Friendsgiving Getaways: 7 Top U.S. Retreats to Feast and Unwind

Thanksgiving doesn’t always feel like a holiday. For some, it’s a season of tension, obligation, or quiet loneliness. But it doesn’t have to be. There’s a growing tradition that’s reshaping the way people gather in late November—Friendsgiving. It’s not just a meal. It’s a retreat, a reset, and a way to honor the people who show up for you in the everyday moments. The ones who laugh with you when things fall apart, who help carry the weight, and who make the ordinary feel sacred.

Friendsgiving travel is about choosing joy. It’s about packing a bag, heading somewhere beautiful, and spending time with people who feel like home. Whether you’re drawn to mountain air, desert quiet, or coastal charm, there’s a place waiting to hold your crew. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence. A shared meal, a slow morning, a walk that turns into a memory.

Why Friendsgiving Travel Feels Different

There’s something healing about leaving town during the holidays. It breaks the pattern. It opens space. When you travel for Friendsgiving, you’re not just escaping the noise—you’re creating something new. You get to decide what the day looks like. Maybe it’s cooking together in a cabin kitchen or ordering takeout in a city loft. Maybe it’s watching the sun rise over red rocks or falling asleep to the sound of waves. There’s no script. Just intention.

This kind of travel invites softness. It lets you breathe. You’re not trying to meet anyone’s expectations. You’re just showing up—with your favorite people, your favorite snacks, and a willingness to let the weekend unfold. That’s the magic. It’s not about the turkey. It’s about the feeling.

What to Look for When Choosing a Destination

When planning a Friendsgiving retreat, think about what makes your group feel good. Some people crave nature—trees, trails, and quiet. Others want culture, food, and places to explore. The best destinations offer a mix of comfort and possibility. You want somewhere that’s open during Thanksgiving week, with restaurants that welcome you and spaces that feel like a soft landing.

Group-friendly lodging matters too. Look for cabins, vacation homes, or boutique hotels that let you gather without stepping on each other’s toes. A place with a kitchen is a bonus, but not a requirement. What matters most is that it feels like a place where you can be yourselves.

Destinations That Hold You

Asheville, North Carolina is a mountain town with soul. The air smells like leaves and woodsmoke, and the food scene is generous. You can hike in the morning, soak in hot springs by afternoon, and share a meal that tastes like care. Restaurants stay open, and the vibe is welcoming.

Sedona, Arizona offers a different kind of quiet. The red rocks glow at dusk, and the energy feels grounding. It’s a place where you can walk, reflect, and reconnect. Many wellness centers offer group experiences, and the desert sky makes everything feel bigger.

Lake Tahoe straddles California and Nevada, and it’s made for cozy escapes. Early snow often arrives by Thanksgiving, which means sledding, fireplaces, and the kind of cold that makes hot drinks taste better. Cabins are plentiful, and the lake adds a layer of calm.

Charleston, South Carolina brings coastal charm and historic streets. The weather is gentle, and the city knows how to host. You can walk, eat, and wander without rushing. Many restaurants offer Thanksgiving menus, and the beach is never far.

Santa Fe, New Mexico is full of adobe warmth and artistic spirit. It’s a place where stories live in the walls. You can spend the day exploring galleries, making tamales, or sitting around a fire telling the kind of truths that only come out when you feel safe.

Napa Valley is indulgent in the best way. If your group loves wine and good food, this is the spot. Vineyards stay open, and the landscape invites long conversations. You can toast to what’s been, what’s coming, and what you’re grateful for right now.

Denver, Colorado offers city energy with mountain access. It’s flexible, open, and full of options. You can brunch downtown, visit a museum, or take a day trip to Boulder. It’s great for groups who want variety without chaos.

How to Make It Feel Like Yours

Friendsgiving isn’t about doing things the “right” way. It’s about doing them your way. Bring the things that make you feel grounded—candles, playlists, favorite snacks. Let everyone contribute. Maybe one person cooks, another sets the mood, and someone else keeps the laughter going. Don’t over-plan. Leave space for naps, walks, and spontaneous joy.

Check ahead to make sure restaurants and stores are open. Book your lodging early. And most of all, be gentle with yourselves. This is a retreat, not a performance. Let it be easy. Let it be real.

Final Thought: You Get to Choose

The holidays can be complicated. But Friendsgiving travel is a reminder that you get to choose how you show up. You get to choose who you gather with, where you go, and what you celebrate. You get to build something that feels like home—even if it’s just for a weekend.

So, go. Pick a place that feels like a soft landing. Pack your gratitude. And let the season unfold in a way that reminds you: you are loved, you belong, and you get to write your own story.