Thanksgiving is a popular holiday, which also makes it a popular time for a vacation. This also means that there is a lot to plan. Take some of that planning off your plate and consider a Thanksgiving vacation by gathering your family in a beautiful place with something for everyone. 

Get everyone on the same page and have everyone come together in Santa Barbara for Thanksgiving. Do it with the help of the spacious properties from Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals. You and your family will be in the heart of Santa Barbara, with the beach and downtown nearby, plus fun holiday events before and after Thanksgiving. 

How You Can Plan A Vacation In Santa Barbara For Thanksgiving

Keep a few things in mind when planning a vacation, especially one centered on a major American holiday. These are some things to know and tips for a holiday vacation in Santa Barbara.

Planning Around Weather

Make sure you are comfortable when you get outside. Santa Barbara has some beautiful sights, but you won’t be able to experience them if you aren’t wearing weather-appropriate clothing. 

Expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low 70s and overnight lows in the mid-40s to low 50s, with morning coastal fog common. Pack layers and a light jacket for evenings, short sleeves for midday. 

Thanksgiving Day Attractions

There are some family-friendly things you can do on the holiday. 

• Joe’s Cafe on State Street: If you want to skip meal prep on Thanksgiving, then you should try grabbing a table at Joe’s Cafe. It stays open on Thanksgiving for reservations and offers turkey, prime rib, or ham. The staff can also quickly set tables for diners.
• Harry’s Plaza Cafe: Another restaurant open on Thanksgiving, it has served customers for more than 50 years. You can make reservations, but it is often easier to order takeout for the family and bring it back to your vacation rental. 
• The Harbor Restaurant: Families that love seafood should try The Harbor Restaurant. They offer a traditional Thanksgiving meal along with their regular menu. You can also reserve a table ahead of time.
• Santa Barbara Zoo: Take the family to the zoo on Thanksgiving. The Santa Barbara Zoo is open and closes early. Be sure to grab your tickets ahead of time. 

Things To Do Thanksgiving Weekend

Of course, you and your family will want to stay through the weekend to experience even more of the holiday season in the city. Here are some highlights.

• Whale watching: One of the best times to whale watch is in late fall in Santa Barbara. You might get to see Pacific Gray Whales migrating south toward the warmer waters of Baja California.
• Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa: Monarch butterflies migrate to Goleta each October through February. You’ll be visiting in the middle of their migration, giving you and your family one of the best opportunities to see thousands of butterflies at once.
• Solvang, California: Plan a day trip to the Danish town north of Santa Barbara. Following Thanksgiving is Julefest, Solvang’s famous annual Christmas celebration. Get a head start on Christmas, marvel at the European-style architecture, and enjoy the seasonal treats, too.

Head To Santa Barbara This Thanksgiving

Combine the amazing attractions, cozy atmosphere and unique charm of Santa Barbara with the joy of a Thanksgiving vacation by booking a spacious property with Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals. 

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals offers comfortable, charming, and fully furnished vacation rentals that provide a true home-away-from-home experience. Each property is conveniently close to all that Santa Barbara has to offer.

Book your stay today before properties fill up. Visit our website or call 805-617-0438 to speak with our friendly team and reserve the rental that’s ideal for your Santa Barbara escape.