When you take the time to really think about it, there are many things you have to be thankful for during the late November holiday season. This includes the fact that you decided a coastal getaway to celebrate Thanksgiving in San Diego is in your future. The sun is nearly always shining in Southern California, and the beautiful weather may be a bit of a culture shock for travelers who are used to frosty nights and freezing snowstorms during the autumn months.
We are highly confident that taking a holiday swim in the Pacific Ocean may just become your family’s new annual tradition. Planning a Thanksgiving vacation in San Diego requires knowing exactly which restaurants are open and which local events are worth attending. This comprehensive guide will show you how to build the perfect long weekend itinerary.
Del Mar Thoroughbred Racing
Thanksgiving Thoroughbred racing has been a premier coastal tradition for over eighty years. Whether you are a longtime fan of equestrian sports or are simply looking for highly exciting activities and sports during your trip, the Bing Crosby Season at Del Mar promises to become your newest obsession. The fall racing season is typically shorter and much more intimate than the massive summer meets.
The beauty of the horses lined up at the starting gate, the sound of the gates crashing open, and the thud of hooves as the sleek equines race their way to success are incredible to experience in person. The track opens its doors early on Thanksgiving Day, allowing you to enjoy the morning races, place a few bets, and still have plenty of time to return to your rental for the afternoon feast.
📍 Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014
📞 Phone: (858) 755-1161
Annual 5K Coronado Turkey Trot
The best part of the holiday, aside from spending uninterrupted time with family members, is the massive meal we all devour. With menus offering all our favorite dishes, the average American consumes roughly three thousand calories during a standard Thanksgiving dinner. This reality makes the Annual 5k Coronado Turkey Trot a wildly popular activity to start the day.
Taking place at Tidelands Park on Coronado Island, the race route runs directly alongside the beautiful bay, providing spectacular views of the downtown skyline as you run or walk. The event directly benefits Rady Children’s Hospital and offers both adult and children’s categories. All participants receive specialized Turkey Trot t-shirts and the opportunity to preemptively counteract all the calories that will be consumed later in the day.
📍 Address: 2000 Mullinex Dr, Coronado, CA 92118
📞 Phone: (619) 686-6200
Scripps Ranch Farmers Market
In a world where processed grocery store foods are the norm, it can be undeniably refreshing to explore the farm-fresh goods available at local open-air markets. The Scripps Ranch Farmers Market just happens to operate on Thursday afternoons throughout the entire year. Offering fresh local produce, home-baked goods, and artisans selling unique creations that make wonderful souvenirs, exploring the aisles of the market is a great way to source ingredients for your own meal.
Because Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday, the market often features highly specific seasonal goods, including fresh pies, local honey, and handcrafted fall decorations. It is a fantastic community event that allows travelers to experience the local agricultural flavor of the region.
📍 Address: 10045 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92131
📞 Phone: (858) 586-7933
A Fine Dining Feast You Will Never Forget
Vacations are not meant to be spent doing hours of kitchen chores. Although you do have the option of preparing your own meal at home in your holiday hideaway, you might prefer to have someone else do the cooking. The restaurants listed below generally offer highly elevated Thanksgiving feasts that are prepared, served, and cleared away by professional hospitality staff. If you are looking for casual dining on Thursday, you must call ahead, as many smaller restaurants close entirely for the holiday.
Addison
Offering the rare opportunity to dine in the only crowned three-star Michelin restaurant in Southern California, the feast you can enjoy at Addison is next-level incredible. Located in the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, the menu changes every year, but previous feasts have included highly luxurious ingredients such as reserve caviar and dry-aged duck. Dining here requires securing reservations months in advance.
📍 Address: 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130
📞 Phone: (858) 314-1900
George’s at the Cove
George’s at the Cove in La Jolla has been a local favorite for its forty years in existence. On Thanksgiving, its family-style traditional dinner never fails to impress. You can enjoy roasted turkey with all the classic sides while looking out over the dark waters of the Pacific Ocean. The coastal views combined with excellent service make this a highly sought-after reservation.
📍 Address: 1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
📞 Phone: (858) 454-4244
Paradisaea
Providing a highly curated, prix-fixe California-style Thanksgiving feast, Paradisaea in La Jolla is a brilliant option for those seeking a modern take on the holiday. The restaurant is famous for its mid-century architecture and incredibly exciting craft cocktail menu, making it a highly festive environment for adult travelers.
📍 Address: 5680 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
📞 Phone: (858) 255-8011
Skating by the Sea at Hotel Del Coronado
Thanksgiving has always been considered the official start to the winter Christmas season. The historic Hotel Del Coronado sets up an enormous outdoor ice rink located just steps away from the crashing waves, providing a magical holiday experience. The contrast of wearing ice skates while looking at palm trees is a surreal and beautiful Southern California tradition.
Starting in mid-November and lasting through the first week of January, this activity is sure to bring joy to your entire family. The rink also offers private VIP lounges with fire pits where you can order hot cocoa and cocktails while watching the skaters on the ice.
📍 Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
📞 Phone: (619) 435-6611
The Celebration Starts at Your Vacation Home
Your best holiday moments will likely be the ones spent in the privacy of your own coastal sanctuary. Booking a private vacation rental offers massive gourmet kitchens that you can use to create your own traditional turkey day feast. You will enjoy large living rooms furnished with comfortable sofas and state-of-the-art televisions offering pictures so clear you will feel as if you are actually sitting on the street watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York.
If you own a property on the coast, utilizing our San Diego property management team ensures your home is perfectly prepared for visiting holiday guests. We specialize in making sure those celebrating holidays in San Diego have flawless, highly comfortable experiences. Please contact our local team today to reserve your favorite holiday escape and let us help you plan incredible family-friendly journeys across San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Travel
Is it warm enough to swim in the ocean during November?
While the daytime air temperatures are typically very pleasant and sunny (often sitting in the high 60s), the Pacific Ocean water drops significantly during the late fall. If you plan to surf or swim during Thanksgiving week, wearing a wetsuit is highly recommended.
Do I need to make dinner reservations for Thanksgiving Day?
Yes. Many local restaurants close entirely to allow their staff to spend the holiday with their families. The high-end restaurants that do remain open and offer special Thanksgiving menus will book completely solid months in advance.
Can anyone participate in the Coronado Turkey Trot?
Yes! The Turkey Trot is a highly inclusive, family-friendly event. You do not need to be a competitive runner to join. Many families choose to casually walk the 5k route pushing strollers, and children are fully welcome to participate.
Are grocery stores open on Thanksgiving to buy ingredients?
Most major grocery chains operate on severely limited holiday hours, often closing completely by early afternoon. We strongly advise purchasing all your required cooking ingredients on Tuesday or Wednesday before the holiday.
How far in advance should I book my holiday vacation rental?
Thanksgiving weekend is a major peak travel window as families gather for the long weekend. To secure a premium property with a massive kitchen for cooking, you should book your home at least five to six months in advance.
Written by Kimberly Jackson
Founder & Owner
A native San Diegan with over 16 years of real estate and management experience, Kim is dedicated to making the vacation rental process stress-free and financially beneficial for her clients. When she isn’t securing bookings, you can find this powerhouse single mom surfing with her three sons, boxing, hiking, playing beach volleyball or supporting local businesses.