Originally published by Gunther Motor Company.
Thanksgiving weekend presents the ultimate opportunity for a quick and memorable road trip, blending the holiday’s festive spirit with a rare moment to relax and recharge. As families come together and work commitments ease, it’s the perfect time to embrace the open road and take in the stunning fall scenery. Be it a cozy coastal hideaway, a rustic mountain cabin, or an urban adventure, fewer commuters and a more relaxed atmosphere make Thanksgiving journeys feel effortless.
Gunther Motor Company carried out a survey of 3,000 families to uncover the most sought-after Thanksgiving destinations they’d love to experience on a 2024 road trip.
The top 5 were as follows:
#1 Hāna, Maui, Hawaii
The journey to Hāna is legendary in itself. The Hana Highway, known for its breathtaking 64-mile stretch of coastal views, offers countless stops to make the most of a road trip. With waterfalls, tropical gardens, and black-sand beaches around every bend, the drive is as much an experience as the destination. Along the way, pull over at Wailua Falls, Ke‘anae Peninsula, and Waianapanapa State Park. In Hāna, unwind on the quiet shores of Hāmoa Beach or explore the rugged coastline before continuing to the lush Kipahulu District of Haleakalā National Park.
#2 Ducktown, Tennessee
Reaching Ducktown is a beautiful journey through Tennessee’s rolling hills and mountain landscapes, particularly if you’re traveling along U.S. Route 64, which hugs the Ocoee River. This scenic route is perfect for pulling over and enjoying the rushing river and forested scenery. Ducktown’s location near the Ocoee Whitewater Center offers even more adventure, with trails, picnic spots, and rafting opportunities for families wanting an active holiday. For a unique side trip, venture to Blue Ridge, Georgia, just a short drive away, to enjoy its small-town charm and scenic train rides through the mountains.
#3 Helen, Georgia
Helen sits on Georgia’s Scenic Highway 75, a drive that meanders through the North Georgia mountains with vistas that glow with autumn hues. The drive to Helen offers plenty of pull-offs and overlooks, especially at spots like Unicoi State Park, where families can stop for hiking or a picnic beside tranquil lakes. Helen itself is known for its Bavarian architecture, but nearby towns like Sautee-Nacoochee and Clarkesville provide additional scenic beauty and history. The winding mountain roads make the journey to Helen feel like a European alpine adventure without leaving the South.
#4 Estes Park, Colorado
The drive to Estes Park via Colorado’s Highway 34 (Trail Ridge Road) is an adventure through towering mountain ranges and open plains, ideal for a Thanksgiving road trip. Known as one of America’s most scenic routes, this drive offers sweeping views of the Rockies and the occasional wildlife sighting. Once in Estes Park, continue exploring by driving through Rocky Mountain National Park, where the high-altitude roads present some of the most stunning mountain views. Nearby towns like Lyons and Nederland make for unique side trips, offering local eateries, artisan shops, and even live music.
#5 Summerhaven, Arizona
Nestled high in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Summerhaven offers a breathtaking and unexpected autumn escape for Thanksgiving travelers in Arizona. The journey up the Catalina Highway, also known as the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway, is an experience in itself. As the road ascends from the desert floor, travelers transition from saguaros and desert landscapes to lush pine forests and cooler mountain air. This scenic byway, often called a “sky island” drive, provides endless views of canyons, rock formations, and overlooks where families can pause to take in the views. At the top, Summerhaven’s quaint village feel, rustic cabins, and cozy eateries offer a charming, alpine-style retreat. For those looking to extend the trip, the nearby Mount Lemmon Ski Valley is ideal for early winter activities, making this Thanksgiving road trip a memorable blend of desert and mountain charm.
Created by Gunther-Motor-Company • Viewlarger version
3 Maryland destinations were among the most coveted by families this Thanksgiving:
#11 Cumberland
Scenic Byway 40 winds through Cumberland, a historic town brimming with mountain views, quaint shops, and charming architecture. Families can enjoy a Thanksgiving steeped in local character and surrounded by scenic beauty.
#40 Hampstead
Along the peaceful Falls Road, Hampstead exudes rural charm with its rolling farmlands and tranquil atmosphere. The town’s seasonal fall colors and intimate local festivities make it a serene and family-friendly destination to celebrate Thanksgiving.
#105 Chestertown
Situated on the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway, Chestertown boasts historic charm and tranquil riverfront views. Families can savor the blend of coastal beauty and rich history, creating an inviting setting for a memorable Thanksgiving.
“Thanksgiving is a perfect time of year for families to come together and hit the road, exploring new destinations and creating lasting memories,” says says Joseph Gunther IV of the Gunther Motor Company. “Each of these road trip routes captures the joy of the open road, with stunning sights and charming towns to discover along the way. From mountain vistas to coastal escapes, families will find unforgettable experiences that make the journey just as exciting as the destination.”
