivals. Don’t skip the pecan pie.

4. The Catskills (New York)

Just a few hours from NYC, the Catskills offer a perfect mix of mountain air, cozy cabins, and small-town charm. The drive along Route 28 or the Catskill Scenic Trail is dotted with antique shops, waterfalls, and late-season foliage.

Thanksgiving idea: Rent a cabin with a wood stove, bring your own feast, and hike to Kaaterskill Falls before dessert.

5. Columbia River Gorge (Oregon)

This drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway is pure magic—waterfalls, mossy cliffs, and views that feel like a painting. By Thanksgiving, the crowds have thinned, but the beauty remains.

Don’t miss: Multnomah Falls, Hood River’s cideries, and a thermos of spiced tea at Vista House.

Tips for a Thanksgiving Road Trip

• Pack snacks and layers. Weather can shift quickly, and many restaurants close early on the holiday.
• Book lodging early. Cabins and cozy inns fill up fast for the long weekend.
• Bring your own feast. A cooler with prepped sides, a rotisserie chicken, or even a pie from your hometown bakery can turn any roadside stop into a celebration.
• Make it yours. Make friends along the way. Make it memorable no matter who or where the journey is shared. Whether you’re solo, partnered, or with family, the road is a blank canvas. You don’t have to follow anyone’s script.

Final Thought

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be about tradition—it can be about intention. A scenic drive lets you slow down, breathe deep, and find gratitude in motion. It’s a chance to rewrite the holiday in your own handwriting, with roadside diners, mountain air, and maybe a few unexpected detours. Whether you’re chasing the last of the fall leaves or just chasing quiet, the road is waiting.